Zane's Trace

by Allan Wolf

A coming-of-age road story with a supernatural twist — and a compulsively readable poetic novel about identity and belonging.

Zane Guesswind has just killed his grandfather, or so he believes. So he steals the 1969 Plymouth Barracuda his long-gone father left behind and takes off on a manic trip to his mother’s grave to kill himself. Armed with a six-pack of Mountain Dew, a jumbo pack of Sharpies (for scribbling all over the dashboard), and a loaded gun in the trunk, he’s headed to Zanesville, Ohio, with no rearview mirror and no more worries. On the way, he meets Libba, a young hitchhiker who shares his destination, and other mystic and mysterious characters. With each encounter, and every mile marker he passes, Zane gets farther from the life he knows — but closer to figuring out who he really is.

Genres: Young Adult, Poetry, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Mental Health, Road Trip, Mental Illness

208 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2007

About the author

A versatile writer, Allan Wolf's picture books, poetry collections, young adult novels, and nonfiction celebrate his love of research, history, science, and poetry. He is a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist, two-time winner of the North Carolina Young Adult Book Award, and recipient of New York’s Bank Street College Claudia Lewis Award for Poetry. Booklist placed Allan’s The Watch That Ends the Night, on its list of the 50 Best YA Books of All Time.

Wolf believes in the healing powers of poetry recitation and has committed to memory nearly a thousand poems.

His newest titles include: a historical novel, (Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom); a picture book (The Blanket Where Violet Sits); a poetry collection (The Gift of the Broken Teacup); and a graphic novel (The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur).

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of redemption & hope is a genre mash-up: poetry, screenplay, historical fiction, magical realism. It's about mental illness, family heritage, writing, and coming-of-age. It took an unexpected turn at the end, but I'm making my peace with it. I liked Zane, too, and I found his struggles believable--two elements of YA that are starting to make or break a book for me.

Below is the first book review I wrote for my YA class:

17 year-old Zane Guesswind is ready: Sharpies, credit card, a family heirloom pistol, and a stolen 1969 Plymouth Barracuda. Zane is traveling 300 miles toward Zanesville, Ohio (where a guy named Zane surely belongs) and away from Baltimore (where he never really belonged). Feeling responsible for causing his surly grandpa’s death, Zane’s goal is suicide at his mother’s grave. He picks up Libba, a mysterious hitchhiker, who listens as he shares the release and guilt he feels when he obsessively writes. He confides to her his struggles with an absent father and a mentally ill mother; he unloads on her the trauma and stigma of his epilepsy and Grand Mal seizures. Along the way, Zane is treated to magical experiences that help him understand his ancestry and his family history.

Zane’s Trace is a quirky genre mash-up: poetry, screenplay, historical fiction, and magical realism. The first page is a speedy, urgent draw into Zane’s journey: “A straight shot. // Gotta make good time. / The sun’s already up. / By now they’ve probably / found the old man’s body.” Wolf’s free verse gives weight and creates space around heavy feelings; the sparseness of the page makes these complicated issues bearable. Each vivid magical moment we enter is consuming and believable, but then we are pushed back to Zane’s wry, complicated world: “I woke up / from a wild demonic trance, clothes torn, / up to my elbows in gore, beside the half-eaten gazelle / robbed from the zoo in the night. // So much for finding a date to the prom.”

Readers would do well to first read the Author’s Note regarding the historical figures and the context of the actual Zane’s Trace. A map of the trip would eliminate the redundancy of mile markers starting each short chapter. And because this fast-paced novel reads like a screenplay, it’s necessary to refer regularly to the “dramatis personae” when supernatural moments pop up. The story triumphs over these problems, however. Unique in structure, vivid as a big-screen movie, and ripe with the rich poetry of Zane’s compelling problems, Zane’s Trace is a suspenseful, absorbing novel about connection and hope.

[Jessica M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Zane, Zane, Weather Vane, mommy went insane." This book is about what everyone must face, weather it is simple or easy, or long and grueling. Zane Guesswind must find who he really is and where he belongs. "Zane belongs in Zanesville, Zanesville is a place for Zane." On his journey he meets a girl named Libba, who has a surprising past and an already told future. This new friend helps him find himself and where he belongs.
I found this book to be a pace turner and a quick read. I liked all the questions of his past, and how someone who is is past and present helps make his plans for his future. The use of symbolism of Libba Ration and the stories from his ancestors really help you understand what Zane is going through. The way everyone from both sides are intertwined is clever, and the use of some real characters is also interesting. Overall, I would recommend this book to most of my friends. I am glad Zane found his "One straight shoot."

