Willy Vlautin’s award-winning novel follows the story of a newly orphaned fifteen-year old-boy struggling to make his way to a long lost aunt, who just might give him a home—now a major motion picture starring Chloë Sevigny (American Horror Story), Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire) and Travis Fimmel (Warcraft) and directed by Andrew Haigh (45 Years, Looking).Fifteen-year-old Charley Thompson wants … Looking).
Fifteen-year-old Charley Thompson wants a home, food on the table, and a high school he can attend for more than part of a year. But as the son of a single father working in warehouses across the Pacific Northwest, Charley’s been pretty much on his own. When tragic events leave him homeless weeks after their move to Portland, Oregon, Charley seeks refuge in the tack room of a run-down horse track. Charley’s only comforts are his friendship with a failing racehorse named Lean on Pete and a photograph of his only known relative. In an increasingly desperate circumstance, Charley will head east, hoping to find his aunt who had once lived a thousand miles away in Wyoming—but the journey to find her will be a perilous one.
In Lean on Pete, Willy Vlautin reveals the lives and choices of American youth like Charley Thompson who were failed by those meant to protect them and who were never allowed the chance to just be a kid.
“The writing is spare and straightforward. . . . There is intensity in Vlautin’s narration, and also beauty and power . . . Vlautin’s major accomplishment lies in posing a damning question: How could we, as a society, have allowed this to happen?”— Seattle Times
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Completely enjoyed this book. The story is filled with highs and lows, and strength of the human spirit.
I stayed up late, and woke up early, to finish this book. I didn’t want to put it down. Charley Thompson’s journey is compelling. The writing style is full of meaning in its simplicity. I rooted for Charley all the way through. Cried with him. Hoped for him. Smiled for him. Sadly, the premise of this book is incredibly real and accurate, all the …
As a mother of 2 sons, Lean on Pete was insightful to teenage boys’ minds. I’m thankful my sons have never been tested to the extent Charlie was. I learned a lot about racing I wouldn’t have known. But, I liked how realistic the settings and minds were displayed.
The story made you feel like you were right beside Charley during his adventures. He is someone who did the wrong thing for the right reasons. Very suspenseful with believable characters and plenty of action!
Excellent story
good eye and ear, characters are a rehash of the others if his novels I’ve read.
It was a great story about a young man who suddenly finds himself alone in the world and the characters that he comes in contact with as he tries to make ends meet.
This is a difficult review and I couldn’t even check the “I recommend” box as I’m not sure I do. It is certainly a book that will remain with me. Does that mean it gets a 4-star rating? It is certainly a book I hated. Does that mean it gets a 1- or 2- star rating? First — do NOT let the publisher’s blurbs influence you. This is NOT the …
It kept me up for two nights and then It took forever to fall asleep. I felt so sorry for that boy- I guess he could be called a boy- even with such responsibility that was dumped on him. Lean on Pete was a page turner as I wished SOMEONE would step in and really help. When Pete met his fate- I cried. Deep down I wanted everything to end with …
It ended too soon.
Charley Thompson is a fifteen-year-old kid being raised by his shifty father in the setting of Portland, Oregon. Together, they barely scrape together enough to eat–and that’s kind of tough for an athletic boy who is “hungry all of the time.” Charley ends up finding a job at a racing track nearby, and naturally feels a connection to the race …
I hear this is being made into a movie. Can’t wait to see the movie now that I’ve read the book.
Even if you have no interest in horses, as long as you’re interested in The Human Condition you will love this story. Characters are very well-rounded and interesting… You keep wanting to know what’s going to happen to them.
I really thought this was an incredibly dysfunctional book. I guess it fits the genre, since lots of young adults thrive on drama. I think it could have ended better.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ve already recommended it to my friends! It’s about a teenager with only himself to depend on. He crosses paths with a race horse named Lean on Pete whose luck has also ran out. They come across a lot of people , good and bad. You just want to keep reading to find out what happens next. You become so …
Very disappointed in the way this story was written. Could have been great with a different author.
This book reminds me of reading John Steinbeck. Gritty and down to earth. I enjoyed it.
It was an easy read and kept you going. It is suitable for many ages. It was a dear story.
Very sad commentary on our society
I enjoyed it