Title: Run Girl Run
Author: Ellen Y Mueller
Genre: Young adult suspense
Book Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Tracie lives in a house divided by fear and a family secret she has yet to discover. Her grandma gives her a hint and the tools to unearth the past. Are the clues the answer to her prayers? If so, she’ll take her younger brother and split. Her dream can’t come true quick enough.
One night, when her dad is in one of his violent rages, opportunity pounds on Tracie’s door. A male friend offers her an escape. But there’s a catch. She can’t sneak her brother out with her parents watching, and her dad demands her friend leave immediately. On a whim, she goes, too. After all, he just wants to keep her safe and swears to have her best interest at heart.
Caught in a current of lies and deception, Tracie’s swept farther from home than she ever expects. She can’t trust anyone, not even her mother. Exposing the secret may save Tracie and her little brother, but at what cost?
My Review:
The book is extremely intense in its plot. The grass isn't always greener here. The author created a world that no sixteen-year-old should be in. Tracie manages to go from the frying pan directly into the fire.
Life is about choices. A key aspect of this is to think before you make the choices. Tracie is remarkable for a main character...solid thinking seems to be last on her to do list when faced with the trials of life.
What made my head shake was the premise that she would run but not take any clothes with her. Most teens could throw a backpack full of clothes in less than thirty seconds. Not Tracie though, she just flies by the seat of her only pair of pants.
The presentation of a father character who abuses and a mother who also abuses never fails to anger me to the core. Any tough guy dad (or mom) who can beat their kid needs to go one hour in the ring with someone who can defend themselves.
The trials of Tracie makes for powerful reading. The ending was pretty positive in a lot of ways. The ending does make the journey of reading the book worthwhile.
The characters are well developed and well written. The book flows from life crisis to life crisis in a way that keeps you turning the pages. As a debut novel, it shows talent and depth of feeling. Fans of YA with intense storylines will enjoy this book. Fans of the never-ending power of the human spirit will enjoy this book.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
Giveaway –
We’re celebrating Run Girl Run with a fun giveaway.
Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card.
Open to US residents.
Runs June 15 – July 20, 2023.
Winner will be drawn on July 21, 2023.
Author Biography:
Ellen Y. Mueller is an American writer who was raised in the Midwest. For nearly three decades, she worked as a physician and surgeon. Before that, she served in the USAF and was trained as a war-time triage medic and a peace-time medical records specialist. While in college, she was employed as a veterinary technician.
From the time she was a child, she loved books and invented stories. Now she writes for both teens and adults. Her young adult, contemporary, suspense novel, Run Girl Run, is under contract with The Wild Rose Press. She also writes in other fiction and nonfiction genres such as fantasy, medical, and self-help.
When Ellen’s not writing, she reads, enjoys guitar music, and mentors other writers who dream of seeing their books in print. She’s been a member of the Northwest Arkansas Writer’s critique group, and Arkansas Ridge Writers for several years. She is married and loves living in Arkansas.
Social Media Links:
Reviewed by: Mr. N