What do you think?
Rate this book
Running on Empty
All Ethan Palmer wants is wheels of his own, and he's finally saved enough money to buy his dream car... when he accidentally rams his dad's Volvo into their garage. It’s not like his lawyer/politician father can’t afford to pay for the damage, but of course his old man is going to turn this into another Big Life Lesson. With all his hard-earned cash going into repairs, Ethan won't be sliding behind the wheel of that Mustang Cobra anytime soon. Or will he? He thinks he's found a way to make some easy money, and suddenly nothing is more important. Not school, not the girl he loves, not even the secrets that divide his family. For Ethan, it's all about payback. But he has no idea what his choices will cost him.
- GenresFictionYoung AdultTeen
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2012
1 person is currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Don Aker
19 books41 followersBorn in 1955 in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Don Aker grew up in rural Hants County. He later attended Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he received his Bachelor of Arts (1976), Bachelor of Education (1977), and Master of Education (1991) degrees. He has been a classroom teacher since 1977, and he currently works as Literacy Mentor for the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board. The father of two daughters, he lives in Middleton, Nova Scotia, with his wife, who is his "first editor."
Don began writing in 1988 after taking a course for language arts teachers at the Martha's Vineyard Summer Writing Workshops in Massachusetts, where educators were encouraged to write along with their students. Since then, he has published 13 books and numerous shorter pieces, consulted on several projects for publishers of educational materials, conducted a variety of workshops on teaching and writing, and given readings across Canada. He is a member of the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS), the Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC), the Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC), The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers (CANSCAIP), and PEN Canada.
Don began writing in 1988 after taking a course for language arts teachers at the Martha's Vineyard Summer Writing Workshops in Massachusetts, where educators were encouraged to write along with their students. Since then, he has published 13 books and numerous shorter pieces, consulted on several projects for publishers of educational materials, conducted a variety of workshops on teaching and writing, and given readings across Canada. He is a member of the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS), the Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC), the Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC), The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers (CANSCAIP), and PEN Canada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 23, 2012
***Originally posted to: Bookish Book Blog |YA and Adult Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, Giveaways and news! ^___^
Full of emotional honesty and thoroughly riveting reflections, Running On Empty is a gripping, haunting and memorable story of one teenager's downward spiral into the dangerous world of money-borrowing, gambling and guns. Beautifully structured and written with utmost care for details, it's a fascinating exploration of dreams, expectations, disappointments, and ambitious goals that, if pursued blindly and ruthlessly, have just as much power to create, as they have to destroy.
Ethan is just two days away from his eighteenth birthday. Only two days away from being able to finally buy his dream car, a gorgeous Mustang Cobra. He's been working really hard, saving up every penny for more than a year and a half. This car is his dream, he can't wait to slide into the driver's seat and feel the thrum of the engine. But, only two days before his dream is about to come true, his hopes and plans are suddenly shattered to pieces by his own reckless actions and the unforgiving character of his father. When Ethan - driven by a stupid 20 dollar bet - rams his father's car into the garage door, he's about to get yet another bitter life lesson from his strict lawyer/politician dad. Ethan's dad is almost filthy rich and he could easily let the insurance company pay for all the damage, but that wouldn't teach Ethan anything, would it? So instead, he decides to make him use all the meticulously saved up cash to pay for the repairs, using this occasion to teach his son yet another priceless, life-changing and absolutely necessary lesson. Desperate to find a way out of this situation, Ethan starts looking for ways to make some quick and easy money. But the thing about money is it's never quick and easy, and if it appears to be.. well, then you better brace yourself for all the trouble that will come with it. And there will be trouble. Plenty of it.
I loved this book. I loved its honesty and clarity, and the way Don Aker skilfully weaved the plot, presenting us with an absolutely phenomenal examination of the motives behind Ethan's actions. The tension was building up slowly, but steadily, and although I wouldn't say that the book was moving at a break-neck speed, it definitely had a great flow that allowed me to stay focused on the plot all the way through. The premise of this book was something new, too. I have never read a book that would tackle the issue of teenage gambling and its consequences, and in such an excellent way, too! Don Aker nailed it to the very last detail. He captured all the riveting emotions, too, from the excitement and hopefulness, to the desperation, anger, and panic. I loved how the story progressed, starting off quite innocent and then getting darker and heavier with ever chapter. Running on Empty had a really great build-up, followed by a thoroughly devastating conclusion.
