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Runaway Train #1
Runaway Train
They told me I was an out-of-control train about to crash…
Everything changed when the police officer knocked on the door to tell me – a 16-year-old – that my older sister Kristen had died of a brain aneurysm. Cue the start of my parents neglecting me and my whole life spiraling out of control.
I decided now was the perfect time to skip town. It’s the early 90’s, Kurt Cobain runs the grunge music scene and I just experienced some serious trauma. What’s a girl supposed to do? I didn’t want to end up like Kristen, so I grabbed my bucket list, turned up my mixtape of the greatest 90’s hits and fled L.A.. The goal was to end up at Kurt Cobain’s house in Seattle, but I never could have guessed what would happen along the way.
At turns heartbreaking, inspiring, and laugh out loud funny, Runaway Train is a wild journey of a bygone era and a portrait of a one-of-a-kind teenage girl trying to find herself again the only way she knows how.
Everything changed when the police officer knocked on the door to tell me – a 16-year-old – that my older sister Kristen had died of a brain aneurysm. Cue the start of my parents neglecting me and my whole life spiraling out of control.
I decided now was the perfect time to skip town. It’s the early 90’s, Kurt Cobain runs the grunge music scene and I just experienced some serious trauma. What’s a girl supposed to do? I didn’t want to end up like Kristen, so I grabbed my bucket list, turned up my mixtape of the greatest 90’s hits and fled L.A.. The goal was to end up at Kurt Cobain’s house in Seattle, but I never could have guessed what would happen along the way.
At turns heartbreaking, inspiring, and laugh out loud funny, Runaway Train is a wild journey of a bygone era and a portrait of a one-of-a-kind teenage girl trying to find herself again the only way she knows how.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2021
30 people are currently reading
1511 people want to read
About the author
Lee Matthew Goldberg
29 books1,451 followersLee Matthew Goldberg is the author of fourteen novels including THE ANCESTOR and THE MENTOR along with his five-book DESIRE CARD series. His YA series RUNAWAY TRAIN is currently in script development with actress Raegan Revord from TVs Young Sheldon off his original written pilot. The GREAT GIMMELMANS comes out in 2023. He has been published in multiple languages and nominated for an Anthony Award, the Lefty, and the Prix du Polar. After graduating with an MFA from the New School, his writing has also appeared as a contributor in Pipeline Artists, LitHub, The Los Angeles Review of Books, Electric Literature, The Millions, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, LitReactor, Mystery Tribune, The Big Idea, Monkeybicycle, Fiction Writers Review, Cagibi, Necessary Fiction, Hypertext, If My Book, Past Ten, the anthology Dirty Boulevard, The Montreal Review, The Adirondack Review, The New Plains Review, Maudlin House and others. His pilots and screenplays have been finalists in Script Pipeline, Book Pipeline, Stage 32, We Screenplay, the New York Screenplay, Screencraft, and the Hollywood Screenplay contests. He is the co-curator of The Guerrilla Lit Reading Series and lives in New York City. Follow him at LeeMatthewGoldberg.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
May 20, 2021
Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom in order to find your way back up. That's one of the messages conveyed in Lee Matthew Goldberg's new YA novel,
Runaway Train
.
“My sister Kristen died the same day as the actor River Phoenix, October 31st, 1993, he from a drug overdose in the middle of the night outside the Viper Room, her on an early morning run through Laurel Canyon, two days before her seventeenth birthday.”
Although 16-year-old Nico and her sister were very different, she’s still devastated by her sudden death. With her parents ignoring her because of their own grief and dysfunctional relationship, Nico spends her days with her two best friends, Winter and Jeremy, getting high, drinking, cutting school, and listening to grunge music.
Nico is full of anger and angst, and she doesn’t know what to do with herself. Her friends encourage her to run away for a while, maybe cross some things off her bucket list, and ultimately wind up at her musical idol Kurt Cobain’s house in Seattle.
The journey she goes on is eye-opening in many ways, full of beautiful, sad, and disappointing moments. Her sister’s spirit accompanies her, as does a mixtape she made for Kristen, which provides music for the journey. She meets an interesting crew of people along the way, some who show her that life is worth being present for and that it’s still worth living, despite her grief.
But before she can figure out what’s next, she’s on a collision course with sadness and her self-destructive, anger-filled behaviors. Will she be able to appreciate the good things she’s experiencing on this trip? Can she save herself before it’s too late?
Runaway Train so perfectly captured teenage angst and the spirit that pervaded the mid-1990s. Nico isn’t an entirely sympathetic character but her emotions and her attempts to manage them felt very real.
As a fan of grunge music of that era, I loved all the references to bands and songs. (Even before I started reading this, I found myself singing Soul Asylum's "Runaway Train." Little did I know some of the lyrics would appear in the book's epigraph!) I’m looking forward to Goldberg’s second book in this series.
Suzy Approved Book Tours, Wise Wolf Books, and Lee Matthew Goldberg provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
“My sister Kristen died the same day as the actor River Phoenix, October 31st, 1993, he from a drug overdose in the middle of the night outside the Viper Room, her on an early morning run through Laurel Canyon, two days before her seventeenth birthday.”
Although 16-year-old Nico and her sister were very different, she’s still devastated by her sudden death. With her parents ignoring her because of their own grief and dysfunctional relationship, Nico spends her days with her two best friends, Winter and Jeremy, getting high, drinking, cutting school, and listening to grunge music.
Nico is full of anger and angst, and she doesn’t know what to do with herself. Her friends encourage her to run away for a while, maybe cross some things off her bucket list, and ultimately wind up at her musical idol Kurt Cobain’s house in Seattle.
The journey she goes on is eye-opening in many ways, full of beautiful, sad, and disappointing moments. Her sister’s spirit accompanies her, as does a mixtape she made for Kristen, which provides music for the journey. She meets an interesting crew of people along the way, some who show her that life is worth being present for and that it’s still worth living, despite her grief.
But before she can figure out what’s next, she’s on a collision course with sadness and her self-destructive, anger-filled behaviors. Will she be able to appreciate the good things she’s experiencing on this trip? Can she save herself before it’s too late?
Runaway Train so perfectly captured teenage angst and the spirit that pervaded the mid-1990s. Nico isn’t an entirely sympathetic character but her emotions and her attempts to manage them felt very real.
As a fan of grunge music of that era, I loved all the references to bands and songs. (Even before I started reading this, I found myself singing Soul Asylum's "Runaway Train." Little did I know some of the lyrics would appear in the book's epigraph!) I’m looking forward to Goldberg’s second book in this series.
Suzy Approved Book Tours, Wise Wolf Books, and Lee Matthew Goldberg provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
May 3, 2021
You guys should not be sitting on this book. At all.
What a diamond in the rough this book was!! I can't tell you how much I loved it without exploding. It took me back to the early 90's when my older brother began to listen to what we now know as grunge music. But I was only ten or eleven when Cobain died, but I do remember the sadness that went through my household. it wasn't until I was much older did I understand how much Nirvana's music really resonated with so many people and lives on through the lyrics and the tortured soul singing them.
This book takes us through three states when shenanigans ensue. But throughout the book, we see snippets of who Nico wants to be despite having the death of her sister hanging over her like a dark cloud. She refuses to come to terms with her grief and it's only when she hits rock bottom does she finally realizes who she is and how she wants to remember her sister.
The characters in this book jump off the page, and Nico's voice is sassy and fun, and honest. I cannot think of a book that had me reading like I was in a race. I don't think I blinked the entire time, especially when Nico was in Seattle and things began to take a drastic turn.
I loved everything about this book from start to finish. Don't WANT TO READ this book, guys. You need to hit CURRENTLY READING like now and come back to me when you've finished.
A huge thanks tot he publisher for the review copy.
What a diamond in the rough this book was!! I can't tell you how much I loved it without exploding. It took me back to the early 90's when my older brother began to listen to what we now know as grunge music. But I was only ten or eleven when Cobain died, but I do remember the sadness that went through my household. it wasn't until I was much older did I understand how much Nirvana's music really resonated with so many people and lives on through the lyrics and the tortured soul singing them.
This book takes us through three states when shenanigans ensue. But throughout the book, we see snippets of who Nico wants to be despite having the death of her sister hanging over her like a dark cloud. She refuses to come to terms with her grief and it's only when she hits rock bottom does she finally realizes who she is and how she wants to remember her sister.
The characters in this book jump off the page, and Nico's voice is sassy and fun, and honest. I cannot think of a book that had me reading like I was in a race. I don't think I blinked the entire time, especially when Nico was in Seattle and things began to take a drastic turn.
I loved everything about this book from start to finish. Don't WANT TO READ this book, guys. You need to hit CURRENTLY READING like now and come back to me when you've finished.
