Plot Summary

The Running Man

Michael Gerard Bauer
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The Running Man

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2004

Book Brief

Michael Gerard Bauer

The Running Man

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brisbane, Australia • Contemporary

Publication Year

2004

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.9

1,313 ratings

56%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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).

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Running Man?

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.

3.9

1,313 ratings

56%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brisbane, Australia • Contemporary

Publication Year

2004

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

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