Chasing Tail Lights

by Patrick Jones

Break free. Before he died, Christy's daddy used to say that when you feel lost, follow the tail lights of the truck in front of you, and they'll get you somewhere safe. Christy keeps chasing those tail lights, but somehow, she's always still lost in Flint, Michigan. Like most teens in Flint, she's dying to leave this dying city. But she's got a secret that she's never told anyone, and it's keeping her chained like a dog to her dead-end life. And she'll never be able to make a fresh start until she's able to reveal that horrible truth and bring herself back into the light. Patrick Jones revisits his hometown of Flint, Michigan, and the darkness that has overtaken this impoverished city in a novel that reveals the chilling reality of growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in America today.

Genres: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Abuse, Fiction, Survival, Social Issues, School

304 pages, Hardcover

First published July 24, 2007

About the author

Patrick Jones is the author of five realistic teen novels, most recently Stolen Car((Walker / Bloomsbury, 2008). His first young adult novel Things Change (Walker & Company, 2004) was named by the Young Adult Library Services Association as a best book for reluctant readers, and was runner-up in the Teen Buckeye Book Award selected by Ohio teens. His second novel Nailed was published by Walker / Bloomsbury in spring 2006 and was a runner-up for the Great Lake Book Award. His 2007 novel, Chasing Tail Lights, is nominated for the Minnesota Books Awards. His most recent (and last) professional publication is Connecting with Reluctant Readers (Neal-Schuman, 2006). In 2006, he won lifetime achievement awards from both the Catholic Library Association, and the American Library Association. Jones is a frequent speaker at library conferences, having visited all fifty states, as well as in Canada, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Jones grew up in Flint, Michigan, but now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Read more at his web page www.connectingya.com, including FAQs about Things Change and Nailed (perfect for book reports!). NOTE: After a bruising experience with another author, he's limited his reviews on Good Reads to only raves as not to disturb the "fellowship" of YA writers.

Reviews

[Courtney Olivero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I’m from Michigan so reading this was pretty neat since I know a lot of places, streets and freeways talked about !!! The book was good but also heartbreaking !! Issues so many deal with by themselves or behind closed doors … we see you !! We hear you !! We love you ❤️

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is by Patrick Jones who currently lives in Minnesota. He is highly respected for his work as a librarian - he even received a lifetime achievement recognition - a librarian's librarian! I have never had the opportunity to read one of his books. His reputation is as an edgy writer for teens, especially reluctant males. After meeting him last year, I wanted to put some of his books on my summer reading list.

I am so glad that I finally had the chance to read a Patrick Jones book. For those kids who loved "Speak" when they read it in ninth grade, "Chasing Tail Lights" is a more mature choice on similar subjects - for juniors and seniors. Jones actually mentions "Speak" several times in the book, as well as several other titles that deal with similar themes.

Christy, a high school senior in Flint, Michigan, tries to hide herself and just get through high school. She talks little, covers herself in big, baggy hoodies, and tries to avoid attention. The reasons for her behaviors are slowly revealed as the author alternates between Christy's past and the present. This aspect of the book might be slow and confusing to some. The characterizations are strong and well-developed and the strength of the novel. The writing is solid. The plot, though more psychological in nature, moves along well. The focus on character (especially a female character) might appeal more to teen girls. Thematic content is, for the most part, important - especially the ideas of abuse and victimization, parenting, poverty, beauty supplies, friendship, post-secondary education, mentorship, substance abuse, etc.

Jones sets the story in Flint, Michigan - where he was born. Interestingly enough, I was raised in the area north of Detroit as well. Flint has been in the news a lot lately as an example of urban decay. This, obviously, is important to Jones. I found it interesting. However, I think Jones is a bit heavy-handed in how he doles out this theme. I also wonder if the teens that I work with will get it or care. Most will know little of Flint, Michigan - including where it is or its history as a car-making mecca.

The book contains frank talk about sex, language and substance abuse. Though, given Jones' reputation, it wasn't nearly as edgy as I expected. And these things have a purpose - they are not gratuitous. Though the book is definitely for older, more mature teens, there is plenty of young adult literature out there that is edgier.

I am so glad that I finally had the opportunity to read a Jones novel. I will definitely focus more on his work in my book talks!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book! I am sorry I waited so long to read this. Then again, I'm glad I was able to enjoy it now. This takes place in Flint, Michigan, a city we're all aware of now, adding a bit of meaning to the story. The bleak future, the appalling conditions, the difference a teacher can make, and a strong female lead up to a home run of an ending. I highly recommend this one.

