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5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE IT!, Mar 6 2004
I have read many many books by Ms. Voigt. She is a very complex writer. It's obvious that she's experienced some of the things she writes about herself. She doesn't write with the viewpoint of many authors, treating kids like they have more to learn. Her main characters are almost always kids, and she simply tells things through the character's eyes, not her own eyes. I love this book, and all the others. However, I suggest reading Homecoming, Dicey's Song, and A Solitary Blue before taking on this one.
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Slow but meaningful, Feb 1 2004
At first I had a bit of trouble getting into the book. I had read Dicey's song and loved it so I wanted to read the rest of the Tillerman series. At one point I thought of giving up since it seemed like Bullet veiws of life were too angery and I couldn't relate, at other times I also questioned my interest in the story being told. I however kept going and I really liked the second half. It was nice how Bullet had to go through and rediscover himself! He had to ask himself is this really what I believe? In this way I believe Bullet matured and came to a better understanding about life and his values. I also enjoyed him going past the prejustice to find the person(Tamer). Read the book if you want to know what I am talking about!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Boy, oh boy, Jan 24 2004
By A Customer
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.
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