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On the Run
New York City, early 1990 a young, rich, and well-educated Central American man on the run from the police and Colombian drug dealers. He is accused of crimes he didn't commit. Ready to do what it takes to survive, Pablo ironically embraces the very drug trade that threatened his life in the first place. Who is he? What is he really capable of? The question of identity is at the heart of On the Run. More than a contemporary story of survival, it's a journey of self-discovery. Pablo's voice is funny, sometimes mean and merciless. He moves with nightmarish ease from recounting his adventures to recollecting his early life. Not always politically correct, On the Run gives you an insightful, twisted, humorous, and often disturbing view of conflicting worlds and North and Latin America; black, brown, and white; rich and poor; rational and esoteric - and shows how they mix, match, and clash.
358 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2016
1 person is currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Izai Amorim
6 books35 followersIzai Amorim was born and raised in Brazil and spent his adult life abroad, briefly in the USA, mostly in Germany. Trained as an architect and a civil engineer, Izai has worked in real estate and construction, branding and communications, and project management. At home in many languages and cultures, and with a rich and diverse work experience, Izai's fiction has depth and breadth, and his storytelling travels well, reaching a worldwide audience.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 9, 2016
On the Run: Izai Amorim
Life does not always bring you the end results that you hope for and some young people like our main character creates a plan that takes him into the underbelly of different communities, New York City in the 1990’s and proves that wealth and education have nothing to do with the end result when Pablo decides to teak on drug dealers, run from the police, commits acts of violence and even buys a plastic gun to scare his victims as he goes On the Run!
Pablo’s voice is heard as he creates his plans to take on different cities, victims and even justifies his actions. At times you begin to wonder why he is not caught and yet his thinking is quite out of the box at times. Hoping to find his friend Mad Dog to help him deal with his situations, you realize his rationale is not always as they say politically correct but in his world it is. Filled with dialogue that will make you laugh and encounters that he fumbled yet managed to justify it’s not everyday a man goes into the restroom and winds up having a confrontation with someone just trying to do his business. Dealing with people in different areas, stealing ATM cards, money and hijacking a woman, Pablo finds his way to a dilapidated warehouse apartment that he’s sharing with a supposedly connected to the mob landlady. What brought him to be on the run well he witnessed the killing of DEA agent and two Columbian drug dealers. Why is he the prime suspect or the only one? Not able to withstand getting arrested, proving he did not do it he decides to take the easy way out and escape. The Columbians and the Fed just might be hot on his trail but his young man who comes from Central America is quite unique and creative in his thinking and at times you wonder just how he manages to escape getting caught. Well educated yet having no money and hoping to find odd jobs to keep him afloat, he spends time hitchhiking cross country and dealing with a shooting inside a fast food restaurant, hijacks this woman and her car and listens to her preach about God, Jesus and his forgiveness hoping to make him repent. Reborn at last he will not become a victim and is determined to survive at all costs to himself or anyone else.
Hoping to find Mad Dog or AKA Douglas, a Jamaican drug dealer he met in college when at Columbia he hopes to create a network allowing him to go underground and get some type of job. When he finally does meet his friend he latches on to him, gets a job and becomes personal coach. Some of the dialogue sounds like street talk and Pablo and Douglas create their own empire loaded with drugs. One a drug lord you might say and other Pablo although hanging touch, well schooled yet money can’t make you street smart or understand how to live on the streets. The author then goes back in time and has Pablo explain his father’s rise to financial power, the political clout he has and the education he received in America. His father quite taken with America, his own feelings about Democracy and dealing with political figures you learn a lot of him and realize why Pablo felt he could not take him down, ask him for help chancing that anyone was monitoring his movements and then taking away all that he earned. Being from Central America, able to understand the mores of both countries and realizing that the education he earned and the degrees would open many doors, allow him to apply for jobs but how do you apply for one as a drug dealer. This book brings to light just how far a young educated college graduate will go to create a plan to survive: New identity, new social security number, new job, new driver’s license, new passport and new life but first how to obtain a new name. Identity take over is not new and those that are able to create accounts and get new credit cards using the names of deceased or stealing the social security numbers of those who might die in one state and were born in another, requires skill, someone to create the documents and a plan as to where to go next. Pablo just about how this figured out and then researching further decided Hong Kong would be where he might settle after the dust settles first. But, he needed to find Mad Dog and learns the ropes as a drug dealer and then the rest might fall into place.
