READ OF THE MONTH
A YOUNG ADULT NOVEL TO GET READERS MOVING just RUN! by Bernadine Lightfoot is a compelling new young adult novel that combines slow-burn romance, humour, mystery, and personal growth in a story guaranteed to leave readers inspired – and eager to lace up their running shoes.
More than just a coming-of-age novel, just RUN! cleverly sneaks in a practical running guide without ever feeling instructional or preachy. With relatable characters, witty storytelling, and emotional depth, the novel captures the exhilaration of running while encouraging readers to take charge of their own lives – no permission needed.
The book also includes accessible recipes and running plans designed to inspire healthier habits and balanced living, seamlessly woven into the story in an engaging and entertaining way.
just RUN! is the English translation of the popular Afrikaans teen novel HOL!, published by Naledi.
As Lightfoot explains:“ The heart of running is that strange mix of peace, grit, and euphoria that runners know so well, but struggle to explain to people who don’ t ' get ' running. By the time readers put the book down, after getting caught up in the romance and mystery side of the story, they somehow end up‘ getting’ the heart of running, too. And trying it themselves suddenly doesn’ t feel like such a foreign idea anymore.”
Here’ s the synopsis...
Evie desperately needs her life to change. She’ s overweight, friendless, and hiding a Hannibal Lecter-level secret. Her options: stay stuck, bored, scared, and miserable – or do something drastic she’ ll probably regret.
After one mortifying incident with school heartthrob Joshua, she does the unthinkable … she runs. It’ s brutal. Excruciating. Humiliating. She hates running. Running hates her more.
Still … one jog becomes another, because apparently self-destruction beats stagnation.
Then there’ s the older brother, Zach. Sexy. Moody. Future doctor. Zero tolerance for feelings. Especially inconvenient ones like Evie. He treats her like she’ s just his little sister’ s friend – which she is. And yet … there’ s something in the way he notices her anyway. In the way he’ s trying not to.
The past she buried? It’ s not done with her. Not even close.
Now available online WWW. NALEDI. CO. ZA and at bookstores, priced at R260.
44 www. modernathlete. co. za