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protoman21's review against another edition
4.0
I read Parker's Once a Runner four years ago and enjoyed the parts about running, but didn't connect with the rest of the novel. I'm pleased to say that that was not at all the case here with Racing the Rain. Of course, I still enjoyed the running parts, but Parker did an excellent job of creating a character in Quenton who is easy to root for due to his superior work ethic, positive attitude and easy going temperament. His relationship with Trapper Nelson and his friends on the basketball team and running team feel very natural and flesh out his character and the story very well. Obviously there is nothing ground breaking here, but certainly an enjoyable sports book, especially for runners, but with a broad enough appeal that most readers should find something to like.
heylook's review against another edition
2.0
Good, not great. The author admits the novel is based on his own youth, and the main character is portrayed as a can't-do-wrong Mary Sue. He's the fastest kid around, his coach and a former track star are both amazed at his near superhuman abilities! But when he goes to competitions, he's . . . just pretty good. He gets into conflict with his basketball coach, and instead of his coach's plays (which lose games), he makes up his own, and the team dominates! The book jacket says this is a story about proving his mentor is innocent of murder, but that only pops up at the end as an afterthought, to make the book something more than a masturbatory self-hype session.
liberrydude's review against another edition
5.0
More than a book about running it's a great coming of age tale. We follow young Quentin Cassidy from first grade when he tries to outrun a squall line to freshman year of college. It reminded me of Tom Sawyer tales and the movie "Stand By Me" with an idyllic childhood in the South. Boys being boys and wandering all over creation during the 50's and 60's. It's about sports and learning how to thread your way in an adult world and knowing which battles to fight. A beautiful book that should be made into a film.
felitfelix's review against another edition
5.0
This is an unexpected inspiring book for me since I was a miler than switch to a basketball player later. The book relates too much to me: all those ups and downs, sweat and pain, struggling and triumph... Since I am no longer a full-time athlete now in college, I read it as if I am reading another me in a parallel universe. I know the review is personal, but I like it because this boy is familiar to me, as if I am waving to myself in another spacetime.
felit's review against another edition
5.0
This is an unexpected inspiring book for me since I was a miler than switch to a basketball player later. The book relates too much to me: all those ups and downs, sweat and pain, struggling and triumph... Since I am no longer a full-time athlete now in college, I read it as if I am reading another me in a parallel universe. I know the review is personal, but I like it because this boy is familiar to me, as if I am waving to myself in another spacetime.
hannah_et1982's review against another edition
4.0
I wish I had this book when I was in high school. Not only is it an enjoyable read, but I think it would be incredibly motivating for any high school athlete. The drive and passion for sports is something I have greatly missed as an adult. It felt great to relive some of that passion through reading about Cassidy's early years.
clellman's review against another edition
3.0
Parts about running were good
Trapper subplot was awful; basketball parts (a lot) were boring
Trapper subplot was awful; basketball parts (a lot) were boring
bobbo49's review against another edition
3.0
I knew, of course, that it wasn't going to be another Once a Runner, the best novel I've ever read about running, but like Again to Carthage (the sequel), this prequel is a fun, light read. The tale of Cassidy's middle and high school years is a fair coming of age story, with the running taking hold late in high school; those racing portions are of course the best part of the book for me, as Parker knows how to capture the essence of a runner's high. Not the masterpiece that Once a Runner is, but a reasonably good book anyway.
cmspin's review against another edition
4.0
Good book. I enjoyed it almost as much as the other two Cassidy books, but I wish he would once make a mistake or do something that doesn't make him more of a heroic figure. I guess that's not the type of book this is.
Anyway, it's time for a run!
Anyway, it's time for a run!