Nathan’s Run, a novel by John Gilstrap, deserves all the praise that it has received from the many accredited papers, magazines, and reviews that only have positive things to say about it.

As a high school student, I found that after reading it, I actually wanted to tell people about how good this book is. The idea of an innocent boy marked as a fugitive stirs up a mix of emotions that anyone with a heart would fall victim to. The plot then takes that idea and combines it with various types of hidden yet obvious psychological flaws with human beings and even more plot twists that will keep readers guessing.

After the entire Twilight Saga incident, I’ve learned to be a lot more aware (or judgmental) when it comes to books and their plots. In fact, I’ve never read a book that I would later have to write a paper about regarding an English class.

Nathan’s Run is an outstanding exception. Once you start reading it literally becomes difficult to stop. I found myself reading from about 3 in the afternoon to 1 in the morning the first day. The book is intense to say the least. At points you may know what might happen but not how; and at other times, something so unexpected will happen you have to go back and reread the entire page just make sure it was the same book. I guarantee this book will not disappoint.

Gilstrap strategically places characters and events for the best (or worst) possibility of outcomes. He slowly leans into a situation instead of just jumping in and throwing it all out there. He doesn’t just use any set number of main characters either, he pulls out random bystanders, civilians, etc. to express their perspective as any random on looker would have. The way he twists a plot is amazing as well.

Without giving away too much of the story, you’d never expect the degree to which Nathan’s uncle goes to get rid of him. Just when I thought I had found a good stopping point, the plot would step it up and cause me to have to find another. To be honest, weariness got the best of me and I was forced to stop.

Grammar wise, the book is a fairly easy read often using simple words that get the point across and the occasional urbane expression.

I 100 percent recommend this novel. It is a relieving choice to have when having to choose a book to write a paper over. I even go as far to say that you won’t have to use something like Sparknotes to finish your assignments. I implore anyone who reads this column to check out this book from a local library. It will make your view on certain things in life to become second-guessed and cause you to think about things everyone has experienced but never actually ponders. This book will grab you for sure.