Ethan was a genuine and very convincing character, almost achingly so. The author perfectly captured his personality, complete with all its virtues and flaws. He was hard-working, dedicated, focused and persistent. When he decided he wanted something, he would find a way to get it. No matter what. After the accident with his father's car, he was angry and let down, but he never gave up on his dreams. Of course, in hindsight, his almost crazy determination pushed him to do some really dangerous things. He made some bad decisions and, eventually, his life spun totally out of control. What started off as a power struggle between him and his father, quickly escalated into a far more serious situation, and one that would put people's lives in jeopardy.
Ethan's father was a very interesting, well-drawn character himself. He wasn't physically present all the time, but his constant demands, Big Life Lessons, and never-ending criticism affecter Ethan in more than just one way. He was overly ambitious and wanted to see Ethan succeed entirely on his own, to the point that he'd make him earn his own pocket money and pay for all of his expanses from the day his son turned sixteen. Strict, unforgiving, almost cruel at times, Jack Palmer was always giving speeches and forcing Big Life Lessons down his sons throat. He'd say things like: "A person is invariably defined by his ability to meet his obligations." and "Life seldom allows us the luxury of choosing our own consequences." And he would repeat that over and over again. As forceful and harsh as he was towards Ethan, I can't say that he was being mean on purpose. I believe he really did care about his son and wanted nothing more but to ensure that Ethan grows up an intelligent, strong person who will do something meaningful with his life. While I somewhat understood where he was coming from, I didn't care much for his methods, and wished that he'd show his son a little bit more understanding and affection. Because, while his ultimate goal might have been teaching Ethan important lessons about life and money, what he ended up doing was pushing his son just a little bit too much and in a totally wrong direction.
Overall, Running On Empty was a really great read. Thrilling, absorbing and ambitious, it's a book full of meaning and hidden messages. While its plot revolves mainly around Ethan's desperate attempts to make money (even if it means doing some potentially risky things), ultimately this book offers so much more than just that. Don Aker presents us with a thoughtful, intelligent and very psychologically accurate examination of a difficult father-son relationship, one tainted by conflict, mistrust, and lack of communication. It's an examination that is just as disturbing as it is moving, and its spot-on accuracy is just as bewildering as it is terrifying.
Running On Empty is book worth reading, I highly recommend picking it up!
Full of emotional honesty and thoroughly riveting reflections, Running On Empty is a gripping, haunting and memorable story of one teenager's downward spiral into the dangerous world of money-borrowing, gambling and guns. Beautifully structured and written with utmost care for details, it's a fascinating exploration of dreams, expectations, disappointments, and ambitious goals that, if pursued blindly and ruthlessly, have just as much power to create, as they have to destroy.
Ethan is just two days away from his eighteenth birthday. Only two days away from being able to finally buy his dream car, a gorgeous Mustang Cobra. He's been working really hard, saving up every penny for more than a year and a half. This car is his dream, he can't wait to slide into the driver's seat and feel the thrum of the engine. But, only two days before his dream is about to come true, his hopes and plans are suddenly shattered to pieces by his own reckless actions and the unforgiving character of his father. When Ethan - driven by a stupid 20 dollar bet - rams his father's car into the garage door, he's about to get yet another bitter life lesson from his strict lawyer/politician dad. Ethan's dad is almost filthy rich and he could easily let the insurance company pay for all the damage, but that wouldn't teach Ethan anything, would it? So instead, he decides to make him use all the meticulously saved up cash to pay for the repairs, using this occasion to teach his son yet another priceless, life-changing and absolutely necessary lesson. Desperate to find a way out of this situation, Ethan starts looking for ways to make some quick and easy money. But the thing about money is it's never quick and easy, and if it appears to be.. well, then you better brace yourself for all the trouble that will come with it. And there will be trouble. Plenty of it.
I loved this book. I loved its honesty and clarity, and the way Don Aker skilfully weaved the plot, presenting us with an absolutely phenomenal examination of the motives behind Ethan's actions. The tension was building up slowly, but steadily, and although I wouldn't say that the book was moving at a break-neck speed, it definitely had a great flow that allowed me to stay focused on the plot all the way through. The premise of this book was something new, too. I have never read a book that would tackle the issue of teenage gambling and its consequences, and in such an excellent way, too! Don Aker nailed it to the very last detail. He captured all the riveting emotions, too, from the excitement and hopefulness, to the desperation, anger, and panic. I loved how the story progressed, starting off quite innocent and then getting darker and heavier with ever chapter. Running on Empty had a really great build-up, followed by a thoroughly devastating conclusion.
