Waiting on Wednesday
Period. 8
by Chris Crutcher
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Published by: Harper Collins
In this full-length novel from Chris Crutcher, his first since the best-selling Deadline, the ultimate bully and the ultimate good guy tangle during Period 8.
Paul “the Bomb” Baum tells the truth. No matter what. It was something he learned at Sunday School. But telling the truth can cause problems, and not minor ones. And as Paulie discovers, finding the truth can be even more problematic. Period 8 is supposed to be that one period in high school where the truth can shine, a safe haven. Only what Paulie and Hannah (his ex-girlfriend, unfortunately) and his other classmates don’t know is that the ultimate bully, the ultimate liar, is in their midst.
Terrifying, thought-provoking, and original, this novel combines all the qualities of a great thriller with the controversy, ethics, and raw emotion of a classic Crutcher story.
Paul “the Bomb” Baum tells the truth. No matter what. It was something he learned at Sunday School. But telling the truth can cause problems, and not minor ones. And as Paulie discovers, finding the truth can be even more problematic. Period 8 is supposed to be that one period in high school where the truth can shine, a safe haven. Only what Paulie and Hannah (his ex-girlfriend, unfortunately) and his other classmates don’t know is that the ultimate bully, the ultimate liar, is in their midst.
Terrifying, thought-provoking, and original, this novel combines all the qualities of a great thriller with the controversy, ethics, and raw emotion of a classic Crutcher story.
Y’all, it’s Chris freaking Crutcher. You know I’m in. I can’t even begin to express how much I appreciate all this man has done for teens and getting books they can relate to in their hands. He’s pretty much amazing. And his books… so. much. love. If you’ve never read anything by him you are seriously missing out. I love all of his books but I think my favorites are Running Loose, Whale Talk, and Deadline (if I had to choose.) You can read an excerpt of Period 8 on on Chris Crutcher’s website. While you’re there you should totally read his posts filed under “Crutcher Speaks.” I’m a huge fan of his most recent one on Philosophy and Humanity but they’re all insightful. And because I haven’t said enough you should also look at the censorship link. This instance took place in a district very near to where I live (and where I subbed as a librarian for a couple weeks!) Crutcher’s books are some of the most challenged out there. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a list of banned books without at lease one of his mentioned. He writes authentic teens with authentic issues… no skirting around or making things pretty. It is amazing. Clearly I could go on and on and on. I am begging you. Read at lease one of his books.
Bonus: Here’s a picture of me trying to act like a normal human being while taking a photo with Chris Crutcher. I don’t think I scared him too much!
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