Reviews

We've all seen them standing behind their politician parent... many looking uncomfortable. After all, not every child falls in line with their parents political stances. I'd imagine that speaking up would be rather uncomfortable especially if the parent is not willing to really listen to their child.

Running by Natalia Sylvester hones in on this complex relationship. Sylvester takes us on a journey of what it is like trying to figure yourself out while your father runs for President of the United States. Mariana is 15 years old when her father, Senator Anthony Ruiz, decides to run for the Presidency. There were just so many things frustrating with being a child of someone in the spotlight. Her life is not her own. She has zero privacy. Strangers have opinions of her. Even going to school is a spectacle some days. People assume her father's views are her views and treat her poorly as a result. However, the Ruiz children have always just been props to their father's campaigns. Politics was never talked about in the house unless there was an event. Mari is given cue cards to read but no one ever actually asks her opinion. It is not until she meets some new friends that run an activist group at her high school that anyone actually asks her what she thinks.

It was interesting to read how Mari works through her feelings of wanting to be heard and not wanting to upset her father.

Spoiler

Some moments I even feel bad for him, especially when he loses, but then he'll say something horrible to Mari and that goes out the window. spoiler I highly recommend this book. It tackles some important issues and challenges the reader.

Thank you to Netgally and Clarion Books for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

alongreader's review against another edition

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3.0

Mari has never really thought about her father's policies. He's always been in politics in one way or another. But now he's running for President of the United States, the whole family is under intense scrutiny. Forced to learn more about the issues, Mari is dismayed to realise she doesn't always like what he stands for.

Not being American, I've never really understood their system (primaries?) but this is still an engaging story of a young girl realising she needs to fight for her beliefs. It reminds me a little of [b:Moxie|33163378|Moxie|Jennifer Mathieu|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1494950979l/33163378._SY75_.jpg|46824140], both in style and in one particular set piece.

I liked Mari's original friends better than her new friends, but they were all important in different ways. Her mother was nice, if a little passive. Her father was certainly a - piece of work, wasn't he? I didn't like Joe either, but that was clearly the aim, and it was very well done.

Overall I liked this read, I thought it was interesting and thought provoking, and Mari is my new favourite character.

thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition

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4.0

“Besides, anger is too powerful to waste on hurting him. My anger is powerful enough for change.”

lurieta's review against another edition

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5.0

A wonderful young adult novel about how raising your voice can lead to real change and action. I especially loved the emphasis on platonic love and community that inspires growth and change. I would to spend more time in Mari's voice.

mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank you Libby.fm for sharing this audiobook with me. It was a powerful read that would inspire anyone to start paying attention to the world around them, the policies being made, the people in power, and making change. I liked the story idea of someone running for president and how that could affect their family. My only issues was with the ending...I felt like it was too quick. However, overall a very powerful story.

hellomadalyn's review against another edition

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4.0

this was an excellent YA about finding your voice and standing up for the things you believe in, which is hard for anyone, let alone someone under intense public scrutiny. Mariana's voice was so strong and vibrant; I really enjoyed reading from her perspective and seeing the way her thoughts and opinions changed as she gained new insight about the world around her. a timely read for election season, for sure!

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