Ethan was a genuine and very convincing character, almost achingly so. The author perfectly captured his personality, complete with all its virtues and flaws. He was hard-working, dedicated, focused and persistent. When he decided he wanted something, he would find a way to get it. No matter what. After the accident with his father's car, he was angry and let down, but he never gave up on his dreams. Of course, in hindsight, his almost crazy determination pushed him to do some really dangerous things. He made some bad decisions and, eventually, his life spun totally out of control. What started off as a power struggle between him and his father, quickly escalated into a far more serious situation, and one that would put people's lives in jeopardy.
Ethan's father was a very interesting, well-drawn character himself. He wasn't physically present all the time, but his constant demands, Big Life Lessons, and never-ending criticism affecter Ethan in more than just one way. He was overly ambitious and wanted to see Ethan succeed entirely on his own, to the point that he'd make him earn his own pocket money and pay for all of his expanses from the day his son turned sixteen. Strict, unforgiving, almost cruel at times, Jack Palmer was always giving speeches and forcing Big Life Lessons down his sons throat. He'd say things like: "A person is invariably defined by his ability to meet his obligations." and "Life seldom allows us the luxury of choosing our own consequences." And he would repeat that over and over again. As forceful and harsh as he was towards Ethan, I can't say that he was being mean on purpose. I believe he really did care about his son and wanted nothing more but to ensure that Ethan grows up an intelligent, strong person who will do something meaningful with his life. While I somewhat understood where he was coming from, I didn't care much for his methods, and wished that he'd show his son a little bit more understanding and affection. Because, while his ultimate goal might have been teaching Ethan important lessons about life and money, what he ended up doing was pushing his son just a little bit too much and in a totally wrong direction.
Overall, Running On Empty was a really great read. Thrilling, absorbing and ambitious, it's a book full of meaning and hidden messages. While its plot revolves mainly around Ethan's desperate attempts to make money (even if it means doing some potentially risky things), ultimately this book offers so much more than just that. Don Aker presents us with a thoughtful, intelligent and very psychologically accurate examination of a difficult father-son relationship, one tainted by conflict, mistrust, and lack of communication. It's an examination that is just as disturbing as it is moving, and its spot-on accuracy is just as bewildering as it is terrifying.
Running On Empty is book worth reading, I highly recommend picking it up!
May 28, 2018
I first met Aker five years ago when he gave a presentation to a group of students at the school I was working at. Similar to many teacher-turned-authors, his journey began in the classroom as a means of hooking students on reading.
Running on Empty is a clear example of someone who knows their audience. The main character, Ethan, is a prime example of an entitled young person who can't see beyond himself. This makes you frustrated with him and recognizing he probably matches the personality of someone you may know (to some degree). For a young adult, it will probably resonate closely as they will most likely be able to put someone they know directly in those shoes.
Quick summary: Ethan wants a car, smashes up his rich dad's vehicle, is forced to pay the repairs as a lesson and tries to find a way to build his savings to buy the car. As you can imagine, the plot revolves around the method he uses to build up that savings.
While enjoyable and page turning, at no point did I ever empathize with Ethan. Even in his "turning point" moments, I kind of shrugged and kept going. In some respects, I do applaud Aker for not giving him much growth as it portrays a realistic picture of a person who can't see beyond themselves. While Ethan started his transition at the end of the book, some people take longer... much longer... and with even harder lessons.
A great read, especially for students.
Running on Empty is a clear example of someone who knows their audience. The main character, Ethan, is a prime example of an entitled young person who can't see beyond himself. This makes you frustrated with him and recognizing he probably matches the personality of someone you may know (to some degree). For a young adult, it will probably resonate closely as they will most likely be able to put someone they know directly in those shoes.
Quick summary: Ethan wants a car, smashes up his rich dad's vehicle, is forced to pay the repairs as a lesson and tries to find a way to build his savings to buy the car. As you can imagine, the plot revolves around the method he uses to build up that savings.
