Lisa Nowak

I'm not an expert, by any means, of YA fiction. In all honesty, this is the first book of that genre that I've ever read. I highly enjoyed it for its Northwestern setting, and I'm sure it will go down as the very first work of fiction that can be properly labelled as "Cascadian." I was lost on many of the Portland landmarks that are peppered throughout the story (I'm based out of Washington, so I'm not as familiar with "Down Under"). The author really knows her Oregonian history.

I have three nitpicks. Not condemnations, not critiques. Just nitpicks.

First of all, some of the main characters are immigrants to Cascadia from Chicago. In a future independent Pacific Northwest, English language dialects would diverge at a higher rate from those in the rest of the United States and Canada. I would have liked, for the sense of linguistic realism, for these Chicago transplants to have some language differences from the characters in Portland.

Secondly, the characters all seem to use Apple iPads and laptops. For the sake of regional pride, these should have been Microsoft products.

Thirdly, as much as the author loves her native Portland (and it really is a lovely city), there is no way that it would become the national capital of an independent Cascadia. That honor would most likely go to Victoria or Vancouver (BC), as a concession to BCers who would be hesitant to leave Confederation with Canada in order to join up with a much larger population of Americans (which is the only reason why British Columbia, in 1867, entered into Confederation with eastern provinces in the first place). In fact, BC is hardly addressed in these episodes.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series to see what happens next. Other reviewers have complained about how the cliffhanger is a letdown; I don't share that opinion. I see this volume as 1/3 or 1/4 of a much longer novel. The break in the story feels like a natural stopping point, and I would expect that new characters and scenarios to develop in the first few pages of the next part.… (mehr)

This story took my by surprised and I love it! I love going into a book exactly knowing what is going to happen and it's not.

What I enjoyed most about this book is the great plot line. Filled with hurt and lies, Cody is being passed around like trash. He is acting out and on his last resort. The thing is Cody is not a bad kid. He has just being treated badly. Instantly, I was invested in Cody and my heart was with him every step of the way. When ever he made a mistake, I am there rooting for him to get back up and keep going. When someone is there to bring him down, I shove my boot up their butts! LOL

The best part of this story is that there is no love interest. Well sort of. This is more of a family love. Learning to love and trust when all you been taught is the wrong stuff. To see Cody struggle with acceptance but also at the same time learn to love and care brought tears to my eyes. I'm so happy that Cody got a chance to shine just a he is meant to be.

And that is why I love this book. The redemption of the characters along with the hell he went through makes this story soo worth reading. When a big life mess can be turned around by simple acts of love it touches my heart.

Running Wide Open is an gripping story that is solid till the end. The success in writing such flawed characters with amazing ability to be redeemed, this story deserves much praise. A genuine exploration of a love makes the readers heart glow. Running Wide Open is awesome!… (mehr)

Life can be hard for a person who has a mother that has not one good bone in her body, a dad that doesn't support them when being verbally attacked, and an anger problem that has you left living with a guy with a weird name. Cody's life is about to be changed and though it may start off bad it turn bright in the end.

I could never do what Cody has done, I would be too afraid to go home and face my parents. Also his mom, I swear that she needs to show a little more loving support to her son. Constantly throughout the beginning of the book I felt bad for Cody. Than we move onto Race...I really would love to have a parent like him. He is laid back and a person that one could go up and talk too. However, I believe he needs to get the guts to ask out the person who he really cares about, and not take no for an answer.

The plot was one that I could follow and not once did I lose sight of it. This book was one that contained adventure, love, some action, and a feeling that one can never forget. I recommend that all readers take a chance in their reading life and open this book.

I give this book 4 souls!… (mehr)

Summary (from Goodreads): Cody Everett has a temper as hot as the flashpoint of racing fuel, and it's landed him at his uncle's trailer, a last-chance home before military school. But how can he take the guy seriously when he calls himself Race, eats Twinkies for breakfast, and pals around with rednecks who drive in circles every Saturday night?

What Cody doesn't expect is for the arrangement to work. Or for Race to become the friend and mentor he's been looking for all his life. But just as Cody begins to settle in and get a handle on his supercharged temper, a crisis sends his life spinning out of control. Everything he's come to care about is threatened, and he has to choose between falling back on his old, familiar anger or stepping up to prove his loyalty to the only person he's ever dared to trust.

Review: Cody Everett is a 15 year old troubled kid who has a messed up family and a messed up life. After getting caught with his buddies plastering graffiti at the zoo, Cody is given the choice of military school or living with his uncle Race. Choosing to live with his uncle - a stock-car racer, he figures he will still end up in military school, but soon finds out just what life should be. He has to learn to trust and be trusted. He has to learn to make the right decisions, and to stand up for what he wants and needs.

I must say that I really had a hard time getting into the "Before" section of the book. It was rough and hard to read, but after getting into the book, I know that it was necessary to include that part to get a good feel for Cody, and what his life was like - so that ultimately, you could better understand his motives later on. The voice in this story is so strong. There is no question about the emotional connections built into the plot, and it is necessary to get the message across to the reader.

The characters in this book were so vivid and strong. You got a good feel for each one, and could find yourself looking at things from the point-of-view of each main character. It was great to see a "tough guy" show some good qualities, and how he eventually get comfortable showing those qualities. Many novels portraying bad boys keep them as bad boys. This one shows what is deep down in that character - really fleshes him out.

I am a huge NASCAR fan, and I believe that this helped me understand a lot of the book. Cody's uncle Race is a weekend, Saturday night short track racer. I live less than a mile from a short track myself - listening to the cars sling themselves around the dirt track every Friday night here. I could put myself into the story, pulling on all of my senses so I was right there with Cody and Race.

This coming of age story would be one that I feel many of my male students could really get into. Again, I think the "Before" section could be a little iffy for them - there is a lot of swearing and bad language. But once you get through that part, it is wonderful. And, I think the boys would think that that was great!!

This book is one that young adults can truly relate to and should find itself as a favorite to many.… (mehr)