The author flashes back to where it all began as Pablo meets RW and they found a lifelong bond. Even with parents that are racist and taught to fear black people, Pablo manages to form a bond with RW that will take them to the present where Pablo is fighting for survival and has yet to find Mad Dog and create his own niche. Columbia was his dream and he made it there but his mother would have him go somewhere in the Midwest but when the author shares along with Pablo the marble game then you understand the rationale and how he got his parents to agree. Marbles are my favorite too!
The next few chapters flashback to his college days, his parents relationships, his father’s influence and how RW helped him become friends with his soon to be new boss Mad Dog giving birth the rise of a drug dealer. The private investigators used to find him, the secret phone calls, the pager and the secure lines that he claimed they were but pay phones are anything but, led Pablo to create a new identity and life for himself On the Run. As he learns how to stay alive on the streets, using his Caveman image and then learning from RW how to survive and not get killed you get an education on how to live on the streets as Mad Dog molds Pablo into the image he wants everyone to see. Framed for murder and a drug deal the planner failed in one respect: Pablo is not dead.
How long will he survive? Will the police pick him up? How far does a friendship go? What is quite interesting is how Pablo is being trained in a new position titled Personal Self Motivational Trainer and that every step of the way you would think he was taking courses in how to deal with clients but in reality he was delivering drugs as a high priced delivery person yielding over 2500 dollars a month. Acting classes, proper attire and professional look he is ready to get started but first Mad Dog reminds him that all of this is due to fate and the luck that Winston was his roommate. Never looking back and not wondering if the Feds or Columbians would come after him, nowhere do we learn about the case that was brought against him.
The author allows Mad Dog to expand on his past, how he came to choose his vocation as a drug dealer, using many identities and trying to get Pablo to see how much alike they are and why having used nine different identities he might lose sight of his own. The author had to do some research into how to get driver’s licenses, a new social security number or even several, passports and birth certificates needed in case either one of them had to move quickly to another location. With the clients happy and now having at least 10 or more to deliver the product to each day, Pablo often takes refuge in his apartment and finds himself alone on the holidays just reading, eating, jogging and waiting for the next phone call to meet Mad Dog. His suggestion about therapy might not be so far fetched and the fact that he reminds him of why he is on the run should have been a reality check. Can you really hide from your past and live happily in the present?
Book Three is quite different as the author relates information to Pablo about drug wars, deaths, turf wars and then he reads an article about the murder and two drug families that are after him. Things take on a different turn and he reads about more deaths and more murders and then realizes that you can hide just so far and maybe it is about to catch up with you. Added in we learn more about his clients like Joe and Pablo is called Birdy. The clients like working with him but the end result just might not be what he wants as he awaits more drugs, more envelopes and amasses a lot of money.
A complicated plot that deals with more than one area involving drug dealing as within the third and fourth books we begin to see Pablo’s world unravel when someone recognizes him. More drug deals, a customer fires him and Joe and Peter seem happy with his service and his client base increases as he and Mad Dog branch out. Offshore accounts, new identities, new driver’s licenses, passports, school records and just about every document that you can get to change who you are and be someone else. But, can he really fade away forever? Why do the nightmares keep coming and his father’s words haunting him?
Going into therapy with Paul awakened him and when Douglas/Mad Dog quits, leaving him with the business and alone Pablo has to make a life altering decision. Will he remain in the business? Will he change and start over one more time? Will he finally make a commitment and have someone in his life? The final book, Book Five is quite compelling as you learn his fate, understand his friend with Winston and how the one person that you would never expect to come to you aid just might give you back you life. An ending you won’t expect and the final epilogue will lead you to believe that Pablo has just started and might do another turn around because after a while you do not want to be ON THE RUN!
