Running As Fast As I Can is a work of fiction in the recent historical, interpersonal drama, and sociocultural writing subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to the presence of graphic violence, sexual content, strong language, and other adult themes throughout. Penned by author John David Graham, the work is a heart-wrenching yet ultimately redemptive novel that delves into the tumultuous journey of Daniel Robinson, a young man who grew up in the grim mill slums surrounding Pittsburgh. The story opens with Daniel's desperate escape from his abusive home, with an alcoholic father and a mother who retreated into prayer, neglecting her son's suffering. This traumatic upbringing propels Daniel into a decade-long odyssey through the volatile 1960s, marked by encounters with the hippie drug culture, racial violence, and anti-war protests. Amid this chaos, Daniel discovers love and hope through Kate Fitzgerald, and together they embark on a path to healing and rebuilding a life marked by love rather than pain.

Author John David Graham has crafted a highly emotive and immersive novel that deftly explores themes of family, redemption, and the long-lasting effects of trauma. The book masterfully captures the historical and social backdrop of the era, offering a compelling insight into the challenges of the time whilst also bringing the vibrance, attitude, and dark complexities of the 1960s into living color with some fantastic descriptive and dialogue work. What distinguishes this book is its ability to seamlessly intertwine Daniel's personal journey with broader social issues, making it both an emotional and thought-provoking read. It serves as a poignant reminder of the injustices and struggles that people faced during this period and the enduring impact of trauma. Overall, Running As Fast As I Can is a narrative that captivates and profoundly resonates with readers, presenting a compelling tale of love and forgiveness that I would not hesitate to recommend to one and all.

From the moment I met 12-year-old Daniel in Running As Fast As I Can by John David Graham, my heart went out to him. How well I could relate to his joy in saving his pennies to buy and build a model airplane, only to have his young spirit crushed by his alcoholic father. From that point on, throughout adolescence and into early adulthood, throughout his eagerness to succeed in both love and career and his disappointments in both, Daniel needed constant reminders that he was writing his life in pencil and could always start over again. It’s a chance that many of us deny ourselves if it weren’t for the many good people who help us along the way. So it is with Daniel’s journey to discover who he really is and what he’s truly capable of. His search for self takes him on some wild rides with some unusual characters. We laugh and cry with him, but each and every one of them teaches him more about life and himself than any education ever could. It reminded me of my own experiences as a new teacher: I learned more from my students in my first year of teaching than I ever did in teachers’ college!

Running As Fast As I Can by John David Graham is one of the most beautiful stories ever told, one whose message was repeated several times throughout the novel, and whose importance I will never forget i.e. that “…life is written in pencil; we get lots of second chances.” Don’t believe that? Read what happens to Daniel Robinson and you might just change your mind and think a lot more deeply about your own life. I did, and, like Daniel, I realized that even though what some people had done to me could never be erased, it was always up to me to write the next chapter. The author tells us he began writing this story 50 years ago. I’d be willing to bet that though this novel is fiction, there’s a lot of reality in the protagonist’s experiences and encounters. Apart from a natural ability for story-telling, the author writes with such sensitivity that readers feel every one of Daniel’s emotions. It’s actually quite amazing how a rather long coming-of-age story could be so compelling that it’s almost impossible to put the book down. This was an engrossing and unforgettable read. Thank you John David Graham for writing Running As Fast As I Can. This particular journey belonged to Daniel Robinson but his story belongs to each of us.

I can count the number of books that made me cry on one hand. This was one of them. Powerfully written and expertly paced, this book had me engrossed in Daniel's journey from beginning to end. Graham has crafted a believable hero who was able to overcome tremendous adversity - horrific abuse and homelessness - and still find love, forgiveness, and a family. This journey wasn't a straight line. He had to fail and make terrible mistakes then seek his own redemption. Through it all, Daniel carried a defiant sense of hope and faith that helped him drag himself to his feet again every time the world beat him down. Daniel could have continued the cycle of abuse inflicted on him - but instead, he rose above it and broke the cycle... using his experiences to make the world better not only for himself but for the people he'd meet. This is a novel about second chances, the resilience of the human spirit, and healing.