A huge thanks tot he publisher for the review copy.
August 16, 2021
Since I wrote this, I gotta give it 5 Stars! But others are liking it too!
“Realistic and shocking, hopeful and satisfying, Runaway Train will keep readers turning the page." — USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Forster
"It's an incredibly challenging task for an author to utilize a darkly comedic tone without coming across as disingenuous—but Goldberg executes it here with expert precision. Brimming over with the visceral atmosphere of the early 90s grunge era, RUNAWAY TRAIN is a must-read for those willing to buckle up for the ride."
—Peter Malone Elliott (Director of Operations, Book Pipeline)
“An engaging ’90s pastiche with an earnest heart beating at its center.” — Kirkus Reviews
“In Runaway Train, Nico takes the leap every teenager dreams of taking, but it's a leap few writers have handled as well as Goldberg. He pulls apart the teen puzzle of feeling both adrift and intentional in the same moment and reminds us that finding a way to be heard is the only way anybody finds themselves.” -- Rick Polito, Off Trail
"Goldberg's atmospheric RUNAWAY TRAIN will take you back to the Nineties faster than a Pearl Jam track and a lace choker." --Alisha Sevigny, author of SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS and THE SECRET OF THE SANDS series.
"All fans of '90s alternative, no matter their generation, will find something to love in this book. A story of a young, drifting woman, who has lost her older sister abruptly and decides, as her family crumbles, to run away, Runaway Train presents an adventure, an escape fantasy, and the possibilities of life when you're young and on the margins. This book is a delight for readers of all ages." -Alex DiFrancesco, author of All City and Transmutation: Stories
“Realistic and shocking, hopeful and satisfying, Runaway Train will keep readers turning the page." — USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Forster
"It's an incredibly challenging task for an author to utilize a darkly comedic tone without coming across as disingenuous—but Goldberg executes it here with expert precision. Brimming over with the visceral atmosphere of the early 90s grunge era, RUNAWAY TRAIN is a must-read for those willing to buckle up for the ride."
—Peter Malone Elliott (Director of Operations, Book Pipeline)
“An engaging ’90s pastiche with an earnest heart beating at its center.” — Kirkus Reviews
“In Runaway Train, Nico takes the leap every teenager dreams of taking, but it's a leap few writers have handled as well as Goldberg. He pulls apart the teen puzzle of feeling both adrift and intentional in the same moment and reminds us that finding a way to be heard is the only way anybody finds themselves.” -- Rick Polito, Off Trail
"Goldberg's atmospheric RUNAWAY TRAIN will take you back to the Nineties faster than a Pearl Jam track and a lace choker." --Alisha Sevigny, author of SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS and THE SECRET OF THE SANDS series.
"All fans of '90s alternative, no matter their generation, will find something to love in this book. A story of a young, drifting woman, who has lost her older sister abruptly and decides, as her family crumbles, to run away, Runaway Train presents an adventure, an escape fantasy, and the possibilities of life when you're young and on the margins. This book is a delight for readers of all ages." -Alex DiFrancesco, author of All City and Transmutation: Stories
May 16, 2022
I received a copy of the book from Lee Matthew Goldberg's PR, but all opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book even though it isn't my typical book that I would normally pick up. I liked the bucket list idea and how Nico changed throughout the book. There were a couple of things I didn't like: e.g: the (TW) substance abuse in this book and the fat shaming in parts which is why I deduced two stars.
April 29, 2021
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
TW: Suicide references, depression, drug taking
This book was like a love letter to 90's grunge culture and Nirvana.
And I was here for it.
Runaway Train follows Nico on her quest to find herself and her identity after her sister's abrupt death and her parent's neglect and fighting. She runs away on a road trip that would take her from her hometown all the way to Seattle, the capital of the grunge music scene with only a Walkman and a bucket list full of the things Nico has always wanted to do. What she doesn't expect in her wild journey are the people that she meets and the crazy events that happen along the way.
From start to finish I really liked this book. It kept me sucked in until the end and never once was I bored. I liked the pacing of the story and the writing style where Nico's voice and character really shone through. She was angry, upset and still reeling after her sister's death. She was still figuring out how to deal with the emotional weight of those events and it was almost like you could see the character development unfold before your very eyes. At the start she barely had any idea where she was heading, she hated school and was planning on dropping out and she didn't have any hobbies or talents she was passionate about pursuing yet. By the end of the book all of that changed in a way that was thoughtful and showed her healing process, paying tribute to past events that have shaped her identity and sense of self.
Whilst identity and healing were the main themes of the book, Runaway Train wouldn't have been what it was without grunge and 90's influences. Whilst reading my digital copy, I couldn't help but put Nirvana, Mother Love Bone and Pearl Jam on repeat, letting Kurt Cobain's voice immerse me even more into the story. I once went through a grunge phase during my early teenage years which I think helped me appreciate this book even more.
I also liked how Lee Matthew Goldberg navigated the story and the interesting cast of characters we meet along the way. We have a member of a Christian Youth Group, a band member from a grunge band called Grenade Bouquets and we also have a Mother Love Bone loving character that may have been a little too eccentric when showing Nico how much he cared for her. I was interested in all the characters Goldberg presented which really helped this book shine.
ACTUAL RATING: 4.3 STARS
TW: Suicide references, depression, drug taking
This book was like a love letter to 90's grunge culture and Nirvana.
And I was here for it.
Runaway Train follows Nico on her quest to find herself and her identity after her sister's abrupt death and her parent's neglect and fighting. She runs away on a road trip that would take her from her hometown all the way to Seattle, the capital of the grunge music scene with only a Walkman and a bucket list full of the things Nico has always wanted to do. What she doesn't expect in her wild journey are the people that she meets and the crazy events that happen along the way.
From start to finish I really liked this book. It kept me sucked in until the end and never once was I bored. I liked the pacing of the story and the writing style where Nico's voice and character really shone through. She was angry, upset and still reeling after her sister's death. She was still figuring out how to deal with the emotional weight of those events and it was almost like you could see the character development unfold before your very eyes. At the start she barely had any idea where she was heading, she hated school and was planning on dropping out and she didn't have any hobbies or talents she was passionate about pursuing yet. By the end of the book all of that changed in a way that was thoughtful and showed her healing process, paying tribute to past events that have shaped her identity and sense of self.
Whilst identity and healing were the main themes of the book, Runaway Train wouldn't have been what it was without grunge and 90's influences. Whilst reading my digital copy, I couldn't help but put Nirvana, Mother Love Bone and Pearl Jam on repeat, letting Kurt Cobain's voice immerse me even more into the story. I once went through a grunge phase during my early teenage years which I think helped me appreciate this book even more.
I also liked how Lee Matthew Goldberg navigated the story and the interesting cast of characters we meet along the way. We have a member of a Christian Youth Group, a band member from a grunge band called Grenade Bouquets and we also have a Mother Love Bone loving character that may have been a little too eccentric when showing Nico how much he cared for her. I was interested in all the characters Goldberg presented which really helped this book shine.
ACTUAL RATING: 4.3 STARS
December 5, 2021
Edit: it is so weird to see that I was apologising for DNFing a book half a year ago. Oh, well. People change and start to prioritize themselves. I broke my "rule" of not rating books that I did not finish on another book, so I came back to do the same for this one.
~I was provided with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.~
I am so sorry but I had to DNF this book at 29%. The part where it finally got me? "Are you okay, Nico?" Stephen asks. He's so nice. He can tell that I'm scared about something. I want him to carry me up the mountainside like a bride and then lay me down on the rocky soil so we could make out under the clouds and I could feel his Jesus schlong grow.
If I were 13 and back in my I-am-not-like-other-girls phase, I would probably like this book, because the protagonist was the definition of not like other girls and I would probably see myself in her. When it comes to the story, some parts of it were so unrealistic--like her parents just letting her go live with her best friend's mom without actually asking the latter if it was okay. Like what? The writing was cringy and it read like a badly written fanfic (think Watpad 2014). I am not a fan of male authors writing teenage female protagonists, because oftentimes they write laughable stuff, but here it felt like the author watched a later episode of Riverdale and decided that that is in fact how teenagers talk; no, we do not call each other "bitch" every other sentence and we most certainly do not punch each other in the boobs.
I get that the story might get better as it progresses since reviews for this book are pretty good and they praise the story, but I just could not look past the cringy writing and the "Jesus schlong grow" moment and therefore, do not intend to find out.
~I was provided with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.~
I am so sorry but I had to DNF this book at 29%. The part where it finally got me? "Are you okay, Nico?" Stephen asks. He's so nice. He can tell that I'm scared about something. I want him to carry me up the mountainside like a bride and then lay me down on the rocky soil so we could make out under the clouds and I could feel his Jesus schlong grow.
