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Run the Game
In this gritty novel from the author of Exit Here and Dead End , love is a high-priced and dangerous Play or be played.Alexander didn’t believe in love at first sight until he met Patti. She’s the kind of girl you hear about in gorgeous, feisty, and dangerous. Being with Patti is better than any high, and he can’t live without her. But Alexander’s not the only one who wants to be with Patti. Burke ruthlessly takes what he wants and will kill to protect what is his. And he won’t let Patti go without a fight. If Patti and Alexander are going to be together, their love will come at a steep price. Because some promises are meant to be broken, and not all debts can be paid in cash….
544 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2012
47 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
About the author
Jason Myers
34 books281 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Jason Myers was born in 1980 and raised on a farm ten miles outside of the small town of Dysart, Iowa. After
he graduated high school, he moved to San Francisco where he studied
film at the Academy of Art University. It was there, after taking a
Screenwriting 3 class that he met and studied under the inspiring instructor
and author James Dalessandro. James helped Myers grasp the value of
having great stories within the story and also the value of pacing. He also
taught him how to structure his stories in a way that made the reader feel
invested. Myers then sat down in early 2003 and began working on what
would become the first draft of Exit Here. He signed with literary agent
Gary Heidt and in 2005, at the age of 24, he signed a major publishing
deal with Simon & Schuster. Exit Here would go on to be released in May
of 2007 and thus far the book has sold over 90, 000 copies worldwide.
In 2010, Myers' second book, The Mission, also on Simon & Schuster,
was released worldwide. The book went into its third printing six months
after its release and has already sold nearly 30,000 copies to date. Myers
recently signed a new two book deal with Simon & Schuster. His next book,
Dead End, a Midwestern Gothic back roads chase thriller will be released on
6.14.2011 and his fourth book is set to be released in the Summer of
2012.
Myers continues to reside in San Francisco and writes full-time.
Jason Myers was born in 1980 and raised on a farm ten miles outside of the small town of Dysart, Iowa. After
he graduated high school, he moved to San Francisco where he studied
film at the Academy of Art University. It was there, after taking a
Screenwriting 3 class that he met and studied under the inspiring instructor
and author James Dalessandro. James helped Myers grasp the value of
having great stories within the story and also the value of pacing. He also
taught him how to structure his stories in a way that made the reader feel
invested. Myers then sat down in early 2003 and began working on what
would become the first draft of Exit Here. He signed with literary agent
Gary Heidt and in 2005, at the age of 24, he signed a major publishing
deal with Simon & Schuster. Exit Here would go on to be released in May
of 2007 and thus far the book has sold over 90, 000 copies worldwide.
In 2010, Myers' second book, The Mission, also on Simon & Schuster,
was released worldwide. The book went into its third printing six months
after its release and has already sold nearly 30,000 copies to date. Myers
recently signed a new two book deal with Simon & Schuster. His next book,
Dead End, a Midwestern Gothic back roads chase thriller will be released on
6.14.2011 and his fourth book is set to be released in the Summer of
2012.
Myers continues to reside in San Francisco and writes full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 25, 2015
Frankly, I see most of the reviews that I've read to be based off of stupidity, and closed-mindedness. I'm 17 years old, and I know a good book when I read it. It's not because I live a life like that, or even want to. But people do go through this. There are people that are power-hungry like Lars, or Burke. There are also people that fall in love daily. Jason went beyond what was expected of him. you may not see a 14-year old prostitute, and 19-year old junkie fall in love, but he symbolized it as a regular boy falling in love with a regular girl. Seeing as Patti played with Alexander's heart, don't we see boys nowadays play with girls hearts? Yes? Okay. On the subject of the gruesome sex- Kids these days aren't influenced by books to have gritty, hot sex. They're influenced by the people around them. It's not that adults think that we're too YOUNG to read books like these, it's the fact that most of our teenage population isn't MATURE enough to read books like these. Adults blow it waaaay out of proportion. I can read books like these because I decipher everything in a more logical way than most teenagers. I see this book to be satisfyingly brutal. I really like the way that Jason kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last word of the novel. I was intrigued by the way that he set up the plot, and the setting. The character development. We went from thinking that Patti and Alexander were going to go to New York forever to being completely appalled at the end when she sets him up. It's a tear-jerking read, and I definitely recommend it to people of ANY age, as long as their mind is mature enough to handle the way that Myers writes.
August 25, 2012
To everyone saying horrible things about this book... YOU HAVE TO LIKE THR STYLE OF WRITTING. Jason Myers writes very detailed graphic scenese. That's his style..... If you don't like that style...don't read the books. Its directed towards young audience's, no I wouldn't refined this book to anyone's under the age of 18... but I read all three books that best previously written a d love all 3 of them and am reading this one now. People are so fast to say bad things about all the graphics or what not but the sad this is ...that's what kids are doing these days......its reality pretty much. No it doesn't make it okay buy kids can relate to these books.
