52 pages • 1 hour read
Carl DeukerRunner
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Carl Deuker's 2005 novel Runner, Chance Taylor, a high school senior facing financial struggles, becomes involved in a risky smuggling operation to support himself and his father, navigating complex themes of patriotism, economic pressure, and post-September-11 fears while grappling with moral dilemmas. The novel features a parent with alcohol dependency, fatphobia, and anti-Muslim prejudice.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Carl Deuker's Runner has garnered a mix of praise and critique. Positively, reviewers commend its suspenseful plot and well-developed protagonist, which effectively engage teen readers. However, some criticize the pacing and find certain plot elements predictable. Overall, it's considered a gripping, thought-provoking read suitable for young adults, with some minor drawbacks.
Who Should Read Runner?
Runner by Carl Deuker would captivate teen readers who enjoy fast-paced, suspenseful stories about resilience and moral choices. Fans of titles like The Maze Runner by James Dashner and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins will find similar themes of survival and coming-of-age challenges.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
670LBook Details
Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance
Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness
Life/Time: Coming of Age