A review by mellogirl
The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty

4.0

A good story and well told, alternating narrative between past and present to help us learn about how Smithy came to be the way he is, and why he has to keep riding that bicycle. The book has a Forrest Gump quality -- ride, Smithy, ride! -- a simplicity and sweetness that kept me reading even when I was frustrated with the main character. As the story unfolds, in both past and present, we see how much pain Smithy has swallowed over his lifetime, how much fear he has carried. He sheds it as he travels and meets people and learns that so many of us carry pain yet continue to rely on each other and reach out in kindness. There are many layers here in this seemingly simple story. It's a satisfying read.