Ron Campbell, the central figure of Richard Ferguson's Spirit Runner, was just a boy when his whole family died in a car crash, but he was old enough to know that his father was a great Olympic marathoner. Despite the fact that his legs were devastatingly injured in the wreck, and he face years of rehab before he will even be able to walk and run normally, he carries a determination that he will be a great runner like his father.
Ron's tragic life begins with the auto accident, but that is not the end of the tragedy. He's placed in the care of his aunt and uncle, who mistreat him and are literally willing to kill for Ron's inheritance. Thankfully his loving, kind grandparents intervene. He also has a therapist who lives at the ranch with the family, and who has the skills and determination to get Ron back on his feet. His favorite nurse from his hospital stay becomes a regular feature at the ranch, as do some kids from neighboring ranches who become his best friends.
In this environment of love and hatred, he faces obstacles, human and natural, which seem determined to ruin his rehabilitation and break his spirit: sabotage of his aquatic training trench, an attack from a rabid wolf, getting swept away in a flash flood, physical abuse from his aunt and uncle, cruelty from his cousin, harassment from bullies, and other struggles. Somehow he perseveres and, miraculously, does not turn out to be an embittered, mean young man, but a strong, kind young man who turns out to be an even greater runner than his dad.
Some of the drama is over the top in Spirit Runner, but the overall message and the story of redemption from out of tragedy makes this an enjoyable read. Although he faced hardship and had to deal with hateful relatives, he was fortunate to have such great, positive support. When things seem darkest, look for the light and press on.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
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