Running Barefoot [Kindle Edition]

Amy Harmon (Author)

Book Description

When Josie Jensen, an awkward 13-year-old musical prodigy crashes headlong into new-comer Samuel Yazzie, an 18-year-old Navajo boy full of anger and confusion, an unlikely friendship blooms. Josie teaches Samuel about words, music and friendship, and along the way finds a kindred spirit. Upon graduation, Samuel abandons the sleepy, small town in search of a future and a life, leaving his young friend behind. Many years go by and Samuel returns, finding Josie in need of the very things she offered him years before. Their roles reversed, Samuel teaches Josie about life, love, and letting go. Deeply romantic and poignant, Running Barefoot is the story of a small town girl and a Native American boy, the ties that bind them to their homes and families, and the love that gives them wings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you've ever lived in or near a small town, then you need to read this book as you will frequently find yourself smiling from nostalgia.  I found myself up late reading this and when I wasn't reading, I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Running Barefoot is highly recommended!"  - Compass Book Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 804 KB
• Print Length: 441 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1475043740
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007VT7JN4
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,925 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful! May 9, 2012

By Ann

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Will include this bk as among one of the better ones I've read so far this year. Sweet, endearing story about Josie a lonely young girl with above average intelligence and musical talent growing up in small town Levan and Samuel, an equally lonely boy of mixed heritage (Navajo/Caucasian), with a chip on his shoulder who captures Josie's heart and soul. Although the ages of the H/h start out young 18/13 yrs, by the end of the story Josie and Samuel are 28/23 yrs. I wouldn't consider this a YA story although it's suited for all ages, more sweet romantic fiction. The bond between Samuel and Josie starts off as an unusual friendship given their age difference and cultures but its Josie as the mentor who helps Samuel learn about books and music but its kindness, hope and love that are the underlying lessons. While there is such depth to their friendship, Samuel is aware of their age difference and keeps his emotional distance appropriate at all times.. Upon graduation Samuel is off to join the military and leaves Josie heartbroken at the loss of their deep friendship and a love left unexpressed. Upon Samuel's return to Levan 10 years later, this time it's Josie who needs Samuel as the mentor to help her heal from loss and learn about hope, love and letting go. Warning - there's a few Kleenex moments here with a wonderful HEA.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Story April 24, 2012

By Emily B

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've read a lot of YA novels. This book has similarities to the other YA books I've read, but the main story was refreshingly different from anything I'd read before. I instantly bonded with the main character in the beginning when she lets the reader know her feelings on the book Wuthering Heights. I don't want to give anything away, but I feel exactly the way she does about that particular book. I also love to be surprised by things when I read, and there were a lot of surprises for me in this one. If you like a good YA novel, you will love this book!

39 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read. April 23, 2012

By Sherry

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I found posts about this book on facebook this morning. It looked interesting as I lived in Manti,Utah for a short while in 1997-98 and my landlord was from Levan, where the story takes place. I purchased it this morning for my Kindle and since I had the day off, I sat and read the whole thing in one sitting. It was a very enjoyable read. If you like romantic fiction that's not racy, you will likely enjoy this. I don't read much fiction, mostly non-fiction. I am a librarian at a small private school. I knew the author, personally, so I was intrigued. I knew of her talents as a singer, but I was not aware she was an author, as well. I will be looking for more from her in the future. Thanks, Amy. I wonder what other hidden talents do you have?

More About the Author

Amy Harmon knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Amy Harmon has been a motivational speaker, a grade school teacher, a junior high teacher, a home school mom, and a member of the Grammy Award winning Saints Unified Voices Choir, directed by Gladys Knight. She released a Christian Blues CD in 2007 called "What I Know" - also available on Amazon and wherever digital music is sold. She has written four novels, Running Barefoot, Slow Dance in Purgatory, Prom Night in Purgatory, and coming March 29, A DIFFERENT BLUE. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy on facebook at www.facebook.com/authoramyharmon