The Running Man
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2004
304
Novel • Fiction
Brisbane, Australia • Contemporary
2004
YA
12-16 years
In The Running Man by Michael Gerard Bauer, fourteen-year-old Joseph Davidson becomes entangled in the lives of his reclusive neighbor Tom Leyton and the mysterious Running Man, while completing an art assignment. Through his interactions, Joseph uncovers themes of transformation, empathy, and the hazards of stereotyping, ultimately helping Tom confront his haunted past and forming a tenuous connection with the Running Man. Some readers may find depictions of trauma and PTSD distressing.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Melancholic
Heartwarming
1,313 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Readers of The Running Man by Michael Gerard Bauer appreciate its poignant storytelling and well-drawn characters, particularly the deep exploration of grief and human connection. Some find the pacing slow and the plot predictable, but overall, it resonates for its emotional depth and vivid portrayal of personal growth (Bauer).
Fans of thoughtful, coming-of-age narratives like To Kill a Mockingbird and Bridge to Terabithia will appreciate The Running Man by Michael Gerard Bauer. This novel appeals to readers who enjoy exploring themes of family, courage, and the transformative power of friendship through richly drawn characters and poignant storytelling.
1,313 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
Brisbane, Australia • Contemporary
2004
YA
12-16 years
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