If I were 13 and back in my I-am-not-like-other-girls phase, I would probably like this book, because the protagonist was the definition of not like other girls and I would probably see myself in her. When it comes to the story, some parts of it were so unrealistic--like her parents just letting her go live with her best friend's mom without actually asking the latter if it was okay. Like what? The writing was cringy and it read like a badly written fanfic (think Watpad 2014). I am not a fan of male authors writing teenage female protagonists, because oftentimes they write laughable stuff, but here it felt like the author watched a later episode of Riverdale and decided that that is in fact how teenagers talk; no, we do not call each other "bitch" every other sentence and we most certainly do not punch each other in the boobs.
I get that the story might get better as it progresses since reviews for this book are pretty good and they praise the story, but I just could not look past the cringy writing and the "Jesus schlong grow" moment and therefore, do not intend to find out.
April 25, 2021
Nico's life changes the moment she finds out that her older sister, Kristen has died suddenly from an aneurysm on Halloween 1993. Nico is still reeling from finding out about the death of River Phoenix and spirals out of control. With her parents dealing with their own issues, Nico turns to her best friends, Winter and Jeremy who encourage Nico to fulfill her own bucket list which includes an epic road trip to visit Kurt Cobain's home before an aneurysm takes her too.
Runaway Train is a young adult coming of age story set within the Grunge scene of the 1990's. Nico's character is a wonderful embodiment of a teenager in 1993, deeply emotional, but not knowing how to express themselves and finding their outlets in the lyrics of the Grunge greats that helped define the movement and generation. I could easily picture Nico and her friends' style, demeanor and rooms through the writing. I absolutely loved that each of the chapters was titled after a specific song, it helped to set the mood and tone of the scene and provided insight into Nico's emotional state. It would have been perfect if the ebook could have had links right in the chapter to play the songs along with it. Nico's journey could only take place in the 1990's and the writing totally nailed the 90's vibe. I was intrigued with each of Nico's stops on her trip and what she accomplished in coming to terms with her sister's death and moving forward. Nico's road trip was a wonderful tool to explore her grief, reasons for self-destruction and eventually finding herself.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Runaway Train is a young adult coming of age story set within the Grunge scene of the 1990's. Nico's character is a wonderful embodiment of a teenager in 1993, deeply emotional, but not knowing how to express themselves and finding their outlets in the lyrics of the Grunge greats that helped define the movement and generation. I could easily picture Nico and her friends' style, demeanor and rooms through the writing. I absolutely loved that each of the chapters was titled after a specific song, it helped to set the mood and tone of the scene and provided insight into Nico's emotional state. It would have been perfect if the ebook could have had links right in the chapter to play the songs along with it. Nico's journey could only take place in the 1990's and the writing totally nailed the 90's vibe. I was intrigued with each of Nico's stops on her trip and what she accomplished in coming to terms with her sister's death and moving forward. Nico's road trip was a wonderful tool to explore her grief, reasons for self-destruction and eventually finding herself.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
April 3, 2021
When I first saw this book offered, I was sitting on the fence and then another email came calling for more reviewers and I was like actually, it does sound like something I might enjoy, and decided to give it a go. I ended up enjoying this book more than I thought I would. Runaway Train is set in 1993 and our main character experiences not only one death but throughout the novel - three deaths. The first is her sister Kristen and then River Phoenix and then the death of Kurt Cobain that will be Nico's turning point in the story. The book follows her journey of finding herself and re-discovering who she is as she is constantly spiraling and her life is out of control. When Kristen dies, Nico writes a bucket list of things to complete and when River Phoenix dies - the idea of running away and finding herself comes to play, and then when Kurt Cobain dies, she realizes her life has come full circle and it is time to face reality. But is it a reality that she wants to face or would she prefer to join those in the 27 Club? One of my favorite things about this book was the way the author had captured the authenticity of the period setting of the 1993 grunge era and the impact that Kurt Cobain's death had made on the world especially those who lived in Seattle.
June 3, 2021
I was provided a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started 'Runaway Train', but it certainly did not disappoint. The themes of identity and moving on really stood out, and I thought they were handled really well, and seemed realistic. I absolutely loved all the characters, especially since they all had unique voices and were all so different. Nico was an incredible protagonist, and one that I could relate to as the story progressed.
The writing style also drew me in, and it meant that I managed to read this book in one sitting. I was intrigued by Nico's journey and how her personality and identity was shaped by it. It was a great portrayal of a teenager going through grief and coming to terms with who they are, and it definitely makes me want to read more from this author.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started 'Runaway Train', but it certainly did not disappoint. The themes of identity and moving on really stood out, and I thought they were handled really well, and seemed realistic. I absolutely loved all the characters, especially since they all had unique voices and were all so different. Nico was an incredible protagonist, and one that I could relate to as the story progressed.
The writing style also drew me in, and it meant that I managed to read this book in one sitting. I was intrigued by Nico's journey and how her personality and identity was shaped by it. It was a great portrayal of a teenager going through grief and coming to terms with who they are, and it definitely makes me want to read more from this author.
May 15, 2021
This was an outstanding novel about self-healing and dealing with grief. It teaches others that there is no right way to mourn through Nico's story about recovering from her sister's death. When she meets several people throughout her adventure, they all give her a sense of release and bliss, however short. When she learns of Kurt Cobain, her idol's death, it shows how much a death can affect her and how she dealt with it by becoming this party animal, using drugs and getting drunk, and the healing process afterwards with the help of others.
Although the plot had potential, I think more attention should've been paid to the editing. The writing style was overly concise in my opinion but was still sufficient. Yes, Nico was dealing with grief but I believe the methods used to do this was very repetitive - drinking, doing drugs. There were a lot of music references from the 90s, and sometimes required time to understand what was being referenced. Overall, the plot had potential but was carried out in a way that it shouldn't have.
Although the plot had potential, I think more attention should've been paid to the editing. The writing style was overly concise in my opinion but was still sufficient. Yes, Nico was dealing with grief but I believe the methods used to do this was very repetitive - drinking, doing drugs. There were a lot of music references from the 90s, and sometimes required time to understand what was being referenced. Overall, the plot had potential but was carried out in a way that it shouldn't have.
May 6, 2021
Oh this book. It made me feel so many things! It took me right back to my adolescence. The anger, self-loathing, the resentment for my parents, the pressure from my friends, feeling lost - it all came flooding back.
Nico's older sister died suddenly from a brain aneurism in 1993. She believes this to be a hereditary trait and fears the same may happen to her in a year's time. So she runs away from home with her Bucket List in hand, in pursuit of as many life experiences as she can have.
In the afterward, the author explains this novel is "a love letter to grunge music" and that came through loud and clear. I was two years younger than Nico at this same time in the 90's. The music she loves, that's on every page of this book, shaped my life too and still resonates with me. I loved having that shared experience with her. I could understand her in a way that doesn't happen much for me with characters. Even though my adolescence was much different from hers, so many themes are Universal - wanting to belong, fear of the future, not feeling understood by your family. This is all heavy stuff and Goldberg captures it well while chronicling an important time in music history.
The beginning and end were strongest, the middle meandered a bit too much and the writing got repetitive at times. While I related to Nico, she was also incredibly annoying, which makes her such a realistic character. I alternated between rooting for her and wanting her to give up on the whole thing and go home!
This is a young adult novel, so I'm obviously not the intended audience. I wonder what a teenager would think of this story today and whether Nico would be relatable. I suspect she would. I highly recommend this for readers of coming of age stories and music history.
Nico's older sister died suddenly from a brain aneurism in 1993. She believes this to be a hereditary trait and fears the same may happen to her in a year's time. So she runs away from home with her Bucket List in hand, in pursuit of as many life experiences as she can have.
In the afterward, the author explains this novel is "a love letter to grunge music" and that came through loud and clear. I was two years younger than Nico at this same time in the 90's. The music she loves, that's on every page of this book, shaped my life too and still resonates with me. I loved having that shared experience with her. I could understand her in a way that doesn't happen much for me with characters. Even though my adolescence was much different from hers, so many themes are Universal - wanting to belong, fear of the future, not feeling understood by your family. This is all heavy stuff and Goldberg captures it well while chronicling an important time in music history.
The beginning and end were strongest, the middle meandered a bit too much and the writing got repetitive at times. While I related to Nico, she was also incredibly annoying, which makes her such a realistic character. I alternated between rooting for her and wanting her to give up on the whole thing and go home!
This is a young adult novel, so I'm obviously not the intended audience. I wonder what a teenager would think of this story today and whether Nico would be relatable. I suspect she would. I highly recommend this for readers of coming of age stories and music history.
March 20, 2021
A beautiful story about loss, grief, and overcoming your inner demons.
