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Insightful,
Dramatic,
Addictive

2 reviews

Run

by Ann Patchett

Published: 2007-09-25
Hardcover : 304 pages

14 members reading this now
44 clubs reading this now
17 members have read this book

Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members

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Introduction

Since their mother's death, Tip and Teddy Doyle have been raised by their loving, possessive, and ambitious father. As the former mayor of Boston, Bernard Doyle wants to see his sons in politics, a dream the boys have never shared. But when an argument in a blinding New England snowstorm inadvertently causes an accident that involves a stranger and her child, all Bernard Doyle cares about is his ability to keep his children—all his children—safe.

Set over a period of twenty-four hours, Run takes us from the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard to a home for retired Catholic priests in downtown Boston. It shows us how worlds of privilege and poverty can coexist only blocks apart from each other, and how family can include people you've never even met. As in her bestselling novel Bel Canto, Ann Patchett illustrates the humanity that connects disparate lives, weaving several stories into one surprising and endlessly moving narrative. Suspenseful and stunningly executed, Run is ultimately a novel about secrets, duty, responsibility, and the lengths we will go to protect our children.

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Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

by Julia T. (see profile) 04/08/16

by Charlotte B. (see profile) 04/08/16

by Jessica B. (see profile) 06/26/14

"Not so fast"by Jennifer G. (see profile) 07/03/12

I really liked Bel Canto and the Magician's Assistant, but Run felt a bit thin. The concept and devices were interesting, but it didn't feel like Patchett capitalized on the opportunities. The final resolution... (read more)

"Run: A Novel"by Stephanie S. (see profile) 08/06/09

The story is of a politically motivated man and his mixed race family as they try to deal with each of their coming of age. The story gets a twist when one of the children is involved in an ... (read more)

"Great read."by MaryAnne P. (see profile) 01/24/09

Ann Patchett has written a beautiful book.
I loved the way the reader suddenly finds that his preconceptions are jolted and a new reality takes their place.

Having had one child, Sulliva

... (read more)

"The book covers 24 hours - it must have been written in 24 hours!"by Sharon H. (see profile) 09/25/08

It was a tough read. While reading the book I kept wondering if the author was in touch with the real world. She made a sad attempt at writing about something she obviously sees through ros... (read more)

"A thin literary exercise"by Carolyn B. (see profile) 09/24/08

Our book club unanimously disliked this book. Not because of the downer themes but because of the execution. The characters seemed one-dimensional, the plot improbable, and the novel's 24-hour time frame... (read more)

"Another wonderful story by Ann Patchett!"by Jennifer D. (see profile) 08/17/08

I loved this book. Most of it takes place over 24 hours with many unexpected little plot twists and turns. A wonderfully created story about how peoples' lives are intertwined.

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