Running As Fast As I Can

Running As Fast As I Can

For Fans of WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING, A LITTLE LIFE, and FORREST GUMP "... often profound historical novel. Our verdict: GET IT!" - KIRKUS REVIEWS Growing up in the mill slums of Pittsburgh, a broken family is the only life Daniel Robinson has ever known. When he turns 18, he escapes the only way he can, spending the next decade wandering homeless throughout the country during the turbulent 1960s. Running from the demons of his past, Daniel finds the streets even more violent and unforgiving, but he also discovers kindness and hope among the outcasts he meets. Daniel finally falls in love with Kate Fitzgerald, a young waitress who was running from her own past. Together they get a second chance at happiness and the family they both want. Because of his life on the streets, Daniel is offered a job helping men coming from prison. When asked to find housing for Charles Vickers, a black man who spent twenty years in prison for a crime Daniel is convinced he never committed, he and his wife open their own home to him. This enrages the community, especially when a local girl disappears. Violence erupts—with Daniel as the focus of their rage. Should he stay and fight for Charles and put his family at risk… or run away again? RUNNING AS FAST AS I CAN is an unforgettable, multi-award-winning story about overcoming childhood abuse and the generational trauma of poverty to find love, forgiveness, and redemption. Daniel’s story, with its harrowing social themes conveyed through an intense personal odyssey, vividly portrays a traumatic period in our history, while grappling with intense emotional and social issues we still face today. " A genuine page turner . It's a story of love and forgiveness. Intensely emotional, it is also timely and relevant, highlighting social issues our society still struggles with today. It is, in my opinion, truly a masterpiece. " - Readers' Favorite 5 Star Review "It is a captivating book that offers a profound reading experience. It delves into various aspects of life that resonate with all of us, provoking deep introspection into one's own journey. A fascinating read ." - Author's Reading "Running As Fast As I Can is a poignant exploration of resilience, shattered dreams, and the complex tapestry of human relationships. It captivates readers with its emotional depth, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read . A beautiful coming-of age novel." - Reedsy Discovery Must Read "John David Graham's writing is impressive, characterized by meticulous planning and skillful character development. His attention to detail creates immersive scenes, bringing the characters' emotional journeys to life. " - Literary Titan "... often profound historical novel . Although the protagonist is constantly traveling, he isn't merely running from something. He's often searching for ways that he can help others. The supporting characters are striking; for example, despite Elizabeth's apparent manipulation of Daniel's affection for her, it's clear that she craves love just as much as he does. Daniel's yearslong story touches on numerous issues that reflect the times in which it's set. But a later subplot, which Graham wisely highlights, is the weightiest: Daniel comes to the aid of Charles Vickers, an African American man who spent two decades in jail. When townspeople object to Vickers' release, their ire at both men results in a tragic outcome. Our verdict: get it! " - Kirkus Review JOHN DAVID GRAHAM is the founder and executive director of Good Samaritan Home, a non-profit social service agency in Ohio, offering ex-offenders reentry housing and mentoring support. He is the author of an academic book, Citizen Circle: A Mentoring Model for Rehabilitating Ex-offenders in Darke County, Ohio, that documents the positive impact that mentoring ex-offenders has on the community.Prior to that he was a door-to-door salesman, a children's home counselor, substitute school teacher, truck driver, fireman, building contractor, minister and a journalist. Sometimes the road home takes many twists and turns.That long and winding road is the best preparation for writing. John's philosophy is the best writing occurs after a life has actually been lived-when we have had time to develop calloused hands and a tender heart.His current novel, although fiction, is the very real story of too many of us who struggle to overcome generations of poverty, neglect or abuse that have left us totally incapable of the life, and love, we desperately want. It is everyone's story because we all deserve a second chance.