Reviews

The Bright Side Running Club by Josie Lloyd

clair_amelia's review

3.0

I enjoyed this book for the most part. Although I could have done with a lot less profanity (and the was A LOT), the story was told well and it felt pretty realistic. I am rating it only three stars because it felt a little drawn out but then somehow rushed at the end, and the constant profanity really was more of a distraction than anything. It felt like the main character kind of switched toward the end of the book, which made sense within the story, but I think could have been done a little better. Overall an enjoyable read, but not necessarily the most well-written.

kennyjb's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

readingonmountains's review against another edition

5.0

Keira is in her 40s, runs a successful gift shop and she's a mother of three school-aged children. She's floored when a routine mammogram leads to a lobular breast cancer diagnosis. Suddenly Keira is facing surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy.

This story follows Keira's journey through treatment and the struggles she faces in telling her children, stepping back at work, her relationship with her husband and her own body. But the story also focuses on Kiera's friendships she makes as she's invited to come for a run around the park. These weekly runs throughout her treatment are a shining beacon holding her up and leading her through this difficult time.

I absolutely adored this story, the positivity, the hope and inspiration of the characters. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!

readingonmountains's review

5.0

Keira is in her 40s, runs a successful gift shop and she’s a mother of three school-aged children. She’s floored when a routine mammogram leads to a lobular breast cancer diagnosis. Suddenly Keira is facing surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy.

This story follows Keira’s journey through treatment and the struggles she faces in telling her children, stepping back at work, her relationship with her husband and her own body. But the story also focuses on Keira’s friendships she makes as she’s invited to come for a run around the park. These weekly runs throughout her treatment are a shining beacon holding her up through this difficult time.

I absolutely adored this story, the positivity, the hope and inspiration of the characters. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!

sarahthereadingaddict's review

5.0

Oh wow what a story. Based around what the author had been through herself and some added extras. I absolutely loved the friendships, love and humility surrounding this book.

I'll be honest I cried like a baby because of the way it's written and also because that's how we lost my amazing mum in law, she didn't make it to our wedding and she passed away when my, now hubby and I were quite early on in our dating. The time I did spend with her will always be precious.

I currently also have a friend who is dealing with breast cancer and its a real b***ard. This book is so relatable, not because I've experienced cancer first hand but second hand and looking in from outside perspective.

Keira, Tamsin and the other wonderful ladies in the running club are forces to be rekoned with. Keira is feeling things slipping away from her with no energy to do anything about it but she's my hero, what a woman.

Her family relationships seem tough at times but the strong relationships and honesty (eventually) can face anything. It's never going to be easy dealing with something so hard as a family. Everyone will feel their own things and deal with things in their own way.

My favourite part in this book is the board meeting near the end, It was exciting and wonderful all roll into one.

labradorite's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kariniwonderland's review

5.0

I finished this wonderful book in one afternoon. Based on Josie Lloyd’s own experience with cancer the story follows Keira through everything that happens after her diagnosis. The highs & lows, the medical rabbit hole and how it not only affects her but also her family & friends. Moving, funny and hopefull. I highly recommend this one.

I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.

missjaward's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

milanatsi's review

5.0

i’m sitting on my bed and sobbing. literal tears guys, i cant rn. as a person who’s had two family members pass away from cancer this book gave me a lot of closure. it made me laugh at the perfect times and made me cry at the worst times. i love this book and the time i’ve spent reading it made it worth it.

hannah_reads_2020's review

A beautiful, poignant look at life, loss and the bright side.

How would you deal with a cancer diagnosis? For Keara, when she receives her diagnosis she is devastated. Unsure of her self, she find friendship with a woman she meets on a bench outside the cancer centre.

I loved seeing the blossoming friendship between the ladies of the running club as the club expands and brings in new members. The supportiveness and kindness of people you have only just met, but understand all too well what you're going through. The unhelpful "help" that well meaning friends who don't understand is well portrayed.

I found the "villain" of the story predictable and the foreshadowing a little heavy handed, but do think it benefited the story overall.

Definitely have the tissues ready.