velveteen_reads's review against another edition
4.0
As someone who has avoided physical activity for the last six years, this book has prompted me to get out and join a running club.
As a literature student, this book has almost convinced me to look into Thomas Hardy's earlier work.
As a literature student, this book has almost convinced me to look into Thomas Hardy's earlier work.
flyingbulgarian's review against another edition
1.0
Heavy heart, but I just didn't get it. I don't know why so many books about running have to have endless quotes of other famous people who love/loved running and went for long/short/meaningful runs. It drives me slowly mad.
I just couldn't get into this book, the tone and just everything.
I just couldn't get into this book, the tone and just everything.
sophie_alice's review against another edition
5.0
(8.5) - read for uni
I promise I'm not just rating this highly because Vybarr has the link to my goodreads account.
Considering this was down as extra reading and I currently have nothing else to do with my time, hence my decision to read it, this book was highly interesting.
I did enjoy that a lot of the locations referenced are placed I've lived in or know well, although the idea of attending a Bleak House convention did provoke a slight reaction of dread.
I also feel like I should start running again. Don't you hate it when books successfully encourage you to exercise?
I promise I'm not just rating this highly because Vybarr has the link to my goodreads account.
Considering this was down as extra reading and I currently have nothing else to do with my time, hence my decision to read it, this book was highly interesting.
I did enjoy that a lot of the locations referenced are placed I've lived in or know well, although the idea of attending a Bleak House convention did provoke a slight reaction of dread.
I also feel like I should start running again. Don't you hate it when books successfully encourage you to exercise?
ida_s's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book - and it did actually inspire me to get out and run. I liked all the literary references, and I found the author's style relatable and non-preachy. I suppose it makes sense that it would take an asthmatic professor of literature to convince me that running can be pleasant.
cathreohorn's review against another edition
5.0
Massively enjoyed this beautifully written account of a blossoming love of running. Quite poetic, obviously heartfelt. It lost its way a little in parts, but was no worse for it.
slynn's review
2.0
There were bits of this that I loved, and that made me want to go get lost running somewhere. Maybe even without my shoes? But the easiest way to express what didn't resonate with me is that it read like it was written by someone with a PhD in literature (which obviously it was). I love Thomas Hardy, but maybe not enough for so many tangents that seemed only vaguely related to running, at least not when I hadn't signed up for a deep dive on British literature. Overall it was enjoyable but I found myself skimming bits to get back to the goodness of running in the English, and many other, countrysides.
jenlouden's review
4.0
Original and fascinating at times but overall too fragmented and tangential for my brain.
christie's review
3.0
I was surprised by this read, in a mostly good way. I liked that the author tied literature (and a number of other things) to running. But I think this also meant that parts were a bit rambly. I also think it's not so realistic--I don't know anyone who can just pick up and go running in San Francisco, Venice, Paris, etc. Sure, I'd love to go running in those locales, but I'm pretty much restricted to a treadmill to beat the heat in the stifling Texas summer.