The Cross Country Runner

by Andre Dubus III

First published 2018

Twelve-year-old Richie Stowe wants to become a priest, but his world shifts when his parents divorce. Over one day, Richie and five family members each confront what the split means for their lives. His father's announcement the night before set everything in motion. Now each person must reckon with guilt, desire, and the weight of their choices. These collected stories and novellas explore characters caught between what they want and what they believe is right. A Navy sailor faces racial tension. A detective pursues justice. A Hispanic shortstop chases his dreams. An eleven-year-old boy befriends a troubled Vietnam veteran. Each story examines how people navigate love, violence, and forgiveness when life pulls them in different directions.

Genres: short-stories, literary-fiction, contemporary, family-drama

Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking

Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family

400 pages · Paperback · David R. Godine, Publisher

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