Chinese Handcuffs

by Chris Crutcher

Book Overview

Dillon is living with the painful memory of his brother's suicide -- and the role he played in it. To keep his mind and body occupied, he trains intensely for the Ironman triathlon. But outside of practice, his life seems to be falling apart. Then Dillon finds a confidante in Jennifer, a star high school basketball player who's hiding her own set of destructive secrets. Together, they must find the courage to confront their demons -- before it's too...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060598395
• ISBN13: 9780060598396
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 7.1"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

A Must Read!

Chris Crutcher's novel, Chinese Handcuffs, is a must read for everyone. This author has an amazing way of showing readers what life is truly about, by reading about the struggles and triumphs of others. Never before have I read a book that has moved me so deeply. Jennifer Lawless is an amazing athlete and talented student; these qualities are obvious to everyone. However, what people don't realize is that Jennifer is also very good at keeping secrets, especially one big, awful one. Dillon Hemmingway is living with the guilt of his brother's suicide, not being able to convince himself that it is not in fact his fault. By writing him letters, Dillon feels like he can almost communicate with his brother, though none of them will ever be answered. Jennifer and Dillon are connected with each other through the pain they have both experienced. Together, they must now face the horrors before them and attempt to let go of the past that has forever haunted them. Crutcher is an amazing author. Through this novel he shows the undeniable theme that sometimes you have to face your fears if you ever want to be rid of them. No one can deny just how true that is. If you should choose to read Chinese Handcuffs, I guarantee you will not regret it.

An Outstanding Book

I recently read the book Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher. Ilove the book. It's an outstanding young adult book. I like thebook because most teenagers can relate to the two stories in the book. I think people can really relate to the pregnancy of Stacy to Dillion's dead brother Preston. I think that also people can relate to suicide like how Preston committed suicide in the story because of drugs and other personal situations. Also there are a lot of people getting abused around the world, not just sexually but mentally and physically, just like Jenn's father abuses her. My favorite part of he book is when Jenn runs out of the basketball game and Dillon goes after her to keep her from committing suicide. It shows that he really cares about her and doesn't want her to be hurt anymore. I didn't like that it had two different plots to the story that kind of confused me. I also didn't like the way Crutcher ends the story. I think he could have either ended it differently or came back to make a sequel.

An Outrageous book about real life

When I read Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher, I couldn'tbelieve how realistic it was. I think that is why I like ChrisCrutcher's books. He takes problems that a person would have in real life and crams them all into one little book. One of my favorite parts of the book is how Dillion and Jennifer cope with her problem. Jen has to go through her whole life getting molested, also Dillion has to deal with his brother's suicide. I also like how he has your mind going in twist and turns throughout the book. One of my least favorite parts of the book is at the end, because I think he should have ended it differently. But besides that I thought that it was with reading. I really don't like to read, but I liked reading this book. Because it is filled with emotional things, For example, Dillion goes through watching his brother kill himself. It's full of action. For example Dillion chases after Jen when she climbs up the water tower. I recommend this book to every one who likes these things in a book. If you like books that are easy to read and that are also relevant to today's society, I would recommend this book.

Reviewing a Masterpiece

I really enjoyed reading Chinese Handcuffs. Reading the book was a memorable experience for me. I was moved by the content of the story, which shows us that adults aren't the only people who suffer in the world; kids and teenagers do, too. In the book we learn of a boy named Dillon Hemingway. He is a junior in high school and a very big triathlon star. Throughout the story we can see that Dillon is not very open with his dad or with others about the death of his brother, Preston. His brother had committed suicide right in front of him. We also learn about a girl named Jennifer Lawless. She is a basketball star and very popular at her school. But we learn that she is keeping a very big secret, one that she has kept and won't share with anyone. Chinese Handcuffs is very open when it comes to addressing the issues that plague today's youth. I especially like the way the story was written. We see the world from Dillon's viewpoint by being able to read the letters he writes to Preston, and also we get a better glimpse of Jen's life through flashbacks. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone, especially the people who think they have it bad. After reading this, they will see the world in an entirely different light. I give the story a 5 because it was very informative, interesting, and dramatic.

A powerful novel that leaves a lasting impression.

This novel addresses so much more than is stated in the synopsis. Suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and sexual abuse are some issues addressed, as is gang rape. The novel uses profanity as it tries to acurately depict the dispicable characters and show the rage the main character has. Crutcher is a powerful novelist that young adults enjoy, but parents should read the novel, as should teachers and be prepared to discuss the novel in detail. Many young adults will be haunted by this novel for a long time. I would strongly discourage anyone younger than 15 from reading this novel. On the other hand, anyone trying to discourage a teen from gang affiliation may find this novel a powerful tool. Most importantly, this novel shows how some mistakes can never be rectified, a lesson teens find so hard to accept, and teaches major life lessons.