Module 12 - The Burn Journals

Cover art retrieved from the books record in worldcat

Biography

Runyon, B. (2005). The Burn Journals.  New York: Vintage Books.

Summary

This book is the memoirs of Brent Runyon’s journey through depression, attempted suicide, and the year it took for his ultimate recovery.  Brent was fourteen when he doused himself with gasoline while standing in his shower then lit a match.  With over 80% of his body burned, for months Brent’s time was filled with multiple skin grafts, breathing tube, infections, and agonizing burn treatments, but that was only the beginning of a full recovery.

My Impression

Our family has experienced the result of a successful suicide so this book holds personal meaning to me.  He is frank and sometimes shocking in his language with vulgar words inserted throughout the book, which may be contested by certain groups and individuals, but I think it made the story real.  Runyon walked a road that most people will never dream of walking and tells his story in a way that young people can relate.  

Reviews/Awards

Children's Book Award, 2005

IRA Children’s and Young Adult’s Book Award, 2005

“Rarely stated but always lurking below the surface is the question of why Brent set himself on fire, because he doesn't know himself. It's a fascinating journey through a teenager's mind, only lacking information about what happened to Brent after he returned to school.”—Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2004 (Vol. 72, No. 14)

“…the truth of the story gives it an impact even when its telling doesn't, and kids troubled by their own darknesses may find this a compelling argument for hanging in there.”—Deborah Stevenson (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, November 2004 (Vol. 58, No. 3)).

“This book is an unbelievable story of survival, even more powerful than Peeling the Onion by Wendy Orr (Holiday House, 1997/VOYA October 1997) and Out of the Fire by Deborah Froese (Sumach Press, 2002/VOYA October 2002) for the simple fact that it really happened and because it was something that Runyon brought upon himself. His is a cautionary tale to beat all cautionary tales.”—Kimberly L. Paone (VOYA, October 2004 (Vol. 27, No. 4)).

Suggested Activities

This memoir could be used for discussion group centering on depression.  Due to the detailed information regarding his surgeries and grafts, it could also be used by a science teacher to teach a unit on anatomy.  It could also lead students to further research topics surrounding the medical procedures performed on Runyon.