While enjoyable and page turning, at no point did I ever empathize with Ethan. Even in his "turning point" moments, I kind of shrugged and kept going. In some respects, I do applaud Aker for not giving him much growth as it portrays a realistic picture of a person who can't see beyond themselves. While Ethan started his transition at the end of the book, some people take longer... much longer... and with even harder lessons.
A great read, especially for students.
May 18, 2017
Real tear jerker at the end
March 17, 2022
AMAZING READ!
March 9, 2025
read this for a novel study in class and I didn’t think i’d enjoy a book that i found myself irritated by
April 11, 2025
i read this book for a school project, i did enjoy it but i found it was very slow until the end where it got very fast paced. its cool reading a book that’s set in your town!!
August 14, 2025
I enjoyed reading the book it's really helpful
October 23, 2014
The book names is running on empty its about a young man named Eathen and he hangs out with his friends and brakes the rules and get in to trouble. His dad always ends up getting him out of trouble when he does get into it, he does have a job goes to school here and there but he got into a car crash right down the street from his house and his dads isn’t helping him this time. Plus the guy wants Eathen to pay for the damages so that’s all his money that he saved up. Eathen now as to find a way to pay for the damages, keep his money and buy his new car he wants.
What I really liked so far in the book is that Eathen and his friends always brake the rules because that reminds me of what I use to do with my friends I never really got into trouble like Eathen does. Plus I really never had my dad bail me out of everything even though I was in the wrong but Father like son.
What I didn’t really like About the book is that Eathen really wanted a car instead of paying off the Man who had the damages to his car but Eathen wanted a new car instead it didn’t really make sence to me. Because I would have payed off what I messed up but that didn’t mean nothing to Eathen but I guess that’s makes Eathens character.
I recommend this book for young adults because it’s a really good book when it gets more into detail about Eathen wild life. Plus most teens could kinda relate to Eathen in way how ever your life is going at the time.
What I really liked so far in the book is that Eathen and his friends always brake the rules because that reminds me of what I use to do with my friends I never really got into trouble like Eathen does. Plus I really never had my dad bail me out of everything even though I was in the wrong but Father like son.
What I didn’t really like About the book is that Eathen really wanted a car instead of paying off the Man who had the damages to his car but Eathen wanted a new car instead it didn’t really make sence to me. Because I would have payed off what I messed up but that didn’t mean nothing to Eathen but I guess that’s makes Eathens character.
I recommend this book for young adults because it’s a really good book when it gets more into detail about Eathen wild life. Plus most teens could kinda relate to Eathen in way how ever your life is going at the time.
April 8, 2014
I just finished this book, and I liked it a lot. I cried like 3 times near the end when Ethan was desperate and felt like he had no one else to go to. I feel that I misjudged Jack Palmer and was a lot more judgmental against Ethan and Jack and even Jillian than I had the right to. I mean, they're all human and I guess I forgot that while I was reading the book. I felt that Ethan made a LOT of bad choices in the book and those bad choices just came out of that one mistake he made at the beginning. He got himself stuck and things happened to him that weren't fair. His father made life an illusion for him, almost, and yes, he felt like it would be good for Ethan and Raye, but I don't know how I feel about that. Raye, I think is an amazing person and a hero. I didn't know if Ethan would even get out of the situation that he put himself in at the end and what happened at the end was both surprising and shocking to me. I felt so happy when Ethan learned what REALLY was important to him, and I feel that I learned a lesson from this book, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2014
A teenager that really messed up. I guess that's how I will summarize it. This story deals with the topic of addiction- and to the severe extent. Being that teenagers are vulnerable, Ethan gets sucked into the dangerous world of online poker. His life goes down South and he just keeps falling into it. Trust, relationships, and school is unimportant while money is. Ethan breaks all ties with family and friends just to spend it on online poker. He can't stop.
I really enjoyed this book because it stunned me how bad life could get until you have no where left; then you're just "running on empty". It shows the dangers of addiction to a raw emotional moment that truly got to me how bad addictions can become.
I really enjoyed this book because it stunned me how bad life could get until you have no where left; then you're just "running on empty". It shows the dangers of addiction to a raw emotional moment that truly got to me how bad addictions can become.
December 28, 2013
With the abundance of sympathy books this year in Forest of Reading, I had to be careful when rating this book. It deals with an issue, but it never tries to make you feel simply based upon the issue.
The thing about Don Aker books is that I simply love the relateability of the characters. I personally don't have any predetermined notions about the issues, but I love the characters. Their emotional choices are well written and make sense. I just understood the character.
