“Tom Leyton, a reclusive Vietnam veteran, has been the subject of gossip and rumour 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 a story about how we perceive others, the judgements we make about them, how we cope with tragedy, and the nature of miracles.”
10th Anniversary Edition Cover 2014.
REVIEWS:
Beautifully realised and tightly crafted. The characterisation is quite brilliant. A haunting, literary narrative – masterful and poetic, with rich themes to explore. From every perspective, this is a very impressive novel. (C.B.C.A.)
One of those books that remain with you after you have finished it. The damaging effects of war on those who carry around the horrors of what they saw and did is an issue that certainly deserves attention. The powerful message in the story is the importance of looking beyond the surface. (Viewpoint)
The Running Man, a powerful first novel, is an allegory whose many layers resonate long afterwards. Bauer gently prises away the self-imposed cocoons of good people consumed by torment and imprisoned by their own guilt and recurrent nightmares, then draws us along in their transformations. This is an exceptional novel of spirit, friendship, growth and courage. Oh and miracles of many kinds. Note to Michael Bauer: ‘Please sir, I want some more.’ (Glee Books)
With a deft skill Bauer presents a familiar landscape with a fresh eye. The writing here is strong, well-balanced and heartfelt. Highly recommended. (Reading Time)
This novel is a delightful read. Often elegant in his prose, Bauer paints a picture of loneliness and regret that is often achingly real, occasionally haunting. This novel could trigger long and serious discussions about the nature of good and evil, the reality of relationships, what it means to grow up, and maybe even freedom versus bondage. What teacher could ask for more than that? (Dept of Education and Training W.A.)
The blossoming friendship between two shy people is depicted with great subtlety and compassion, and the minor characters are well-delineated individuals. This is a mature literary novel and is highly recommended. (Magpies Magazine)
A phantom form shuffles relentlessly closer – the Running Man. A talented young artist draws a portrait of his reclusive Vietnam Veteran neighbour and a relationship develops, forcing each of them to confront their darkest secrets. A compelling first novel steeped in tragedy and the nature of miracles. (Torquay Books)
This psychological study on becoming trapped within one’s own fears makes compelling reading. It is an excellent text to add to senior reading lists dealing with fear and loss. Bauer masterfully builds a disquieting intrigue through this study of the human condition. (Dept of Education QLD)
Remarkably simple and movingly coherent, this haunting tale is filled with contemplation, secrets, and the act of creation. Intelligent characterisation and themes make for a crafted and intriguing novel. (NSW Dept Of Education and Training)
This psychological study on becoming trapped within own’s own fear makes compelling reading. It is an excellent text to add to Senior English reading lists dealing with fear and loss. Bauer masterfully builds a disquieting intrigue through this study of the human condition. (Library Services Department of Education and the Arts.)
EDITIONS:
Italian Edition Dutch Edition Sth Korean Edition
French Edition
AWARDS & SHORTLISTINGS:
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- Children’s Book Council of Australia: Winner Book of the Year for Older Readers (2005)
- Courier Mail Book of the Year for Younger Readers: Shortlisted (2005)
- Courier Mail Readers Choice Award for Younger Readers (2005)
- NSW Premier’s Literary Awards: Shortlisted (2005)
- Victorian Premiers Awards: Shortlisted (2005)
- Adelaide Festival Literary Awards: Shortlisted (2006)
- National Reading Day: Selected Text (2007)
- Catholic Children’s and Young People’s Book Award German edition (2008)
- Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis Award: Shortlisted (2008)
- Finalist in the Premio Cento di Letteratura per Ragazzi (Centro Award for Children’s Literature) middle school category (2009) Italian Edition
- Selected as a Banks Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year (2009) USA Edition
- Shortlisted for the Prix Farniente Beligium 2014
TEACHER’S NOTES: Scholastic Australia
My BLOGS featuring THE RUNNING MAN:
blog 25: In which I learn something new about the real Running Man.
blog 57: In which I reveal the first stumbling steps of The Running Man.
