Questions About Running Barefoot

by Amy Harmon (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (5)

Ok, so I've just finished the book. And one question just kept nagging at me. It was never mentioned in the story. Did Samuel ever have a girlfriend besides that girl he mentioned from the reservation? I just thought that in so many years he must have gone out with somebody, right? But also his words about Josie made me think that he held out for her, because she was in his every thought? What do you think?

Yogesh Jain I think the writer has made it very clear with few lines and events that he never had a girl friend after he left josie. He had been deployed for a lo…moreI think the writer has made it very clear with few lines and events that he never had a girl friend after he left josie. He had been deployed for a long time and written letters for her all the time and she was always in his mind which makes it very clear that he never had a girl friend ever since he met josie (less)

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I was wondering if anyone was left wondering what the title of the book means? At the end of the book Samuel whispers his secret Navajo name to Josie but doesn't tell the reader what it is. Does anyone else think it could be "Running Barefoot"? I know there are several references to running and I looked up what it really means to run barefoot and found that it is a reference to running naturally. Any thoughts?

Karen It comes from a quote very early in the book and describes how Josie feels following the death of her mother.
"Like a shoe that has lost its mate is ne…moreIt comes from a quote very early in the book and describes how Josie feels following the death of her mother.
"Like a shoe that has lost its mate is never worn again, I had lost my matching part and didn't know how to run barefoot."(less)

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Two questions: First, is there anywhere I can read this book for free? Second, is there anything inappropriate in this book? It’s okay if the answer includes spoilers.

Danielle I read the book for free on the Libby library app. This book is 99% clean. There are just a few swear words.

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How many years past because the age difference makes me cringe 13 to 18 is a big difference?

Karli McNamee I feel you! But promise enough time passes for the age difference to not be icky, and the budding romantic feelings were handled in such a way that it…moreI feel you! But promise enough time passes for the age difference to not be icky, and the budding romantic feelings were handled in such a way that it never made me feel like the 18yo was creepy.

I’ll put the spoiler below if you want to know specifics. STOP READING if you don’t want to know their actual ages when the romance happens.

***SPOILER ***

Josie was 23 and Samuel was 28 before any kisses were exchanged(less)

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Samuel’s Navajo name?