March 8, 2012
Wow. I wish I could give this book 0 stars. It was that bad.
February 3, 2013
It's simple. You either love this book or you hate it. I loved it. The fact that people are getting mad at how grapic it is, read reviews before you buy it!! Jason Myers is known for his grafic, sex, drugs books. I love books like these. The end of the book is kind of predictable. But it made me sad still.. haha. I'd reccomend it to friends if I knew they liked these kind of books. I've read all four of his books (HUGE fan of Exit here. By far my favorite book) But I can't wait until his next book. I will DEFINETLY be buying it :)
August 13, 2012
Raw, hardcore, not for the conservative or faint at heart. That being said, I LOVED it! This book takes a huge turn somewhere that you really don't want it to go...about a wanna-be band member teenager and his struggles with drugs, sex, rock-n-roll, friendships and relationships. Can't wait to read more from this author!
March 15, 2012
Dreadful.
October 30, 2012
*Contains Spoilers*
Jason Myers is one of my favorite authors. While browsing in a book store, I discovered he came out with a new book called "Run The Game." I purchased it and read it. This book started off very good. The first page really sucks the reader in. And Jason Myers does a fantastic job of keeping the reader interested. Each page mentions information the reader wants and needs to know. This novel contains many ups and downs. It's a very edgy book. "Run The Game" is classified as a young adult book, though many readers disagree and believe it should be under a more adult category. I would have to say I agree with that. This book contains an awful lot of adult material such as alcohol, drugs and sex. (Granted his other books do contain these subjects as well, there is more of these three topics in this book than in any other book I have read by him.) The main character, Alexander, is a drug addict and does drugs multiple times a day. So do his friends, roommates and band members. Alexander falls head over heals for a prostitute named Patti. They plan to forget about their small town and move to New York City. But in order to do so, he needs to pay off a gang who claims Patti as their own. He owes Raymond, the leader of the gang, $500 at the first of each month for four months. As I was reading today, Patti and Alexander had finally made plans to move to the Big Apple. The story was getting really intense. I kept reading. Turns out, Patti was using Alex for the money. Raymond and his gang found Alex and tortured him. The book ends with them bashing his head against a piece of wood, punching his body and a saw blade running across his wrists. He sees Patti in these moments. He pictures the two of them in a beautiful field. They embrace and kiss. And that's exactly where it ends. I was extremely upset with this ending. It appears as though he is killed, though you can't be one hundred percent certain. I was also upset with the fact that after all the things Patti told Alex about how much she loved him, after everything he did for her and every thing he gave up for her, that she turned him over to Raymond and left him to die. I'm upset that she scammed him. It was her idea. Raymond needed the money for another prostitute's plastic surgery, so they stole Alex's money. I've read Jason Myers' books before, they are usually heavy books like this relating to drugs and alcohol and serious issues, but none of them have ended like this. None of them have contained this much sex and drugs. I feel as though part of the ending of this book was intended to shock readers after he had lulled them into a false happy ending, when in reality, it is a terribly sad ending. Overall, I did enjoy the book. I just did not enjoy the ending. I will continue to read his books. I enjoy his style of writing. But as for this book, I don't think I would recommend this book to anyone that I know. As well written as I believe it is, I don't think any of my peers should be reading it.
Jason Myers is one of my favorite authors. While browsing in a book store, I discovered he came out with a new book called "Run The Game." I purchased it and read it. This book started off very good. The first page really sucks the reader in. And Jason Myers does a fantastic job of keeping the reader interested. Each page mentions information the reader wants and needs to know. This novel contains many ups and downs. It's a very edgy book. "Run The Game" is classified as a young adult book, though many readers disagree and believe it should be under a more adult category. I would have to say I agree with that. This book contains an awful lot of adult material such as alcohol, drugs and sex. (Granted his other books do contain these subjects as well, there is more of these three topics in this book than in any other book I have read by him.) The main character, Alexander, is a drug addict and does drugs multiple times a day. So do his friends, roommates and band members. Alexander falls head over heals for a prostitute named Patti. They plan to forget about their small town and move to New York City. But in order to do so, he needs to pay off a gang who claims Patti as their own. He owes Raymond, the leader of the gang, $500 at the first of each month for four months. As I was reading today, Patti and Alexander had finally made plans to move to the Big Apple. The story was getting really intense. I kept reading. Turns out, Patti was using Alex for the money. Raymond and his gang found Alex and tortured him. The book ends with them bashing his head against a piece of wood, punching his body and a saw blade running across his wrists. He sees Patti in these moments. He pictures the two of them in a beautiful field. They embrace and kiss. And that's exactly where it ends. I was extremely upset with this ending. It appears as though he is killed, though you can't be one hundred percent certain. I was also upset with the fact that after all the things Patti told Alex about how much she loved him, after everything he did for her and every thing he gave up for her, that she turned him over to Raymond and left him to die. I'm upset that she scammed him. It was her idea. Raymond needed the money for another prostitute's plastic surgery, so they stole Alex's money. I've read Jason Myers' books before, they are usually heavy books like this relating to drugs and alcohol and serious issues, but none of them have ended like this. None of them have contained this much sex and drugs. I feel as though part of the ending of this book was intended to shock readers after he had lulled them into a false happy ending, when in reality, it is a terribly sad ending. Overall, I did enjoy the book. I just did not enjoy the ending. I will continue to read his books. I enjoy his style of writing. But as for this book, I don't think I would recommend this book to anyone that I know. As well written as I believe it is, I don't think any of my peers should be reading it.
