Taming the Star Runner is one of teen writer Susan E. Hinton's lesser-known novels. It tells the story of Travis Harris, an attractive, greaser-esque 16 year old (somewhat akin to Ponyboy Curtis in The Outsiders) who has been sent to live on his uncle's ranch in the country after assaulting and nearly killing his stepfather. But Travis has a surprise talent: He is a writer who has submitted his first work to a publisher.
Travis's time at the ranch proves to be a wake-up call for the troubled teen. He discovers many new things about himself and those important in his life.
- DRUGS & ALCOHOL ARE DESTRUCTIVE. Two of Travis's best friends are murdered by a drug dealer, Orson, after they ransack a house against the dealer's wishes. The third friend gets away and comes to hide out at the ranch, but Travis is forced to turn him in. He knows that he could have been Orson's target had he remained with his friends. Travis also is beaten after getting drunk while celebrating the good news about his book.
- COOL IS RELATIVE. Travis considers himself "cool," and believes that everyone else at his old school agrees, so he cannot understand why the students at his new school act cooly toward him. They find his big city street toughness alien to their more laid back lifestyles, and he makes few friends there.
- HONEST WORK PAYS. Travis spends his spare time working in the stables with the horses, and he learns that his hard work pays off in many ways. He gains respect from those around him, he learns the value of a dollar, and he gains knowledge about his new trade. The murders of his friends following a break-in also teach him the dangers of trying to earn money illegally.
No comments:
Post a Comment