Monday, April 30, 2018

April Books

I am stoked that even with our MoviePass membership, I am still getting in a decent amount of books. Let's be real, not having cable TV to keep me "entertained" gives me more free time to dive into a great book or seven ;)

There were TWENTY books in the first three months of the year, so when I add April's FOUR that brings the total for 2018 to TWENTY-FOUR! If you're interested in what I read (and how I'd rate them) or need suggestions on a book to grab, make sure to give my previous write-ups a peruse! {January's Books / February Books / March Books}


  • Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor - A friend of mine let me borrow this book of hers and it couldn't have come at a better time. I started it when I was going through a little Boston Marathon freak out and finished it while on the plane to the race. I loved it! It not only was about her journey and career as a runner, but also how a positive attitude can have a HUGE impact on your running (and life). Let's just say I LOVED this book! I had to give it back to my friend because she wanted her sister to be able to read it, but I've already added it to my Amazon Wish List so I can grab my own copy. I was sucked in because of her story, but feel like I walked away with a ton of action steps to incorporate into my own life. You know I try my best to be a positive person, but know there is always room for improvement. PS Although I love it from a runner perspective, I totally think non-runners would enjoy it as well! I would give it a 10 out of 10.


  • North by Scott Jurek - When I was looking at the Boston Marathon Expo events I saw that Scott Jurek was going to be at the Clif booth giving out autographed copies of his new book. I followed his journey to break the speed record on the Appalachian Trail and the hubby really does love following ultra running, so I was stoked to pick up a copy of the book. We were able to grab one at the Expo and I flew through it on the flight home from Boston. If you don't know, Scott Jurek is an AMAZING ultra runner with a ton of victories and records under his belt. This book is laid out in a diary format (with him writing a bit, followed by his wife {who crewed him during the entire journey} writing a bit). With our upcoming Rim2Rim2Rim adventure coming soon (although I know that 44ish miles is NO WHERE NEAR 2,189 miles), I loved getting the opportunity to read about the good, bad and ugly of this run/hike-thru attempt. I would give it a 9 out of 10.


  • What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan - I don't know how, but I had never heard of this book before (and I don't even really remembering hearing about the story when it happened). After I got back from Boston I thought I'd reach for a few running books and this one appeared on a lot of the "Must Read" lists in the running realm. After reading it I can see why. Maddy was an all-American student athlete (playing soccer and running track in high school) who killed herself during her second semester of college. If you know me, you know suicide prevention has a HUGE piece of my heart (I have helped to fundraise for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for multiple years), so this story rocked me to my core. I am thankful Kate, an ESPNW columnist, along with Maddy's family had the strength to share this story. We need to change the narrative, talk about mental health and break the stigma surrounding anxiety, depression and other forms of mental illness. Suicide is not a black and white topic, so this book does not attempt to wrap this story up in a bow or try to make sense of everything, it is simply trying to get the conversation started so fewer people get caught up in the fierce swirl that can lead people to contemplate this permanent decision. I would give it a 9 out of 10. 


  • Perfect Strangers by Roseann Sdoia - While we were in Boston for the marathon we also went to a game at Fenway. Before the game started there was a ceremony for some of the survivors and family members of the 2013 bombing. Roseann and her three "perfect strangers" were welcomed onto the field and I heard briefly about her book. I knew when I got home I would grab it from the library. Although I've read a few books surrounding the events that took place on April 15th, 2013, I loved that this one took a slightly different approach. It definitely talked about the bombing, but it also focused on the friendship, strength and recovery afterward. I think what stood out most to me was Shores part. He was a twenty year old college kid who didn't run away from the bombs, but ran TOWARDS them, trying to help others. I pray I am never put in a situation like this, but if so, I hope that I would have the courage to help those around me! I would give it a 10 out of 10. 


With that, April has come to a close. My reading may have slowed (especially since we were on the road for the first half of the month and then in Boston for another week), but I definitely hope it never completely stops. If you have any suggestions, please let me know! I'm always willing to add them to my queue if our library offers them!

What was the best book you read this month?

1 comment:

Little Runner Em said...

All of these books sound amazing! Thanks for giving me some books to add to my 'must read' list!