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Merge
“John Sutton has seen the world through a runner’s eyes and in Merge he captures running’s power
to unite people in a world that divides.”
~Dean Karnazes, author of the NY Times bestseller, Ultramarathon Man
It’s tough enough to be a teenager in the best of times. In 1970s’ Oakland, where racial tensions are bubbling and violence is brewing, it’s really tough to figure out who you are and whose side you’re on.
But this is what Steve, Ida, and Levi have to do. Despite their very different backgrounds, the three find themselves working together at a local grocery store. Steve, the privileged son of a judge, is dedicated to becoming a world-class runner. Ida is also a talented runner but has to balance that passion with helping her family try to recover from race-based violence. Levi, the quick-witted son of a single mother, is on the brink of self-discovery. As they battle bullies and prejudice, their lives become intimately intertwined.
A story of friendship told by the friends themselves in a series of short, action-packed chapters, Merge takes us on a breathless, thought-provoking race to do the right thing.
Understandably, a lot of novels see the struggle against racism and injustice from one perspective. Merge sees it from both a black and a white perspective. The author offers a new, refreshingly honest approach, with Steve and Ida recognizing the chasm between their worlds. Through their stormy friendship, the divide is spanned, and their paths begin to merge.
to unite people in a world that divides.”
~Dean Karnazes, author of the NY Times bestseller, Ultramarathon Man
It’s tough enough to be a teenager in the best of times. In 1970s’ Oakland, where racial tensions are bubbling and violence is brewing, it’s really tough to figure out who you are and whose side you’re on.
But this is what Steve, Ida, and Levi have to do. Despite their very different backgrounds, the three find themselves working together at a local grocery store. Steve, the privileged son of a judge, is dedicated to becoming a world-class runner. Ida is also a talented runner but has to balance that passion with helping her family try to recover from race-based violence. Levi, the quick-witted son of a single mother, is on the brink of self-discovery. As they battle bullies and prejudice, their lives become intimately intertwined.
A story of friendship told by the friends themselves in a series of short, action-packed chapters, Merge takes us on a breathless, thought-provoking race to do the right thing.
Understandably, a lot of novels see the struggle against racism and injustice from one perspective. Merge sees it from both a black and a white perspective. The author offers a new, refreshingly honest approach, with Steve and Ida recognizing the chasm between their worlds. Through their stormy friendship, the divide is spanned, and their paths begin to merge.
376 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2023
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 24, 2023
Great read and I’m sad it’s over! I highly recommend to anyone. I enjoy running and found I was on the edge of my seat during the races but also enjoyed imagining the runs in the hills. Wonderful coming of age book - run don’t walk to read it!
April 6, 2024
John Sutton is a local writer for me. His book started at an easy pace but gathered momentum and finished with a blast of speed to a staisfying finish, just like a good race. He write in alternating voices about running, sportsmanship, friendships, social justice and making hard decisions, all good things for high schoolers and adults to read about.
I don't want to add any spoilers, but I had some tears over one boy's tough conversation with his mom. I like that the parents get parts in a positive way. That doesn't happen in many teen books these days.
The story is set in Oakland and Piedmont, where the author grew up. It rings true for those communities and for the turbulent 70's when I was in high school. As a high school Librarian, I give it a big thumbs up.
I don't want to add any spoilers, but I had some tears over one boy's tough conversation with his mom. I like that the parents get parts in a positive way. That doesn't happen in many teen books these days.
The story is set in Oakland and Piedmont, where the author grew up. It rings true for those communities and for the turbulent 70's when I was in high school. As a high school Librarian, I give it a big thumbs up.
November 3, 2023
Having grown up in the same era and area, this book, Merge, availed so many memories. Not all were fond, but then how could they be when the 70's in communities like Oakland were often turbulent, reeling because of racism. The author, John Sutton, takes us on a run...actually lots of runs...on an inspirational journey through the souls of three very different, but all unique teenagers: Steve, Ida and Levi, who all end up working at a grocery store in Oakland. Over time, their companionship grows, and their goals become more attainable because of their merging acceptance of each other and the need to do the right thing. Merge is a refreshing and positive tale that will lift your spirit and grace your soul.
December 31, 2024
Such a sweeeeet story, steeped in East Bay history with Tower of Power Oakland's pride and joy band of the time, running in Redwood Park, running meets between Piedmont and Miramonte, and Steve the fantastic dancer (and we know that he is!) And what a GREAT ending.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews