Amaka Egbe seamlessly embedded key issues in her Run Like A Girl: family dysfunction, sexism in sports, peer drama, and the less than wonderful aspects of social media. Fortunately they never overpower the plot or the protagonist.
Dera has her life planned out. She's a standout track star who plans to use her stats to get a full ride to a college with an elite program. Her ultimate goal, which she passionately longs for, is to run in the Olympics.
Midway through her junior year Dera's world implodes. Her parents have been divorced for most of her life. Her father is, in every sense of the word, a cold, distant stranger. When her mother has to send her to live with him because of money problems she's suddenly living with a very curt, judgemental, dismissive stranger...
...in a whole different school system. She's had to leave her close friends to start over again in a high school that is far from welcoming--especially when she goes after and earns a spot on the boys' track team...
...well there is no girls' track team. And Dera isn't about to give up on her Olympic dreams.
As if those challenges aren't enough social media adds its own kind of shitstorm.
If a strong willed girl striving to survive in a very challenging environment she never expected to be thrown into is your kind of read you're going to love Run Like A Girl.
On a purrrsonal note, I have just gotten home from a purrrfect relaxing long weekend at camp with Eugene. I did get in some walking. Sunday night we watched a great nerds triumph over bullying jocks movie. But mostly I read outside on the porch.
But we have to take Labor Day very seriously. It's much more than a long weekend. Far too many workers and their families are homeless and hungry due to inadequate wages. Too many are ruthlessly exploited. Too many are killed or seriously injured due to unsafe conditions. If the current administration has its way things will only get worse. Can you say child labor?
A great big shout out goes out to all who observe the true spirit of Labor Day by fighting for workers' rights.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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