Hardnosed characters, strong research about drug cartels and their inner workings as Pablo takes us inside the world of PSMT or Personal Self-Motivation Trainers or in his case drug dealer too and we learn just how he amasses his fortune, what happens when he faces his family. Prejudice, wrongly accused, racism, fear, nightmares, loyalties, friendships, greed and power all take the spotlight as once again author Izai Amorim gives readers much to talk about in discussion groups. From drug deals to politics to 9/11 this book spans many decades and will keep you wondering what is next for Pablo!
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine
July 1, 2017
A young man of South American ancestry is on the run for crimes he did not commit. How he is going to evade not just the Feds and the Police who are on the look out for him, but most importantly Colombian drug dealers who think he has skipped with their consignment is even worse.
In a series of cross country runs, ingenious thinking, good network of friends and supporters and sheer good luck he is able to survive. In the process he has to change his way of thinking, give up on his family, take on a new identity and think of a career change as well. The changes are very far seeking from his present way of life but he realises earlier on that there is no point in living in the past and what should have, or could have been.
The story was interesting as it gives you pointers into the way of life of different ethnicities and how people are able to survive in a melting pot which is very often hostile to either one or many of them. Not always doing the right thing Pablo who also changes his name to suit the occasion lands on his feet, makes his money and finds the girl of his dreams as well.
The story has a happy ending though it did not seem like that it will go that way for a very long time. Easily told of a life of crime and how it sometimes pays!
In a series of cross country runs, ingenious thinking, good network of friends and supporters and sheer good luck he is able to survive. In the process he has to change his way of thinking, give up on his family, take on a new identity and think of a career change as well. The changes are very far seeking from his present way of life but he realises earlier on that there is no point in living in the past and what should have, or could have been.
The story was interesting as it gives you pointers into the way of life of different ethnicities and how people are able to survive in a melting pot which is very often hostile to either one or many of them. Not always doing the right thing Pablo who also changes his name to suit the occasion lands on his feet, makes his money and finds the girl of his dreams as well.
The story has a happy ending though it did not seem like that it will go that way for a very long time. Easily told of a life of crime and how it sometimes pays!
October 10, 2016
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
In On The Run, Pablo is – as the title suggests – a man on the run. He’s running from the police, and from Colombian drug dealers, accused of crimes he didn’t commit. But if he wants to stay alive, Pablo will have to embrace the drug trade that threatened his life in the first place. Soon enough, he finds himself in situations he never imagined to take part in, and he’s forced to make choices that make him question who he is, and what he’s capable of.
The book is filled with dark humor, but it doesn’t overdo it. Pablo’s behavior always stays in character, even as he struggles to find his own identity and come to terms with how he’s changed. Pablo’s choices aren’t always the right ones – definitely not – but they do allow the reader to get a more complete perspective on him. At first, he’s horrified by what he’s forced to do, but he slowly adapts to the new life forced upon him.
An intriguing read, and one I very much enjoyed. If you like literary fiction with a dark sense of humor, I recommend this book.
In On The Run, Pablo is – as the title suggests – a man on the run. He’s running from the police, and from Colombian drug dealers, accused of crimes he didn’t commit. But if he wants to stay alive, Pablo will have to embrace the drug trade that threatened his life in the first place. Soon enough, he finds himself in situations he never imagined to take part in, and he’s forced to make choices that make him question who he is, and what he’s capable of.
The book is filled with dark humor, but it doesn’t overdo it. Pablo’s behavior always stays in character, even as he struggles to find his own identity and come to terms with how he’s changed. Pablo’s choices aren’t always the right ones – definitely not – but they do allow the reader to get a more complete perspective on him. At first, he’s horrified by what he’s forced to do, but he slowly adapts to the new life forced upon him.
An intriguing read, and one I very much enjoyed. If you like literary fiction with a dark sense of humor, I recommend this book.
November 10, 2016
On The Run by Izai Amorim
What an unusual book! It begins with Pablo involved in a shooting which was a set up. We then learn that Colombians and Fed’s are all after him which leads to him going on the run.
What a fascinating tale then unfolds as we follow Pablo on his incredible journey. This takes him on a voyage of self discovery through many areas of his life both past and present as he travels to the future. A terrifying journey trying to escape capture, survive with no money, afraid to contact friends for fear of capture. How could he prove his innocence.
