Jumper: Griffin's Story (2007) 282 pages by Steven Gould.

I read one chapter Monday night and then read the rest of the book straight through last night. I couldn't put it down. The story starts with Griffin as a nine year old boy in San Diego. He and his father drive out into the desert and Griffin practices his jumping, both with paintball guns. There are rules [for his safety] to never jump when someone is around, never jump to or from the same place, and only if he has permission.

Originally from England, his family has moved over and over again since Griffin first jumped at the age of five. He is home schooled, but so he isn't totally isolated he is allowed to take a karate class. On the way home he is cornered by a bully from the class and ends up jumping. He contemplates telling his parents, but he really doesn't want to move again. Later a group comes to his house looking for him, and, well, bad things happen. Griffin escapes, but he is injured and found in the desert by Sam and Consuela.

Even though the story covers seven or eight years of his life, the story never lags. Griffin makes several friends, but usually has to leave them behind when the people that are trying to kill him catch up to him.

One of the characteristics of all of Gould's protagonists seems to be an incredible preparedness.

This was a fantastic story, very riveting.