Run

Bernard Doyle, a former Boston mayor, has raised his sons Tip and Teddy, who are Black and were adopted, along with his biological son Doyle. One snowy evening, after a lecture, Tip steps into the path of an oncoming car, and a stranger named Tennessee pushes him aside and is hit herself. Her young daughter Kenya ends up in the Doyles' care, and over a single day the book reveals how the families are connected by what they have lost. Ann Patchett writes about race, class, faith and politics through a tightly timed story.

A good read for those who like family stories that move between many characters. It suits readers who enjoy Patchett's humane style and want a short, quick-moving novel with a strong sense of place.

Balanced in tone; an easy read.

Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?