What has captivated you lately? Share something you’re reading that’s inspiring/intriguing you, that you think our fellow members here might like too. 👍
Well, nothing actually inspiring. I like to get away, so mostly fiction. I probably read way too much Scandinavian stuff. I was crushed when Stieg Larsson died & so started reading every other Scandinavian author I could find, and I have found a lot of really good ones from Henning Mankell (quite depressing) to Haken Nesser, Maj Sjowell, Camilla Lackberg (became a bit too formulaic) Fredrik Backmann and Malin Giolito, and have recently settled into Jo Nesbo. A lot of good writing, much of it crime fiction, but all great escapes.
I know I'm late to this thread, but here goes: I've been on a reading-for-pleasure fast due to school, however today I've reorganized my time and plan to start "Bird by Bird: Some instructions on writing and life" by Anne Lamott tomorrow. I don't know what to expect except it comes highly recommended by writing/reading friends of mine.
The last book I read for pleasure was Helena Sorensen's latest book "The Door on Half Bald Hill". It was the first time I read one of her books, and while her storytelling isn't for everyone, I found her book strangely healing and perfect for such as time as this. It's a fictional story set in a celtic-inspired mythical world that yet delights in taking time in the gritty everyday details of life. It's plot: All the people are dying from a blight. They believe they are doomed, that they have come to the end of time. The young Bard dares to hope for an answer and a cure and goes on a journey of discovery to find life. It's one of those stories I didn't know what to make of for the first half of the book; I kept thinking I might put it down yet I didn't and I'm glad I kept going. When I read this in November the despair of the characters seemed to echo my own. So in some ways it's a hard read. But very, very good. And the ending does not disappoint but makes every step of the journey worth it. Some folks might be interested in checking it out! Though take note: its NOT a children's book. The author never claimed it is, though apparently, some have marketed it as such? Nothing overly graphic, just very dark themes of life and death, despair and hope.
I just finished a book called The Pioneers by David McCullough. Right now I am reading the book "News of the World" by Paulette Jiles. The movie for this I saw advertised and I the saw the book in a store and had to check it out. I am just getting into it but it is interesting and I hate to put it down.
I read every single comment here. I can't believe that two of my passions can be combined like this. It's like you picked this topic just for me. I have LOVED reading since I could read. Running, I have only started falling in love with, though we had a rocky relationship for many years. All these suggestions! Thank you, thank you for this!
Running related, I really love Murakami's What ITalk About When I Talk About Running. I've recently Range by David Epstein which I can't stop thinking about.
What a great topic!!!!! My three favorite running books (to date) in random order are: Running the Dream by Matt Fitzgerald is really interesting if you've ever been curious what life (and races!) would be like as an elite runner. Deena Kastor's "Let your Mind run" is so interesting because she had a pretty ho-hum college career, and then trained to become one of the fastest female marathon runners ever. It is humbling how hard she trained for years at a time to trim a few second off her PR. I also really enjoyed David Goggins, "Can't Hurt me". It is amazing how that guy had such a crappy childhood and early adult life and then completely turned his life around. I don't think anyone can makes excuses about anything after reading that book!
I'm reading "Running with Sherman" by Christopher McDougall, author of "Born to Run." It's a heartwarming story with an adorable protagonist - a rescued donkey.
Both book titles you listed sound interesting. Though I read a lot...no "books" lately other than "THE BOOK" lol. A chapter in the Holy Bible is my daily read, and just like physical training...my earthly father taught me at a young age "Start with your core & the rest will follow". I just love words of wisdom, he was right and He is right. 😊 Sean
26 Marathons - love the first/second page where (I am paraphrasing) he states - there’s some point even for elite runners where you ask yourself - why am I doing this? His experiences, the manner in which he relates his running to the everyday runner (regardless of level) and helpful hints make this book an excellent read
Hi Terrell- thanks for the book suggestion I have added it to my wish list. I just finished Emotional Agility by Susan David and Atomic Habits by James Clear. My favorite running read has to be Scott Jurek Eat and Run. I also really enjoyed his newest book North. Inspirational, what a great adventure!
