The Runner [Paperback]

Cynthia Voigt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1994 | Series: Point

Preferring to be cut from the team rather than break his own rules, which include closing himself off rather than letting down his guard, Bullet Tillerman learns from his friend Patrice that running well does not mean running away. Reprint. H. C. SLJ.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Voigt's typically powerful novel, first published nearly 10 years ago, centers on a high-school athlete's reevaluation of his solitary existence. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Cynthia Voigt writes with great power." Junior Bookshelf "The Tillerman series! is a tour de force" The Guardian --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks; 1St Edition edition (July 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590483803
• ISBN-13: 978-0590483803
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,499,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cynthia Voigt won the Newbery Medal for Dicey's Song and the Newbery Honor Award for A Solitary Blue, both part of the beloved Tillerman Cycle. She is also the author of many other celebrated books for middle-grade and teen readers, including Izzy, Willy-Nilly and Jackaroo. She was awarded the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 1995 for her work in literature, and the Katahdin Award in 2004. She lives in Maine.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest books ever written, July 16, 2000

By 

Robert James (Culver City, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Runner (Paperback)

Cynthia Voigt is one of the best writers we have today; the only reason she hasn't won Pulitzers and National Book Awards is that she writes for young adults, and most critics can't imagine any writer for that audience producing anything of literary merit. "The Runner" is the book I'd show anybody who ever put down young adult novels. By Cynthia Voigt's own estimation, "The Runner" is her best novel. She's right. I first read the novel five years ago; since then, I've taught it almost thirty times in that period of time, and it just keeps getting better. Every semester, some student points out some corner of the novel I'd missed. "The Runner" tackles serious subjects in a serious way: racism, war, growing up, friendship, principles, parental conflicts. Each and every one of these issues is dealt with thoroughly and seamlessly in the life of Bullet Tillerman, Dicey's uncle. My students love the rebellious Bullet; they are aghast when they realize he's a racist. They read with absolute fascination to find out what happens next. The novel's cast of characters are unique and original: Bullet's father and mother, his best friend Patrice, and his teammate Tamer are unforgettable. This is a novel that I think will come to be remembered as the best novel ever written for young adults, but even more, one of the finest novels of the last 50 years.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unusually mature kid's book., December 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Runner (Paperback)

Why are the best books written for kids or young adults? This is an incredible book about running, racism, war, the '60's and integrity. Is Bullet a loner, a racist, an athlete or a hero? To me he's just someone being true to himself. Also, Voigt made me dig through Housman's poetry for great lines. A very moving book that should be picked up as an adult.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Boy, oh boy, January 23, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Runner (Paperback)

The first thing that came to mind when I read this book was that Voigt certainly has an unusual style. Voigt does have a knack of creating strong, addictive plots, and of course providing the unique, unforgettable characters to see the plot through. But till now, Voigt's most complex and unique character lies in "The Runner" -- Samuel / Bullet Tillerman. Reading about him sends you into a whirl. Bullet is a strong-willed, stubborn and hot-headed youth. He lives by his own rules , and that includes his domineering father, his prejudices towards the 'coloured' community,his love for cross-country running, and even his opinions towards the draft (This story was set at the time of the Vietnam Civil War). Having a mind of his own, Bullet finds himself really different, in his opinions and his thinking , and in the way he behaves. It's really simple, Bullet lives his life the way he wants to , and nobody can stop him. Nobody can make that change. Voigt's bold descriptions flesh out the characters in this book perfectly, especially Bullet. Voigt also tells this tale in a wildly original way. She sets her opinions down in this book, and argues about them at the same time. She pretty much covers up all the aspects of the issues she tackles in this book, which include family ties, teenage rebellion, racism, politics and war. In a way, she's arguing with the readers, challenging them to think, to look at matters in a different light. Voigt really understands young adults, I'll give her that much. This book has a tangy and refreshing aftertaste, and it is a must-read for all young adults and all parents who really want to understand their kids. "The Runner" is wonderfully entertaining, making education through this book outrageously fun. Trust me, Voigt only produces books of the finest quality.