Plot Summary

Taming The Star Runner

S. E. Hinton
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Taming The Star Runner

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1988

Book Brief

S. E. Hinton

Taming The Star Runner

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Undisclosed Rural Town • 1980s

Topic
Publication Year

1988

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

790L

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Super Short Summary

Set in Oklahoma, Taming the Star Runner tells the story of hot-tempered teenager Travis Harris, who relocates from the city to his uncle's rural horse ranch. He struggles to adapt but finds a connection with Casey Kencaide, a horse trainer, and her horse, the Star Runner. As Travis faces his challenges, the novel explores themes of independence, self-discovery, and the untamable spirit of adolescence. The book contains sensitive topics including physical violence, substance abuse, and criminal activity.

Gritty

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

4,718 ratings

60%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews of S. E. Hinton's Taming the Star Runner reveal a compelling young adult novel that resonates with readers through its authentic depiction of teenage angst and self-discovery. Character development, especially of the protagonist, is praised for its depth. However, some reviewers note that the pacing can feel uneven at times. Overall, it's a heartfelt and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Taming The Star Runner?

A fan of The Outsiders or That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton would relish Taming the Star Runner. Teen and adult readers who appreciate coming-of-age stories featuring rebellious protagonists, emotional depth, and complex friendships will find it compelling. Ideal for those enjoying John Green’s or J. D. Salinger’s work.

4.1

4,718 ratings

60%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Taming The Star Runner is one of S. E. Hinton's novels where she continues to explore themes related to adolescence and coming of age, a consistent hallmark of her writing style.

This book was published in 1988, marking over two decades since Hinton's debut novel The Outsiders was released when she was only 16 years old.

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S. E. Hinton, known for her depiction of realistic teenage experiences, wrote Taming The Star Runner set in a more rural environment compared to her urban-based earlier works.

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Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Undisclosed Rural Town • 1980s

Topic
Publication Year

1988

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

790L

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