Honestly I’m not reading anything running related. I’m so into the movie Rocketman, based on Elton John’s life. I think I’m so deep into his life because I can relate to so much of what he went through. Mainly though it amazes me that he was/is such a wonderfully talented and good person inside and yet endured so much rejection. So heart wrenching. Anyway I bought the book “Me:Elton John”. I’m only about 30 pages into it but I really want to know more details and how he overcame it. I feel maybe I’m going through some of what he went through too. It always makes me smile when he calms down and says “I’m sorry” and they always say “I know”. Lol! BTDT.
I have been reading the biography of John Newton (18th Century pastor, writer of Amazing Grace, and former slave ship captain). It is a wonderful testimony that no life is too debase for the Lord to save. I also have been reading GOATs by Jim Grey. Wonderful. I had no idea he was so close to so many GOATs.
I listen to books while I run. Lately, I've been listening to British Whodunits. I listened to the Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for J.K. Rowling) series, and am currently listening to the Elizabeth George series. If you like this type of escapism stuff, you will like these.
Running books that I truly enjoyed and found inspirational: Natural Born Heroes, Running Like a Girl, Running with the Kenyans, and probably my favorite, Running with Sherman. Thanks for this thread. I can always use more suggestions.
I'm putting your suggestions on my list! Thank you! I'm currently reading The runners guide to the meaning of life by Amby Burfoot. I love his running inspiration. For anyone who hasn't read What I talk about when I talk about running by Haruki Murakami....it is a must read!! Great inspiration and commiseration :-)
I am admittedly not the best reader. I started listening to the Bible on my morning runs and have been very slowly reading "The Leadership Game" by Tom Mullins. Thank you for getting these conversations going. It is always something positive and encouraging I enjoy participating in. Happy Friday.
What are you reading?
Well, nothing actually inspiring. I like to get away, so mostly fiction. I probably read way too much Scandinavian stuff. I was crushed when Stieg Larsson died & so started reading every other Scandinavian author I could find, and I have found a lot of really good ones from Henning Mankell (quite depressing) to Haken Nesser, Maj Sjowell, Camilla Lackberg (became a bit too formulaic) Fredrik Backmann and Malin Giolito, and have recently settled into Jo Nesbo. A lot of good writing, much of it crime fiction, but all great escapes.
No I have not read any of his other books. Thanks for the tip. I might check that one first.
I know I'm late to this thread, but here goes: I've been on a reading-for-pleasure fast due to school, however today I've reorganized my time and plan to start "Bird by Bird: Some instructions on writing and life" by Anne Lamott tomorrow. I don't know what to expect except it comes highly recommended by writing/reading friends of mine.
The last book I read for pleasure was Helena Sorensen's latest book "The Door on Half Bald Hill". It was the first time I read one of her books, and while her storytelling isn't for everyone, I found her book strangely healing and perfect for such as time as this. It's a fictional story set in a celtic-inspired mythical world that yet delights in taking time in the gritty everyday details of life. It's plot: All the people are dying from a blight. They believe they are doomed, that they have come to the end of time. The young Bard dares to hope for an answer and a cure and goes on a journey of discovery to find life. It's one of those stories I didn't know what to make of for the first half of the book; I kept thinking I might put it down yet I didn't and I'm glad I kept going. When I read this in November the despair of the characters seemed to echo my own. So in some ways it's a hard read. But very, very good. And the ending does not disappoint but makes every step of the journey worth it. Some folks might be interested in checking it out! Though take note: its NOT a children's book. The author never claimed it is, though apparently, some have marketed it as such? Nothing overly graphic, just very dark themes of life and death, despair and hope.
I just finished a book called The Pioneers by David McCullough. Right now I am reading the book "News of the World" by Paulette Jiles. The movie for this I saw advertised and I the saw the book in a store and had to check it out. I am just getting into it but it is interesting and I hate to put it down.
I read every single comment here. I can't believe that two of my passions can be combined like this. It's like you picked this topic just for me. I have LOVED reading since I could read. Running, I have only started falling in love with, though we had a rocky relationship for many years. All these suggestions! Thank you, thank you for this!
Running related, I really love Murakami's What ITalk About When I Talk About Running. I've recently Range by David Epstein which I can't stop thinking about.
I finished Running with Sherman, Running Home (both recommended here) and my favorite has been Run for you Life by Marc Cucuzelli (sp?)