There are many things to enjoy with this story. I loved the way Pablo argued with himself over religion, politics etc. Also the humour throughout.
The author gives us a rich tapestry woven with colourful characters all with unique stories.
Does Pablo escape capture? Does he find what he seeks?
You will have to read this for yourself. I am sure you will enjoy finding the answers.
I really recommend this.
What an unusual book! It begins with Pablo involved in a shooting which was a set up. We then learn that Colombians and Fed’s are all after him which leads to him going on the run.
What a fascinating tale then unfolds as we follow Pablo on his incredible journey. This takes him on a voyage of self discovery through many areas of his life both past and present as he travels to the future. A terrifying journey trying to escape capture, survive with no money, afraid to contact friends for fear of capture. How could he prove his innocence.
There are many things to enjoy with this story. I loved the way Pablo argued with himself over religion, politics etc. Also the humour throughout.
The author gives us a rich tapestry woven with colourful characters all with unique stories.
Does Pablo escape capture? Does he find what he seeks?
You will have to read this for yourself. I am sure you will enjoy finding the answers.
I really recommend this.
July 13, 2016
The book is written in first person in the voice of Pablo. It is interesting to note his innermost thoughts. They are hilarious at times, sometimes a bit dark. The book is very well researched. There is very insightful details on how the crime scene works. It is funny most of the times. There are some great characters there like Mad Dog who is a drug dealer with an attitude and a penchant for spy novels, Joe is a drug addict but a great friend, Catherine is the love of Pablo’s life but she is married and doesn’t want to leave her third husband. But, the best was Pablo’s dysfunctional family. His father, mother, siblings are funny and weird. Don’t we have them all?
I would highly recommend the book for thriller seekers and also those wanting a good laugh.
I would highly recommend the book for thriller seekers and also those wanting a good laugh.
February 13, 2017
I was lucky enough to be sent On the Run by Izai Amorim before it was released so that I could review it. I am ever so grateful. On the Run has a very interesting storyline where a man is convinced that somebody wants to kill him, he is on the run from Columbian drug dealers and police. After a murder takes place in his house, he is forced to go along with it to avoid getting killed himself. On the Run is an exciting twist on an interesting story. The book contains some potentially offensive language but this is outlined in the disclaimer – this is the first book I have ever read which has a disclaimer in! I really enjoyed reading this book and think that it was a very good read. I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it too!
July 19, 2016
I enjoyed reading "On the Run" By Izai Amorim. This novel is unusual, deviating from other books of similiar nature. Without giving any "spoilers" away ,the main character
is a victim, and an innocent man who is "framed" for crimes he never did commit. In order to survive, he chooses to be part of a criminal world. The characters are quirky and peculiar.The author uses "dark humor", and through his characters pokes fun at the political system. I consider this book to show political satire, philosophical reasoning which is questionable at times. I did enjoy this book, and would recommend it. Keep an open mind when reading. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity for an advanced copy.
is a victim, and an innocent man who is "framed" for crimes he never did commit. In order to survive, he chooses to be part of a criminal world. The characters are quirky and peculiar.The author uses "dark humor", and through his characters pokes fun at the political system. I consider this book to show political satire, philosophical reasoning which is questionable at times. I did enjoy this book, and would recommend it. Keep an open mind when reading. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity for an advanced copy.
October 7, 2016
On The Run by Izai Amorim
What an interesting book!!
This is the second book I have read from Izai and he has a style I haven't seen before. Unlike the first book I read that was out loud funny, this book is serious but just as good. The main character goes through various phases in life but he does it 'on the run' making the book very interesting. He gets help from different unusual people and shows the underside of the human character.
Izai is showing that he is a versatile writer which tells me he will be around for a long time.
If you want a change from the ordinary, I highly recommend this book. I also recommend this author. My only caveat is that the book contains quite a bit of cussing.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What an interesting book!!
This is the second book I have read from Izai and he has a style I haven't seen before. Unlike the first book I read that was out loud funny, this book is serious but just as good. The main character goes through various phases in life but he does it 'on the run' making the book very interesting. He gets help from different unusual people and shows the underside of the human character.