One moment she was there, the next she was gone. When her sister Kristen dies of a brain aneurysm at 17, Nico’s life starts heading down a crash course. Convinced that she is also destined to die young, Nico creates a bucket list, grabs the mixtape she made for Kristen, and leaves L.A. behind. Destined for Seattle, Washington to visit the home of her idol Kurt Cobain, Nico tries to complete her bucket list as she comes to terms with the loss of Kristen and fights her personal demons. Will the journey end in an inevitable crash or will Nico find something new worth living for?
This coming-of-age story was beautifully tragic and unforgiving. Nico’s adventure is not just about finding her place in the world, but about grief, mental health, and relationships as well. The journey to better mental/emotional health is never a straight path and we get to see Nico’s peaks and valleys as she tries to find a new, healthier equilibrium. At her low points, Nico is extremely destructive to the point of being unlikable. However, as uncomfortable as it is to witness, I also find it to be a truthful representation of how many people (both teens and adults) try to artificially deal with deep emotional pain. Nico might be impulsive, but her actions are not without reason. I appreciate the author’s bravery in unapologetically showing this part of her. It makes it all the more rewarding whenever she reaches her peaks.
Relationships play a big role in Nico’s journey and they are really where this story shines. Though it feels like you might be falling into a trope every time a new character is introduced, you are quickly surprised by fatal flaws and quirks that make each character unique. The characters aren’t there as ‘sages’ for Nico, but as real people that help Nico discover both strengths and flaws in herself through her interactions with them. There are many great characters in this book, but the most important relationship to me is between Kristen and Nico. Despite being presented as opposites, it is clear that they were close in their own sisterly way. What Kristen means to Nico unfolds along the story and Kristen’s role in Nico’s journey is beautifully portrayed and moving.
If I were to complain about anything, it would be that this story needed to spend more time with an editor. It was good enough that I was able to ignore the errors, but someone who is more particular might be bothered by it. Additionally, this is definitely an era-specific piece. Where this is not necessarily a bad thing, I think part of why I enjoyed it so much was because I grew up in this era and could relate to most of the references and Nico’s lifestyle. There is a lot that current young readers can get out of this story, but it will resonate more with people who grew up in the 90’s and/or appreciate grunge music and culture.
One moment she was there, the next she was gone. When her sister Kristen dies of a brain aneurysm at 17, Nico’s life starts heading down a crash course. Convinced that she is also destined to die young, Nico creates a bucket list, grabs the mixtape she made for Kristen, and leaves L.A. behind. Destined for Seattle, Washington to visit the home of her idol Kurt Cobain, Nico tries to complete her bucket list as she comes to terms with the loss of Kristen and fights her personal demons. Will the journey end in an inevitable crash or will Nico find something new worth living for?
This coming-of-age story was beautifully tragic and unforgiving. Nico’s adventure is not just about finding her place in the world, but about grief, mental health, and relationships as well. The journey to better mental/emotional health is never a straight path and we get to see Nico’s peaks and valleys as she tries to find a new, healthier equilibrium. At her low points, Nico is extremely destructive to the point of being unlikable. However, as uncomfortable as it is to witness, I also find it to be a truthful representation of how many people (both teens and adults) try to artificially deal with deep emotional pain. Nico might be impulsive, but her actions are not without reason. I appreciate the author’s bravery in unapologetically showing this part of her. It makes it all the more rewarding whenever she reaches her peaks.
Relationships play a big role in Nico’s journey and they are really where this story shines. Though it feels like you might be falling into a trope every time a new character is introduced, you are quickly surprised by fatal flaws and quirks that make each character unique. The characters aren’t there as ‘sages’ for Nico, but as real people that help Nico discover both strengths and flaws in herself through her interactions with them. There are many great characters in this book, but the most important relationship to me is between Kristen and Nico. Despite being presented as opposites, it is clear that they were close in their own sisterly way. What Kristen means to Nico unfolds along the story and Kristen’s role in Nico’s journey is beautifully portrayed and moving.
If I were to complain about anything, it would be that this story needed to spend more time with an editor. It was good enough that I was able to ignore the errors, but someone who is more particular might be bothered by it. Additionally, this is definitely an era-specific piece. Where this is not necessarily a bad thing, I think part of why I enjoyed it so much was because I grew up in this era and could relate to most of the references and Nico’s lifestyle. There is a lot that current young readers can get out of this story, but it will resonate more with people who grew up in the 90’s and/or appreciate grunge music and culture.
March 23, 2021
E-Arc for this book was provided by Netgalley.
TW for loss of loved ones, substance abuse, neglect.
Runaway Train is a coming of age emotional book with tons of nostalgia and angst from the 90's. Nico (Nicole) is a 16 year old who has been dealt with a rather shitty hand in life. She's a victim of influence and circumstances. Living in L.A., her parents prefer her older sister because she's the easier one, that is until Kristen dies of a brain aneurysm one morning just before her 17th birthday. Nico is convinced that is her fate as well and with no emotional support to drop back on, she decides to runaway.
This book is solely from Nico's point of view and we see her struggles. Everyone is different, everyone processes grief and difficulty in their own way and timeline. We see two sisters who couldn't be more different; similarly as Nico's father and his sister. On the other hand we see Winter who is spiralling on her own. She has a great example of Nico on how life can be changed but sometimes that is just not enough. And Nico isn't judging, that hard, because sometimes people simply need a friend to pull them up when they want to change.
Nico's parents haven't been the best set, well they haven't been good parents either. I feel I'm at that stage in life where i can still understand what the 16 year old is going through and appreciate that parenthood doesn't come with a handbook. Did they make shitty decisions? Absolutely. The parents' grieved in their own way, and did what they know how to do best. They avoided it altogether.
Nico's trio of misfits are just that. We crave company of friends who like the things we do. Winter is a wreck and Jeremy is the buffer. Nico meets new people on her road trip to Seattle where she wants to meet Kurt Cobain. Gregg with 3 G's was the asshole who taught her a song on the guitar and Stephen was the God-boy who surfs and hikes mountains. Stephen is the healthy friend but Nico met him when she didn't real need him. Irrespective of the fact that he bailed her out of prison. Now Evan. He was a surprise. Evan is the stubborn, level headed college boy in a band. I just enjoyed Nico when she was with him.
"It's not about your whack parents, it's about you, Nico."
Nico is on an adventure of self discovery and the book reads very well. It made me emotional, angry, even cry and at times it made me laugh. The bottom line is to know we aren't alone. We might feel we are, people might make us feel that we are. At those times we don't want to think that we are one of a kind, no, we want to know that there are others like us and we have that support.
"And what it means is that everybody goes through pain in their life, which is why pain is universal. If you think you are the only one suffering, someone else is likely suffering too. You are not alone."
TW for loss of loved ones, substance abuse, neglect.
Runaway Train is a coming of age emotional book with tons of nostalgia and angst from the 90's. Nico (Nicole) is a 16 year old who has been dealt with a rather shitty hand in life. She's a victim of influence and circumstances. Living in L.A., her parents prefer her older sister because she's the easier one, that is until Kristen dies of a brain aneurysm one morning just before her 17th birthday. Nico is convinced that is her fate as well and with no emotional support to drop back on, she decides to runaway.
This book is solely from Nico's point of view and we see her struggles. Everyone is different, everyone processes grief and difficulty in their own way and timeline. We see two sisters who couldn't be more different; similarly as Nico's father and his sister. On the other hand we see Winter who is spiralling on her own. She has a great example of Nico on how life can be changed but sometimes that is just not enough. And Nico isn't judging, that hard, because sometimes people simply need a friend to pull them up when they want to change.
Nico's parents haven't been the best set, well they haven't been good parents either. I feel I'm at that stage in life where i can still understand what the 16 year old is going through and appreciate that parenthood doesn't come with a handbook. Did they make shitty decisions? Absolutely. The parents' grieved in their own way, and did what they know how to do best. They avoided it altogether.
Nico's trio of misfits are just that. We crave company of friends who like the things we do. Winter is a wreck and Jeremy is the buffer. Nico meets new people on her road trip to Seattle where she wants to meet Kurt Cobain. Gregg with 3 G's was the asshole who taught her a song on the guitar and Stephen was the God-boy who surfs and hikes mountains. Stephen is the healthy friend but Nico met him when she didn't real need him. Irrespective of the fact that he bailed her out of prison. Now Evan. He was a surprise. Evan is the stubborn, level headed college boy in a band. I just enjoyed Nico when she was with him.
"It's not about your whack parents, it's about you, Nico."
Nico is on an adventure of self discovery and the book reads very well. It made me emotional, angry, even cry and at times it made me laugh. The bottom line is to know we aren't alone. We might feel we are, people might make us feel that we are. At those times we don't want to think that we are one of a kind, no, we want to know that there are others like us and we have that support.