[Leslie Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up after "meeting" Allan Wolf via zoom and I was pleasantly surprised. I love the explanation of mental disease and depression and even suicide through the lens of poetry. The history buff in me loved all the family history following Zane and that Zane encounters. Its so well written I don't think I would change a thing.

[Murani Reads ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

completely unhinged and i have no critiques. i loved it

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first novel in verse I've read that I truly feel did not read like it was written in verse. Having said that, it wasn't a bad story, though at times a bit confusing. I didn't catch on as to who Libba really was until two thirds of the way through the book. I very much appreciated the author's endnote and bibliography. I'd never heard of hypergraphia and would like to read more about it. An interesting read.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

After murdering his grandfather, Zane Guesswind grabs a six-pack of Mountain Dew, a pack of sharpies, and a loaded antique gun belonging to his dead mother. Stealing his brother's 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, Zane hits the gas to Zanesville, to visit his mother's gravesite...and to join her.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend as high school read. Authentic voice of characters and beautiful poetic convergence of this troubled boy's life.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine YA novel that fits multiple genres--contemporary realistic fiction, magic realism, historical, novel in verse. The book follows seventeen year old Zane on a road trip to Zanesville, Ohio where he plans to commit suicide on his mother's grave. Heavy stuff handled sensitively. Lots of issues are explored: mental health, inter-generational trauma, America's history of cruelty to Native Americans and African Americans, forgiveness, writing to ease a troubled mind, and courage: "To face death, you only need a dram of courage. To face life you need a good deal more."

[Olivia C1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion, I think this book was alright. It was very confusing for me. But if you are the type of person that loves jaw-dropping books and horror-ish then I think you should read this book. The reason why I thought it was confusing is that there were too many things going on. Like different characters, places, and sharpies (if you read the book you will understand what I mean) but overall this book was really good.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane’s Trace is five stars worth it.

I loved the poetry and to me, this is true poetry.

I loved Libba in the story and the significance she had on Zane.

This was heart moving and really moved my emotions. It’s beautifully written and I love the timeline transitions between past, reality, and imagination.

I must warn you though that this book does contain mentions of suicide and may be triggering.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy with a gun takes a car down a road, to a tomb, to a town, and a bridge.

A boy named ZANE
on a road named ZANE
to a place named ZANE

And a bridge.

The boy is haunted.
The gun is loaded.
The car's seen this all before.

Let it take you someplace you've never dreamed.
Let it trace your soul in permanent ink.
Let it haunt, and shake, and scatter.
Let it rewrite, and let it matter.

[Athena · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional roller coaster. I finished this book in mere hours; couldn't put it down! I know the roads Zane took, having just taken the same to go to a funeral. This story really hit me hard, and I loved it. It was beautiful! The style was unique, and i thoroughly enjoyed it! So glad I checked the bottom of the stack of books at the store!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fairly uncertain of this book during the first twenty pages or so, but then it settled in to be a really neat read. There was a lot of history woven into the story that was about events that happened in Zanesville, Ohio, which was neat. It was a book that when I was done reading it, I was still thinking about it, which always is a good recommendation.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different novel that weaves in and out through various topics and genres, chiefly through the structure of a verse novel. A teenage boy reflects on his heritage with a mysterious cast of characters. (7.5)

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. I received it a few years ago as a gift. I never thought I would like it but as soon as I starting reading it I could not put it down

[Milford Public Library Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, especially how it used poetry to contrast with it's sparse use of prose.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains a list of resources for teen suicide prevention.

[Lunae · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the only books I’ve ever read multiple times. It’s a whole ride. And it’s amazing, sad, and at times just straight messed up. But it’s the truth of things.

[Hunter Pline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met this author at the NCTE National Conference in Baltimore and decided to buy this book. I was incredibly impressed by this author's writing style. I would strongly recommend this book and will in fact. Thank you Allan Wolf for a great read!