The actual issue was very predictable, but that's okay.
This was a horrible review, but you should definitely read this book.
The thing about Don Aker books is that I simply love the relateability of the characters. I personally don't have any predetermined notions about the issues, but I love the characters. Their emotional choices are well written and make sense. I just understood the character.
The actual issue was very predictable, but that's okay.
This was a horrible review, but you should definitely read this book.
June 12, 2013
Throughout most of the story, the pace was...consistent. Events lead into each other smoothly almost to the point of predictability. The narrative was very effective, very real and uncut. There were a few hints in the dialogue however where you could tell the author was trying way too hard to sound like a rebellious teenager, but nothing too horrible. What really drew me in was the ending. The last few chapters especially were written and composed beautifully. Unexpected, emotional, exciting with an ending that made you feel complete. Well done, Don Aker.
April 15, 2013
Good read, good character and plot development, care that protagonist is making bad choices, want to know what happens next. Deals with serious problem of gambling, very believable story of the downward spiral that could happen to any teen. Author's notes at end make story seem that much more important. Gritty language, and some potentially objectionable sexual content, but I think it's a good book to have on the high school library shelf.
May 14, 2014
This book was absolutely beautiful, I have read plenty of sad books before and none of them have made me cry as much as this one did, I was expecting something big to happen at the end but when it finally happened I was so shocked by it that I didn't fully process what happened until I was reading the last page, running on empty is a book everyone should read as it has life lessons about family, love, and friendship that it describes in a tragically perfect way
June 20, 2014
I really don't like this book. I do not find any of the characters likable, and I have absolutely no sympathy for Ethan. He's actually annoying me now. The book isn't written very well, it's just plain. I'm quite disappointed. I usually complete books, no matter how bad they are, but this one I couldn't get through. I kept trying, but I couldn't finish it
January 25, 2014
This was so far my favorite book out of the five books Ive read for white pine. i was interested throughout he whole book, mostly because I wanted to find out why he was hold a gun on the cover. I cried at the end. Oddly I cried more about Allie being with Pete than thinking his sister was dead. Overall, the book was soooo good!! ♥
April 6, 2014
I enjoyed this novel very mush, it is about the choices someone can get into when they aren't careful about their actions and don't think abut the consequence when the action is being done. What I enjoyed the most was the fact that the novel is written in the third point of view, and that that the characters are so different, yet they all contribute to making the book very good.
June 17, 2014
Great book. Only complaint is how slow the book moves along. The book starts off with all the characters unlikable but as it progresses they become more likable as more is revealed about them. Ethan perfectly embodies the way teens feel and his relationship with his father will be relatable to everyone on some level. Great coming of age book, but not much action.
June 5, 2014
A 2014 White Pine Award nominee. I liked that the father made his son accountable, though the teens in book club thought the father's expectations were too high. I believe the son learned some valuable lessons through this, about making money, being responsible, the wrong kinds of activities to get into, etc.
April 24, 2012
Loved it! The book tackles a tough & growing issue: teenage gambling. Running on Empty is a well constructed, entertaining and moving story with a twist at the end that will have you tearing through the last chapter to see how it ends.
February 23, 2014
The story is about a teen, Ethan Palmer, whose life spirals downwards when he begins gambling. Through use of strong narrative and dialogue, author Don Aker captures the heart and mind of a troubled teen.
April 16, 2014
I didn't like any of the characters, and that distracted me from this book GREATLY.
Didn't like it, didn't feel compelled to any event or character, had to put down the book a lot because it bored me, overall... Ew.
Didn't like it, didn't feel compelled to any event or character, had to put down the book a lot because it bored me, overall... Ew.
September 21, 2012
Loved it.
Read my interview with Don Aker here:
http://www.thewinnipegreview.com/wp/2...
Read my interview with Don Aker here:
http://www.thewinnipegreview.com/wp/2...
February 5, 2014
IT WAS SO FREAKING GOOD.d
April 8, 2014
3.5/5 stars
May 6, 2014
Loved the fact that I didn't know what was going to happen. Kept being surprised as I read the book.
Great book for boys, especially those who keep making the wrong choices.
Great book for boys, especially those who keep making the wrong choices.
February 22, 2015
White Pine 2014. Classic Don Aker. Great realistic fiction.
August 27, 2015
Awesome!!!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews