Born to Run
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4.5 • 17 Ratings
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- £7.99
Publisher Description
Joy and heartbreak combine in this bittersweet tale of a champion greyhound’s journey through life – and from owner to owner…
“The sack wasn't just drifting gently along like everything else, it was turning of its own accord. There was definitely something inside it, struggling against the side of the plastic bag, kicking at it, squeaking and squealing in terror. He had no idea what it might be, only that it was alive and in danger of drowning.”
When Patrick saves a litter of greyhound puppies from the canal, he can’t bear to hand them all over to the RSPCA. He pleads with his parents: couldn’t he just keep one of them? But nothing will convince them and Patrick cries himself to sleep – only to be woken by a greyhound puppy licking his face!
Patrick christens his puppy Best Mate, and that’s what he becomes. Patrick’s favourite thing is to watch Best Mate running at full stretch on the heath, a speeding bullet, a cheetah-dog. Until one day Best Mate is kidnapped by a greyhound trainer, and begins a new life as a champion race dog. Suzie, the greyhound trainer’s step-daughter, loves Best Mate on first sight and gives him a new name, Bright Eyes. But what will happen when he can’t run any more?
About the author
Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE FRSL FKC DL is a writer, playwright, performer and librettist. The author of more than 150 children’s books, he has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and in almost 40 languages. A former teacher and vocal spokesperson for the benefits of reading for pleasure, he is currently the President of Book Trust. Between 2003–2005 he was Children’s Laureate and in 2018 he was knighted for services to literature and charity. Many of Michael’s books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the phenomenal National Theatre adaptation of War Horse, which has been seen by over 10 million people in over 100 cities around the world, broke the West End record for weekly ticket sales, and won 5 Tony Awards and 2 Olivier Awards. Michael is also the co-founder, with his wife Clare, of the charity Farms for City Children.
Customer Reviews
Born to Run, by Michael Morpurgo
The reason I’m giving it a four and not a five is because this book is different from the original Born to Run I’ve read. And Craig’s daughter is called Becky, and she and Bright Eyes run away together. But then Becky is badly bitten by a drunk homeless person’s savage dog, and she’s taken to hospital. Sorry if I’m a spoiler, but I simply HAD to tell you what happened. If you have any questions, just ask me. I’m always on my Apple iPad.
Captured the character of greyhounds perfectly
A really heartwarming tale for all ages.
We sadly lost our greyhound last year and this story brought a little comfort. It also tries to project the often misunderstood nature of these lovely dogs and that they deserve so much better than the life they’re dealt.
If anyone reads this and one day possibly goes on to adopt an ex racer or a dumped lurcher, then the book will have brought a human and a loving, deserving dog together for a wonderful life ahead.