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Running Away for Beginners
You can't run from bad news. Or can you? Jasper was just diagnosed with cancer. His treatment starts in a week, and in the meantime his parents want him to carry on as normal. Jasper knows that's impossible. His friends help to organize a weekend trip to get away from everything that's happened and clear his mind. It'll be like running away for beginners, they joke. On the journey, they come to understand each other better as everyone's secrets come out. Except Jasper doesn't tell his friends his own that when the return journey begins, he won't be going with them.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2024
4 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 2, 2025
the characters were in yr 11 (so like 16) and the dialogue and writing made it feel like they were 10.
April 29, 2025
Jasper is 14 and has just been diagnosed with cancer. His parents want him to try and stay in routine, but Jasper can't face a normal week of school and plans to run away to find his uncle. Three of his friends suggest a weekend away, so the four of them head off, not knowing that Jasper isn't planning to return home with them on Sunday. Even though Jasper mulls over death a bit, there isn't as much focus on this as I was expecting. I'm not entirely sure how to pitch this book to teen readers, since while the main characters are 14, the adventures they have seem to be aimed at a younger audience. Overall a good story.
April 23, 2025
What do you do when you’re 15 and get told you have cancer? - running away is a very understandable option!
May 15, 2024
I loved this book! Inspired by the author's own experience of a teen cancer diagnosis, it's very much about that moment of diagnosis - of coming to terms with the news and the various branching pathways of future possibilities - not about what happens later. It centres around the protagonist Jasper and his tight-knit friendship group, as he tries to absorb the news. Jasper is vulnerable and beautifully realistic, and I really enjoyed the various supporting characters too, who all felt sweetly quirky and well-rounded in different ways.
The running-away bit, Jasper's ill-fated trip to the seaside, isn't really the point, but it allows the friends to bond and works to reflect the internal journey of the main character. There's a lovely clarity to the writing. It's pacy and moving and, although it deals with a serious topic, it's funny too. Plus it's set in one of my favourite places - the Yorkshire coast near Robin Hood's Bay.
For me, it seemed to sit well in that upper-middle-grade or lower teen category. These characters are just old enough to go away together overnight, but young enough to do reckless things they've not thought through. Thoroughly enjoyed the pilfered breakfast scene.
The ending strikes a nuanced and uplifting note - Jasper is about to start treatment and doesn't know what awaits him, but he can face the future because of his support network of imperfect but loving family and friends.
The running-away bit, Jasper's ill-fated trip to the seaside, isn't really the point, but it allows the friends to bond and works to reflect the internal journey of the main character. There's a lovely clarity to the writing. It's pacy and moving and, although it deals with a serious topic, it's funny too. Plus it's set in one of my favourite places - the Yorkshire coast near Robin Hood's Bay.
For me, it seemed to sit well in that upper-middle-grade or lower teen category. These characters are just old enough to go away together overnight, but young enough to do reckless things they've not thought through. Thoroughly enjoyed the pilfered breakfast scene.
The ending strikes a nuanced and uplifting note - Jasper is about to start treatment and doesn't know what awaits him, but he can face the future because of his support network of imperfect but loving family and friends.
March 17, 2024
Although I must acknowledge that, at 24, I may not be the target audience for this book—aimed more towards early to mid-teens—I still approached it with an open mind. Unfortunately, I found myself unable to complete the book and chose to DNF at around 60% through, resulting in a rating of one star. It's important to note that I was kindly sent this book, and I always give my honest opinion.
The concept of the book intrigued me, offering a promising premise. However, as I was reading, I encountered some challenges. The narrative felt somewhat repetitive. While there were moments of predictability, there were also instances that seemed to come out of left field, contributing little to the overall plot.
Despite my personal experience, I firmly believe in the subjectivity of reading preferences. What may not have resonated with me might very well captivate others, especially those who are on the same journey as Jasper, and the author himself once was. Therefore, I encourage fellow readers to explore this book with an open mind. Just because it didn't quite hit the mark for me doesn't mean it won't become a beloved read for someone else.
The concept of the book intrigued me, offering a promising premise. However, as I was reading, I encountered some challenges. The narrative felt somewhat repetitive. While there were moments of predictability, there were also instances that seemed to come out of left field, contributing little to the overall plot.
Despite my personal experience, I firmly believe in the subjectivity of reading preferences. What may not have resonated with me might very well captivate others, especially those who are on the same journey as Jasper, and the author himself once was. Therefore, I encourage fellow readers to explore this book with an open mind. Just because it didn't quite hit the mark for me doesn't mean it won't become a beloved read for someone else.
March 20, 2024
I got this book for my step granddaughter because she has a young relative who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. It was a bit of a risk as she could have found it way too upsetting, but she absolutely loved it - and so did I! The characters were relatable and really lovable. The writing as touching and funny - there was even a bit of a Famous 5 adventure feeling to it (but massively better than Enid Blyton!). Apparently the author was drawing on his own experience of having cancer as a young man, and the emotional pain and sadness of that experience comes through strongly. But in the end, it's a book about overcoming a terrible experience with the support and love of a bunch of very different friends. A beautiful story, beautifully written.
January 4, 2026
This book was incredible! It told the story of a teenage boy who had been told something that changed his life. His parents want him to carry on but can he?
This book shows how much the people you love will always be with you no matter what. And even if you think you can do it on your own, they’ll still be there.
It was truly heartwarming and full of adventure!
This book shows how much the people you love will always be with you no matter what. And even if you think you can do it on your own, they’ll still be there.
It was truly heartwarming and full of adventure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this! Very “they both die at the end” vibes, easy to read and a great little plot!
