Berchele read and liked Evan's review of Deadline:

"I have been a fan of chris crutcher since reading my first book by him. I like his realistic language and concepts that deal with real issues and problems.Mr. Crutcher did the unthinkable and made me laugh while simultaneously ripping my heart out. I...more I have been a fan of chris crutcher since reading my first book by him. I like his realistic language and concepts that deal with real issues and problems.Mr. Crutcher did the unthinkable and made me laugh while simultaneously ripping my heart out. I LOVED Ben! I loved his wit and charm. I even loved his screwed up family and friends. I especially loved that Mr. Crutcher did not cheat the readers on the ending. We all know how the story ends, but I promise the author makes this bearable. I normally wouldn't recommend something with this serious of a premise, but Deadline is not like any other story I've read that deals with death. Trust me when I say you won't be disappointed.
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Berchele read and liked priscilla's review of Deadline:

"Like most of Crutcher's work, I felt that he crammed so many subplots into the story line that it became unwieldy. But there was a balance to "Deadline" similar to the balance in "Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes." I think both could...more Like most of Crutcher's work, I felt that he crammed so many subplots into the story line that it became unwieldy. But there was a balance to "Deadline" similar to the balance in "Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes." I think both could have used a few edits and could have lost a tangent or two without suffering greatly, but I'm generally satisfied with both as they are.
I appreciated how easy Crutcher made it to know and like the supporting characters - Cody, Sooner, & Coach, especially. I thought Sylvia Longley & the book-burning discussion belonged in a different story. I read one reviewer's opinion that Rudy & Dallas' pasts were too out of nowhere, but I think that this book addresses sexual abuse in the best & most realistic way. Too many people expect to see warning signs & know what to expect, but secrets about abuse are often well-kept & take you by surprise. Crutcher handles those characters & their histories with an admirable finesse.
But he's clumsy, too. He left unblended chunks of sentimentality lying around, & whole characters disappear through plot holes. I could barely read the epilogue, my eyes were rolling so much, & what ever happened to the second therapist anyway? Also, even though I've met Crutcher & heard him speak & read & I know he adores young adults, I think he's always really writing for teachers.
"Deadline" is cumbersome & awkward, but it's also honest & beautiful. There are football passages that read like poetry, & Ben is such an endearing jackass that I couldn't help but love him in the same way I love my most annoying student. I liked that he seemed to truly believe he wouldn't have to tell anyone about his illness - it is dead-on the logic of a seventeen-year-old.
Ultimately, I think Crutcher needs a more anal-retentive editor, or at least someone who will make sure the book doesn't get printed with four glaring typos, including two instances of repeated lines. But also someone who will be able to point out that when this story is unburdened of out-of-the-blue plot detours & characters that pop in & out like members of a soap opera supporting cast, it's a good story. (less) "