Chinese Handcuffs: A Young Adult Novel About Confronting Painful Secrets, Grief, and Finding the Courage to Survive

by Chris Crutcher

Dillon is living with the painful memories 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 Triathalon. 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 its too late.

This ALA Best Book for Young Adults is now available with a stunning new look. Two star athletes find the courage to confront painful memories in this gritty, realistic tale of friendship and healing.

Genres: Young Adult, Sports, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Teen, Coming Of Age

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Chris Crutcher's writing is controversial, and has been frequently challenged and even banned by individuals who want to censor his books by removing them from libraries and classrooms. Running Loose and Athletic Shorts were on the ALA's top 100 list of most frequently challenged books for 1990-2000. His books generally feature teens coping with serious problems, including abusive parents, racial and religious prejudice, mental and physical disability, and poverty; these themes are viewed as too mature for children. Other cited reasons for censorship include strong language and depictions of homosexuality. Despite this controversy, Crutcher's writing has received many awards.

Reviews

[Muhammad Ahmed Siddiqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

INTENSE, REALISTIC, SAD AND DON'T GO FOR THE NAME THIS BOOK IS NOT CHINESE LITERATURE

I was confused to rate it, I didn't love it neither hate it.

I started this book expecting a lot of sporty stuff but the sports in this book is just a way in which the protagonists are dealing with their problems or should I say diverting from their problems. Both protagonists have a troubled childhood so I won't say this book is different. But the narrative is likeable. The characters are not new but have been well explained.

This book has same pace and rhythm throughout the journey so don't expect too much twist and turns. It has some good quotes one of them:

"Comedy is tragedy standing on its head with its pants down."

This book ends with a simple message that life is pretty shit and you can't deal with it alone

WORTH A READ IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BOOK DEALING WITH ABUSE OR CHILDHOOD PROBLEMS

[Will · Rating 1 out of 5]

Excrement, if you will, is made up entirely of waste. It is an absence of value, substance and nutrients. It's the body's refuse discarded or rejected as useless or worthless. This is a fair summation of this book. Everything was waaay over-sensationalized. There was a secret teen pregnancy, unrequited love, an evil-and-above-the-law-lawyer, a self-obsessed and emotionally distant mother, a brother's suicide, a suicide rescue, drug addiction, a violent motorcycle gang, molestation, a hidden camera, and graphic depictions of torturing animals to death (both a cat and a dog). And with no plausible reason! (By the way, the torturing of animals at an attempt to reveal characters' traits is beneath stupid. And reprehensible.) I detested the two central characters because they were fashioned to be flawless human beings - both girl and boy were tall, good-looking, exceptional athletes, perfect grades. blah-blah. It made any attempt at sympathy for their pain impossible. From start to finish there was a nauseating display by every last adult falling over themselves praising these "special" adolescents. Everyone either adored the teens or were madly jealous. Here's one of many examples - the unjustly mean principal (how unusual!) disliked the male character because he was such a great athlete who wouldn't compete for his school. Pure crap. The only reason I didn't flush this thing down the toilet where it belongs is because it's required reading for a class I'm taking this summer.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinese Handcuffs is the first Chris Crutcher novel I read. I will be reading more! The plot and characters are appealing to me as an adult and I could see them being incredibly appealing to a young reader, high school aged. The voices of the characters are incredibly authentic, not fluffed up or dumbed down. I enjoyed the format of letters and flashbacks juxtaposed with first person narrative from two different perspectives, two characters Jen and Dillon.

The main character Dillon Hemingway, a star athletic, who competes in triathlons, is trying to make sense of the death of his older brother. His good friend, sorta girlfriend, Jennifer, also a star athletic tries to navigate trauma from her childhood. The two forge amazing bonds and while competing in ultimate circumstances.

Chinese Handcuffs discusses suicide, sexual abuse, pushing oneself to the extreme and coming of age relationships in a very powerful, and exhilarating novel.

[Paige Megehee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I simply cannot believe I was able to stomach this book in high school. This book is HEAVY but in an eye opening way. I wish the author did not jump back and forth from the written letters to present day 3rd person POV. I love a good book where it ties back into a metaphor no matter the outcome you wanted.