"And what it means is that everybody goes through pain in their life, which is why pain is universal. If you think you are the only one suffering, someone else is likely suffering too. You are not alone."
April 30, 2021
Runaway Train is the first book I’ve ever read by this author. And I honestly had no idea what to expect when I first picked this one to read. But I loved the cover, and the blurb had me intrigued. I’m a child of the ’80s, and the ’90s were my college and new adult years, so out of nostalgia, I thought, why not? I can’t say I was a total grunge fan back in the day, but there were artists and songs that I loved, so with the chapter titles reading like songs from a mixtape (brilliant idea!), I thought I’d give this book a try. It was a wild, wild ride!
As Nico’s family is crumbling right before her eyes, her sister’s untimely death rocks her already shaky foundation. She’s screaming toward rock bottom with alcohol and drugs driving her runaway train. She’s floundering, and on the precipice, so she does what she thinks she needs to do to figure it all out and sets out on the road trip of a lifetime to conquer her own bucket list.
Whew…this one put me through the wringer. So much so that days after finishing it, I’m still having a hard time putting my feelings into actual words. I can’t say I ever dreamed of running away, but Nico was kind of fierce and braver than she thought when she embarked on her journey. As a teen, this would have inspired me. As a parent, it’s frightening to imagine one of my kids, especially my daughter, doing something like this, so it was heartening to see Nico find a few genuinely good people along the way. I’m not sure she would have survived her eventual crash without them.
If you like raw, emotional, angsty, yet sometimes comedic young adult fiction, Runaway Train is a book you don’t want to miss. It was a very nostalgic read for me. And I thought the author did a fabulous job delving into a teenage girl’s mind. The book’s tempo also read like a runaway train would feel, which added to the authenticity, in my opinion. I loved the song references and playlist, but it was hard to read the parts where Nico was truly out of control. I’m a parent now, so from that perspective, it was more than heartbreaking. From page one to the very end, this book was absolutely unputdownable for this reader, so I’m quite happy that I took a chance on this story. I’m more than looking forward to the next book in the series!
NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Runaway Train by Lee Matthew Goldberg 5 out of 5 stars!
As Nico’s family is crumbling right before her eyes, her sister’s untimely death rocks her already shaky foundation. She’s screaming toward rock bottom with alcohol and drugs driving her runaway train. She’s floundering, and on the precipice, so she does what she thinks she needs to do to figure it all out and sets out on the road trip of a lifetime to conquer her own bucket list.
Whew…this one put me through the wringer. So much so that days after finishing it, I’m still having a hard time putting my feelings into actual words. I can’t say I ever dreamed of running away, but Nico was kind of fierce and braver than she thought when she embarked on her journey. As a teen, this would have inspired me. As a parent, it’s frightening to imagine one of my kids, especially my daughter, doing something like this, so it was heartening to see Nico find a few genuinely good people along the way. I’m not sure she would have survived her eventual crash without them.
If you like raw, emotional, angsty, yet sometimes comedic young adult fiction, Runaway Train is a book you don’t want to miss. It was a very nostalgic read for me. And I thought the author did a fabulous job delving into a teenage girl’s mind. The book’s tempo also read like a runaway train would feel, which added to the authenticity, in my opinion. I loved the song references and playlist, but it was hard to read the parts where Nico was truly out of control. I’m a parent now, so from that perspective, it was more than heartbreaking. From page one to the very end, this book was absolutely unputdownable for this reader, so I’m quite happy that I took a chance on this story. I’m more than looking forward to the next book in the series!
NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Runaway Train by Lee Matthew Goldberg 5 out of 5 stars!
March 10, 2021
I just want you to know that I
Don't hate you anymore
There is nothing I could say
That I haven't thought before --Serve the Servants, Nirvana
Nico's entire world turns upside down when her sister Kristen suddenly dies from a brain aneurysm at the age of 17. Her parents start neglecting her because Kristen was their perfect child and Nico is anything but. So, Nico turns to her grunge music and her king, Kurt Cobain for comfort. With her bucket list and mix tape in hand, Nico runs away to find Kurt Cobain's house and make him fall madly in love with her and leave Courtney Love once and for all.
Nico does not want to end up dead at 17 like her sister, so she might as well live while she is alive. While traveling to Seattle from L.A., Nico meets a handful of interesting characters along the way, each bringing some type of revelation to Nico. But Nico is so caught up in missing her sister and trying to live, that she can't see that she is a runaway train about to crash...
I loved this book. Nico and her teenage angst were pouring through the pages. I could hear the music, hear Cobain's gravelly voice. This book transported me to an era that I am a little too young to remember, but I could see it vividly. The author did a wonderful job with the descriptions and emotions, because while everything may have been hazy for Nico, it was clear for me as a reader.
I thought the character development was great, the descriptions were superb, and the references to the 90's were spot on (and even though I am on the younger side of this era, I caught most of them.) The writing kept me interested and turning pages, and Nico's character was one of which I almost felt overprotective. I didn't want anything bad to happen to Nico even though I could feel it building.
I want to thank the author for writing this story because even if the reader can't connect with the 90's grunge scene, there are plenty of other elements in this coming-of-age novel that will resonate with almost everyone. I think it is an important reminder to check in on your loved ones, especially if they seem like a train about to crash.
5 stars, I can't give this book enough praise!
Thank you to Wise Wolf Press, Netgalley, and Lee Matthew Goldberg for the review copy.
Don't hate you anymore
There is nothing I could say
That I haven't thought before --Serve the Servants, Nirvana
Nico's entire world turns upside down when her sister Kristen suddenly dies from a brain aneurysm at the age of 17. Her parents start neglecting her because Kristen was their perfect child and Nico is anything but. So, Nico turns to her grunge music and her king, Kurt Cobain for comfort. With her bucket list and mix tape in hand, Nico runs away to find Kurt Cobain's house and make him fall madly in love with her and leave Courtney Love once and for all.
Nico does not want to end up dead at 17 like her sister, so she might as well live while she is alive. While traveling to Seattle from L.A., Nico meets a handful of interesting characters along the way, each bringing some type of revelation to Nico. But Nico is so caught up in missing her sister and trying to live, that she can't see that she is a runaway train about to crash...
I loved this book. Nico and her teenage angst were pouring through the pages. I could hear the music, hear Cobain's gravelly voice. This book transported me to an era that I am a little too young to remember, but I could see it vividly. The author did a wonderful job with the descriptions and emotions, because while everything may have been hazy for Nico, it was clear for me as a reader.
I thought the character development was great, the descriptions were superb, and the references to the 90's were spot on (and even though I am on the younger side of this era, I caught most of them.) The writing kept me interested and turning pages, and Nico's character was one of which I almost felt overprotective. I didn't want anything bad to happen to Nico even though I could feel it building.
I want to thank the author for writing this story because even if the reader can't connect with the 90's grunge scene, there are plenty of other elements in this coming-of-age novel that will resonate with almost everyone. I think it is an important reminder to check in on your loved ones, especially if they seem like a train about to crash.
5 stars, I can't give this book enough praise!
Thank you to Wise Wolf Press, Netgalley, and Lee Matthew Goldberg for the review copy.
April 29, 2021
Armed with her bucket list, Polaroid camera, her dead sister’s mixtape, her dad’s gas card, and her anger and grief, Nico runs away from her sh*tshow of a life and finds herself. How does that go, you ask? Well, it results in meeting new friends, being arrested, singing with a band, and hitting rock bottom as predicted.
Nico is a little rough around the edges. She’s abrasive, out-of-control, and hurting badly. After losing her 17-year-old sister from a brain aneurysm, Nico is convinced that she is going to die too and drowns herself in music, drugs, alcohol, and acts of delinquency to hide the pain. Add the fact that she finds out her parents’ marriage has all been a lie and she takes off for the unknown along the coast of California and Washington. The people she meets along the way and the death of her music idol will change her life forever.
The supporting characters are essential in this book from Nico’s messed up friends Winter and Jeremy, to Nico’s “spiritual detective” Aunt Carly, to Stephen the Jesus boy, and especially the soulful and kind, Evan, who is a keeper.
Mr. Goldberg’s deep dive into the 90’s grunge scene is a new one for me. I have to admit I was more of a pop music listener like Kristen, Nico’s sister. Yes, I was that girl. 😁 He expresses that Nico’s love of groups like Nirvana, Hole, Stone Temple Pilots, etc., has a huge effect on her life due to the emotional lyrics and angsty tones, similar to other eras such as the 60’s and ’70s. Whether you are a grunge fan or not, I suggest you listen to the music listed on Nico’s mixtape to get a feel of her state of mind and how she is trying to understand her grief of losing her sister.
I recommend this heartbreaking and reflective young adult novel for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, love ’90s music, and have a rebellious streak who are truly ready to see the stars.
Thank you to Mr. Goldberg for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Nico is a little rough around the edges. She’s abrasive, out-of-control, and hurting badly. After losing her 17-year-old sister from a brain aneurysm, Nico is convinced that she is going to die too and drowns herself in music, drugs, alcohol, and acts of delinquency to hide the pain. Add the fact that she finds out her parents’ marriage has all been a lie and she takes off for the unknown along the coast of California and Washington. The people she meets along the way and the death of her music idol will change her life forever.
The supporting characters are essential in this book from Nico’s messed up friends Winter and Jeremy, to Nico’s “spiritual detective” Aunt Carly, to Stephen the Jesus boy, and especially the soulful and kind, Evan, who is a keeper.
Mr. Goldberg’s deep dive into the 90’s grunge scene is a new one for me. I have to admit I was more of a pop music listener like Kristen, Nico’s sister. Yes, I was that girl. 😁 He expresses that Nico’s love of groups like Nirvana, Hole, Stone Temple Pilots, etc., has a huge effect on her life due to the emotional lyrics and angsty tones, similar to other eras such as the 60’s and ’70s. Whether you are a grunge fan or not, I suggest you listen to the music listed on Nico’s mixtape to get a feel of her state of mind and how she is trying to understand her grief of losing her sister.
I recommend this heartbreaking and reflective young adult novel for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, love ’90s music, and have a rebellious streak who are truly ready to see the stars.
Thank you to Mr. Goldberg for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
April 28, 2021
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content warning: Mention of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, loss of a loved one, drugs, swear words.
Synopsis: Nico's sister dies shortly before her 17th birthday and the family can’t handle it. After feeling worse than ever, Nico decides to run away, making a bucket list with things she wants to try.
Story:
The story had me hooked, so I stayed up until 2am to finish reading. It’s got lots of ups and downs, heart wrenching scenes and a really nice, fitting ending.
Nico is an interesting character. She’s not likeable, needing to learn about consent, is mean to her friends, lashes out at many people and is at the height of her “I’m not like the other girls”-phase. But still, it’s probably quite realistic and understandable, especially the latter, and I really hoped for her to get a happy end.
Her relationship with Winter and Jeremy seems rather toxic to me too, dragging each other down, they not understanding why anyone would like to be sober or go to school regularly. Her family also has quite some problems, not to forget her extreme adoration for her favourite singer. It all leads to her feeling rather miserable at the beginning.
The setting was lovely, though I’ve never been in the States before, and don’t know a lot about the fashion and music trends back then.
The style was wonderful, really making me feel for Nico and her sometimes very self-absorbed thoughts and emotions. Some parts were a little cringy, but I suppose that comes with reading a teenaged girl’s thoughts?
Anyway, I couldn’t stop reading and just HAD to know how it all turns out and if Nico gets the happy end she deserves.
So, this book gets a wonderful 5 stars from me!
Content warning: Mention of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, loss of a loved one, drugs, swear words.
Synopsis: Nico's sister dies shortly before her 17th birthday and the family can’t handle it. After feeling worse than ever, Nico decides to run away, making a bucket list with things she wants to try.
Story:
The story had me hooked, so I stayed up until 2am to finish reading. It’s got lots of ups and downs, heart wrenching scenes and a really nice, fitting ending.
Nico is an interesting character. She’s not likeable, needing to learn about consent, is mean to her friends, lashes out at many people and is at the height of her “I’m not like the other girls”-phase. But still, it’s probably quite realistic and understandable, especially the latter, and I really hoped for her to get a happy end.
Her relationship with Winter and Jeremy seems rather toxic to me too, dragging each other down, they not understanding why anyone would like to be sober or go to school regularly. Her family also has quite some problems, not to forget her extreme adoration for her favourite singer. It all leads to her feeling rather miserable at the beginning.
The setting was lovely, though I’ve never been in the States before, and don’t know a lot about the fashion and music trends back then.
The style was wonderful, really making me feel for Nico and her sometimes very self-absorbed thoughts and emotions. Some parts were a little cringy, but I suppose that comes with reading a teenaged girl’s thoughts?
Anyway, I couldn’t stop reading and just HAD to know how it all turns out and if Nico gets the happy end she deserves.
So, this book gets a wonderful 5 stars from me!
April 30, 2021
I had the honor of reading "Runaway Train" by Lee Matthew Goldberg, and I must say it's a great book!
There may be some small spoilers...
This story is a raw and real novel of someone dealing - or rather not dealing - with grief and everything that comes along with it. Though the story was set strongly in the '90s, the premise could be used even today.
Not everyone will appreciate the cursing, drugs, and sex, but I think Goldberg did a great job at showing the human condition. The main character, Nico, is reeling from the death of her sister but refuses to talk about it. She and her two best friends are losing themselves to drugs and alcohol with no direction for their lives.
In order to escape reality, Nico runs away to pursue her bucket list. What she doesn't know is that pursuing this bucket list opens up every emotion she's been holding deep inside. Through Nico's journey, we see self-destruction and how someone can hit rock bottom. We also see how Nico begins to pull herself out of the dark recesses she's been living in and starts to grow as a person.
In her two best friends, Nico is able to recognize the same destructive tendencies she had been living and wants them to realize the same positive change she's experienced. She realizes, however, that it's a choice her friends need to realize on their own.
I really enjoyed the story and how many different people Nico encounters through her journey; everyone from a cheating jerk to a sweet Christian to a girl who gives her the courage to pursue what she truly wants. Each person teaches Nico something different that she'll be able to take with her the rest of her life.
There may be some small spoilers...
This story is a raw and real novel of someone dealing - or rather not dealing - with grief and everything that comes along with it. Though the story was set strongly in the '90s, the premise could be used even today.
Not everyone will appreciate the cursing, drugs, and sex, but I think Goldberg did a great job at showing the human condition. The main character, Nico, is reeling from the death of her sister but refuses to talk about it. She and her two best friends are losing themselves to drugs and alcohol with no direction for their lives.
In order to escape reality, Nico runs away to pursue her bucket list. What she doesn't know is that pursuing this bucket list opens up every emotion she's been holding deep inside. Through Nico's journey, we see self-destruction and how someone can hit rock bottom. We also see how Nico begins to pull herself out of the dark recesses she's been living in and starts to grow as a person.
In her two best friends, Nico is able to recognize the same destructive tendencies she had been living and wants them to realize the same positive change she's experienced. She realizes, however, that it's a choice her friends need to realize on their own.
I really enjoyed the story and how many different people Nico encounters through her journey; everyone from a cheating jerk to a sweet Christian to a girl who gives her the courage to pursue what she truly wants. Each person teaches Nico something different that she'll be able to take with her the rest of her life.
April 26, 2021
Book Tour and Review
Runaway Train by Lee Matthew Goldberg
It's 1994. Nico is an angsty teenage girl whose older sister just died and she is unsure how to grieve. A torn relationship with her divorcing parents leaves Nico feeling lost and alone. So she leaves home to go on a journey of self-discovery.
Runaway Train tells Nico's story over 2 months. It's set up as a double-sided mixed-tape grunge playlist, each chapter assigned a song - from Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, and Tori Amos, to "Ace of mother-f***ing Base".
Sometimes I wanted to shake Nico and drag her teenage ass home. Other times I wanted to give her a hug, a wad of cash, and trust that she'll find her own way. This YA book is moody, witty, frustrating, and completely relatable - much like the audience it is intended for. It's also redeeming and hopeful. Runaway Train was an unexpected surprise and I loved it!
If you've ever been a hot mess 🤚🏼 identified areas of your life as dysfunctional🤚🏼 or felt despair when your favorite rockstar died🤚🏼 I think you would enjoy this book.
Runaway Train pairs well with eating gas station chips and downing whatever mini liquor bottles you can find.
CW: drug use, underage drinking, teenage sex (consensual), suicide, loss of a loved one, divorce, depression
A huge thank you to TLC Book Tours for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Runaway Train by Lee Matthew Goldberg
It's 1994. Nico is an angsty teenage girl whose older sister just died and she is unsure how to grieve. A torn relationship with her divorcing parents leaves Nico feeling lost and alone. So she leaves home to go on a journey of self-discovery.
Runaway Train tells Nico's story over 2 months. It's set up as a double-sided mixed-tape grunge playlist, each chapter assigned a song - from Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, and Tori Amos, to "Ace of mother-f***ing Base".
Sometimes I wanted to shake Nico and drag her teenage ass home. Other times I wanted to give her a hug, a wad of cash, and trust that she'll find her own way. This YA book is moody, witty, frustrating, and completely relatable - much like the audience it is intended for. It's also redeeming and hopeful. Runaway Train was an unexpected surprise and I loved it!
