Living like there's no tomorrow...

Hi! It's Miss Jo. I just finished a book that got me to thinking about what I would do if I found out I had less than a year to live. The book is Deadline by Chris Crutcher.

Ben Wolf is a senior in high school and runs cross-country for his small high school in Trout, Indiana, population 943. Ben goes in for his school physical and finds out he has a terminal illness -- and less than a year to live.

What would you do in this case? I'm sure it's different than what Ben decided to do. Ben decided to not tell anyone -- to keep this information to himself and not pursue treatment. The doctor wanted to tell his parents, but Ben told him NO. He told the doctor that he was eighteen and an adult, and that it was his own personal business. Since Ben was legally an adult, the doctor had to abide by his wishes.

Ben decided to live life to the fullest and even go out for football even though he only weighed 123 pounds. He gets a girlfriend for the first time in his life. He speaks up in class about things he is passionate about, knowing he will cause trouble and that he might not even graduate. (He even tries to get the name of "Main Street" changed to "Malcolm X".) Knowing you are going to die changes how you live your life.

This young man is very likable and is loved by all who know him. While I felt he was brave, I also feel that we need others to help us through difficult and trying times. After the disease starts to affect his life, Ben finally realizes this and tells his family and friends the truth.

This is a very good book and the characters are just like the people we knew in high school. Check it out -- I don't think you will be disappointed.

See you at the library!