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3.5 stars.

Running started off as a very strong read for me, and I was really enjoying myself and could not put this book down. I liked the friendships and the themes of social justice and empowerment in this novel. However, the second half let me down. I'm not quite sure how to articulate my feelings about it, but I just expected more from the ending and wanted something more impactful and nuanced, and I didn't quite get what I wanted, sadly :(

In my opinion, this book definitely reads as a very young YA novel, so much such that I thought I was reading a middle grade book at times. Nothing wrong with middle grade, obviously (I love reading MG!) but from the synopsis, I wasn't expecting this book (and the main character) to feel so young. So that took away some of my enjoyment of the novel.

I did like reading about the main character, Mari, and from her perspective as the daughter of one of the GOP presidential candidates. She grew up very sheltered from her father's politics and didn't really understand his political views or stances, blindly supporting him in his political aspirations (which, in this book, is to become the president of the United States). However, once she eventually discovers what her father has done and supported in the past, she finally starts thinking for herself and standing up for what's right. Her journey of growth and discovery was interesting to read about and made me feel so much, especially when her father would emotionally abuse or gaslight her or when her independence and privacy was invaded by the media, just because she was the child of a presidential candidate. It hurt my heart :((

Overall, Running is a very fast and fascinating read about speaking up for justice, even when you have to go against someone you've considered a hero all of your life.