If you've ever been a hot mess 🤚🏼 identified areas of your life as dysfunctional🤚🏼 or felt despair when your favorite rockstar died🤚🏼 I think you would enjoy this book.
Runaway Train pairs well with eating gas station chips and downing whatever mini liquor bottles you can find.
CW: drug use, underage drinking, teenage sex (consensual), suicide, loss of a loved one, divorce, depression
A huge thank you to TLC Book Tours for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
April 29, 2021
This was such an amazing coming of age book, it pulled me and immediately I was back to the 90s!
It’s 1993 and Nico whose sixteen is devastated by the sudden death of her seventeen year old sister Kristen. Kristen was the star and Nico who describes herself as a “surly blob’ always felt beneath Kristen. Nico is having a hard time with the death as a sixteen she feels like she can’t talk to her parents who are also going through a divorce , so she turns to drugs and alcohol and leaves home and begins her journey with L.A as her background as she heads on a road trip to Seattle with her mission to meet Kurt Cobain . She has a bucket list, mix tapes filled with grunge music. Along the way she meets an array of characters who have a different impact on her. Will Nico complete her bucket list of will her journey end in a crash? Nico is on a journey of self discovery and it has an important statement, no matter what we’re going through and alone we feel it’s ok to ask for help, it’s ok to cry it’s ok to not be ok all the time, as a parent there were times I wanted to hug Nico but also ask her what’s she’s thinking! I loved how each chapter was assigned a different song! I’m giving this four stars!
It’s 1993 and Nico whose sixteen is devastated by the sudden death of her seventeen year old sister Kristen. Kristen was the star and Nico who describes herself as a “surly blob’ always felt beneath Kristen. Nico is having a hard time with the death as a sixteen she feels like she can’t talk to her parents who are also going through a divorce , so she turns to drugs and alcohol and leaves home and begins her journey with L.A as her background as she heads on a road trip to Seattle with her mission to meet Kurt Cobain . She has a bucket list, mix tapes filled with grunge music. Along the way she meets an array of characters who have a different impact on her. Will Nico complete her bucket list of will her journey end in a crash? Nico is on a journey of self discovery and it has an important statement, no matter what we’re going through and alone we feel it’s ok to ask for help, it’s ok to cry it’s ok to not be ok all the time, as a parent there were times I wanted to hug Nico but also ask her what’s she’s thinking! I loved how each chapter was assigned a different song! I’m giving this four stars!
April 19, 2021
A coming of age book set in the 90's when grunge music ruled.
Runaway Train is a mix of things including our main character 16 year old Nico coming of age and finding herself after the death of a sibling.
Her parents are neglectful and her life is spinning dangerously out of control. Substance abuse amongst her and her friends is frequent.
It's time for her to split the scene and leave LA behind while grabbing her bucket list and listening to the 9o's hits.
Expected publication: April 29th 2021 by Wise Wolf
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Runaway Train is a mix of things including our main character 16 year old Nico coming of age and finding herself after the death of a sibling.
Her parents are neglectful and her life is spinning dangerously out of control. Substance abuse amongst her and her friends is frequent.
It's time for her to split the scene and leave LA behind while grabbing her bucket list and listening to the 9o's hits.
Expected publication: April 29th 2021 by Wise Wolf
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 29, 2021
I want to rock!!! This book was such a trip for me. If you want to go back or read about the 90s this book is for you! 90s grunge rock was such a big deal and in this book, the chapter titles are 90s songs. Each chapter I had to listen to each song and jam out!
Coming of age story about a 16 girl named Nico. She is going through an emotional roller coaster because her sister died and her ‘rents are now getting a divorce. She decides to run away and complete her bucket list of things she has wanted to do.
Coming of age story about a 16 girl named Nico. She is going through an emotional roller coaster because her sister died and her ‘rents are now getting a divorce. She decides to run away and complete her bucket list of things she has wanted to do.
June 13, 2021
I got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review
This just wasn`t for me. I had a hard time connecting with Nico through the pages. I understand she was mad and all, But running away like that, just felt wrong. She was understandably mad, but it felt like that was almost all she was mad and sad. The parents were just ghosts and didn`t take care of her like they should have. Plus the fact that Nico`s mother got angry with her, when she was the one who had f-ed up..ugh. Sadly not for me.
This just wasn`t for me. I had a hard time connecting with Nico through the pages. I understand she was mad and all, But running away like that, just felt wrong. She was understandably mad, but it felt like that was almost all she was mad and sad. The parents were just ghosts and didn`t take care of her like they should have. Plus the fact that Nico`s mother got angry with her, when she was the one who had f-ed up..ugh. Sadly not for me.
April 30, 2021
Really, it’s higher than three stars but maybe not quite 4? I haven’t decided. There was definitely some clumsy writing and maybe even plotting but I forgave it because it fit the tone and character pretty well. And I ended up really liking the story. I even got choked up at times! And the character growth was so nice to see! If you like all things 90s or grunge or honesty music in general, I think this might be worth checking out.
May 15, 2021
I loved Runaway Train and its sensitive portrayal of a teenage girl in the 1990s who loses her sister and starts spiraling. I thought the author dealt with grief very well and how it can send you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
This book was sad but I was able to picture everything. The era, the clothes, and the music was wonderful. I even listened to the accompanying playlist on Spotify.
I am eager to read the sequel and follow Nico more on her journey!
This book was sad but I was able to picture everything. The era, the clothes, and the music was wonderful. I even listened to the accompanying playlist on Spotify.
I am eager to read the sequel and follow Nico more on her journey!
March 2, 2025
Are you a fan of Nirvana? Then I have great news for you. This whole book has the band twisted into the background of the plot. What is in the front you may be asking? A teenage mess, yep you read that right.
This book is about a sixteen year old girl, named Nico. And finding herself after not only losing her sister to a brain aneurysm. But also finding out her parents are cheating on each other. She's spun out on a path of drugs, sex, and alcohol. She is heading down a dark road that doesn’t lead to good places.
I was really impressed with Goldberg’s solution to this character’s issues. A road trip that starts with her friends ditching her. And also making her see how selfish she had become as a person. Which opens the doors for her to have a wild and emotional journey into self growth.
I was torn reading this book. Remembering the 90s, things that happened, and little bits of “I remember that”. While also thinking of how that time frame shaped the characters and their choice.
I couldn’t help but be really impressed that Goldberg was able to capture not only being a teen girl so well. But also all the different types of characters that were in the book. I felt that each one helped Nico see where she was, and who she wanted to be.
Another thing that I loved from the story was the healing between Nico and her dead sister Kristin. I can't say if she was actually talking to her sister’s spirit. Or if it was all in her head. But I did feel it was a big drawing point to the storyline, and ending.
I was very happy to share that this was a 10/10 read for me. And want to thank Lee for giving me this book to review. I loved that this was a book that an adult could read and enjoy. But also a story that a teen or pre-teen could read and still get something out of it.
#HaveYouReadReviews
This book is about a sixteen year old girl, named Nico. And finding herself after not only losing her sister to a brain aneurysm. But also finding out her parents are cheating on each other. She's spun out on a path of drugs, sex, and alcohol. She is heading down a dark road that doesn’t lead to good places.
I was really impressed with Goldberg’s solution to this character’s issues. A road trip that starts with her friends ditching her. And also making her see how selfish she had become as a person. Which opens the doors for her to have a wild and emotional journey into self growth.
I was torn reading this book. Remembering the 90s, things that happened, and little bits of “I remember that”. While also thinking of how that time frame shaped the characters and their choice.
I couldn’t help but be really impressed that Goldberg was able to capture not only being a teen girl so well. But also all the different types of characters that were in the book. I felt that each one helped Nico see where she was, and who she wanted to be.
Another thing that I loved from the story was the healing between Nico and her dead sister Kristin. I can't say if she was actually talking to her sister’s spirit. Or if it was all in her head. But I did feel it was a big drawing point to the storyline, and ending.
I was very happy to share that this was a 10/10 read for me. And want to thank Lee for giving me this book to review. I loved that this was a book that an adult could read and enjoy. But also a story that a teen or pre-teen could read and still get something out of it.
#HaveYouReadReviews
April 11, 2021
(Early Reading Copy)
I loved Runaway Train, a coming of age YA novel, the first book I’d read by Lee Matthew Goldberg and it won’t be the last.
Set in 1993, 16 year old Nico’s world is rocked by the sudden death of her 17 year old sister Kristen. Nico has always felt inferior to Kristen, describing herself as a ‘surly blob’ compared to Kristen the ‘star’. Her sister’s death also increases the disconnection from her parents and Nico, unable to express her pain due to her young years, relies on the only things she knows, alcohol & drugs.