“My struggle with you is finished. I’m going to let you go, push my finger in and release us from these crazy Chinese handcuffs. I wish you had stayed, though”

[Onlyvickyv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I read it all in just two nights!! I couldn't go to sleep because of how good the story was.

[Nevaeh LaCroix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, he did a very good job building up all the events that were pretty realistic. The book does a great way of getting the point across about the effects of suicide, mental illnesses, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and physical abuse. I think Dillon is pretty much like any other teen on the outside and even how he talks to others but he is definitely matured and also going through some really tough times. When he writes to his brother after he takes his own life it is his way of coping with it and trying to get some of his feelings out there. He is really smart which is in his favor most times, but sometimes not so much. His friend Stacy is a sweet person and doesn't really try and sugarcoat anything. His other friend Jen has a history of sexual abuse and she is really struggling with it because her mom is kind of naive and depends on all of her boyfriends. She has a little sister Dawn who she is very protective over. Dillon's parents are mentioned a little bit but not a whole lot about them is known. Some things we do know though is that his mom took his sister and left, and his dad is a Vietnam veteran. This all takes place in Washington in the late 80's. I would recommend this book to anyone as long as it isn't too triggering for them, there is a lot of very dark events happening in it.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinese Handcuffs is admirable for the way it unflinchingly deals with very dark themes, including suicide, drugs, sexual abuse, and the evil and good we all do. The motivations are believable, the message is on target, the writing crisp and clear. For me, this is Crutcher's best and most important work.

[Isabel Butterfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Throughout this book, we meet the main characters, Dillon, Preston, Stacy, and Jen. The main points in this novel revolve around Preston, Dillon's brother's suicide. The first couple of chapters come across as confusing, which left me lost. It almost felt as if it was supposed to draw the reader in to understand, but for me, it was frustrating. Once the characters and plots were tied together, I found myself feeling disappointed. Not only does this novel surround the plot of Preston's suicide, but also a character, Jens, whose story is of being abused by father figures throughout her life. The story contains a lot of well-thought-out metaphors, similes, and overall symbolism. I really appreciated the methods used to express emotions and themes. Other than that, I had a few moments while reading that made me feel unsettled. Considering the plot is mostly trauma-related, Chris Crutcher could have represented the situation differently. Of course, everyone's story is different, which is very understandable. The biggest thing that I think the story lacked was the actual concept of suicide. We don't get a lot of insight into the character's mindsets who suffer from suicidal ideation. I would've loved to hear from Preston and his personal side of the story. As someone who has been in a similar situation with suicidal ideation, the aspects related to that felt off-putting. The end of the story is what made me feel the most annoyed. Crutcher left the story off quite bland. Once we as readers learn the books ending of each character, there's still a lot that wasn't recognized. I believe there could have been some more mention of Jens's recovery. It's said that she becomes close with Stacy, but it's hardly mentioned how hard her recovery from the traumatic events will be. Healing is not linear, Jen will definitely have more conflict, internal and external, as she goes on. It's not that I think there should've been chapters more about this, just that her ending specifically felt rushed. I would've loved to see a resources page at the end, something for readers to go to who have their own issues. Considering this book may be triggering and upsetting to individuals, a disclosure or helpful resources at any point would be outstanding. I'm giving this novel a three-star review. Even though I have a lot of things I feel could've been better about this story, I still appreciated the work to its full extent.

[Xun Yu · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's funny because the reason I picked this book was the title Chinese Handcuffs, I thought it would relate to Chinese and criminal issues. However, it turned out that the title was just related a game, haha. It seems that the author wants to talk about many serious questions such as suicide, drug, alcohol abuse, and sexual abuse which is good because it's necessary for young adults to think about it or maybe even find solutions about their own issues from this book. The story talks about Dillion's brother Preston tragically commits suicide, and he has to deal with all of the consequences and some of his own issues. I love the similes in this book, it helps express characters emotions and it's meaningful. For example, the simile between "drive on ice" and "life", it teaches the concept "let it go", this is easy for teenagers to understand and accept.

However, I don't like this book because the story is too fake to me, I don't believe most of the plots at all and it's too overwhelming, I can not stand most of the violence and sexual abuse description. In fact, I just skipped a lot of violence details when I read it, it's too much. I knew it challenged because of the violence, but I did not expect this kind of violence.

