Books matching: teen runaway stories
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- #1
'Smack' by Melvin Burgess follows the story of two teenage runaways, Tar and Gemma, who spiral into heroin addiction while living in squats in Bristol, UK. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, giving insight into the characters' struggles with addiction, homelessness, and self-deception. The writing style is described as honest, brutal, and realistic, providing a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by young addicts in the 1980s.
‘I’m hungry,’ complained the girl. The boy turned on a torch and peered inside a grey canvas rucksack behind him. ‘There’s an apple.’ ‘Nah. Any crisps left?’ ‘Nope.’ Gemma sighed and leaned back in th... - #2
'Shelterwood' by Lisa Wingate is a captivating tale that weaves together two timelines, one set in 1909 and the other in 1990. The story follows strong female characters who navigate through challenges and mysteries in the new Horseshoe Trail National Park in Oklahoma. In 1909, a group of orphaned children, known as the elf children, struggle to survive in the woods amidst abuse and exploitation. Meanwhile, in 1990, law enforcement ranger Valerie Boren Odell uncovers dark secrets and mysteries surrounding the park, including the disappearance of a teenager and the discovery of bones in a cave. As the two timelines intertwine, the characters' stories unfold, revealing themes of resilience, courage, and the impact of historical injustices.
- #3
Cupcake Brown's memoir, 'A Piece of Cake', delves into the harrowing experiences of her life, from her tumultuous childhood marked by drug abuse, homelessness, and prostitution to her journey towards recovery and transformation. The book offers a raw and honest account of Cupcake's struggles and triumphs, showcasing her resilience and strength in overcoming adversity. Readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride through Cupcake's life, witnessing her descent into darkness and her eventual rise to success as a lawyer and motivational speaker.
My name was La’Vette, but my first birth name was Cupcake. At least that’s what my momma told me. Seems Momma craved cupcakes when she was pregnant with me. She had three cupcakes a day, every day, wi... - #4
'Bastard Out of Carolina' by Dorothy Allison is a powerful and emotional novel set in the rural South, narrated from the perspective of a young girl named Bone. The story delves into the harsh realities of abuse, poverty, and dysfunctional family dynamics, particularly focusing on Bone's struggles with her abusive stepfather and her mother's complicity in the abuse. The writing style is described as rich and vivid, offering a poignant portrayal of the characters and their experiences, drawing readers into the world of the Boatwright family and their tumultuous lives.
The book captures the raw and heartbreaking journey of Bone as she navigates through a childhood filled with trauma, violence, and neglect. Through Allison's skillful storytelling, readers are taken on a gripping coming-of-age journey that explores themes of resilience, survival, and the complexities of familial relationships. The narrative unfolds with a mix of dark and hopeful moments, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the characters while also highlighting moments of strength and courage amidst adversity.
I’ve been cal ed Bone al my life, but my name’s Ruth Anne. I was named for and by my oldest aunt—Aunt Ruth. My mama didn’t have much to say about it, since strictly speaking, she wasn’t there. Mama an... - #5
Paper Towns by John Green is a young adult novel that follows the story of Quentin Jacobsen, who has been in love with his neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman since they were children. The plot unfolds as Margo enlists Quentin for a night of adventurous revenge escapades, only to disappear the next day, leaving behind clues that lead Quentin and his friends on a journey to find her. The book explores themes of love, friendship, self-discovery, and the complexities of teenage relationships. The writing style is engaging, with witty dialogue and well-developed characters that keep the reader invested in the story until the very end.
The longest day of my life began tardily. I woke up late, took too long in the shower, and ended up having to enjoy my breakfast in the passenger seat of my mom’s minivan at 7:17 that Wednesday mornin... - #6
Cameron, a disaffected youth, is diagnosed with Mad Cow disease and is given a quest by an angel to save the world by finding Dr. X for a cure. He embarks on a surreal road trip with an agoraphobic dwarf and a talking garden gnome, encountering various adventures and life lessons along the way. The book combines humor, philosophical wanderings, and a modern take on Don Quixote, offering a unique and thought-provoking journey through the teenage mind.
The writing style of "Going Bovine" by Libba Bray is described as surreal, edgy, and humorous, with elements of fantasy, satire, and dark humor. The plot follows Cameron's journey of self-discovery and acceptance in the face of a terminal illness, blending elements of reality and hallucination to create a compelling and engaging narrative.
