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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
Check out my review at http://bookaweekwithjen.blogspot.com/2009/04/book-33-of-52-once-runner.html
I don't think that I can say anything about this book that hasn't been said. I just want to add to the chorus and say that I love this book, and I'm going to own a copy as soon as possible. This book captures practically everything I've ever felt about running physically, psychologically, spiritually. I do think that if you haven't run competitively, you might find this book a waste of your time. Sure, perhaps its plot is not well-developed or its characters seem a bit formulaic; I can see why some people might think that but to be honest, you shouldn't be reading this book for those elements. This isn't a Nobel prize-wining work of fiction. It's not meant to be. It does however capture the essence of what it is to be a runner. It's like a bit of soul made out of wood pulp. It stirs up the collective memories and emotions of every runner who ever reads it. It makes me want to go out right now and run into the dark. Damn, is this a good book or what??
Great running book for runners and non-runners alike. This book can be a good motivational tool for any kind of running team or anyone looking to be that easy jogger.
Supposedly, this is the greatest book about running ever written. I'm not sure I agree. The story arc was okay even though the dialogue was horrendous, but the descriptions of the actual running, was pretty good.
I'm not sure what to think about this book.
I'm not sure what to think about this book.
I don't really know what all the hype was about this book. It was a decent story, but I didn't get any motivation from it as a runner. But, then again, I don't log over 100 miles a week nor do I run a 4 minute mile.
This took me awhile to get through. Maybe because I'm not really a runner myself, the apparently inherent tension between the pain of training and the joy of running (or winning?) wasn't really exciting enough in and of itself to draw me in. The first half of the book seemed to me mostly a combination of discussions of the physical and technical aspects of distance runners' training, interspersed with reflections on the emotional and psychological makeup of those who decide to do it.
About halfway through, though, the plot developed some external, event-driven tension, and I found myself really rooting for the main character, even through all the endless descriptions of different tracks, times, speeds, training schedules, intervals, etc. I gave this four stars because at the end, I felt really satisfied with the story, and even felt myself itching to start running a little bit.
About halfway through, though, the plot developed some external, event-driven tension, and I found myself really rooting for the main character, even through all the endless descriptions of different tracks, times, speeds, training schedules, intervals, etc. I gave this four stars because at the end, I felt really satisfied with the story, and even felt myself itching to start running a little bit.
I just didn’t get the hype of this book at all. The plot was kind of interesting but the language was really annoying like stop with all the imagery and just write normally.
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Anyone that loves training and is interested in the psychology of pushing the limits would love this
A very uneven book. There are parts that are really good, like the race at the end. There are parts that drag quite a bit. It is strongest when the author writes about running. That said it was an easy listen while running.
I got about 80 pages in and shelved this book. The author and his character Quinton are pompous, rude, and ridiculous. Quit using a thesaurus to sound smarter put a warning on this book: I judge people who can't run 10 miles in an hour and will call you fat and fleshy. This book was insulting.