The author is a youth advocate and librarian who is dedicated to mentoring other librarians and inspiring them to provide fantastic service to all teens.

[Ms.Goldstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book's local flavor made it interesting, since the places are recognizable. While Jones did an excellent job of expressing the pain and anxiety of his main character, many of the other characters just came across as stereotypical. There was too many types of teen drama packed into this book, which kept it from being great. There is a cool plot twist near the end, though, so keep reading....

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say...Patrick Jones is amazing!

[Erika Galindo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book Chasing Tail Lights and I really enjoyed this book because it was very realistic. I personally liked the way the author used a different type of diction to characterize the people in the book and where they are from. I recommend this book to anyone who likes realistic book or sad books because this book has a bit of tragedy in it as well. Chasing Tail Lights is non fiction.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Christy is a senior in high school and can't wait to get out of Flint, Michigan. She probably never will leave, but hearing her father always talk about “chasing tail lights” until they take you where you want to be, gives her the hope she needs to get through the mess that is her life.

In fifth grade, Christy's father died and life has never been the same. Her mother works hard and drinks hard, but doesn't have a kind word for Christy. Christy's half-brother, Ryan, gets their mother's love even though he deserves it the least. Bree, Christy's little niece, has become her responsibility. She cooks, cleans, and does laundry while she keeps an eye on Bree and swears to keep her safe.

School could offer Christy a way to escape Flint, but with so-so grades and sleepless nights that cause her to be late to class or unable to keep her eyes open, things look less than promising for Christy's future. When Christy demonstrates her ability to run, English teacher Ms. Chapman urges her to join the track team. She also supplies Christy with an unending supply of books to read, each one with a message designed to help the young girl cope with her troubling world. But even encouragement from Ms. Chapman and her best friend, Anne, can't get Christy to accept and admit what is happening on the dark side of her life.

CHASING TAIL LIGHTS exposes the sickening underbelly of sexual abuse. Christy, an innocent victim of the ugly crime, fights with determination to better her life and protect those around her. Readers will feel her pain and cheer her accomplishments as she learns to accept her situation and make a plea for help. Patrick Jones, author of THINGS CHANGE and NAILED, has outdone himself with this one.

[bjneary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Jones has such a way with his characters in this book! Christy is now sixteen but she alternates the chapters with dates in her life. Christy has many issues and low self-esteem. She lives in Flint, Michigan in a rundown school, poverty stricken town, and a shattered household. Christy is best friends with Anne but Anne knows nothing of her life, because Christy is afraid if she knew, she wouldn't be her friend. Christy doesn't want any attention so being friends with out loud Anne is great for Christy. Christy loves her truck driver dad but he dies very early on in the story and she is left with her brother Mitchell (she loves him), little cousin Bree (she is Robert's daughter and Christy loves her). Christy really has three brothers: Robert is in jail, Mitchell and Ryan. Robert and Ryan are her half brothers, different fathers from each other, and from Christy and Mitchell. There is no evidence of Christy's dad but her alcoholic mother's room is loaded with pictures of Ryan's dad, who didn't stick around. Christy's mom favors Ryan and as a result Ryan terrorizes Christy and Mitchell and makes everything their fault. Christy doesn't feel like anyone cares about her and it is Jones' characterization of Christy as lonely, shy, and who feels like a loser who slowly, achingly overcomes a life of neglect to take control, think of adults as counselors who will help her, and confide some of her "secrets" that really spoke to me as I read this book. I haven't even mentioned Tyrell, but you need to read this book to find out about this character who sticks by Christy and offers her a ray of hope. Reluctant readers will love this book, as well as Harris' other books. His honesty about teen life is compelling and not soon forgotten.

[Temira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book was good. I read three of his books now and it's like he's talking about the same kid about what's going on at home and how their lives are miserable and other stuff. I makes me wonder if he had a rough child hood because of the three books I've read. But also the books I read were somewhat like the same but in different ways. For example all the books had something to do with having all the characters putting their heads down or being quiet and not really talking to people in their schools. He makes seem as if he had rough high school years when he was growing up or maybe he had some problems back then. But in the end of all of them the characters would always seem to build up their courage and stand up to the people who were being mean to them and not worry about everything like they did in the beginning of all the books.

[Rhiannon Theis · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first when I saw this book it didn't look very interesting or appealing to me, but once I started reading it, I thought it was okay. One thing I didn't really like about the book is that it didn't really give a background or introduction to the story. I think I would've like the book better if it gave an introduction. I thought this book had some sad parts in It, but it also kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Some things she witnessed made me sick. Overall it was a pretty good book. If it had a sequel, it should be about the aftermath of the story . If you like sad and sometimes disturbing books,than this is a book for you.

[elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely intense. It took me a couple of weeks to read it all, not because I didn't like it, but because I could only take a little bit at a time. I was annoyed that the CIP data spoiled it slightly, because there was a slow reveal of what had actually been happening to the main character, and I already knew the whole time. DON'T READ THE CIP DATA, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ A SPOILER!! Definitely has a memorable ending. I've liked all of Jones' books a lot, and his writing just keeps getting better and better. I enjoyed all of the mentions of other novels.

[sjams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man what a sad book. But a good book. Sad but in the end you feel that things are coming together. See, you're put in Christy's world, which isn't a very happy place, at the end of her high school years, and you follow her through to getting out of all the messes she's in. Which aren't her *fault*. The sad part is that I'm sure this all has happened to someone, and it's not their fault.

Anyway, YAlit is turning into my go-to genre when I need a pick-me-up and this was a good good good find in the library.

[Annee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. I did not make it all the way through, only to p.105. The story was okay, but moved at such a slow pace. I kept getting the impression that I was reading a book wrote 15-20 years ago because it was not very modern and very similar to older books I have read. Not that I don't enjoy older books, this one was just too slow and boring. Maybe if someone I know reads it and says it gets better, I will try again, but for now I'm quitting. Maybe I'll try another book by the author though, to give him a second chance.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is possibly my favorite book. I have no idea why but whenever I read it its like i'm reading it for the first time. Although I already know whats going to happen it never fails to satisfy me. I believe there is a part of this book for everyone to relate to some more than others but on top of that it also gives you hope. I love the ending of this book every time i finish it i always feel a sense of relief and pride. It is definitely a great book with an amazing story. I recomend you go pick this book up and give it a go !

[Stephanie A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had minimal hope going in, but its aimless beginning got more and more aggravating and the quality and interest factor went down, down, down as it worked toward a point until this book and I were in an outright grudge match to finish. I won, but next time I meet a book that references Speak, I'm just going to quit where I am. And at an average rating of 1.5 stars across 2 books, Jones is out of chances with me.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up a few towns north of Flint so I was very interested in reading this book and I'm so glad I did. Patrick Jones hit the Flint mentality right on the nose. There's the need to get out of the town and the inability and means to do so, which he captured perfectly. I especially loved the ending.

[Maggieuselton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, and I'm not much of a "book worm", so if I could read it, you could read it! Its about a girl, she's 14 and she meets this guy and they run away because they think they have it hard at home. They end up getting addicted to heroin, and they live in the dumps in the city with a bunch of addicts. It's a really good story, I'd recommend people to read it.

[Atomicgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of violence and sexual situations which make it appropriate for a more mature audience. It ends with a note of retribution that sounds like a scene from a Rambo movie. Not for those looking for "clean" books.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Patrick Jones really has the voice of today's teens in his head as he writes. I knew part of what this book is about but it didn't make it any less gripping. I won't reveal what the twist of this book is but it is one that you won't quickly forget.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was good for teenage girls. The main character chirsti is a teenager with a lot of problems, more than what most people have, so i think this kind of showed me life could be worse.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a teacher of high school students, I am always interested in new books for this age group. This book dealt with a very hard topic in a stright forward way. I enjoyed the candor with which the author wrote. However, I was a bit disappointed in the ending.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the best endings I have EVER read. It really is a moving story and the only reason why I knocked off stars was just personal perfernce. The book was very nitty gritty and it's hard for me to stomach that kind of writing style though I did see why it was in a book like this.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to love a tale of a drug pusher teen from Flint, MI. Well you don't have to but you can if you want. This was book for the school's book club and was an interesting read. I am looking forward to what the kids will say when we have our next meeting.

[Melliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things are dire in Flint, Michigan, and not just because of the economy. Christy wants to get out, but she has a secret that is keeping her stuck in her dead-end life. She needs to get her courage up and ask for help...

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say... Patrick Jones is a damn good writer. He's got the voice of today's youth in his head and he writes with a gripping, gritty, honest voice that captures the reader so intensely. And this is only the first book of his that I've read...

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Patrick Jones might be an example of a writer whose writing I don't really connect with. There's a lot that happens, there are some run-of-the-mill characters. But I know when I was 13/14, I probably would have loved this.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a book for YAs that has it all; drugs, prison, incest, rape, alcholism, disfunctional families, gay issues with a wow ending. Did she do the right thing? A good quick read.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt this was much too formulaic and didn't care for the ending.

[Gina Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

i like the end

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Jones has a suprisingly good sense of place in the novel. His Flint felt very really to me.