Reviews

Life at These Speeds by Jeremy Jackson

amlynum's review against another edition

5.0

Absolutely my favorite book, in a league of its own. I have read this book at least four times in eight years, and I'm starting it again. The emotional depth, wit and dynamic of the novel gives it a life of its own, something to truly be observed and lived as the characters, relationships, and story itself mature. The dynamics of Kevin's relationships with Ellie, Henny, Andanda, Jol, and himself could speak to any individual, not just the victim of tragedy in need of understanding. To any person who is considering reading this book, you will not be disappointed. In my mind, Mr. Jackson has written in Kevin a character who should speak to the young American no less than Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn. A must read.

dinah56's review against another edition

4.0

I really liked this book. It was a combo of things I like - a strong main character, (in this case, a high school runner), a conflict to over come, and running! For a first book, I think the author really captured the whole "coming of age angst", how grief can play out differently in people, and the whole experience of being a runner (emotionally, physically, mentally). I would recommend this book to all my friends - I think you might all get a little something different from the read.

yelhsamccarthy's review against another edition

5.0

I am not someone who rereads books, however this is a book I can do that with. I’ve read it probably 5 times. One of my all time favorites. Story of a kid who witnesses a terrible accident and works to recover part of himself through running. It has loss, love, and a great message.

marieeandree's review against another edition

5.0

Good book! However, it was very hard to get into. I loved the way the main character was saved by running and I all in all really enjoyed this book. The only really big downside was the way the author wrote...I did not like it as muc.

rhyan's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

feldy's review against another edition

sad tense fast-paced

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

3.75

wordnerdy's review against another edition

5.0

http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2008/01/2007-book-6.html
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2009/01/2009-book-6.html
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2013/12/2013-book-328.html

library_brandy's review against another edition

4.0

I'm giving this four stars for now, but I have an idea my opinion of it will creep up over time. I can't point to any obvious elements that make it so wonderful, or anything that particularly detracts. At its heart, it's a coming-of-age story (but it's about a boy, so it's billed as Bildungsroman) of a high-school boy dealing with grief after his entire track team is killed in a car accident. He deals by not dealing, really, losing himself to physicality (running), allowing speed to block out everything else. Kevin is not a reliable narrator; he doesn't remember much before the accident, and flashes only come to him in fits and starts, but not enough to piece together. He won't let anyone into his life, though even he doesn't seem to understand why. He's confused, frustrated, and generally out of sorts, and the writing captures his voice very well.

I wouldn't recommend it to everybody; it is very sports-heavy (track/running), and I'd imagine that could turn people off. But it did make me sort of wish that my knees could still handle running, and if that's not a sign of a good sports novel, I don't know what is.

rlambertdo's review against another edition

4.0

At page 18, i was ready to give it up. The character names are cheesy and I envisioned a full book of high school angst. "I'll give it one hundred pages", I told my husband, "then reassess".

Finished it. Four stars. The rough start dissipated quickly, as the plot declared.

Smooth and pleasant reading for runners and former athletes of all ilks.