(Spoilers included)
“I am a runner. That’s what I do. That’s who I am. Running is all I know, or want, or care about.”
The Running Dream, by Wendelin Van Draanen follows the story of a teenage girl named Jessica. Running is an immense part of Jessica’s identity. She dreamed of becoming a track star. Little did she know that something was about to change her life forever. Jessica got into a car accident and her leg was cut off. After getting her personal record in her last race, she now had to bear the fact that she wasn’t going to be able to run again.
This book explored the theme of self-identity. Running was everything to Jessica. She lost it. She felt worthless. Invisible. After the accident, Jessica was moved to the special ed group at school and she felt extremely embarrassed. She believed that people viewed her now as less than, and incapable, when she wasn’t. In her new class, she met a girl named Rosa, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Rosa played a big role in helping Jessica re-fortify her self-identity. Rosa teaches Jessica not to be ashamed of her disability, and teaches her that having a disability doesn’t define someone.
I really liked this book, because it shows how so many people came together to help and support Jessica. Her coach, Mrs. Delvecchio, organized a fundraiser to help pool up enough funds to buy Jessica a prosthetic leg. Together, the community pitched in and the goal was reached. Jessica wouldn’t have been able to continue to follow her dreams if it wasn’t for her community having her back.
At the end, she joins her community, partaking in a 5K spreading awareness about disabilities. But she doesn’t run it by herself. For the whole 3.1 miles, she takes Rosa with her, pushing her all the way, finally helping Rosa be able to feel the freeing sensation that comes with running.
I give this story an 8/10 as it's really heartwarming. (Isabella)
I like the quotation you use to begin the story. It tells the reader a lot about the character of Jessica, and how much running means to her. This sounds like an interesting story.
ReplyDeleteHi isa! This seems like an interesting and heartwarming book. I will try to find it eventually. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteAwesome story! I always appreciate when authors just write a story that makes everyone feel good in the end. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteHi, this book sounds really good, and you describe it really well. I like reading books about self-identity and being true to yourself, so I'll have to look into this soon!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds so interesting! I love that Jessica didn't run the 5k by herself but instead with her new friend. Its also great that she is able to run again despite what happened.
ReplyDeleteThe ending really shows the heart-warming motives of the book! And, the story behind how she has to learn to embrace this new identity and how she gets help from her friend, it really shows how everything can still come together in the end even when faced with disruptable odds. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteThis book seems really good! It's so heartwarming how after all those people helped her she helped Rosa and they ran the 5k together. I love the quote you used from the book! Awesome post!!
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