Book: Born to Run

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I've only had the smallest of desires to run in the past, however, reading Born to Run has given me much deeper motivation and desires to run. Considering the scientific base of this book, it is impressive how well the story reads. I went through this book with surprising speed and ease which I attribute to it's readability. If you want some convicting facts and stories for becoming a runner - I recommend the book. If you're interested in anthropology, history, ancient tribes, etc. - also recommended. Absolutely a fantastic read.


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I really, REALLY loved this book. I'm such a sucker for this kind of thing. In the past, I always thought of running as inappropriate to the human body - walking or swimming be less hard on joints and the body and therefore more appropriate. Born to Run makes me question such logic.  I'm discovering I receive joy from questioning. From my blacks and whites making grays. This book blended my blacks and whites and leaves me with the most sincere and genuine desire to exercise, specifically run, than I've had in a long, long time. And I appreciate that. I need conviction in my life. This book is convicting. I think I'll start running. I've been 'practicing' my non-heel-strike run through the apartment, warranting strange looks from the dog and the hubs...but heck, I'm down. I like bare-feet too, added bonus. (Secretly hoping to convince the hubs a pair of Vibram 5Fingers are in order while we're home...we shall see ^.^)

If you think running could be fun or like the idea of running being fun - I recommend this book. Either way, it's an interesting read.

Not ready to read? Check out this TEDtalk by the Author, Christopher McDougall

Book: The Memory Keeper's Daughter

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I appreciated the real-ness of this story. Real in the sense, that I kept expecting a redemption that was grand and reuniting amongst all characters, however the depth of pain and betrayal and hardship were deep and I believe the author dealt with these components in a compassionate, redemptive yet very real way. Not that I didn't want redemption to win, that I didn't want a Savior to undo the hurt and the pain, I want that, I've seen that and I love that. I just didn't feel it in these characters. I didn't feel it was their time or their place and I was grateful that the author felt and allowed for the same.

The synopsis of twins, one without complication the other with a diagnosis of Downs Syndrome made for an engaging read. It is difficult to imagine being placed in such a situation where giving away one of two seems like the best choice. I cannot imagine the regret felt by David, the grief felt by Norah nor the shock felt by Caroline. The story is full of such complexities that are reflective of all people.

Lines that stand out:

"This was her life. Not the life she had once dreamed of, not a life her younger self would ever have imagined or desired, but the life she was living with all its complexities. This was her life, built with care and attention, and it was good." (p.322)

"Grief it seemed, was a physical place." (p. 388).

"He'd poured his story out to her in such a rush, the first and last time he had ever told it, and she had listened without judging him. There was freedom in that." (p. 395)
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