Michael Gerard Bauer Author 
Hi Michael,
I read this book in English and loved it and i think there should be a movie produced about it.
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Hi Elliot. Glad you enjoyed The Running Man. I’d vote for a movie too! Cheers Michael
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Hi Michael,
I am teaching your book this coming Term One to Year 8. One thing that struck me about it, among many other things, was the destructiveness of gossip and rash judgement.
Was that one thing you wanted to show in the novel?
Best Wishes,
Mark
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Hi Mark. Thanks for your email. Those things are important in the story, particularly the rash judgement. I was thinking a lot about how we label people and stick them in a box, often based just on what we see or hear without really knowing them as individuals. It ties into the idea of Joseph looking below the surface in order to be able to ‘draw’ Tom Leyton properly. I hope the novel works well for you and the class. Say Hi to them from me. Cheers Michael
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Thanks, Michael for your reply.
We have started the novel. We think it was both Joseph’s good will and courage in initially consenting to mowing the Leyton’s lawn together with Caroline’s goodwill in talking so nicely with Joseph, that was a catalyst in the opening of doors in Tom and Joseph’s lives to come.
But, the class and I wanted to ask you, why you called the novel The Running Man, when most of the story surrounds Joseph and Tom, not Simon Jamieson?
Best Wishes,
Mark
PS. The class say you love your similes!!
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Hi Mark. Maybe the ‘Running Man’ of the title can refer to more than just Simon Jamieson. It certainly can refer to Tom as he himself says, “‘Everybody runs … Even if you sit rotting inside a decaying house for thirty years, you can still be in a mad flight somewhere. ‘ In fact there are a few characters in the novel who, like Tom goes on to say, are ‘running after a desperate dream or away from a nightmare’. Mrs Mossop for one. Part of the dedication of the novel is to ‘The Running Man inside us all’. Hope that helps or at least gives you something to discuss. Cheers.
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Re PS: I also love my metaphors and images. And if you think that book has a lot a similes you should read Don’t Call Me Ishmael. The similes are on steroids there!
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Hello Mr Bauer!
I read The Running Man for my english class years ago and to be honest I was dreading reading it as it didn’t look like a book I would normally read back then, however a couple pages in and I remeber I didn’t want to put the book down! I actually have the quote about Tom talking to Joseph about Baggage and about Simon as my screen saver after all these years as it resonated with me when I was younger and still greatly resonates with me now. I don’t usually talk to the writters of books but The Running Man has become one of my favourite books over the years and it’s starting to get worn from how many times I’ve read it. I carry it essentially everywhere. Thank you for creating characters that I feel understands me as much as I do them, thank you for creating this world I can imagine where it’s okay to have baggage and one day it won’t be as heavy. Thank you Mr Bauer, thank you for making the impact you have with your writing.
– R . B
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I hope you got my reply.
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Interesting book, but I’m afraid I don’t have a copy right now to check the Running Man’s real name?
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Simon Jamieson.
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Dear Mr Bauer
I was wondering if you could help me out.
What are the main symbols in the book TRM and how does setting effect the characters and the plot if that makes sense.
Also I loved the book
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Hi Hannah. It does make sense but it sounds a bit like an assignment question. In any case, I don’t think authors have the only answers to these kinds of questions. This is something for each reader to decide for themselves. I hope you did enjoy the book. In the end your thoughts about it are just as valid as mine. Cheers.
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Hi Mr Bauer
Its me again, just another question which I promise is not for an assessment,
What examples of intertextuality did you use throughout the Novel?
Kind regards,
Hannah
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Dear Mr. Bauer,
I read The Running Man for English class, and absolutely loved it. Your story left me thinking hard about how I saw and approached others. You also visited my school once and signed a copy – which is really cool, haha.
I had a few questions. I really love your style of writing, and I thought you conveyed the story amazingly! How did you plan all of the character development within the story? When reading your novel, it felt really natural and well-paced, and I think – when I’m trying to write – that’s really hard to pull off.
p.s I was wondering.. when is Tom Leyton’s birthday? : )
Thanks so much
:))
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Hi and thanks for writing.
