THE RUNAWAYS by Sonya Terjanian is an appealing novel
for a number of reasons. First, the setting: a cabin near the Poconos and the
importance of nature to this story. Second, it is a coming of age story for the
teen protagonist, Ivy, but also for Mary Ellen, an emotionally lost and
searching middle-aged business executive. Ivy wants to escape poverty and her
Mom’s illness to become a smoke jumper out West whereas Mary Ellen is trying to
develop her artistic side. Both need to
figure out the next step in their lives and Terjanian contrasts their differing
needs and opportunities due to class distinctions and life experience. Ivy has
run away from home and holed up in a remote retreat that Mary Ellen, also escaping
her responsibilities, borrows from an artist mentor. They struggle with trusting each other and
themselves in a story which I wish had continued beyond the few days they spent
together. THE RUNAWAYS is a
quick read with a mystery/drama element mixed with social commentary.
LAWN BOY by Jonathan Evison is a new book on our
shelves which also deals with class differences and therefore might work as a
springboard for Junior Theme. I had high
expectations based on its reviews and publisher’s description (“novel about social class distinctions, about overcoming cultural
discrimination, and about standing up for oneself”) and I did like the
beginning of this book – especially since we need more novels that will appeal
to male students. The main character is Mike
Munoz, just a few years out of high school and feeling unappreciated and
frustrated to be working as a landscaper. Mike is in the midst of a series of adventures
in what is essentially a coming of age story.
Unfortunately, though, he is not much of a role model due to numerous
poor decisions and he really struggles with staying committed to a job and building
a future in the face of continuing bad luck. Change eventually comes, in part due
to a developing romantic interest with Andrew, a concerned friend and sometimes
activist. Readers learn much from Mike’s
internal musings, but his feelings are so self-centered and repetitive that there
are many times when they, like me, will want to scream “wake up; take action”
at him. That reaction, however, is more of a backhanded compliment to Evison (This is Your Life, Harriet Chance) who is skilled at providing realistic
details and developing his characters. Both Publishers Weekly and Booklist
gave LAWN BOY starred reviews. 