[Lil' Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zane's trance

Characters: Zane Zane he's insane watch as he tries to blow his brains...out....ok so the last bit didn't rhyme but that sums up zane. Zane is our messed up MC who has seizures and suicidal moments. Zane isn't the easiest MC to read about he is insane thus his out look is utterly eschew to put it bluntly reading about hanna baker from thirteen reasons why was easier to grasp then zane. Zane is insane and grieving thats really all there is to his character which is ashamed because he could have been so much more. All the side characters are spoilers in one way or another so with out naming names they were really cool and realistic vivid for some not all a few this story could have done with out but one side character really made this story less insane and gave it some balance till the near end C

Story: 10% suicide, 20% coming of age, 50% road trip and another 20% mystery thats what makes up this story a whole 100% of interesting. This story is unique in many ways first the format if you read about this book you will find out it is in verse but its not just verse it's also in script (like for a play) and in normal everyday book format and it is interwoven that way. The story starts out strong with Zane running away meeting up with some interesting characters along the way. The twist at the end and Zane's ultimate decision may ruin this book for some while for others it may seem heart warming depending on your outlook on it. Other then the twist this book is a interesting day to a two day read it does is melodramatic and crazy at some points making it an easy book to put down but due to some interesting plot points that is almost impossible to do. A quick crazy ride of a read that you either love, hated or are left at the middle ground about once over. C

Cover:The cover is unique like the story made to look like either a wall or a paper bag book cover scribbled in sharpy all over the book with “Zane's trace” curdling drawn in like you would with a sharpy with a pretty sweet drawn car in flames this cover is one of a kind unless someone tries to copy it in real life there is no other book out there like a cover like this B

Rating: YA 16+

Company: candlewick press


My rating : 3 of 5. The ending is what got me as well as the whole family history aspect got to be a little to much however I'm happy I read this and at least have no questions the rating is purely because of the way it ended as well as something else that happened that kind of ticked me off however this is a well and uniquely written story although it isn't for everyone and there is some bad words

[Yhover Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Zane’s trace by Allan wolf"
The characters are Zane and his brother Zack and the setting is everywhere from his Mother’s grave to his house and Zanesville. I read this book because my teacher picked it out for me.

Zane's life has never been easy. Things started going downhill when his mom's made a suicide attempt when he was four. Then things get worse, He thinks he killed his grandfather so he decides it's time to leave, so he takes his brother's zack's license and credit card, and comes upon the box of things that his mother had with her when she killed herself. In the box, he found the keys to his dad's old '69 barracuda. Armed with a six-pack of Mountain Dew, a jumbo pack of Sharpies and a loaded gun in the trunk, he's headed to Zanesville, Ohio, with no rear view mirror and no more worries. On the way, he meets Libba, a young hitchhiker who shares his destination, and other mystic and mysterious characters. With each encounter and every mile marker he passes, Zane gets farther from the life he knows but closer to figuring out who he really is. On the 334 drive to Zanesville, Zane encounters the ghosts of his family's past and learns the history of the gun in his trunk and the courage of his ancestors.

I was very impressed with the book’s ending. Zane was a difficult but lovable character my favorite part was when I felt like I was in the back seat of the Cuda the whole ride to Zanesville “It’s good you got off the interstate, boy. Zane’s trace is where you need to be right now”pg 135.

I think it would be a really good choice to read this book because there is no other book on the market like this one so I can’t recommend any other books.But There are some issues with suicide and negative images about the mentally unstable, but as you keep reading the book, these issues are handled in an appropriate way. The story is interesting and unexpected, and I think students would enjoy this book. I would recommend this book to seniors and juniors in high school because of some of the issues, but I think it would be appropriate for them to read it.

[K80h · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Zane, do you know what it means to 'follow the condition of the mother'?"

"I guess it means if your mother is crazy, you're bound to be crazy too."

Zane's life has never been easy, not since his mom's first suicide attempt when he was four. When things get worse than he ever could have imagined, he decides it's time to leave, so he takes his brother's license and credit card, the Fool's Fire Hand, and stumbles upon the box of things his mother had with her when she killed herself. In that box, he found the keys to his dad's old '69 Barracuda and he's off. Off to Zanesville because "Zane belongs in Zanesville." On the 334 drive to Zanesville, Zane encounters the ghosts of his family's past and learns the history of the gun in his trunk and the courage of his ancestors.

