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The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

I have been running for many years, inspired by my son who has run cross country since 7th grade. One of my New Year's resolutions is to run a marathon -- crazy right? So, in the process of ramping up my training, I subscribed to Running Times magazine. In the most recent edition, to my surprise, I found a YA book review for The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen.

The book review follows:

Writing about running with eloquence isn't an easy thing to do. Nor is writing from a teenager's perspective. Award-winning children's book author Wendelin Van Draanen pulls both off with flying colors in her latest novel about a high school junior who loses part of her right leg after a bus accident on the way home from a track meet. Van Draanen's astute writing and attention to detail bring Jessica Carisle to life in a heartstring-jerking story about pain, suffering and overcoming enormous challenges, all set against the backdrop of the love of running. It's that intangible passion for running and racing that helps guide Jessica from the pit of despair through a year-long process of self-discovery. While the book centers around Carlisle's injury. Van Draanen's crafty prose compels readers to understand the person and not dwell on the disability. It's an engaging read for anyone who's ever run high school track or cross country, but just as gripping for any parent of a teenager in competitive sports. ($18.99, Alfred A. Knopf)

I've put The Running Dream on my "to read" list! What about you?

Comments

Brian said…
I'll definitely be checking this book out. I recommend "Once A Runner" by John L. Parker, Jr. Which marathon are you going to run?
February 10, 2011 at 11:02 PM
Denise Johnson said…
Hi Brian!
I downloaded the audiobook "Once a Runner" and will listen to it as soon as I'm finished with "The Running Dream." Thanks for the recommendation...it looks like one that I should have already heard about and one that will be a great source of inspiration!

I'm (hopefully) running the Potomac River Marathon May 1st. http://mc-coop.org/marathon

I have a long way to go with my training, though.
February 11, 2011 at 9:01 PM
Wendelin Van Draanen said…
Hi, Denise
I stumbled upon your review and just wanted to say thanks for the mention re The Running Dream -- the book was a labor of love and I do hope you love it :-)

Nothing like your first marathon. I wish you good training and a strong finish!

Wendelin Van Draanen
February 18, 2011 at 8:18 PM
Wendelin Van Draanen said…
Hi, Denise
I stumbled upon your review and just wanted to say thanks for the mention re The Running Dream -- the book was a labor of love and I do hope you love it :-)

Nothing like your first marathon. I wish you good training and a strong finish!

Wendelin Van Draanen
February 18, 2011 at 8:19 PM
Brian said…
Good luck with your training! Hopefully the weather will stay nice so you can get some good mileage in! One day I'll have/make enough time to train for one...maybe Richmond this fall.
February 20, 2011 at 11:16 PM
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