June 19, 2012
I have read his previous books and enjoyed them all. I especially liked Dead End because I felt that the story had a heart and I really enjoyed the plot and the action. It hurts me to give this book such a low review, but I have a lot of problems with it. One of them being the labeling of this novel as a Young Adult book. I am conflicted in my disapproval of this, because at the same time I know that kids now are saturated with sex and drugs. It's the sad truth. Are there kids like Patti out there? Yes. I cannot deny that truth. At the same time, though, most of the characters in this novel are not teenagers but adults.
Take the main character, for example. He is nineteen years old and dating Patti, a fourteen year old hooker. I'm supposed to be okay with the fact that they're dating? Am I also supposed to be okay with the disturbing violence and discrimination against women? I ground my teeth every time a woman or girl was referred to her sexual organ. Throughout the entire novel, it feels like women are the enemy and the main reason why everything goes downhill. Women and girls are judged on their bodies alone and nothing else. Also, Alexander and his 'crew' don't hang out with ugly or fat people. How disgustingly shallow is that? I hate the main character. In the end, I don't care what ends up happening to him. I don't feel an ounce of sympathy toward him.
There's an abundance of sex, drugs, booze, and violence. I don't get any emotion out of it, though. What did I feel when I finished reading it? Nothing, really. I hate almost all of the characters. They have no sense of responsibility and are completely selfish. They only think about themselves. They are supposed to be cool, but they are the last people on Earth I would ever want to hang out with. It's a scene that's supposed to be awesome, but to me it has the attraction of raw meat on a sizzling pan (I've been a vegetarian for five years).
It bothers me to no end that women are still called wh*res and sl*ts, yet we live in the age of equality. This novel just reminds me that sexism is still alive and well. And of course I enjoyed the use of fagg*t on every page. That always brings a smile to my face. Sarcasm.
It's pretty obvious, but I am disappointed with this book. I had such high hopes for it. It just feels like a reinforcement of our hyper-masculine, sexist society that always lays the blame on women. That horribly flawed yet well loved stereotype: females are only concerned about one thing. Money. That's all we ever care about. It's such a horrible message, and one that young kids are able to read into? Some things just won't change, I guess.
I feel horrible writing this review. It's hard for me to write this. I really wanted to like this novel. But I hate the main character. I hate the other horrible characters. Drugs are stupid as hell. They will never, ever appeal to me. And I just find the story flawed and stereotypical.
2 stars.
Take the main character, for example. He is nineteen years old and dating Patti, a fourteen year old hooker. I'm supposed to be okay with the fact that they're dating? Am I also supposed to be okay with the disturbing violence and discrimination against women? I ground my teeth every time a woman or girl was referred to her sexual organ. Throughout the entire novel, it feels like women are the enemy and the main reason why everything goes downhill. Women and girls are judged on their bodies alone and nothing else. Also, Alexander and his 'crew' don't hang out with ugly or fat people. How disgustingly shallow is that? I hate the main character. In the end, I don't care what ends up happening to him. I don't feel an ounce of sympathy toward him.
There's an abundance of sex, drugs, booze, and violence. I don't get any emotion out of it, though. What did I feel when I finished reading it? Nothing, really. I hate almost all of the characters. They have no sense of responsibility and are completely selfish. They only think about themselves. They are supposed to be cool, but they are the last people on Earth I would ever want to hang out with. It's a scene that's supposed to be awesome, but to me it has the attraction of raw meat on a sizzling pan (I've been a vegetarian for five years).
It bothers me to no end that women are still called wh*res and sl*ts, yet we live in the age of equality. This novel just reminds me that sexism is still alive and well. And of course I enjoyed the use of fagg*t on every page. That always brings a smile to my face. Sarcasm.
