March 2015 Debut of the Month Thirteen year old Mark is running away from home. He’s taking his dog Beau with him, and is heading for Mount Rainier. He’s prepared really well, no-one and nothing – certainly not the cancer that is going to end his life – will stop him from making this trip. This is both a very honest description of what it might feel like to be a young person with cancer and a terrific adventure story – Mark’s journey, the people and problems he runs into, is classic boy versus wilderness stuff, and really gripping. Every encounter and every episode takes him forward – literally as well as metaphorically – and gives us more information about what it’s like to be him. A heart-warming and life-affirming novel. ~Andrea Reece
A Piece of Passion from Barry Cunningham, Publisher, Chicken House It’s silly when a book makes you cry, isn’t it? When it’s all about courage, connecting with other lives, and finding your own answers to the most impossible questions about living and loving. OK – maybe not so silly, maybe that’s what books are for. Thanks Dan, this is a truly great story. And there’s a dog that helps out too!
A beautifully written coming-of-age novel from debut author Dan Gemeinhart about a young boy who, despite his illness, is determined to go on one last adventure with his dog Beau. Mark has been in and out of hospital his whole life - and he's fed up. So when his cancer returns, he decides he's had enough. Running away with his dog Beau, he sets out to climb a mountain - and it's only when he's left everything behind that Mark realises he has everything to live for.
Perfect for fans of Wonder and younger fans of The Fault in our Stars, this is a rare and extraordinary novel about undying friendship, determination and acceptance.
‘Gemeinhart’s heart-rending yet suspenseful novel tells the equally gripping stories of the boy who went to the mountain and the girl who stayed behind … undeniably moving.’ KIRKUS REVIEWS (USA), starred review
‘… an emotionally hard-hitting survival story.’ PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (USA)
Author
About Dan Gemeinhart
Dan Gemeinhart is a teacher-librarian and lives with his family in Washington, USA. When not writing he enjoys backpacking, travelling, and the baking of fabulous breads.