Like Career Day? Really? Do we need to devote an entire six hours out of the high school year to having “life counselors” tell you all the jobs you could potentially blow at? Is there a reason for dod... - #7
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a classic American novel that follows the journey of a young boy named Huck Finn as he escapes from his abusive father and embarks on an adventure down the Mississippi River with a runaway slave named Jim. The book is known for its exploration of themes such as racism, friendship, loyalty, and moral dilemmas, all told through Twain's masterful use of dialect, humor, and satire. The story is filled with mischief, excitement, and heartwarming moments between Huck and Jim, making it a timeless tale of growth and companionship set against the backdrop of pre-Civil War America.
Huckleberry Finn's narrative is a blend of humor, adventure, and social commentary, showcasing Twain's ability to address difficult themes like race relations and slavery in a way that is accessible to readers of all ages. Through Huck's eyes, readers witness the contradictions of a society that claims to be free and equal while perpetuating racism and segregation. Twain's use of regional dialect and vivid storytelling brings the characters and setting to life, making the book a poignant reflection on the complexities of human nature and societal norms.
You don't know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain't no matter. That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly. There w... - #8
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt follows the life of Theo Decker, a boy whose life is shattered when a terrorist bombing at an art gallery in New York kills his mother. Theo survives the tragedy and leaves the museum with a priceless painting, The Goldfinch, which becomes a central element in his life. The novel explores Theo's journey from boyhood to adulthood, navigating themes of loss, trauma, unrequited love, art theft, drug addiction, and the complexities of human relationships. The story is narrated through Theo's perspective, offering a deep dive into his emotional turmoil and struggles as he grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.
The narrative style of The Goldfinch is characterized by rich, detailed prose that vividly describes various settings, from the aftermath of a bombing in an art museum to the backwaters of Las Vegas and the high society of New York City. The novel weaves together a complex tapestry of characters, including pretentious and unrealistic figures, intriguing New York personalities, and Theo's enigmatic friend Boris. As Theo's life unfolds amidst a series of challenges and encounters, the painting of The Goldfinch serves as a symbolic thread connecting his past, present, and future, shaping his identity and moral dilemmas.
WHILE I WASSTILL in Amsterdam, I dreamed about my mother for the first time in years. I’d been shut up in my hotel for more than a week, afraid to telephone anybody or go out; and my heart scrambled a... - #9
"Under a Painted Sky" by Stacey Lee follows the story of a Chinese musician girl and an African slave girl who escape to New York from an accidental crime and meet three cowboys who aid them in their journey. The book explores the challenges of pretending to be a boy, the adventures and dangers faced by the two teenage girls on the Oregon Trail, and the development of a strong friendship between them and the cowboys they encounter.
The novel is praised for its blend of adventure, coming-of-age themes, and portrayal of life for minorities and females in the 1800s. It incorporates elements of Chinese heritage and folklore, creating a richly told story that features strong female relationships, humor, and heartfelt moments. The fast-paced narrative keeps readers engaged, with historical details, timeless characters, and a balance of humor and tragedy adding depth to the plot.
THEY SAY DEATH AIMS ONLY ONCE AND NEVER misses, but I doubt Ty Yorkshire thought it would strike with a scrubbing brush. Now his face wears the mask of surprise that sometimes accompanies death: his e... - #10
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a non-fiction book that follows the fascinating and tragic story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his possessions, cut ties with his family, and ventured into the Alaskan wilderness. The book delves into McCandless' motivations, his struggles for survival, and the philosophical questions surrounding his choices, all while exploring themes of self-discovery, adventure, and the allure of nature.
Krakauer's writing style in Into the Wild is described as well-researched, thought-provoking, and compelling. The narrative not only focuses on McCandless' journey but also includes the author's personal reflections and experiences, adding depth and emotion to the story. Through interviews, personal journal entries, and detailed accounts, Krakauer presents a gripping tale that forces readers to reflect on themes of youth, independence, and the consequences of living on the edge of society.
Please return all mail I receive to the sender. It might be a very long time before I return South. If this adventure proves fatal and you don’t ever hear from me again I want you to know you’re a gre...