#BookTalk- The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

I have to say. I did not want to read this book. I have to read it becasue I am apart of a YA book club. We meet on Wednesday. I am not really a realistic fiction type person, and the plot summary didn't really spark an interest. But I was totally wrong. This book was so moving. I highly highly recommend it:
Jessica's life is running, and when a tragic accident leave her with only one leg, she feels that her life is over. As Jessica comes to accept her new reality with the help of her new friend, Rosa, she realizes that one day she might be able to run again.

Plot

I love the writing in this novel. The short sentences really keep the novel moving. The expereince Jessica is having is not sugar coated, she lost her leg. The novel goes through all Jessica's raw emotions as she tries to understand her new reality and what that means for the future. She finds hope that she can have a normal life, with the help of her friends, Fiona and Rosa. I was never bored by the character, Van Draanen always had a way of propelling the plot forward with the short sentences and ending each chapter with a gripping final thought.

Characters

Jessica. She is so real. There is no falseness to her character. Everything she is feeling is raw. She lost her leg. The book talks to her recovery as she tries to understand her new life. She is made different and has a clear understanding of people with disablities. She doesn't try to make a huge stand, she only has one dream, to run. She is just so mundane. It is refreshing to see a character that is true to their feelings.

 
Fiona. What a great friend! She does not let Jessica use her disability as an excuses for not living her life. She does everything she can to help Jessica, and encourage her. She always tells her how she is no different then she was before the accident. How she is worthy and worth everything everyone does for her. She does not let Jessica pity herself. Wonderful friend.

Rosa. Such a sweet soul. She is such a great spirit in Jessica's life. She shows her how lucky she is to be where she is. Rosa lives her life despite everyone else seeing her as invisible. She is such an inspiration to Jessica, and me as a reader.

All in All

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was inspirational and just a beautiful well written novel. I definitely will recommend this novel to anyone who would like a good realistic fiction book. Excellent!