It's pretty obvious, but I am disappointed with this book. I had such high hopes for it. It just feels like a reinforcement of our hyper-masculine, sexist society that always lays the blame on women. That horribly flawed yet well loved stereotype: females are only concerned about one thing. Money. That's all we ever care about. It's such a horrible message, and one that young kids are able to read into? Some things just won't change, I guess.
I feel horrible writing this review. It's hard for me to write this. I really wanted to like this novel. But I hate the main character. I hate the other horrible characters. Drugs are stupid as hell. They will never, ever appeal to me. And I just find the story flawed and stereotypical.
2 stars.
February 20, 2016
“Unicorn to heaven. Panther to hell.”
This grunge-fest of sex, drugs and rock-n-roll took me completely by surprise. In a good way. This isn’t an easy book to get through or even something everyone will enjoy - simply because of the gritty subject matter and maybe even because of the way it’s written. But, it's SO different. Believe me when I say - the author doesn’t hold anything back. I think what hit me the most was knowing that there are actual people living this life everyday, all around us.
*Heed my warning* - this book is considered YA (I have no idea how this is even possible) but it’s extremely graphic - I’m talking sex, abuse, drug-use and violence. If those things makes you cringe, you might want to walk away.
This is a love story of sorts between a fourteen-year-old prostitute and a nineteen-year-old junkie. Yes, you read that right. It’s love at first sight for Alexander when he lays eyes on Patti. Obviously, their relationship is anything but typical - they meet in a parking lot known for prostitution, after being dropped off by different johns. She sells her body to buy clothes and albums, while he does what he needs to for his next fix. They live in a small town that’s flooded with drugs and people living rough lives, it’s all really kind of tragic.
Throughout the entire book, I couldn’t stop myself from feeling like Patti and Alexander's relationship was wrong on some level, dirty even. They were sweet together in some ways though, which only added to the mass confusion in my head. I’m an optimist, all the way, but even I couldn’t see how they were gonna make it work. A tiny part of me still hoped they would find their way to New York, somehow. Even if just to get out of the situations they were both in.
Alexander was what made this story special for me. His life was a total wreck and he did shitty things, but underneath it all, he was someone I grew to care about. The juxtaposition of him living such a crappy life, but being so sure he was destined to be a rockstar, was kind of stellar. And I couldn’t get over all of the music references and his sense of style. It was hard watching him cave to his vices, over and over, but there were times he made me laugh. I’m dying to know though, was he really a great song writer? Did he wow the crowd like he thought, or was it all the drugs?!?!
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read. A story that I imagine will stick with me for awhile.
This grunge-fest of sex, drugs and rock-n-roll took me completely by surprise. In a good way. This isn’t an easy book to get through or even something everyone will enjoy - simply because of the gritty subject matter and maybe even because of the way it’s written. But, it's SO different. Believe me when I say - the author doesn’t hold anything back. I think what hit me the most was knowing that there are actual people living this life everyday, all around us.
*Heed my warning* - this book is considered YA (I have no idea how this is even possible) but it’s extremely graphic - I’m talking sex, abuse, drug-use and violence. If those things makes you cringe, you might want to walk away.
This is a love story of sorts between a fourteen-year-old prostitute and a nineteen-year-old junkie. Yes, you read that right. It’s love at first sight for Alexander when he lays eyes on Patti. Obviously, their relationship is anything but typical - they meet in a parking lot known for prostitution, after being dropped off by different johns. She sells her body to buy clothes and albums, while he does what he needs to for his next fix. They live in a small town that’s flooded with drugs and people living rough lives, it’s all really kind of tragic.
Throughout the entire book, I couldn’t stop myself from feeling like Patti and Alexander's relationship was wrong on some level, dirty even. They were sweet together in some ways though, which only added to the mass confusion in my head. I’m an optimist, all the way, but even I couldn’t see how they were gonna make it work. A tiny part of me still hoped they would find their way to New York, somehow. Even if just to get out of the situations they were both in.
Alexander was what made this story special for me. His life was a total wreck and he did shitty things, but underneath it all, he was someone I grew to care about. The juxtaposition of him living such a crappy life, but being so sure he was destined to be a rockstar, was kind of stellar. And I couldn’t get over all of the music references and his sense of style. It was hard watching him cave to his vices, over and over, but there were times he made me laugh. I’m dying to know though, was he really a great song writer? Did he wow the crowd like he thought, or was it all the drugs?!?!
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read. A story that I imagine will stick with me for awhile.
October 22, 2012
This book is discusting and has absolutely no redeeming qualities about it from the first page to the last page. The descriptions of the sexual encounters are just so wrong that I cannot help but to think the author left cutting edge and fell into I am going for broke. The supposed love story between the two main characters is a joke. If you enjoyed this book I have serious concerns about your morale character due to the graphic descriptions ie: violence, sex/anal sex, rape, sodomy and drug abuse. This book amounted to nothing but a attempt at shock value that failed terribly. My suggestion is that if you choose to read this book breeze through it prior to purchasing so that you can decide if you want to read 544 pages of vulgar language, anal sex/sex, violence, rape, sodomy all stemming from a rip roaring drug habit. But hey mabey I missed the point all together. This book could of never been published and we would of missed nothing. Could barely even finish.......
December 31, 2012
I was very surprised to find that this book was about young teenagers hooked on drugs, and living a hard life. When i bought the book I'd expected it to be about a boy and a girl in school falling in love, like most teen-books. I agree that this is nothing like teen-books I've read. It is so violent in it's descriptions, however teens are doing this everyday. It was a fantastic book and Jason Meyers wrote it very well. The beginning is very confusing, and the ending lead a sense of dread in my heart. Others are very disgusted at this story, but I think the need to open up and accept the fact that this is a free country and that parts of this book is true. They think that the people are too young, but it's not far from the truth how todays world has changed drastically. I hope you pick it up.
June 22, 2012
Upon the first few words of this novel I began questioning how this book got published. The way the narrator talked made it seem like the author lacked talent. The story was okay but not as mind blowing as Exit Here, which is still why I have high hopes every time this author comes out with a new book. Half way thru the author kept dropping hints as to what was going on, so it wasn't as exciting when it actually happened. Although the ending was pretty crazy.
August 8, 2022
I definitely understand what some people are saying by this book having no redeeming qualities. However, the only reason I somewhat enjoyed this book is because it explains a perception of life in a world I never knew existed. It definitely gave me another view that, unfortunately, is a reality for some people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 20, 2013518 pages of complete bullshit. I had high hopes for this book until I was half-way through. But like a train wreck, I had to keep watching. Jason Myers is probably one of the most narcissistic writers ever, having enough bravery mentioning himself in his own novel. Chock full of hipsters and shitty music, this book was a fail.
July 11, 2012
Oh my god. That ending was just heart wrenching.
July 20, 2022
There’s no way this should be under the YA genre. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no prude when it comes to gritty books. But this was a bit over the top for a 14 year old to pick up and read. Decent storyline, a bit predictable - not dying to go out and read another Jason Myers novel.
May 17, 2024
Great read, bitter sweet ending. I couldn’t help but hear, Queen - killer Queen play in my head after finishing this book.
Want to read
December 29, 2015I haven't finished this book yet, but from all of the reviews I've found on this site about this book, I had to post something.
I don't really understand why most of the reviews rate the book 1 star just because of what the book is about. Okay, I get it, a lot of you felt uncomfortable, but it wouldn't be fair to an author for a book to be trashed just because of what the book is about.
For starters, the book is about a drug addict who falls in love with a 14-year-old prostitute. That's literally written on the copyright page of the book. Even if you didn't know to look there for that particular description, it's very clear in the beginning of the book that he's a drug addict and she's a 14-year-old prostitute. With that being said, it's very obvious from the start this book is going to be disturbing. So really, it's not the author's fault because to me, he's saying if you don't like this kind of stuff, put the book down now. If you don't put the book down and continue to read it, then that's fine... But don't be surprised if the content is sexual or morally incorrect.
And for the 16 and up comment... I started this book when I was 16, and I know several people that age who would read this book. Not all of us are ignorant to this kind of thing... In fact, when I found out what these characters do in this book, it made me never want to touch drugs or prostitution... So with Amazon's suggestion of 16 and up, I think the intention was to show teenagers what kind of life this is so they'll stray away from it.
I don't really understand why most of the reviews rate the book 1 star just because of what the book is about. Okay, I get it, a lot of you felt uncomfortable, but it wouldn't be fair to an author for a book to be trashed just because of what the book is about.
For starters, the book is about a drug addict who falls in love with a 14-year-old prostitute. That's literally written on the copyright page of the book. Even if you didn't know to look there for that particular description, it's very clear in the beginning of the book that he's a drug addict and she's a 14-year-old prostitute. With that being said, it's very obvious from the start this book is going to be disturbing. So really, it's not the author's fault because to me, he's saying if you don't like this kind of stuff, put the book down now. If you don't put the book down and continue to read it, then that's fine... But don't be surprised if the content is sexual or morally incorrect.
And for the 16 and up comment... I started this book when I was 16, and I know several people that age who would read this book. Not all of us are ignorant to this kind of thing... In fact, when I found out what these characters do in this book, it made me never want to touch drugs or prostitution... So with Amazon's suggestion of 16 and up, I think the intention was to show teenagers what kind of life this is so they'll stray away from it.
