The Troubled Teen Moves to Hawkins and Still Just Can’t Fit In
Runaway Max is a companion novel for the Netflix series, Stranger Things. Much like Rebel Robin, Runaway Max concentrates on one of the characters who are not quite the core cast. Max first appeared in Season Two and has since become a much larger part of the show, but this book concentrates on her time just before joining the Hawkins’ roster. It also shows a lot of her challenges and influences even as she tries to fit in with the crowd at Hawkins’ Middle School.
Long before arriving in Hawkins, Max lived through her parents’ break up and divorce. Her father, a two-bit con artist, moved to San Diego. Her mom stayed in Los Angeles, only to make a series of regrettable dating decisions. These decisions culminated in dating and deciding to marry a man named Neal. He would become Max’s stepdad, and his son, Billy, would become her stepbrother.
Neal’s passive/aggressive nature is always unpredictable. He can be quiet, even boring, and then show incredible streaks of violence. Max’s mom is docile and just hides or walks away. Billy should be a protective big brother, but his nature is so chaotic, that his fuse seems even shorter than Neal’s.
Billy’s looming presence constantly nags at Max’s self-esteem. She is a strong individual, with plenty of willpower, courage in spades, and some unique skills she picked up from her father. Billy isn’t a protector, however. He treats Max like the proverbial “prison bitch.” No one is allowed to mess with her but him, and he can do so any time he chooses.
The personalities of Max and Billy jump right off of the page and align well with the performances from actors Sadie Sink and Dacre Montgomery. Runaway Max provides insight into what makes them both tick. The book almost acts like a behind the scenes view of their lives during Season Two.
Author Brenna Yovanoff provides plenty of depth and realism to Max, Billy and their entire family. One of the exceptional exercises that she performs well is around Billy’s Camaro. The car is depicted almost of having a personality of its own. This is a great take, because the car could be considered an extension of Billy, or more of a wild beast that even he can’t fully control.
Runaway Max is a quick read and one that is truly entertaining. Fans who are hungry for new content between Seasons 4 & 5 will love these novels.