Truants

by Ron Carlson

“If you can read this one without getting a lump in your throat, turn yourself in to the nearest mortuary. Your heart has ceased to function. This book is about the innate hunger of the human heart to belong. To be part of a family unit whether or not there are blood ties. It’s about the refusal of the American adult to be bothered with those young enough or old enough to be a nuisance. And it’s about the most touching book I’ve read in many a moon.” ―Carolyn Vaughter, Houston Chronicle Collin Elder is running away from a “home” for wayward teenagers. Louisa Holz is escaping from her father, a carnival daredevil. Heading west from Arizona, they meet a third member of the novel’s family―Will Clare, elderly and forgetful but full of rich memories.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Ron Carlson is an American novelist and writer of short stories.

Carlson was born in Logan, Utah, but grew up in Salt Lake City. He earned a masters degree in English from the University of Utah. He then taught at The Hotchkiss School in Connecticut where he started his first novel.

He became a professor of English at Arizona State University in 1985, teaching creative writing to undergraduates and graduates, and ultimately becoming director of its Creative Writing Program.

Carlson also taught at the University of California, Irvine.

For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Carlson

Reviews

[Aaron James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second favorite book of all time..

[Ray Cerrone · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story. I would read more books by Ron Calson based on this book.