November 22, 2013
Run the Game by Jason Myers is a book about a 19 year old young man named Alexander who meets a girl named Patti that is 5 years younger then him in the A-lot. When Alexander sees her for the first time its love at first site. But this love for Patti comes with a price because she is a hooker and and has a pretty messed up family who has abused her for most her life, however she is the toughest person hell ever meet. Alexander has to pay Burke in order to keep Patti.
What I liked about the book is that there is great description and there is a great plot. The way Myers describes events and makes them relate to a young mans life. He also made this book a love it or hate it. If you're a person that is not really into graphic stuff and profane language you probably wont like this book. However this book will fall into the young adult category because this is what a lot of young men do and it relates to a lot of stuff that young men want to do. The only thing that i didn't really like about this book is the extreme language, other than that this book is a 9 out of 10.
Overall this is a great book and I would highly recommend Run the Game. The perplexing twist in the plot and weird relativity makes it a page turner. Anyone that likes a kind of young adult book that doesn't mind a lot of cursing would totally dig this book. I would recommend this book to people that get into the mature stuff that this book talks about or people who know about this kind of life style. I'm glad i read this book.
What I liked about the book is that there is great description and there is a great plot. The way Myers describes events and makes them relate to a young mans life. He also made this book a love it or hate it. If you're a person that is not really into graphic stuff and profane language you probably wont like this book. However this book will fall into the young adult category because this is what a lot of young men do and it relates to a lot of stuff that young men want to do. The only thing that i didn't really like about this book is the extreme language, other than that this book is a 9 out of 10.
Overall this is a great book and I would highly recommend Run the Game. The perplexing twist in the plot and weird relativity makes it a page turner. Anyone that likes a kind of young adult book that doesn't mind a lot of cursing would totally dig this book. I would recommend this book to people that get into the mature stuff that this book talks about or people who know about this kind of life style. I'm glad i read this book.
Want to read
December 14, 2018I haven't finished this book yet, but from all of the reviews I've found on this site about this book, I had to post something.
I don't really understand why most of the reviews rate the book 1 star just because of what the book is about. Okay, I get it, a lot of you felt uncomfortable, but it wouldn't be fair to an author for a book to be trashed just because of what the book is about.
For starters, the book is about a drug addict who falls in love with a 14-year-old prostitute. That's literally written on the copyright page of the book. Even if you didn't know to look there for that particular description, it's very clear in the beginning of the book that he's a drug addict and she's a 14-year-old prostitute. With that being said, it's very obvious from the start this book is going to be disturbing. So really, it's not the author's fault because to me, he's saying if you don't like this kind of stuff, put the book down now. If you don't put the book down and continue to read it, then that's fine... But don't be surprised if the content is sexual or morally incorrect.
And for the 16 and up comment... I started this book when I was 16, and I know several people that age who would read this book. Not all of us are ignorant to this kind of thing... In fact, when I found out what these characters do in this book, it made me never want to touch drugs or prostitution... So with Amazon's suggestion of 16 and up, I think the intention was to show teenagers what kind of life this is so they'll stray away from it.
I don't really understand why most of the reviews rate the book 1 star just because of what the book is about. Okay, I get it, a lot of you felt uncomfortable, but it wouldn't be fair to an author for a book to be trashed just because of what the book is about.
For starters, the book is about a drug addict who falls in love with a 14-year-old prostitute. That's literally written on the copyright page of the book. Even if you didn't know to look there for that particular description, it's very clear in the beginning of the book that he's a drug addict and she's a 14-year-old prostitute. With that being said, it's very obvious from the start this book is going to be disturbing. So really, it's not the author's fault because to me, he's saying if you don't like this kind of stuff, put the book down now. If you don't put the book down and continue to read it, then that's fine... But don't be surprised if the content is sexual or morally incorrect.
And for the 16 and up comment... I started this book when I was 16, and I know several people that age who would read this book. Not all of us are ignorant to this kind of thing... In fact, when I found out what these characters do in this book, it made me never want to touch drugs or prostitution... So with Amazon's suggestion of 16 and up, I think the intention was to show teenagers what kind of life this is so they'll stray away from it.
June 23, 2013
Sigh. I have read both exit here. and The Mission by Jason Myers, both very good books, so I decided to pick up Run the Game a few days ago at Barnes and Noble.
I hated every character. Alexander was a junkie douchebag, and so were all of his other loser friends. I feel as though the story just had too many characters for it to really be enjoyable. It was also way too long. It also had many superfluous scenes, namely the ones where Alexander would be "slaying" some "hussy's" "meatpit" or when he would be shooting up literally twenty times a day, or puking.
Overall, the ending was pretty predictable. I saw Lord's end from a mile away. Would have been nice if we found out what happened to Patti, but I'm happy that Aleander got what he deserved. Since I hated him, I felt not a drop of sympathy that he (spoiler alert) got killed!
Conclusively, I would not recommend this book to anyone. If I could rewrite the story, I would rewrite it to make sure that it had never been written at all.
