Chris Crutcher fans will relish this no-holds-barred "ill-advised" autobiography (Greenwillow, 2004) of this popular, prolific author filled with a winning combination of humorous, nostalgic, and bittersweet anecdotes about his family, school days, "wannabe" athletic career," work, and writing. With the same unflinching honest approach that he brings to his popular titles for young adults, Crutcher details how his work with troubled kids and adults provide the ideas for his hard-hitting and often controversial novels. His gravelly voice, self-deprecating reminiscences, and candid comments provide listeners with a better understanding of the man behind the books. A must-have for libraries serving Chris Crutcher fans.