I will recommend this book to my class, (just recommend not required) and highlight the warning. Students can find some wisdom life experiences and have a better understanding of life. Apparently, it's a better way for them to think about the terrible issues such as suicide from reading than from real life experiences. I won't require all the students to read this book because of the fearful details. After all, there are many other ways to discuss teenager issues.

[River Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey Guys welcome to my Goodreads book review on the book called Chinese Handcuffs. Right when I started reading this book I was instantly hooked to it, I couldn’t stop reading and I finished it in about four days. The story is about a junior in high school named Dillon Hemingway who has just lost his brother to suicide and all of the absolutely insane amount of things he deals with throughout the book. Dillon deals with things like family issues, school issues, people’s secrets, and many others. The book is also about a girl named Jennifer Lawless, who is also in high school and is an amazing basketball player who has dealt with immense trauma throughout her life. I’d say one of the main themes of this book is relationships and the decisions we make with those relationships. There are many different types of people I would recommend this book to. I would recommend this to someone who is dealing with things like depression, anxiety, and relationships with friends and family. Also, if you like a book with all kinds of twists and turns, then this is the book for you. Altogether, if my review grabbed you in any way please consider checking out Chinese Handcuffs, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Madisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just going to start off by saying what an emotional roller coaster this book will make you. Chinese Handcuffs is about a kid who loses his brother to suicide due to drugs, a baby, and his bike accident. Dillon uses sports as an outlet for his mourning. Dillon has a flashback of him and his brother playing and eventually killing Miss Crumpets' cat Charlie. That ended up being a symbol for Dillon as he got older.
Dillon befriends a tall basketball player named Jen that I presume he has feelings for, they become friends and she tells him about her past and how she was and still is getting sexually abused and threatened by her “stepfather”, T.B. Just imagine being in her shoes for five seconds. You can imagine if you told your best friend all of this sickening information you wouldn’t want anyone to know either because you're scared of what might happen afterwards. Jen got really mad at Dillon for telling somebody after he had recorded the issue and made copies of it ,she eventually became thankful and took it to the cops.
This book will make you realize that this can actually happen in some shape or form and it is scary and I think thats why the Author had written this book to show some awareness to todays problems like rape, mental abuse, verbal abuse, suicide. Over all really good book would read again 10/10

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinese Handcuffs grasps a few topics that kids their age go through from teenage pregnancy, suicided, drugs, family separation, relationship problems, teenage rebellion, opening up, and all 4 types of abuse (Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, neglect, and Mental abuse). It also shows just how thin the line between good and evil really is.

Right from the start the book I was able to connect. Many people I know could relate to this book in more ways than one. The three main characters all had to go through difficult things one being his brother dying form suicide, another being teen pregnancy, and the other from the 4 types of abuse.

Reading this I thought of how I would handle being in their situations. Some things I reacted the same way and some I felt I would have handled different. Then there was some where I told myself I would handle differently yet I know I would have done the exact same thing as them.

[Morgan Bigoness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinese Handcuffs is the first book that I have read by Chris Crutcher, although it was extremely sad I thought it was a pretty decent book overall. I found it easy to understand how the characters felt and what they were going through and even the ways they coped with everything going on. I feel like so many people, more specifically teenagers, could really connect with this book especially since there is a lot of suicide and abuse happening these days. I just imagined myself in the characters shoes while reading this which really helped to know how they feel.
Chinese Handcuffs gives a story of a teenage boy, Dillon Hemingway, who goes through so many problems in his life, for instance, he lost his older brother due to suicide and basically has to learn how to deal with these on his own. One thing he does to cope with it is that he writes letters to Preston (his brother) although he obviously isn't there to read it I feel like that's just his way of getting through it all.
In conclusion, I really loved this book and I wouldn't mind reading more books by Chris Crutcher.

[Makenna P]

This book was very intense with all the mysterious backgrounds of each character in this story. Chris Crutcher introduces the book with a letter to Dillion's Brother Preston, bringing him up to date with everything that has happened since the incident. The book tells a story of a teenage boy writing his brother letters about everything that happens and all the details of what he goes through and is told. He is stuck between a girl who is in love with her brother and his best friend that he doesn't exactly know how he feels about. The anticipation of finding out whats next at the end of a chapter keeps you coming back for more. I love how when the chapters change its someone else's point of view/story. It's what keeps you from putting that book down. WARNING: it is a very triggering book in some aspects of the story. If you enjoy darker sided books this is something you might want to read.

