Summary: “The Running Dream” is a novel by Wendelin Van Draanen that tells the story of Jessica, a teenage runner who loses her leg in a bus accident. The book explores themes of identity, friendship, and overcoming adversity as Jessica grapples with her new reality and works to pursue her passion for running despite her disability.
1. Jessica’s Identity Crisis
After losing her leg, Jessica struggles to come to terms with her new identity as an amputee. She feels like a shell of her former self, unable to do the things she once loved like running and dancing. Her prosthetic leg feels foreign and uncomfortable, and she resents the pitying looks she gets from others. It’s only through the support of her family and friends, and her own determination to redefine herself on her own terms, that Jessica is able to start embracing her new identity.
One of the ways Jessica begins to assert her identity is by designing her own running prosthetic. With the help of her prosthetist and a classmate who is also an amputee, Jessica creates a device that allows her to run again – albeit in a slightly different way than before. Having a sense of control and ownership over her prosthetic helps Jessica reclaim a sense of agency over her life, which is an important step in her journey towards self-acceptance.
Another avenue for exploring her identity comes when Jessica meets another amputee named Rosa who is involved in adaptive sports. Through Rosa, Jessica learns about other athletes who have overcome disabilities to compete at high levels, and she starts to see herself as part of this community. Finding a sense of belonging and shared experience with others helps Jessica begin to feel proud of who she is and what she’s accomplished.
2. Friendship and Support
Throughout her journey, Jessica relies heavily on the support of her family and friends. Her best friend Fiona is a constant source of encouragement, even when Jessica is at her lowest points. Fiona helps Jessica navigate both the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, and is always there to lend an ear when Jessica needs to vent or process her feelings.
Another important figure in Jessica’s life is her running coach, who goes out of his way to help her adapt to her new reality. He encourages her to continue pursuing her passion for running, and helps her find creative solutions to the obstacles she encounters along the way. His mentorship is a key factor in Jessica’s ability to regain her confidence and push herself to new heights.
Jessica also finds support in unexpected places, like her English teacher and the school librarian, who help her research adaptive sports and navigate the logistics of competing as an amputee. Even other students who initially seem ambivalent or dismissive towards Jessica come around after seeing her determination and hard work. The network of people who rally around her during her darkest moments provides a shining example of the power of friendship and community.
3. Overcoming Adversity
The heart of “The Running Dream” is Jessica’s journey to overcome the many obstacles in her path and achieve her goals. From the outset, it’s clear that her journey will be a challenging one – but it quickly becomes clear that Jessica is up for the task. Her stubbornness and determination are hallmarks of her character, and they help her weather setbacks like phantom pain and other complications of using a prosthetic limb.
One of the major hurdles Jessica faces in the book is financial. Her family doesn’t have a lot of money, and the cost of prosthetics and adaptive sports equipment is high. Jessica has to get creative in order to make ends meet, starting a fundraising campaign and applying for scholarships and sponsorships. Through sheer hustle, Jessica is able to secure the resources she needs to continue pursuing her dream of running at a high level.
Another major obstacle that Jessica faces is psychological. She battles insecurity, doubt, and frustration throughout the book, wondering if she’ll ever be able to regain the level of fitness and speed she once had. But her persistence pays off – not only does she surpass her own expectations, but she also inspires others with her grit and determination. By refusing to let her disability define her or limit her potential, Jessica becomes an unlikely hero to many.
Conclusion:
“The Running Dream” is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and an inspiring story about triumphing over adversity. Jessica’s journey is a reminder that our identities are shaped not by our circumstances, but by our choices – and that with hard work and the support of those around us, we can achieve extraordinary things. The book serves as a valuable resource for anyone grappling with the complexities of disability, and a beacon of hope for anyone who has faced obstacles on their own path towards fulfillment.
In short, “The Running Dream” is a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired by a story of overcoming physical and emotional challenges, defying expectations, and embracing one’s true self.