Life as a teenager, in whichever decade, is difficult, filled with angst, trying to make sense of life through song lyrics and imagining your idol will miraculously appear in your life and make it worthwhile, in Nico’s case Kurt Cobain. Using a background of 90’s grunge, the author brings the setting to life and Nico’s voice is well-written and authentic.
At times, laugh out loud funny, and others increasingly poignant, Nico’s character was engaging from the start, making me really want her to succeed as she embarked on her road trip, armed with a quirky bucket list that only a teenage girl could write (kiss a boy I REALLY like).
I confess I finished reading Runaway Train with a lump in my throat which doesn’t happen often and demonstrates the quality of the writing. A book I definitely recommend.
I loved Runaway Train, a coming of age YA novel, the first book I’d read by Lee Matthew Goldberg and it won’t be the last.
Set in 1993, 16 year old Nico’s world is rocked by the sudden death of her 17 year old sister Kristen. Nico has always felt inferior to Kristen, describing herself as a ‘surly blob’ compared to Kristen the ‘star’. Her sister’s death also increases the disconnection from her parents and Nico, unable to express her pain due to her young years, relies on the only things she knows, alcohol & drugs.
Life as a teenager, in whichever decade, is difficult, filled with angst, trying to make sense of life through song lyrics and imagining your idol will miraculously appear in your life and make it worthwhile, in Nico’s case Kurt Cobain. Using a background of 90’s grunge, the author brings the setting to life and Nico’s voice is well-written and authentic.
At times, laugh out loud funny, and others increasingly poignant, Nico’s character was engaging from the start, making me really want her to succeed as she embarked on her road trip, armed with a quirky bucket list that only a teenage girl could write (kiss a boy I REALLY like).
I confess I finished reading Runaway Train with a lump in my throat which doesn’t happen often and demonstrates the quality of the writing. A book I definitely recommend.
March 27, 2021
I received a free e-ARC in exchange for a review.
Nico is a troubled teen reeling from the death of her sister. After her friends suggest she go on a road trip, she sets out to complete a bucket list. It’s the 90s, at the height of Kurt Cobain’s career, and she’s determined to make it to his house. Along the way she meets assorted people who help her grow and change.
This is a tough book to read. A major trigger warning for drug abuse. It’s a very raw exploration of mental illness and is often very upsetting. But the situation it portrays is too often real.
I loved that it was set in the 90s. I love 90s music, and the grunge theme was awesome. Every chapter is named for a 90s song, and I got a bunch of them in my head just from reading the titles. It’s a wonderful homage to grunge, something you don’t see in books published recently.
Kurt Cobain’s impact on people, particularly youth, was explored here, and the reactions to his suicide are captured so well. Many don’t realize the complete devestation that resulted from his death.
I didn’t like the sentiment that suicide is “the easy way out.” A lot of people think that helps to say, but it really doesn’t. Suicidal people aren’t being lazy and cowardly; they need help and support.
Overall I really liked this book, though I had to take some breaks because the drug abuse was difficult to read about. It’s a great story about a girl’s mental health journey, and the author shows great promise. There’s supposed to be a sequel and I am interested in reading it. I would say it is worthwhile.
Nico is a troubled teen reeling from the death of her sister. After her friends suggest she go on a road trip, she sets out to complete a bucket list. It’s the 90s, at the height of Kurt Cobain’s career, and she’s determined to make it to his house. Along the way she meets assorted people who help her grow and change.
This is a tough book to read. A major trigger warning for drug abuse. It’s a very raw exploration of mental illness and is often very upsetting. But the situation it portrays is too often real.
I loved that it was set in the 90s. I love 90s music, and the grunge theme was awesome. Every chapter is named for a 90s song, and I got a bunch of them in my head just from reading the titles. It’s a wonderful homage to grunge, something you don’t see in books published recently.
Kurt Cobain’s impact on people, particularly youth, was explored here, and the reactions to his suicide are captured so well. Many don’t realize the complete devestation that resulted from his death.
I didn’t like the sentiment that suicide is “the easy way out.” A lot of people think that helps to say, but it really doesn’t. Suicidal people aren’t being lazy and cowardly; they need help and support.
Overall I really liked this book, though I had to take some breaks because the drug abuse was difficult to read about. It’s a great story about a girl’s mental health journey, and the author shows great promise. There’s supposed to be a sequel and I am interested in reading it. I would say it is worthwhile.
May 16, 2021
This was a very charming story about finding yourself and dealing with overwhelming grief. The book begins with the death of Nico's sister, Kristen, who had a brain aneurysm. Grief and anger consume Nico and she acts out in typical teenage ways: staying out late, drinking, being rebellious, but none of it is working or helping her. A friend makes an off hand comment that she should run away in order to get away from her parent's neglect and the shadow of her sister's death, and Nico decides to do it.
Nico's journey is heartbreaking and painful, but all those challenges eventually help her understand herself better and find her place in the world. Her story shows that there is no one way to deal with grief, everyone reacts differently and gets through it differently.
I really enjoyed all the 90s references in this book, especially the music. 90s grunge has always been one of my favorite genres and I loved how it was such a vital part of the story. It was also a delight seeing how the table of contents was structured like a record, with a Side A and Side B and songs as the titles of chapters.
There were a few things I wasn't a big fan of... Nico's voice throughout the book didn't really seem all that consistent and it was hard to believe she was a teenage girls sometimes. The "teen speak" was a bit hard to handle sometimes, I really don't think teens use the word "like" THAT much. Also, the heavy presence of sex was a little uncomfortable for me since I am an adult reading about a teenager, and I feel like it wasn't really necessary to include.
All in all, Nico's journey through loss and self-discovery was well done, even though she was presented as a very stereotypical 16 year old girl.
Nico's journey is heartbreaking and painful, but all those challenges eventually help her understand herself better and find her place in the world. Her story shows that there is no one way to deal with grief, everyone reacts differently and gets through it differently.
I really enjoyed all the 90s references in this book, especially the music. 90s grunge has always been one of my favorite genres and I loved how it was such a vital part of the story. It was also a delight seeing how the table of contents was structured like a record, with a Side A and Side B and songs as the titles of chapters.
There were a few things I wasn't a big fan of... Nico's voice throughout the book didn't really seem all that consistent and it was hard to believe she was a teenage girls sometimes. The "teen speak" was a bit hard to handle sometimes, I really don't think teens use the word "like" THAT much. Also, the heavy presence of sex was a little uncomfortable for me since I am an adult reading about a teenager, and I feel like it wasn't really necessary to include.
All in all, Nico's journey through loss and self-discovery was well done, even though she was presented as a very stereotypical 16 year old girl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2021
I'll admit, I'm guilty of judging this book by the cover; seriously, this is one of my favorite book covers! I'm pretty good at determining whether a book will be good based on the cover alone, and this time was no different. I fell in love with this book from the start. This is the first time in months that I finished a book in two sittings, and it likely would've been one if I hadn't had other responsibilities.
I loved that each chapter was titled with a different song, and each chapter corelated with said song. I don't think I've ever read a book like that before, though it's always been a concept I loved. I tend to always enjoy books that revolve around music, so this was honestly right up my alley.
I didn't really connect with Winter or Jeremy, but I could relate to Nico fairly well. I loved her character redemption and watching her grow as a person over the course of the book. She was pretty frustrating at first, but it wasn't intolerable to me. She felt like a real teenager, which I always appreciate in books considering a lot of teens always seem older or younger than they're meant to be.
I really liked Goldberg's writing style and plan on checking some of his older (and new releases) out when I can. Things flowed smoothly, and I can't recall being this drawn into a book in a while; I almost never finish a book in two sittings, whether I have something going on or not.
I highly recommend this, but I will add that there are some very touchy subjects addressed, such as depression, anxiety, suicide, drug and alcohol use, and sexual scenes.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book via TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
I loved that each chapter was titled with a different song, and each chapter corelated with said song. I don't think I've ever read a book like that before, though it's always been a concept I loved. I tend to always enjoy books that revolve around music, so this was honestly right up my alley.
I didn't really connect with Winter or Jeremy, but I could relate to Nico fairly well. I loved her character redemption and watching her grow as a person over the course of the book. She was pretty frustrating at first, but it wasn't intolerable to me. She felt like a real teenager, which I always appreciate in books considering a lot of teens always seem older or younger than they're meant to be.
I really liked Goldberg's writing style and plan on checking some of his older (and new releases) out when I can. Things flowed smoothly, and I can't recall being this drawn into a book in a while; I almost never finish a book in two sittings, whether I have something going on or not.
I highly recommend this, but I will add that there are some very touchy subjects addressed, such as depression, anxiety, suicide, drug and alcohol use, and sexual scenes.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book via TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
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