The Body of Christopher Creed: A Printz Honor Winner

"This was the most dangerous kind of lying, it struck me, the kind that was happening to me now - where people need the lie so badly they become convinced the lie is true. It's dangerous because they can tell the lie with so much belief that it sounds like the truth, and they can make other people believe it." - Torey AdamsTwo years ago, before all of this began, Torey Adams was a different person, one of Steepleton High's elite. On the football team, in a band, dating the most beautiful girl in school - Torey was the perfect son of perfect parents living a perfect life in a perfect town. Tthat changed when Chris Creed disappeared. It's not like Torey and Chirs were friends, really. Chris didn't have any friends. He had been the class freak for as long as anyone could remember. He was just that kind of kid, weird and irritating and totally without social skills. Still, as Torey put it, "...when a kid sits behind you every day since kindergarten, sits across from you in Sunday school, belongs to your pool, annoys you in Cub Scouts, and throws a thousand balls over your head in Little League, you don't have to like him in order to love him."When Chris disappears, leaving behind only an ambiguous note that could signify either his suicide or running away, people in town - and particularly the kids who have known him all his life - are not terribly concerned. Unlike his popular friends, Torey doesn't see the humor in imagining Chris as a suicide and wondering how he did it and where his body will turn up. He's more concerned with the fact that none of them, not one person who had been going to school with Chris since kindergarten, noticed that he was troubled enough to run away or commit suicide. He accepts, when no one else will, that he and all of his classmates played a part in whatever it was that Chris decided to do. When ridiculous - and dangerous - rumors begin to swirl and everyone in town seems determined to point his or her finger at someone else, Torey becomes determined to uncover the truth.The Body of Christopher Creed is one of the very best examples of a psychological mystery/thriller that it has ever been my pleasure to read. As Torey's interest in Creed's disappearance spirals into obsession, he sees clearly how difficult it is for most people to take responsibility for their own actions in the wake of an event such as this. That difficulty leads many to bend the truth to fit their perceptions rather than to view the world as it really is and not as they would prefer it to be. The Body of Christopher Creed is one of those novels that hooks you from the beginning and then reels you in steadily as the tension ratchets ever tighter. This is a cleverly plotted, wonderfully written mystery that is sure to keep you guessing until the end.

I orders it used and I had no problems! The book look brand new and i first read it in highschool and I’m soooooo glad I bought it again

My 12 year old son had a summer assignment which necessitated his reading a Printz listed novel. This fit the bill and the blurb here made it sound like an interesting read, but also mentioned its being for "12 and older," so this was the book we chose. My review is specifically in regard to the age recommendation. In his first sitting, my son found themes and language which he found troubling. After scanning chapter one, I agreed and we found him another book.I know some 12 year olds may as well be 30. I even knew a few kids like that when I was 12 (a looong time ago), but, contrary to popular culture, not every 12 year old is like that. My son has a cleaner, kinder, more respectful vocabulary than I ever had as a kid. He isn't interested in, nor does he want to read about sexuality at all, let alone issues of adolescent homosexuality. I take no issue with these themes being presented, but I would have appreciated knowing the level of "maturity" represented in this book, which would have allowed me to make a more informed decision when choosing what to buy. If your child still appreciates Battle Cats over Call of Duty and only refers to certain words by their first initial, this book may be a little to "mature" for them.

I just completed The Body of Christopher Creed, a six hour read for me, dedicating half of the read to late last night into early morning and then completing it this morning after 5 hours of sleep. I honestly couldn't think of doing anything else today until I finished the novel (I love the "quick-sand books", which you grab you from the start and leave you sinking). As soon as I finished the book, I insisted my 15 year old read it next. We are, to say the least, book lovers. This story is in your face and full of profanity, which I am not convinced was totally necessary. But, aside from that, I find no other fault and can even forgive the author for throwing the f-word around like it was candy.A word of caution, this is not a book for the young. I recommend it for 15+ and, although it is given a 6.1 grade level equivalent (it is indeed an easy read), it is also rated as "young adult" and believe that rating should be taken seriosuly.This novel is amazing for a first-time author. I wish I had read it sooner. Now, because I have found a new author to love, I'll move on to another of Plum-Ucci's books, What Happened to Lani Garver.

I absolutely loved this book and everything about it! I had to read it for a college class and it easily became an instant favorite in that class. The book makes you think and it does it in a thrilling way which I absolutely love.The story centers around Torey and after receiving a letter his fascination with Christopher Creed, a fellow student who has disappeared. All of the students have no idea if he simply ran away or committed suicide. This book does a fantastic job of looking a human nature and how we as people treat other people. How you should never be mean to someone because you honestly never know what they're through.Overall this book was amazing. It makes your heart hurt to see how mean children can actually be. How horrible it is that we don't care until something terrible happens. I loved this book because it's thrilling and deals with a very real topic. It even has a little hint of supernatural in it. Overall fantastic book!

The story had me from page to page. What would have made the story better if we had Chris own POV to really help us understand

This was my highschool book and i loved reading it. Its about time i can read it again.

Great!