[Kamiliah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! its not usually what I like to read but once I started this book I could not put it down! Dillon is smart, funny, extremely athletic. Jen is beautiful, smart and an amazing basketball player and they both have secrets in their closet. There troubled souls just gravitate towards each other and they seem perfect for each other. Dillon is going though his older brother committing suicide and Jen is dealing with a rapist/killer stepdad. They both have their problems but when they are together they don't worry about it. Dillon finds out about Jens stepdad and of course does something about it but because of it they can never be together. That's a part that makes this book perfect though, it doesn't have a perfect ending. It is a good ending but it is realistic not fairy tail. If you like that there is even more twist in the story. 10/10 would recommend to everyone!

[Olivia Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinese handcuffs is a good book for people who like to read books with a lot going on in them. this author does an amazing job of making the scenes have just enough detail so you can visualize everything that is going on. As Dillon steps his way through life after his brother Preston's suicide. He starts gaining trust with this girl named Jen who is also just trying to navigate the hardships of life. they go through a lot together and end up very close. There is also Stacy, Preston's ex girlfriend. Dillon and her have a weird type of relationship. They help each other walk through life after Preston's passing. These two have a strange type of relationship to where Dillon knows she is technically off boundaries because of Preston but he also doesn't exactly see her as a girlfriend. Chris Crutcher did a very good job of honestly making the reader feel the connections as if they were in them. he is able to explain the characters feeling and emotions so well that I know exactly how they feel. I would recommend this read to people who can handle what is described in this novel. this book isn't for just anyone but if you are able to read it and handle it then it is a very good, prominent book that can impact someone very much.

[Becca Hoosier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Crutcher is becoming one of my favorite authors. I love his characters and his writing keeps me thinking long after I’ve closed the book. This book had a lot of depth, beyond just the plot of the story. It seemed the words written carried a weight and were true, helpful advice, not just crap BS that supposed to sound significant but really isn’t from a “wise” older character in the novel.

The book has a semi problematic solution to the conflict, but I don’t think Crutcher wrote it as a valid option that should be considered, but reflects the traumatic, messed up reality that the characters live in and we do ourselves. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. This one just got the job done.

[Julia Stadick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher has a compelling theme, and I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. The theme shows different ways that people can work through the grieving process. The two main characters, Dillon and Jennifer, both are high school students facing challenging circumstances, but still find a way to support each other. Both characters must decide whether to remain trapped in their struggles or break free, and seek the help they need. This story unfolds during their junior year of high school. If you are someone who enjoys young adult literature with a mix of action, mystery, a little bit of romance, and realistic life situations, you might want to read this book. I highly recommend this book to those interested in these genres.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall I thought this book was an excellent book! I would recommend this book to most people who like to read about life lessons throughout a book like; finding yourself, figuring out what you can accomplish, responsibility, and how you respond to the world. its sometimes easier to understand when there is a story behind it, especially a deep story. Dillon Hemingway is the main character in this book, he figured out a lot of life lessons including hot to respond to the world, he found out a little more about himself throughout the book and he also figured out that at his weakest he can still push himself to go harder, accomplishment.

[Emma Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a tear-jerker, this book tells many realistic things that actual teens have to go through on a regular basis. Dillon, an only child due to horrendous circumstances involving his brother, Preston. Jennifer a sweet, loving and caring girl who loves basketball, that has a huge secret that no one could do about it, Jen suffered all the time and when the tragedies ended another one had appeared. Stacy, Preston's ex girlfriend had a secret of her own that she finally reviles at the end of the book. This book was probably my favorite by far, it was amazing to see how far the characters would go to make sure everything is as it should be. I definitely think everyone needs to give this book a read

[Elijah]

The plot is about 3 kids who struggle with the effects of some of the worst things that can happen to kids in high school. The first kid is named Dillon Hemingway and he is learning to deal with the effects of his brothers suicide, the second is Jennifer Lawless who deals with outcome of being a rape victim, and Stacey Ryder who became a teenage mom. The story is well laid out and easy to understand. These kids are the embodiment of perseverance and strength. They stand by each other and look out for one another. As read farther into the book you will learn that all these kids hit their braking point and became better people at the end of it all.