This book was so different from any other free verse book I have read. It is usually listed under this genre, but there is more to it than that. There are sections in regular prose and scenes written like a screenplay, which made reading much more interesting. Wolf is originally a poet and this background shows when you read through and realize the layers of meaning within just about all that is said. I was very impressed with the story as well. Zane was a complicated but lovable character and I felt like I was in the back seat of the Cuda the whole ride to Zanesville.

I think it would be really interesting to teach this book. There are some issues with suicide and negative images about the mentally unstable, but as you move through the book, these issues are handled in an appropriate way. The story is interesting and unexpected, and I think students would enjoy the text while we discuss things like the genres in which Wolf chose to present the plot. It would definitely have to be presented to juniors or seniors in high school because of some of the issues, but I think it would be appropriate reading for them.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Zane thinks he killed his grandfather, he takes off in the '69 Barracuda that his father left behind. He's on a road trip to the cemetery where his mother is burried, and he plans to kill himself. Along the way he picks up a strange girl who keeps him company through the journey. They each tell their stories in the only way they know how, helping to figure out who they are and who they want to be.

I'm going to be up front about this, poetry is not my thing for the most part, but I have found some I like. One novel in verse I completely fell in love with is "The Watch that Ends the Night" by Allan Wolf (just like the animal.) You can find my review for that here, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... Anyhow, when I moved to Tennessee this Summer for my new Librarian position, one of our first performers was none other than Allan Wolf (just like the animal) and he gifted me with a personalized signed copy of Zane's Trace. Honestly, I doubted I would like it (Sorry Allan, the novel in verse thing...) Alas, it was wonderful! Zane is such a cool kid, and often times its the coolest of kids who have the hardest times. I loved that through his adventure which was supposed to be the end of Zane, was really a way for him to get to know himself before the end of Zane. It was obvious that research was done, and the strange bits I know about cars seemed to jive. This story reminded me that journeys are not just about where you physically go, but where and how you emotionally and mentally go as well. Those can often change your destination more than anything else. Thanks Allan for the wonderful book! Maybe I will give up my animosity for novels in verse and try another.

[Landon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end, I would recommend this book to anyone from ages 14 to older. Very good book, High-Schooler Zane comes from an unconventional and tragedy-riddled family. After he becomes convinced that crossing out a picture of his grandfather actually caused him to die, Zane steals his dead father's Baracuda, determined to kill himself at his mother's grave in Zanesville, Ohio. This book has a lot of drama, and almost every character has a dark secret High-Schooler Zane comes from an unconventional and tragedy-riddled family. After he becomes convinced that crossing out a picture of his grandfather actually caused him to die, Zane steals his dead father's Baracuda, determined to kill himself at his mother's grave in Zanesville, Ohio. There is a lot of drama in this book, and almost every character has a dark secret. This book could be on the verge of the melodramatic genre) But saves this book from that particular genre is the appearance of several of Zane's most influential dead relatives (including a great great great great grandmother who saved a Fort and a Native American brave who tried to shoot her). In the end, Zane makes a tough decision, there are unexpected twists, and the author even includes background information on the historical characters of the novel. Zane's Trace is a good book that I believe teens and adults will really enjoy.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a lot to theoretically like about this novel in verse which packs mental illness, family legacies, racial issues, history, and a sort of coming of age concept into it's slim cover. Zane Harold Guesswind has always had a bit of a raw deal, growing up in Baltimore with absentee alcoholic father, a mentally ill mother and a less than warm and fuzzy grandfather, and suffering from seizures and traces of mental illness. After his mother commits suicide, Zane decides to follow in her footsteps, literally, by taking off in the family's 1969 Plymouth Barracuda and illegally driving the 334 miles to Zanesville, Ohio, where his mother is buried in a mysterious family plot, and where, he intends to kill himself. Throughout the trip Zane receives mystical visits from relatives throughout his gnarled family tree, and begins to better understand them and himself. There could be a lot of discussion fodder here, but the book reads exactly as though that was the author's intention. It's rather didactic and heavy handed about the history lessons and the final message. Readers looking for exploration of racial and family identity would find better in Sherman Alexie's Diary of Part-Time Indian or Jeannine Green's Before, After and Somebody In Between. Some interesting learning about Ohio/ Mid-Western history, the quick reading, and lack of sex, drugs or swearing, give some potential for classroom learning if teachers can overcome the preachy tone.

[Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was led to this title after reading Wolf's amazing "The Watch That Ends the Night." I found it to be in some ways very different, although still full of Wolf's amazing verse.

Zane's trace is convoluted and beautiful. For those who gave this a low rating for what they might consider a confusing story, I beg to differ. To appreciate this book, you have to understand what makes a verse novel work. You DON'T get everything spelled out for you; instead, you're led on the same voyage of discovery as the characters within. In my opinion, verse novels--for all their perceived simplicity--take even more craft and forethought than traditional novels. The plot unspools in images, suggestions, and half-written revelations. It's up to the reader to really look at what is between the lines. You have to be on the lookout for budding connections--in much the same way you would when reading a mystery or a psychological thriller; there's always clues along the way for those that have the patience to look.

This was really an amazing and emotionally raw story to tell. Wolf's afterwords explain many of his choices--which I enjoyed reading but didn't feel I needed, since I could see the piece for the masterpiece it was. I love that Wolf includes a bibliography of his source material and weaves fact with fiction.

Absolutely amazing.

[Jasmine Niemuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zane is a boy who is pretty much lost in himself and doesn't know where he fits in. He goes on a little adventure to "Find himself" or figure out where he belongs. What he doesn't know is that he stumbles upon something that turns his life around, in a good way.

The protagonist in this book, in my opinion, would be Zane himself, Zane's mind. I think this because Zane is basically trapped inside of this world that he thinks is not right for him and he thinks he just doesn't belong and because of this, Zane wants to pretty much end his life.

I would definitely recommend this book, especially to people who like books that make you think and has a mystery behind all of it, little hidden clues and stories that you find in it. Its not a boring book and it never drags on to where you just don't want to read it anymore.

If you like Zane's Trace, you may also like Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage because it involves this boy trying to find his mother, kind of like in Zane's Trace, Zane was trying to find himself

[Chan Min · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zane’s Trace is an intense and suspenseful novel written by Allan Wolf. Zane drives away from his home where his dead grandfather lays. His brother’s stolen 1969 Plymouth Barracuda is his ticket to Zanesville. On this road trip he encounters supernatural and physiological about his mother’s demise.

The book is a juicy plot filled book. Major character development can be seen throughout the book as well as clash of characters. It consists of supernatural elements making the novel an “out of the box” kind of book.

Starting the book was a little slow. In the beginning of the book, the theme seemed a little childish and shallow. As the plot built on, “Zane’s Trace” proved me wrong. The mysterious feeling and a touch of supernatural sensation made this novel hard to drop. The physiological encounters the main character goes through gave me chills throughout the whole book. Readers that enjoy an intense and suspenseful read will definitely appreciate this book.

I would give this book a 4/5. It is a nice short read especially when you have your feet up on the couch.

[Mia Jimenez]

"Zane belongs in Zanesville, Zanesville is a place for Zane"
Zane Guesswind is going through a bit of an identity crisis, and it doesn't help that he's a suicidal, epileptic, a fetish for writing on anything and everything, and also thinking that he killed his grandfather by writing with said markers. Him thinking of this tragedy and the fact that his mother had also committed suicide, makes him decide to take off to Zanesville, Ohio to where he plans to kill himself at his mother's grave.
While at a pit stop at a random gas station, Zane unexpectedly gains a travel companion on his road trip, a young hitchhiker called Libba. Or Libba Ration as she likes it. And during their embarkations, Zane realizes that the farther he is away from home, the further that home catches up to him through mysterious and bizarre interactions that may help him delve into something deeper within him. Could this possibly be a change in his plans?

[Winifred]

I like this book. It was weird at first but you really had to get into it in order to understand it. I thought the character Zane was interesting and unusual. Some of the things he does isn't very common for a Sophomore in high school. He writes on his walls when ever he is upset or just feels like it. He has epilepsy which is a disorder that causes him to have seizures and imagine things ( i inferred that he has epilepsy. So i can be wrong but i know for sure that he has seizures and imagines things, especially people). I think most of this is because his mom committed suicide. He is a really depressed kid and is planning on KILLING HIMSELF! It is kind of funny how the story goes and ends. If you are the type of person who likes books that are unusual but interesting i recommend this book.