Running Away for Beginners

Jasper is diagnosed with cancer and his parents want him to carry on as normal. His friends help him organize a weekend trip to get away from everything, but Jasper doesn't tell them his own secret that he won't be going with them. The story is a funny, heartfelt journey of friendship dynamics and an unforgettable protagonist and narrator facing devastating news.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2024
Publisher: Scholastic

Jasper's world was turned upside down when he received the devastating news that he had been diagnosed with cancer. His treatment was set to start in a week, and his parents wanted him to carry on as normal. However, Jasper knew that this was impossible. He needed a break from the constant barrage of emotions and stress that came with his diagnosis.

That's when his friends stepped in. They organized a weekend trip, a getaway to a remote cabin in the woods. Jasper was hesitant at first, unsure if he could handle being away from everything that was happening. But his friends were determined to make it a memorable experience, and they promised to be there for him every step of the way.

As they embarked on their journey, Jasper found himself opening up to his friends in ways that he never thought possible. They shared their own secrets, their fears, and their hopes. Jasper felt a sense of connection and understanding that he had never felt before.

But there was one secret that Jasper kept to himself. When the return journey began, he wouldn't be going with them. He had made a decision to take a different path, to face his cancer head-on and to do whatever it took to beat it.

The journey back was bittersweet. Jasper was grateful for the time he had spent with his friends, but he knew that he was leaving behind a part of himself. He watched as they boarded the bus, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation for the future. And he felt a sense of sadness and loss, knowing that he would be alone on his own journey.

Despite the challenges that lay ahead, Jasper was determined to stay positive. He focused on his treatment, and he surrounded himself with the love and support of his family and friends. He knew that he had a long road ahead of him, but he also knew that he was strong enough to face anything that came his way.

In the end, Jasper's journey with cancer was a testament to the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. He had faced his darkest fears and emerged stronger than ever before. And he knew that he would never forget the lessons that he had learned on his road to recovery.

This story was inspired by Mark Illis's own experiences from when he was a teen diagnosed with cancer. It is a funny, heartfelt journey of a book, with vivid friendship dynamics and an unforgettable protagonist and narrator facing devastating news. It is perfect for fans of John Green and Nicola Yoon, and anyone who has ever faced a challenge in their lives.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 200 x 130 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780702329937