[JALEN KYSAR]

When i first started this book i imagined it involving a lot of sporting things because it starts off with the main character, Dillon, training for a triathlon.However this book actually has very little to do with sports. A chapter into this book you get a glance inside Dillon's past, reveling some very dark things that he deals with till the end of the book. After reading this book it shows me that no matter how hard you have it, there is always someone out there that has it worse, or that needs help more than you do.

[Ashley O'Grady]

If you're second guessing yourself about reading this book, stop.
Be prepared to read for several hours straight.

This book is for readers who like more realistic fiction stories. Although this book is tells of real possible events, be prepared to read some pretty horrible details. Most people don't like hearing about suicide or rape, but it is a very big part of this messed up world that we live in.

Chris Crutcher tells stories of the horrors in this world but also gives a pretty satisfying ending.

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chinese Handcuffs is a book to differently read if you are into if you are into reading about people who are dealing with struggles such as suicide or other life challenging things like that. Dillon is a high school boy who is the main character who's brother commits suicide for reasons you will find out while you read. Dillon deals with many struggles in his life and through out the book you can tell he starts to mature in away. Dillon makes a lot of healthy relationships through out the book as well. I wouldn't suggest this book to people who may deal with suicide or have family issues if it will upset you in any way. Chinese Handcuffs I believe was made for teenager readers to relate to and teach them about healthy relationships and about real life problems that happen around them that they might not even realize. Overall would a hundred percent rec emend the book.

[Elayna Hagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was chilling, moving, eye-opening, and well thought out. I was engulfed in it for the days I was reading it, and physically expressed my emotions as I was reading this in class. It was refreshing to see such hard topics be talked about so openly and directly. The author does a good job of making you feel something in this novel, whether it be disgust, or anger, or fear, or joy, those emotions are layed out prominently and were displayed in a unique way.
I really loved this book, that being said I think the ending was too conveniently layed out. I think there could have been more of a power struggle between T.B. and Daniel. Perhaps with Jen’s family as another possible conflicting end. Regardless, this book was beyond moving and such a good read. It was fast paced and flowed nicely. Overall a book I would recommend to anyone my age or older.

[Shawn Siler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a class, and am on the fence if I would recommend this book or not. The book itself kept me entertained but it challenged nothing in my brain and had the same theme throughout. A lot of sadness and horrible things for a child to go through. But the message it portrays is an important one to learn and I can see why this novel would be helpful to the younger audience going through some struggles in life. It hit some good topics that are usually avoided, which is a good thing as people need to be talking about it.

[Landon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great from the start. It required me to be an active reader. I really liked the fact that it tells the people who are going through rough times that there is love for them in the world. You have to be an active reader and you have to not have people in your life going through rough times. It will be hard for you to read the book if you do. But really, just sit back read the book and enjoy it while you can.

[Lilly Handford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinese Handcuffs is the first book iv'e read from the author, Chris Cruncher. My favorite thing about his writing-style is how he can describe different characters. In the begging on the book, he described Charlie the Cat as, " A three-legged alley tom with a face like a dried up creek bed and the temperate of a freeway driver." This book does cover many sensitive topics that might be hard to read for many people, but it may also help many people who have gone through similar things. The story line was amazing in this book, and the attention to detail made the book almost like a vivid movie in my head. The flashbacks are set at the appropriate times, to give depth to each character, and their emotions. The aspect of the letters also wrote to Preston throughout the book are very cool, letting us see into Dillons brain a bit more. Overall, this was a great book, wasn't the best iv'e ever read, but I enjoyed it.

[Brooke Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinese Handcuffs is filled with an intense roller coaster of emotions and guilt. The main character, Dillon faces all the hardships of being a teenager living a rough life. This book goes through many different factors that actually happen in reality such as sexual abuse, drug abuse, suicide, teen pregnancy, and more.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone very sensitive to these subjects, but Chinese Handcuffs is definitely in the young adult range.

[Bailey B]

This is very emotion-packed dealing with situations that are rarely excepted by society. We have friends, love, school, and death all in one book. But difficult situations help us understand what really happens in today's society. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has a hard stomach, and is willing to learn the truths