It was that bad.
I hated every character. Alexander was a junkie douchebag, and so were all of his other loser friends. I feel as though the story just had too many characters for it to really be enjoyable. It was also way too long. It also had many superfluous scenes, namely the ones where Alexander would be "slaying" some "hussy's" "meatpit" or when he would be shooting up literally twenty times a day, or puking.
Overall, the ending was pretty predictable. I saw Lord's end from a mile away. Would have been nice if we found out what happened to Patti, but I'm happy that Aleander got what he deserved. Since I hated him, I felt not a drop of sympathy that he (spoiler alert) got killed!
Conclusively, I would not recommend this book to anyone. If I could rewrite the story, I would rewrite it to make sure that it had never been written at all.
It was that bad.
December 6, 2012
Jason Myers is a GREAT author, but this book did him no justice. It was not a good book at all. Alexander, the main character, had no emotional attachment to anything except for maybe his penis (pardon me excuse me). All he talked about were drugs and sex. Let me know how he loved Patti after a few minutes of knowing her. They shared no connection. The sex in this book was downright uninteresting and mostly disgusting. The story didn't piece together the way that it should have. The characters were all the same, as well as the dialogue. Also, let me know why your language was so vulgar and unnecessary that I found myself wanting to rip the book in half. Exit Here and the Mission were mostly good books, so excuse me if I'm wrong for not enjoying this story. It was repetitive, disgusting, and there was no emotion.
June 22, 2012
I believed It was an amazing heartbreaking tale....and first off I'm gonna say some people were right as being labelled a young adult novel..but at the same time , it should be... I mean most of these low reviews are basically Parents themselves. but as a young adult myself, I believe this give us a depiction of real life, because in real life, there are NO happy endings. But My opinion on the book is that I felt bad for Alexander in the ending, because he was blinded by love. But then again, he should have saw it coming. But all I'm saying is that this is a wonderful book and I recommend it. Jason Myers, if you're reading this. You have to continue writing.
January 4, 2023
I could NOT finish this book… it sounds like it was written by a horny 12 year old with all the cursing and womanizing bodies and I just cannot.
The way Alex talks about his love for Patti doesn’t even make any sense either. He is a hoe but yet he falls for a girl much out of his age he should deal with.. no.
Don’t make any sense.
I made it like 77 pages in and I just could not continue…
The way Alex talks about his love for Patti doesn’t even make any sense either. He is a hoe but yet he falls for a girl much out of his age he should deal with.. no.
Don’t make any sense.
I made it like 77 pages in and I just could not continue…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2012
Horrendous story and writing. I wish I hadn't wasted my time on this book. Books should make you feel as if you are gaining knowledge, this book made me feel as if I was killing brain cells. Definitely will not be reading another Jason Myers book.
July 29, 2012
I can't believe I read this crap!
August 24, 2012
this book was so good until the last couple of chapters. I cant believe the ending went down like that it made me hate Jason for doing such a terrible thing
November 5, 2012
Graphic yes pushes limit yes but overall good book
March 19, 2021
Listen, for all of you 1 star raters out there....
I mean. Run the Game is one of my favorite books of all time. Jason Myers may not be the most whimsical author, he may curse a lot, and it may be a gritty tale. My question for you is, what is it like to be a 19 year old junkie in a punk-rock band in love with a 14 year old hooker? The answer is exactly Alexander. The cursing, the drugs, the sex, the abuse. These taboo topics MAKE this book what it is. They make it a teen grunge novel, not a YA novel, not a realistic fiction novel. It's in a genre and cannot be judged outside of that genre! That's like saying a fantasy book isn't realistic enough. Ridiculous.
I will now give my two cents about this book.
Ultimately, it's a story that I feel like needed to be told, and this is why it’s one of my favorite books ever. Jason Myers, the author, plays music and has dealt with (or deals with) addiction, which is why these two topics are hugely relevant in his books. He also writes poetry and songs, which are usually about his past lovers.
The love is not 'instant love'. Really, its not even love at all. It's a 19 year old high on coke who sees a cute girl and fantasizes about her. I think one of the big messages of this book is that real love DOESN'T happen like it happened to Patti and Alex!!! I cannot emphasize this more.
Honestly, this book seems like it drops off the deep end. You are reading along, rooting for the characters, happy for them. They come alive off the page and have extremely apparent personalities. Then, it all crumbles. Falling downhill, the characters you believed you knew so well turn on you. The book ends horribly, and I wonder if it's intended or if Myers just got tired of the story he was telling, realizing it would go nowhere. The story really does start to seem like day to day life of a 19 year old in a worn-down town. Personally, I like books that tell a daily life kind of story. It makes me happy that there are authors who can portray the emotions of normal life so well, without characters jumping on rooftops of fighting beasts. It's just honest and real, down to earth and wholesome while also being gritty. The ending mortifies the reader but is a good example that plans don’t always work out and books don't have to end happily or with hope for a sequel.