Izai is showing that he is a versatile writer which tells me he will be around for a long time.
If you want a change from the ordinary, I highly recommend this book. I also recommend this author. My only caveat is that the book contains quite a bit of cussing.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2016
Pablo's safe and pampered life is shattered when he is framed as a drug dealer and murderer. His only safe haven is with a man that is also a major player in the drug world. I must admit that I didn't like Pablo and couldn't find much sympathy for him. Maybe it was because of his background, I found him cynical and self-centered. Despite his cynicism, I did find him quite honest in his views and quite enjoyed them. The protagonist seems to have an obsession with dates and numbers, so if you are a reader that likes things nice and precise, you will enjoy this.
August 4, 2016
Goodreads Advance Review Copy. Win
Pablo a rich and educated young man from Central America finds himself in the middle of New York City. As he gets caught up into the world of drug selling and crimes he did not do to survive on the streets. Caught between two worlds he is not sure who he really is as he tries to find himself.
We are taken on an adventure as we watch him surviving his perils along the way. Not always making the right decision but managing to stay alive despite not morally correct. We are taken on a wild journey that is enthralling.
Pablo a rich and educated young man from Central America finds himself in the middle of New York City. As he gets caught up into the world of drug selling and crimes he did not do to survive on the streets. Caught between two worlds he is not sure who he really is as he tries to find himself.
We are taken on an adventure as we watch him surviving his perils along the way. Not always making the right decision but managing to stay alive despite not morally correct. We are taken on a wild journey that is enthralling.
October 25, 2016
I really enjoyed ON THE RUN by Izai Amorim. The story starts with a shooting and the main character, Pablo, being forced on the run to avoid the Feds and Colombians. We follow Pablo on a journey both physical, emotional, and through time to prove his innocence. I will not say anymore for fear of giving the story line away!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 14, 2021
I loved it. It wasn't a subject matter I would normally choose (drug dealing) but it was worth it. It tackled serious issues about identity and right and wrong, and the grey areas and was still a real page turner.
October 22, 2018
The main character is definitely on the run--due to circumstances beyond his control. Along the way, he does things (becomes a drug dealer, hurts people, helps people, and learns to love) that his upbringing never prepared him for. Although the characters often talk about race, the bottom line is that we all belong to a race and we're all the same regardless. The characters, major and minor, are well-drawn, and whether good, bad, or in-between, are all likable and understandable. Once in a while I found the narrative overlong, but day after day I could not wait to return to the book and see what would happen next. Definitely will look for Azai Amorim's tales again. A rare, stimulating, and thoughtful read!
May 6, 2018
I loved this story. The writing style, though unconventional, had good verisimilitude and context to the subject matter and the humour had me busting up throughout the entire read. The best was the bro-mance between Mad Dog/Douglas and Birdy/Pablo and their many philosophical and esoteric exchanges. Happy I stepped out of my comfort zone and read from a different perspective, Izai is clever and humourous and has a good narrative style.
June 23, 2018
On the run is generally good novel. The start was pretty good and interesting. It got my attention. The development was also good. However, the temp was a bit broken sometimes but it was n general good. I didn’t like the ending too much. It’s kind of a fairy tale.
The book is good and entertaining
The book is good and entertaining
August 30, 2017
Though it took me awhile to catch on with what was going on in the story and where the character was going, the plot did somewhat hold my attention. His relationships with his dysfunctional family and the creative way Pablo becomes successful in his new profession are interesting to follow. I could see this happening in real life and, who knows, maybe it already has?
However, the plot was not enough to really get me excited about this book. The beginning of the story is really hard to follow which is where the problems start. The author throws us into the action but without enough finesse so that the reader can get their bearings and easily follow what is going on. From there the plot just sort of chugs along with the author telling us instead of showing us or allowing us to experience what happens. Another big problem were the grammatical errors in the book. There was easily one every ten pages and they weren't just misspellings of words or the incorrect use of words, but a misuse of conversational English. While I concede that this is an ARC (advanced review copy), the lack of uncorrected proof pages make me wonder if this is what will be on display in the final copy. If not, slash this critique, but if so, buyer beware. My other big issue was that a lot of the characters felt like paper cut outs of each other with very little difference in dialogue or in the way they interact with each other. And while a lot of this story revolves around the dangerous underworld of drug dealing, I never once felt that our main character was really in any danger. The casual, at times cheese ball, way he interacts with his boss Mad Dog and how easily he succeeds in the business almost convinced me to consider a career change! If it was really that easy to make that much cash while hardly ever crossing danger's path, everyone would be a dealer!
Every book that comes my way is given the same consideration and open-mindedness, but there were just too many pieces to this book that didn't work for me. However, the story is not a complete loss which is why I gave it an extra star. But ultimately I could not recommend someone choosing this book over the many others that grace the digital and physical bookshelves of the world, especially when us readers only have so many hours in a lifetime to consume as many books as we can.
*I received a free copy of this book for this review from the author.
However, the plot was not enough to really get me excited about this book. The beginning of the story is really hard to follow which is where the problems start. The author throws us into the action but without enough finesse so that the reader can get their bearings and easily follow what is going on. From there the plot just sort of chugs along with the author telling us instead of showing us or allowing us to experience what happens. Another big problem were the grammatical errors in the book. There was easily one every ten pages and they weren't just misspellings of words or the incorrect use of words, but a misuse of conversational English. While I concede that this is an ARC (advanced review copy), the lack of uncorrected proof pages make me wonder if this is what will be on display in the final copy. If not, slash this critique, but if so, buyer beware. My other big issue was that a lot of the characters felt like paper cut outs of each other with very little difference in dialogue or in the way they interact with each other. And while a lot of this story revolves around the dangerous underworld of drug dealing, I never once felt that our main character was really in any danger. The casual, at times cheese ball, way he interacts with his boss Mad Dog and how easily he succeeds in the business almost convinced me to consider a career change! If it was really that easy to make that much cash while hardly ever crossing danger's path, everyone would be a dealer!
Every book that comes my way is given the same consideration and open-mindedness, but there were just too many pieces to this book that didn't work for me. However, the story is not a complete loss which is why I gave it an extra star. But ultimately I could not recommend someone choosing this book over the many others that grace the digital and physical bookshelves of the world, especially when us readers only have so many hours in a lifetime to consume as many books as we can.
*I received a free copy of this book for this review from the author.
September 24, 2016
This book is so much fun! Pablo is an interesting study of what a person will do when they are pushed to the limit to find out what they are capable of. His own horror at his initial actions is realistic and he then rather than bottoming out he seems to equalise and find his new moral compass.
Mad Dog, however, is my favourite character. He is a hardened dug dealer who has seen bad things and had bad things happen to him. But he is not a bad guy. He's not just interested, but invested in Pablo's welfare and continually tries to expand Pablo's thinking and encourage his self-development and self awareness. Mad Dog also has concern for his clients - he doesn't see an addiction to cocaine as being any different to an addiction to sex, money or power (although is worse as it could kill you). All of these things indicate someone is trying to fill a hole inside them. Pablo gets really frustrated with Mad Dog's "new age crap" but realises he has no choice but to suck it up because Mad Dog is literally saving his life. On the Run is essentially a journey to self for Pablo, with Mad Dog as his guide.
The book is incredibly well researched and intricately detailed. There were times I had to remind myself that I was reading a work of fiction rather than a memoir. The story is well paced and will suck you in!
Mad Dog, however, is my favourite character. He is a hardened dug dealer who has seen bad things and had bad things happen to him. But he is not a bad guy. He's not just interested, but invested in Pablo's welfare and continually tries to expand Pablo's thinking and encourage his self-development and self awareness. Mad Dog also has concern for his clients - he doesn't see an addiction to cocaine as being any different to an addiction to sex, money or power (although is worse as it could kill you). All of these things indicate someone is trying to fill a hole inside them. Pablo gets really frustrated with Mad Dog's "new age crap" but realises he has no choice but to suck it up because Mad Dog is literally saving his life. On the Run is essentially a journey to self for Pablo, with Mad Dog as his guide.
The book is incredibly well researched and intricately detailed. There were times I had to remind myself that I was reading a work of fiction rather than a memoir. The story is well paced and will suck you in!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews