The Running Man

The Running Man is a powerful young adult novel about 14-year-old Joseph Davidson, a talented but self-conscious artist, who is tasked with drawing a portrait of his enigmatic neighbor, Tom Leyton. Tom, a Vietnam veteran, has lived as a recluse for thirty years, fueling local gossip and suspicion. As Joseph delves into Tom's world, he not only uncovers the veteran's deep-seated trauma and 'dark secrets' but also confronts his own anxieties, including a damaged relationship with his absent father and a childhood fear of a local figure known as the 'Running Man.' The book is a profound exploration of how we perceive others, the impact of war, the nature of empathy, and the journey of self-discovery. It's suitable for mature young readers ready for a character-driven story with significant emotional depth.

"There had always been the Running Man - always that phantom form somewhere in the distance, always shuffling relentlessly closer ..." Tom Leyton, a reclusive Vietnam veteran, has been the subject of rumour and gossip for thirty years. When Joseph Davidson, his young neighbour and a talented artist, is asked to draw a portrait of him, an uneasy relationship begins to unfold, one that will force each of them to confront his darkest secrets. This is a story about how we perceive others, the judgments we make about them, how we cope with tragedy, and the nature of miracles. Michael Gerard Bauer is a part-time English teacher and writer who lives in Brisbane with his family. He was the winner of the 2003 Brisbane Writers Festival WriteSmall competition. This is his first novel.