I'm reading some other things
(great at starting, not so great at finishing). I've also got Running till you're 100 by Jeff Galloway saved to start up soon...🤪🤪👟👟🏃♀️🏃♀️
What a great topic!!!!! My three favorite running books (to date) in random order are: Running the Dream by Matt Fitzgerald is really interesting if you've ever been curious what life (and races!) would be like as an elite runner. Deena Kastor's "Let your Mind run" is so interesting because she had a pretty ho-hum college career, and then trained to become one of the fastest female marathon runners ever. It is humbling how hard she trained for years at a time to trim a few second off her PR. I also really enjoyed David Goggins, "Can't Hurt me". It is amazing how that guy had such a crappy childhood and early adult life and then completely turned his life around. I don't think anyone can makes excuses about anything after reading that book!
I'm reading "Running with Sherman" by Christopher McDougall, author of "Born to Run." It's a heartwarming story with an adorable protagonist - a rescued donkey.
Wheelmen: Lance Armstrong, the Tour de France, and the Greatest Sports Conspiracy Ever
Anything Armstrong is captivating 🤙
I've been reading Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer. Really great book for all to read but particularly female runners. :)
Joel Cohen's "How to Lose a Marathon." It's hilarious, Cohen is a Simpsons writer, and great factual information for marathon beginners.
Both book titles you listed sound interesting. Though I read a lot...no "books" lately other than "THE BOOK" lol. A chapter in the Holy Bible is my daily read, and just like physical training...my earthly father taught me at a young age "Start with your core & the rest will follow". I just love words of wisdom, he was right and He is right. 😊 Sean
26 Marathons - love the first/second page where (I am paraphrasing) he states - there’s some point even for elite runners where you ask yourself - why am I doing this? His experiences, the manner in which he relates his running to the everyday runner (regardless of level) and helpful hints make this book an excellent read
Hi Terrell- thanks for the book suggestion I have added it to my wish list. I just finished Emotional Agility by Susan David and Atomic Habits by James Clear. My favorite running read has to be Scott Jurek Eat and Run. I also really enjoyed his newest book North. Inspirational, what a great adventure!
Honestly I’m not reading anything running related. I’m so into the movie Rocketman, based on Elton John’s life. I think I’m so deep into his life because I can relate to so much of what he went through. Mainly though it amazes me that he was/is such a wonderfully talented and good person inside and yet endured so much rejection. So heart wrenching. Anyway I bought the book “Me:Elton John”. I’m only about 30 pages into it but I really want to know more details and how he overcame it. I feel maybe I’m going through some of what he went through too. It always makes me smile when he calms down and says “I’m sorry” and they always say “I know”. Lol! BTDT.
I have been reading the biography of John Newton (18th Century pastor, writer of Amazing Grace, and former slave ship captain). It is a wonderful testimony that no life is too debase for the Lord to save. I also have been reading GOATs by Jim Grey. Wonderful. I had no idea he was so close to so many GOATs.
I listen to books while I run. Lately, I've been listening to British Whodunits. I listened to the Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for J.K. Rowling) series, and am currently listening to the Elizabeth George series. If you like this type of escapism stuff, you will like these.
Running books that I truly enjoyed and found inspirational: Natural Born Heroes, Running Like a Girl, Running with the Kenyans, and probably my favorite, Running with Sherman. Thanks for this thread. I can always use more suggestions.
I have been reading, “My Best Race,” by Richard M. Diaz. He’s got some good info in this book. 👍🏼
Fast Girls by Elise Hooper. A novel about the 1936 Women's Olympic Team.
I'm putting your suggestions on my list! Thank you! I'm currently reading The runners guide to the meaning of life by Amby Burfoot. I love his running inspiration. For anyone who hasn't read What I talk about when I talk about running by Haruki Murakami....it is a must read!! Great inspiration and commiseration :-)
Meb Keflegzi (sp.) books about running are great - also, the Podcast Run to the top is well worth it
I am admittedly not the best reader. I started listening to the Bible on my morning runs and have been very slowly reading "The Leadership Game" by Tom Mullins. Thank you for getting these conversations going. It is always something positive and encouraging I enjoy participating in. Happy Friday.
I have been reading 50 50 secrets i learned running 50 marathons in 50 days by Dean Karnazes. Old book but good