Point of View

"Crash" is narrated by John "Crash" Coogan, who is also the central character. The novel is told in first person as John offers the reader an intimate look into his transformation from the Crash Man into an identity that is more his own. By fusing the reader's experience with the events to John's voice Spinelli welcomes the reader into John's innermost desires, beliefs, and fears as he grows in age and maturity. John begins by structuring his story in relation to how others see him and then allows the combination of his actions and commentary to contribute to the readers' own judgment of his character. John shows a self-awareness of his actions and frequently gives answers to why he does the things he does or says the things he says by analyzing his own words and behavior.

Because John is just a kid, his voice...