the runaway's diary

This is one of my favorite books ever! I read it in school, had a copy of it but lost it. In my 40's, I was lucky enough to find a copy on Amazon.A used well worn copy, but it is the pride of my bookshelves! Age approiate for everyone, Cat's journey is inspiringand her dog adds a special kind of heart to the story. Read this book! That is, if you're lucky enough to find a copy! It's sad that it's out of print. A little gem it is.

Cat Tovin, the protagonist, is a brave, literate, sharp young girl who takes to the road in search of a better life. She meets some amazing humans during her treck north from Harrisburgh, Pennsylvania. Whether you are 16 or 60, this is a really good read!

I read this in Middle School & loved it so much I passed it around to everyone I knew...(which is why I don't have it now!) Now that I'm 34, I could do with another reading. I've been wracking my brain trying to find something to pull my own two children (9 & 12) back from the brink of MTV/PlayStation induced desensitization. (Not that there's anything inherently wrong w/MTV or PlayStation. I recognize that artists & producers need to shock to remain commercial.)I tried Tolkein, but they're not interested if it's not a video game. And, no offense intended, but Harry Potter just doesn't fit the bill. (Though,Rudyard Kipling's Jabberwocky has been a family favorite for generations.) I've never met anyone who'd ever heard of Runaway's Diary before, I'm so glad to know others are keeping it alive even though it's out of print. Now off to find that hard-to-find Robert E. Howard colletion of 3 short stories "The IronMan".

I am currently a student attending high school and this book has inspired me in so many ways. This story of Cat, who in order to find peace and self-discovery, has run away, and in her journey keeps a diary. This diary contains her beliefs, ideas, and the people and circumstances she encounters.It's a shame this book is out of print,because if it were back in print, so many more people could have the pleasure of reading this great book.

I first read this book back in high school, A time when most of us look inward to find just who we are, Cat's honesty with herself is refreshing and inspiring. I have kept a copy of this book over the years and still read it now and then, It never fails to inspire me to be more then I think I can be, this book would be great reading for all kids.

I can not understand why this book is out of print. I had read it in japanese translation and now want to read it again in original english version. The girl went out to the road with her dog and a copy of Walden. On the road, she met several kind of people. The diary describe her reflective and contemplating thinkings triggered by each day's experience and by reading the Walden. Calm mind and hard spirit of independence. Hunger and coldness sometimes weaken her determination but she endure them. It would be better to fall on the road facing toward tomorrow. The girl is not a runaway but a worrior on her warpath to herself.