Deadline

Crutcher, C. (2007). Deadline. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

Deadline is about a 18 year old boy, Ben, who finds out he has one year to live if not longer. Ben figures that if he has one year to live then he wants to go out with a bang. He tries out for the football team even though he's pint sized among his team members. He begins to read more literature figuring that the opinions and history of others is important to know and even torture his ignorant civics teacher. Ben even goes for the mysterious beauty, Dallas Suzuki, who captures Ben's heart ever since he laid eyes on her. Though, when Ben has it all  he feels like he should tell someone about his impending demise, but it's terribly hard to tell the secret when you know it will hurt those he loves. 

Personally, this story makes one comprehend life and your dreams. I sincerely felt that Ben was so realistic and that these events could have actually happened. I must admit this story can be gut-wrenching at times, but the characters are quite fascinating that makes it worth the read. Deadline is similar to The Fault in Our Stars by John Green where you have two characters, one who has a terminal illness and one recovering from cancer. Ben reminds me of  Augustus Waters and how they both just find the brighter things in life, and their"Carpe Diem"  attitude makes you believe that nothing is impossible. With that being said keep in mind that you may cry or not if you give this book a chance, so have the tissue box close by.