LITERAL REMAINS

Several years ago, way back when I was in high school, I read this book.  It belonged to my aunt, I think.  I saw it, and, as often happens (not just with me, but a lot of people) I liked the cover and thought I would read it.  I read it, liked it, and somehow, some way, the book went missing over the years.  Haven’t seen it since I was seventeen.  Often wondered what happened to the book, I wanted to reread it in recent years because I had forgotten so much of it.  My memory ain’t what it used to be folks.

Last summer I was browsing my local used book shop when I spotted a well worn copy of Stephen Gresham’s Runaway on the shelf.  I was elated.  I bought it.  I read it again.

It’s still a good little read.  The story centers around thirteen year old Mark Blackwood who is all but ignored by his career-driven parents.  So, fed up with it all, Mark runs away.  He meets some nice people as he hitchhikes, and he meets some not so nice people.  Mark eventually finds refuge at Redemption House, a shelter for runaways.

Redemption House is owned and operated by Reverend Robert W. Eversfield, known affectionately as Brother Bob to the boys and girls of the shelter.  Brother Bob is a strict enforcer of the rules, and everything runs smoothly as long as no one violates the rules of Redemption House.  And if there is one thing the kids don’t want to do, that is break the rules- because the punishments are brutal.  And if you try to escape…well, the repremand is killer.

Runaway is an overlooked author at his best.  I enjoyed it, again, after all these years.  If some of the supernatural stuff had been left out, it would indeed be a leaner and meaner thrill ride, but it’s just fine the way it is. 

It will be hard to find, it’s been out of print for ages.  Scour the used book stores and try to find a copy because you can’t borrow mine; I’m putting it under lock and key.

the_novacula