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tombennett72's review against another edition
5.0
This is a bloody brilliant book.
Fantastically well written, thoughtful and clever.
And a good read for runners, walkers and anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Fascinating.
Fantastically well written, thoughtful and clever.
And a good read for runners, walkers and anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Fascinating.
mrs_bonaventure's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this! It’s right up there with Born to Run as one of the best running books I’ve read - but more than that, it’s a treatise on being human, bringing in literature, philosophy, history, politics...
The main thing I am reminded of is that running is necessary... it is part of us, and we are part of the world, and we are required to go out in the world and absorb it, else we wither and fade.
( Since I’m currently in a rest phase this was both inspiring and frustrating. )
It also reminds us that running is a political act - one of declaring one’s freedom, to need nothing other than being a body, running, and a soul, being free. As the run leader of NYC’s Black Roses says - running is an act of revolution.
The main thing I am reminded of is that running is necessary... it is part of us, and we are part of the world, and we are required to go out in the world and absorb it, else we wither and fade.
( Since I’m currently in a rest phase this was both inspiring and frustrating. )
It also reminds us that running is a political act - one of declaring one’s freedom, to need nothing other than being a body, running, and a soul, being free. As the run leader of NYC’s Black Roses says - running is an act of revolution.
beeeeg's review against another edition
2.0
An exploration of why people run and what they get out of it. Interesting, but I think just not for me, I didn't really find a narrative and the constant literary diversions went over my head a bit.
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.
henryspencer's review against another edition
3.0
Mostly middling. Writer wasn't that likeable. Not enough about running. Too much about things I didn't care much about.
velveteen_reads's review
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
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.