Monday, April 29, 2013

Book Review: On The Run by Clara Bourreau


By: Clara Bourreau
Published by: Delacorte Books
Released on: October 9th, 2012
Source: book from publisher to review
2.5 owls: It was an Okay/Good read
Purchase it from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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A young boy discovers the real whereabouts of his absent father--jail!
Anthony hasn't seen his dad in years. The reason: His father is busy traveling the world as a wildlife photographer—at least, according to Anthony's mom and sister. The real reason: His dad has been a fugitive from the law and is now in jail, awaiting trial.

When Anthony finally learns the truth, his life changes overnight. He insists on visiting his dad in prison. And once the trial begins, it's the lead story on the local news. Everyone at school starts to taunt Anthony about having a criminal for a father, even his best friend. Then one day, in a shocking turn of events, his dad escapes from the courtroom. Anthony wants to be with him—and when he gets the change, he grabs it. Now father and son are on the run. But how far will they get?


This was an interesting book, as it's not one I'd normally pick up and read, but it's one that I read shortly after I received it for review back in the fall. There was something about Anthony, the story's main character that made me want to read more about him. It didn't take long for me to feel bad for Anthony. Everything he's been told about his dad and his whereabouts has been a lie. Once Anthony learns the truth, he wants nothing more than to be with his dad. When his father, a criminal escapes, Anthony runs away to be with him.

Anthony's dad has never been around for him, and even though he did make some bad choices, Anthony has this innocence to him that makes him believe that everything will turn out okay for him and his dad. Anthony's father on the other hand is a character who doesn't try and hide what he did. He explains to his son what he did, and though Anthony still looks up to his dad, his dad also tries to make his son realize this isn't a place his son needs to be, on the run.  Anthony's place is back home with his mom and sister.

 Though the story is very predictable and not an in-depth read, it is one that was interesting for me to read, because I got to see Anthony's world through his eyes, and it changed how I as an adult first perceived his father and the situation these two are now in. Over all this wasn't a book I fell in love with. The writing was unique and gave the story it's own distinct voice and feel, which I liked. Over all this is a book that connected me with on a much different level, though it might be on someone will really enjoy
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~