January 3, 2025
If you have ever tried running you will know that it takes some practice to get to a good and comfortable speed. Even more so if you are attempting short distance runs at an accelerated pace! But what about if you are running away? In many stories, when the characters find themselves in a position which requires running away we are told they run as fast as they can, or faster than they ever have before. But what do you do when you are running not from something tangible, not from a danger that by running you will actually leave behind? Can you run from bad news? You can bury your head in the sand and pretend it isn’t happening but running, that is harder and Jasper, the main character of Mark Illis’ Running Away for Beginners is about to discover just how challenging this type of running is. Before we go further this book is very much for teens, it is harrowing but hopeful, please bear that in mind.
He is just fourteen years old when the cancer diagnosis comes. It is going to change Jasper’s life, forever, no matter the outcome. With treatment scheduled to begin in just one week Jasper probably doesn’t have time to run, and would running away really do any good? Running away would mean not receiving treatment. Maybe this is one of those occasions where running into the bad news is the only solution. Jasper’s parents think that if he carries on with life as normal it will all be easier but he knows otherwise, he knows it is impossible. His friends rally, they plan a trip to the seaside for the weekend before his treatment is due to start. They say that it will be just like running away for beginners but as they take the first steps of their unexpected journey they are going to discover that there are secrets that need to come out and they do. Well, except for Jasper’s. He hasn’t told them, but he has decided that when the trip is over, when the weekend has come to a close, he is not going home with them. Inspired by the author’s own teenage diagnosis of cancer this story is written by a survivor. A funny, heartfelt, uplifting, beautiful story full of hope.
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024.
Merged review:
If you have ever tried running you will know that it takes some practice to get to a good and comfortable speed. Even more so if you are attempting short distance runs at an accelerated pace! But what about if you are running away? In many stories, when the characters find themselves in a position which requires running away we are told they run as fast as they can, or faster than they ever have before. But what do you do when you are running not from something tangible, not from a danger that by running you will actually leave behind? Can you run from bad news? You can bury your head in the sand and pretend it isn’t happening but running, that is harder and Jasper, the main character of Mark Illis’ Running Away for Beginners is about to discover just how challenging this type of running is. Before we go further this book is very much for teens, it is harrowing but hopeful, please bear that in mind.
He is just fourteen years old when the cancer diagnosis comes. It is going to change Jasper’s life, forever, no matter the outcome. With treatment scheduled to begin in just one week Jasper probably doesn’t have time to run, and would running away really do any good? Running away would mean not receiving treatment. Maybe this is one of those occasions where running into the bad news is the only solution. Jasper’s parents think that if he carries on with life as normal it will all be easier but he knows otherwise, he knows it is impossible. His friends rally, they plan a trip to the seaside for the weekend before his treatment is due to start. They say that it will be just like running away for beginners but as they take the first steps of their unexpected journey they are going to discover that there are secrets that need to come out and they do. Well, except for Jasper’s. He hasn’t told them, but he has decided that when the trip is over, when the weekend has come to a close, he is not going home with them. Inspired by the author’s own teenage diagnosis of cancer this story is written by a survivor. A funny, heartfelt, uplifting, beautiful story full of hope.
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024.
He is just fourteen years old when the cancer diagnosis comes. It is going to change Jasper’s life, forever, no matter the outcome. With treatment scheduled to begin in just one week Jasper probably doesn’t have time to run, and would running away really do any good? Running away would mean not receiving treatment. Maybe this is one of those occasions where running into the bad news is the only solution. Jasper’s parents think that if he carries on with life as normal it will all be easier but he knows otherwise, he knows it is impossible. His friends rally, they plan a trip to the seaside for the weekend before his treatment is due to start. They say that it will be just like running away for beginners but as they take the first steps of their unexpected journey they are going to discover that there are secrets that need to come out and they do. Well, except for Jasper’s. He hasn’t told them, but he has decided that when the trip is over, when the weekend has come to a close, he is not going home with them. Inspired by the author’s own teenage diagnosis of cancer this story is written by a survivor. A funny, heartfelt, uplifting, beautiful story full of hope.
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024.
Merged review:
If you have ever tried running you will know that it takes some practice to get to a good and comfortable speed. Even more so if you are attempting short distance runs at an accelerated pace! But what about if you are running away? In many stories, when the characters find themselves in a position which requires running away we are told they run as fast as they can, or faster than they ever have before. But what do you do when you are running not from something tangible, not from a danger that by running you will actually leave behind? Can you run from bad news? You can bury your head in the sand and pretend it isn’t happening but running, that is harder and Jasper, the main character of Mark Illis’ Running Away for Beginners is about to discover just how challenging this type of running is. Before we go further this book is very much for teens, it is harrowing but hopeful, please bear that in mind.
He is just fourteen years old when the cancer diagnosis comes. It is going to change Jasper’s life, forever, no matter the outcome. With treatment scheduled to begin in just one week Jasper probably doesn’t have time to run, and would running away really do any good? Running away would mean not receiving treatment. Maybe this is one of those occasions where running into the bad news is the only solution. Jasper’s parents think that if he carries on with life as normal it will all be easier but he knows otherwise, he knows it is impossible. His friends rally, they plan a trip to the seaside for the weekend before his treatment is due to start. They say that it will be just like running away for beginners but as they take the first steps of their unexpected journey they are going to discover that there are secrets that need to come out and they do. Well, except for Jasper’s. He hasn’t told them, but he has decided that when the trip is over, when the weekend has come to a close, he is not going home with them. Inspired by the author’s own teenage diagnosis of cancer this story is written by a survivor. A funny, heartfelt, uplifting, beautiful story full of hope.
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024.
May 19, 2025
I read this book for the May 2025 meeting of the Thought Foundation book club. It’s a good, quick, YA read. The story is well-told, and the central characters are all believable and relatable. I enjoyed the setting, too, reliving my own teenage years visiting York, Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews