Taming the Star Runner marks a narrative shift for Hinton, as she transitions from her usual first-person storytelling to a more detached third-person perspective. This change creates a narrative distance, distinct from the close, immersive experiences found in earlier works like those of Ponyboy Curtis or Tex. The novel explores themes of alienation, maturity, and the complex relationship between self-image and reality.

The Setting and Protagonist

Travis Harris, the protagonist, finds himself on his uncle's horse ranch in Oklahoma, sent away by his mother who fears his volatile relationship with his stepfather, Stan, might turn deadly. This relocation from a chaotic urban backdrop, reminiscent of Hinton's earlier novels, is meant to provide a refuge; however, Travis's past looms over him, threatening to disrupt his attempts at change. Much like other Hinton characters, Travis is a solitary figure, acutely aware of his image, striving to maintain a "cool" facade.

Isolation and Family Dynamics

The sprawling, isolated horse ranch becomes Travis's new domain, a place where he is largely left to his own devices due to his uncle Ken's preoccupation with a custody battle for his son, Christopher. Young and unable to drive, Travis spends his time exploring the ranch, gradually integrating himself into the world of horseback riding by helping eighteen-year-old Casey Kencaide, who runs a riding school on the property. This involvement deepens his connection to the ranch and its equestrian activities.

Fast-Paced Climax

The novel's pace quickens in its latter half, characterized by thrilling equestrian events and a dramatic storm that sets the titular Star Runner, a horse, free. These events are intertwined with Travis’s confrontations with an old urban friend, Joe, who is entangled in a murder case. The narrative weaves together intense strands, notably Travis's evolving relationships with both Casey and Ken, tackling themes of responsibility and trust.

Mature Themes

Taming the Star Runner stands out as Hinton's most mature work, delving into adult themes such as substance abuse and sexual relationships with a realistic approach. The language and situations reflect a more grown-up perspective, challenging both its characters and readers to engage with these subjects thoughtfully. Such themes add layers to the story, marking a departure from the adolescent focus of her previous novels.

Characterization Challenges

Hinton's strength in character development faces challenges in this novel due to the shift to a third-person point of view. While Ponyboy Curtis's role as a writer in The Outsiders felt natural, Travis Harris's portrayal as a fifteen-year-old novelist comes across as less convincing. He appears more as the "sleazy punk" than a budding author, a perception even shared by other characters, like his uncle who comments, “Sorry, kid, you haven’t given me the impression you could write a complex sentence.”

The Believability of Travis

The disconnect between Travis's spoken words and his supposed writing talent is a recurring theme in the novel, as highlighted by Ms. Carmichael, his editor, who says upon meeting him, “I couldn’t believe you had written that book. Your speaking style is so different from the way you write.” This incongruity makes it challenging for readers to fully embrace Travis as a credible writer, particularly when he expresses himself casually, asking Ms. Carmichael, “You can fix up the spelling, huh?” upon their first meeting.

Narrative Impact

The choice of narrative perspective influences the story's reception, potentially making plot twists and melodramatic elements more pronounced. Had Travis narrated his own story, the reader's experience might have aligned more closely with his internal struggles, making the narrative feel more intimate and less overtly constructed. Despite these challenges, Taming the Star Runner remains a compelling exploration of growth and identity, offering a nuanced look at a young man's journey towards understanding himself and his place in the world.