So glad you enjoyed TRM and thank you for your kind comments.
I don’t know how to explain the character development in the story. Maybe it had less to do with ‘planning’ and more to do with thinking of the characters not as ‘characters’ but as real people and imagining how they might behave in, and learn from, different situations. Also I think the more I wrote, the more I saw the story as one where Joseph would eventually learn to ‘see’ people in a more complete and honest way and Tom Leyton would somehow rediscover the belief that there is hope and beauty in the world and those ideas helped me understand how they would both grow in the novel. I hope that makes some sense.
All the best with your own writing.
Cheers
Michael
ps I’m afraid I actually don’t know when Tom’s birthday is.
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Hi Micheal what where your motives for writing the running man
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Hi Michael,
Mrs Mossop implies that she herself was abused as a child or suffered some form of injustice or abuse. Is that correct?
My reading is she herself was abused, is that right?
Thanks,
Mark
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Hi Mark. I certainly think you could justify that reading from the text. Cheers.
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Hi Michael,
Are there aspects of yourself and your own life in the story and characters?
Any you could explain?
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There’s a few Mark. I was born and grew up in the suburb of Ashgrove where the story is set and Joseph’s room I always imagined as my room in our family house (although Joseph is not me). From my room I used to look out a set of windows into our neighour’s yard. When I was a kid they were the Leighton’s. I borrowed their name only and changed the spelling for Joseph’s neighbour Tom Leyton. The Running Man character was based on a real man I used to see in the suburb – read blog 25 for more about this. Joseph’s father’s situation of working away from home and only spending Christmas with the family was based on what my father did. There are a few other things. In blog 57 I reveal some more. Hope that helps. Cheers.
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Yes, thank you.
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The novel reminds me of Boo Radley from Mockingbird. It also reminds me very much of a film with Mel Gibson from the 1990s called, The Man Without a Face.
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Well TKAMB is one of my favourite books/movies and I can certainly see some connections in terms of themes and plot. When I first wrote the scene where Joseph helps Tom return his books to his room I identified some of those books. One of them was TKAMB. I took out the titles in the later drafts. I haven’t seen the Mel Gibson film but I do know both TKAMB and that film have been used in some schools in conjunction with a study of The Running Man.
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Hey Michael,
just a question, how does shakespeare’s quote (rumour is a pipe, blown by surmises, jealousies, conjectures, and of so easy and so plain a stop, that the blunt monster with uncounted heads, the still-discordant wavering multitude, can play upon it) how does this quote affirm the message that you convey about the nature of rumours and gossip? thank you.
Steve, Washington.
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Hi Steve
That sounds like an essay question. I like to think that my essay writing days are over, but I’ll just say that the quote does seem to tie in well with what unfolds in The Running Man and the attitude of some people to Tom leyton particularly.
Cheers
Michael
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Good evening Mr Bauer,
What an amazing book. I teach English and use this wonderful text with my Year 11 students. It has been so enlightening for them; not only to understand the themes and effects of war, trauma on characters but most importantly the development of the characters’ humility and kindness toward each other. Something which is so important to young people in our age of disconnectedness. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Esther
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Hi Esther
Thank you so much for taking the time to write and for those really lovely comments. As an ex English teacher myself, it’s wonderful to hear that the book has worked for you and your students in such a positive way. Please say hello to your yr 11s from me, wish them all the best with their studies and encourage them to ‘make their own miracles’.
Cheers
Michael
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Just got to say I loved your book “the running man”. We are doing an essay on it in English and it’s just amazing, took my breath away. I’m glad that we got to read your book, it really had an effect on me the way that the events washed through. So mysterious, I couldn’t put it down!!
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Hi Amber. Thanks so much for those lovely comments. Great to hear that reading the book was such a positive experience for you. All the best with the essay and the rest of the school year. Cheers.
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In the running man, why does Joseph find it hard to write the letter to his father?
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I think you could probably work that out.
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We had to read the running man for grade 10 English. It really made me think and had some magnificent metaphors in it! Now we have to write a short story, using the setting and some characters from the running man. Thankyou!!
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Hi Louise. Thank you for those kind comments. Good luck with the short story. Sorry about creating work for you! Cheers Michael.
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I was just wondering where do I find an online Audiobook for the running man?
Thanks
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Hi Charlie
I have this query before. Audio copies are hard to come by.
The audio copy I have was made by Louis Braille Audio in 2005 but I’m not sure if it’s still available.
If you can’t buy one try checking with your local Council library. I know Council libraries did hold some copies and they might be able to track one down for you although the last person who did this told me the copy they got was scratched and wouldn’t play.
There may be some copies in school libraries as well.
I hope that is of some help. Let me know how you get one.
Cheers
Michael
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We are reading “The Running Man” for year 8 English at the moment and i’m really quite enjoying the book even though its my second time reading it. I love how both Joseph and Tom come out of their shells but whats even better is because they do it together. Its a great read and i’m going to have a look into some of the other books you’ve written – Will
Melbourne, Australia
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Hi Will
Thanks for that. Great to hear that you enjoyed TRM. If you are trying other books of mine I’d go for the Ishmael trilogy starting with Don’t Call Me Ishmael. But it’s very different from TRM. It’s a comedy set in an all boys school. The first book starts in year 9.
Cheers
Michael
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Where is this book based?
Thanks, Annale
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It’s set in Brisbane, Australia.
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Your book is hard work for the 15/16 years old kids here in Germany, but worth it! There`s a lot to think about it and the own life/future.
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Hi Franzi
I hope they will forgive me for the hard work! It’s strange to think of my book being used as an exam text over there. Maybe afterwards they could read Ismael just for fun. I am hoping to visit Germany again soon. I love your country.
Cheers
Michael
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I really enjoyed this book, and thought it should be an english book to read at every school in Australia 🙂
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Thank you so much Jamika. I feel very fortunate and honoured that TRM has been used in quite a few schools both here and in Germany where it is a set text for one of their big examinations.
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Hey Mr Bauer, i read your book for english class and i enjoyed it heaps. i like how there is a lot of symbolism throughout the whole book. Also i was wondering how Joseph Davidson and Tom Leyton are ‘running’ or escaping/hiding? thanks!
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Hi Macka
Glad to hear you enjoyed TRM. As for the question, I think it would be much better if you just worked out what you thought about it, rather than me telling you what to think. I only wrote the book. I don’t get to have the final say on it.
Cheers
Michael
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Thank you for The Running Man. You gave such dignity to each character .
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Thank you so much Kathryn.
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great read and i love the development of the characters in the book. Joseph for example develops from a shy young boy into a courageous and kind young man. I believe this book perceives the message as to not judge someone by their appearance or rumours about them. This is evident in the book as Tom Leyton has been rumoured a dangerous and suspicious man for over 30 years, yet Joseph still is courageous enough unfold his past and get to know him better.
Great read 🙂
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Thanks Robert. I’m so glad you enjoyed The Running Man. As my very first book it is special to me and I think you’ve identified one of the key ideas in the story.
Cheers
Michael
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i think that there is a spelling mistake on p.7 ‘Tom Leighton’
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Right you are Gemma! That was the old spelling I was using for the name. I changed it because there used to be ‘Leightons’ in Ashgrove but one of the original spellings sneaked through. Well spotted!
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We have to read ‘The Running Man’ for a school book and I’d just like to say that it is an amazing book with a great message
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I look forward to hearing your speech at my school in a couple of days, my whole class is quiet excited, thnaks again 🙂
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Hi Taylor. Thank you so much. I’m looking forward as well to coming to your school and meeting everyone. Cheers!
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Thank you – “Ismael” is a very wonderful book.
Andreas, Germany
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Thanl you Andreas! And you live in a wonderful country.
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