Run by Ann Patchett is so full of everything that makes reading a novel worthwhile. I’ve read one other by her-The Patron Saint of Liars and enjoyed it a lot and this one didn’t disappoint either.
The novel starts with a little bit of history-the history behind a statue that has been passed down in the generations of Bernadette’s family. It then goes on to give us the history of how the Doyle’s come to adopt two little boys-Tip and Teddy. Then we find out that Bernadette who has always dreamed of a houseful of children, dies. Bernard is left with two young boys and an older one-his biological son, Sullivan to raise.
In one blinding moment everyone’s lives in this novel are changed. There is a snowstorm, an accident and then life as the Doyle’s knew it is gone. I was completely drawn into the characters in this story. Bernard as a father is controlling but he only wants what is best for his sons. Tip and Teddy are extremely likeable-Tip is the smart one, Teddy the sensitive one. Sullivan, the biological son-well he’s had a different kind of life as when the little boys were adopted and then their mother dies, Sullivan really ends up being pushed aside. After the accident we are introduced to Tennesse Moser and her daughter Kenya. Kenya is this amazing runner-she runs everywhere. Without giving away the plot the entrance of this woman and her child change the history of the Doyle family. It’s an intricate plot that unwinds itself all the way to the end of the novel where it all becomes clear. What’s even more surprising is that this story takes place over a 24 hour period-this did not become clear to me really until the end.
This novel touches on a bit of everything-race, religion, class and the importance of family. I felt the strong ties of family throughout this book. There is also the mystery of just what is really going on in this novel and as it becomes clearer towards the end of the novel, you are amazed at how a lot of little things come together to make a bigger picture-how certain events in time are linked to others and then become the present.
I was hooked from page one and just kept turning the pages until I got to the end. This was one book I was sorry to see end as I still wanted to know more about how everything turned out for these characters I had felt so much for. It’s an emotional story and I loved the strong element of family. I would definitely recommend this book.
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Dar, I wanted to like this book as much as you did. I really liked Bel Canto but Run just didn’t grab me. Oh well, I’ll still look for Patchett’s next book whenever that comes out.
You know Mary, part of the reason maybe for me is that I’m not involved in your politics. That was a point for you that you disliked. For me, I could breeze by that being a Canadian. lol. Have you ever read The Patron Saint of Liars-if not, maybe some day give that one a try. I liked it.
Great review…I’ve had this book for a year and just haven’t had enough time to get around to reading it…but because of your review I’m picking it up this week.
Thanks!
I agree, I wasn’t ready for it to end. I especially wanted to continue with Sullivan’s story.
Yasmin, I’m glad you liked the review so much. I hope you’ll enjoy the book.
Jill, I agree and that’s a question I have for the author. I would really have liked too see Sullivan’s character developed more. She just really skimmed over him and we still don’t really know what he was up to while he was gone away for such long periods other than it wasn’t anything good.
I have not read a Ann Patchett book yet. I know. Shame on me…lol! This looks like a good one to start with though. Great review!
Oh, I really must read this one.
Patchett is so extraordinarily talented.
Wow! I’m glad you liked this so much. I still find it interesting how one person can thoroughly enjoy a book and another – not at all. That’s a perfect set up for a great book discussion, though. 🙂
Excellent point about Sullivan! I would love to know more of his story.
Dar, thanks for the suggestion of Patron Saint… I’ve seen it but haven’t read it. I’ll add it to my TBR list.
awesome review girl! I am happy you enjoyed this one too. Thanks for givin me your link!!
J.Kaye, I think you might like this one.
Shana, yes you need to read this one. I’d love to see your review of it.
Joy, I agree. I think this one would make a good book club selection because of the many different elements in it. The topics addressed in the book are always ones that people have strong opinions on and that generates a lot of good discussions.
Your welcome Mary 🙂
Thanks Bethany!
So this is what you’ve been reading instead of Half of a Yellow Sun! 😉 Sounds like a book I would really enjoy–with all those themes and complications! I would really recommend Bel Canto. It’s the only Patchett I’ve read but I really liked it a lot.
Trish, yes I was being bad and reading this one instead of the one I should have been reading. I’ll finish up Half of a Yellow Sun tomorrow I hope providing my headache goes away. I’ve heard good and bad things about Bel Canto, but I think eventually I will give it a try.
I think it goes that way for any book. My sister read Bel Canto and didn’t really like it–it’s a quieter book and I think she got a little bored. And no pressure on HYS…I’m just teasing. 🙂
Run was a real page-turner! I really enjoyed the book, but I was left wanting to know more about what happened to the characters. This was my first Patchett book, but definitely not my last!
lol Trish-I know you were teasing.
Anna, I felt the same. I would have liked to know how they all ended up and what-if any-fallout there was from giving the statue to Kenya. Lots of questions still…
This sounds like an excellent book!!! Great review, Dar! I am going to have to get my hands on this one now, lol!
lol April. Thre is just so many good books out there. I want to be able to read them all.
I SO know what you mean, Dar!! Sometimes I wish I could speed read, yet then I wouldn’t be able to savor the books either, lol!
This sounds really good! I’ve never read a book by this author yet. Thanks!
Hi Samantha, give her a try. I have enjoyed both books by her that I read.
Dar, Run was not my favorite Patchett book. I still hold The Patron Saint of Liars up there and I enjoyed the Magician’s Assistant as well. I own Bel Canto but haven’t read it yet, it’s the only one of her books that I haven’t read. I actually liked Taft more than I liked Run.
Fe, I do agree. The Patron Saint of Liars is still my favorite too. Thanks for popping by.
I have been picking up and putting down this book for awhile. I don’t know why I never buy it. Looks like I’m going to have to read this – it really sounds interesing. Maybe I just needed your great review to encourage me. Thanks!
I wasn’t as touched or grabbed by this novel as some others. I did add your review link to my review. Here’s the link to mine:
http://savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com/2008/09/run-by-ann-patchett.html
I’ve added your link to my review, which is here:
http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com/2008/09/run-by-ann-patchett.html
Thanks Lisa, it is a good read. I do like the cover. It’s not my favorite by her but I did like it.
Serena, I’ll add your link to my review too-thanks for adding mine. I didn’t like this one as much as Patron Saint of Liars but I did like it. I’m curious to read some of her others and see what my opinion of those would be.
Anna, thanks for linking my review. I’m going to add yours in too.