Jason Myers writes very like myself (minus the cursing). His use of adjectives paints the picture just enough for the readers to get the idea but also imagine some things for themselves, which is a quality I love.
And while we are saying that it should be for 18+ audiences, honestly this book should not. It has very real topics that are experienced in a highschooler's everyday life. This stuff cannot be ignored. Adult ideas are what make this book appealing to its target audience. And we also must take into account how mature the author was at 16 versus a 16 year old now days. Myers could have been getting into this stuff at this age, and assumes that this is a kind of normal. I side with him here.
Mostly this is a response to you guys who dont like this book. not saying you cannot have an opinion, but please look deeper.
if you didnt like the book, then why did you finish it ;)
I mean. Run the Game is one of my favorite books of all time. Jason Myers may not be the most whimsical author, he may curse a lot, and it may be a gritty tale. My question for you is, what is it like to be a 19 year old junkie in a punk-rock band in love with a 14 year old hooker? The answer is exactly Alexander. The cursing, the drugs, the sex, the abuse. These taboo topics MAKE this book what it is. They make it a teen grunge novel, not a YA novel, not a realistic fiction novel. It's in a genre and cannot be judged outside of that genre! That's like saying a fantasy book isn't realistic enough. Ridiculous.
I will now give my two cents about this book.
Ultimately, it's a story that I feel like needed to be told, and this is why it’s one of my favorite books ever. Jason Myers, the author, plays music and has dealt with (or deals with) addiction, which is why these two topics are hugely relevant in his books. He also writes poetry and songs, which are usually about his past lovers.
The love is not 'instant love'. Really, its not even love at all. It's a 19 year old high on coke who sees a cute girl and fantasizes about her. I think one of the big messages of this book is that real love DOESN'T happen like it happened to Patti and Alex!!! I cannot emphasize this more.
Honestly, this book seems like it drops off the deep end. You are reading along, rooting for the characters, happy for them. They come alive off the page and have extremely apparent personalities. Then, it all crumbles. Falling downhill, the characters you believed you knew so well turn on you. The book ends horribly, and I wonder if it's intended or if Myers just got tired of the story he was telling, realizing it would go nowhere. The story really does start to seem like day to day life of a 19 year old in a worn-down town. Personally, I like books that tell a daily life kind of story. It makes me happy that there are authors who can portray the emotions of normal life so well, without characters jumping on rooftops of fighting beasts. It's just honest and real, down to earth and wholesome while also being gritty. The ending mortifies the reader but is a good example that plans don’t always work out and books don't have to end happily or with hope for a sequel.
Jason Myers writes very like myself (minus the cursing). His use of adjectives paints the picture just enough for the readers to get the idea but also imagine some things for themselves, which is a quality I love.
And while we are saying that it should be for 18+ audiences, honestly this book should not. It has very real topics that are experienced in a highschooler's everyday life. This stuff cannot be ignored. Adult ideas are what make this book appealing to its target audience. And we also must take into account how mature the author was at 16 versus a 16 year old now days. Myers could have been getting into this stuff at this age, and assumes that this is a kind of normal. I side with him here.
Mostly this is a response to you guys who dont like this book. not saying you cannot have an opinion, but please look deeper.
if you didnt like the book, then why did you finish it ;)
April 7, 2020
This is definitely a YA book in the way it’s written, though, yes it deals with very mature themes like drugs and sex. It was a quick read that I was able to finish in a couple of days, not very deep or meaningful but some fast-paced gritty action that kept me entertained. It honestly reminded me a lot of my own teenage years in the way the characters were obsessed with what was cool, what music they were listening to and what they were wearing, and the way the days just kind of bled from party to party. I also recognized a lot of the music which was like a fun little Easter egg hunt. Overall though it was shallow and kind of stupid just like all of the characters.
I don’t hate this book, but I don’t love it. I think it’s weird to have a book so heavily based in drug use, violence and obscene sex made specifically for teenage readers, but then again, it’s teenagers that would think this book is really edgy and worthwhile, probably based on subject matter alone since it’s just so shocking. I just hope there aren’t any teenagers reading this that think people actually regularly spit into each other’s mouths during sex because nobody does that.
I don’t hate this book, but I don’t love it. I think it’s weird to have a book so heavily based in drug use, violence and obscene sex made specifically for teenage readers, but then again, it’s teenagers that would think this book is really edgy and worthwhile, probably based on subject matter alone since it’s just so shocking. I just hope there aren’t any teenagers reading this that think people actually regularly spit into each other’s mouths during sex because nobody does that.
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