Books Like...

'Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness' by Scott Jurek and Steve Friedman chronicles Scott Jurek's transformation from a sub-elite marathon runner to an elite ultra marathoner, delving into his personal struggles, relationships, and the mental and physical challenges he faces while pushing the limits of endurance running. The narrative follows a mostly chronological order, starting from Jurek's school days, his introduction to ultra running, and his transition to a vegan lifestyle, interspersed with training tips, vegan recipes, and reflections on life's ups and downs.

Jurek's writing style is described as inspiring, insightful, and introspective, offering readers a glimpse into his deep thoughts and life lessons learned through his extraordinary journey. not only focuses on Jurek's athletic achievements but also provides a raw and honest portrayal of his personal life, including family dynamics, struggles with depression, and the pursuit of self-improvement amidst challenges and setbacks.

'Once a Runner' by John L. Parker Jr. follows the story of university student Quenton Cassidy and his running team mates during a period of intense training, amidst a sporting controversy that leads to Cassidy being sidelined. The novel delves into Cassidy's journey as he prepares for a significant race, highlighting the challenges and dedication involved in competitive running. The writing style of the book is described as literary, with excellent character development and evocative prose that captures the essence of the running subculture.

'Once a Runner' is not just a book about running but a literary novel that incorporates running as a central theme. The story focuses on the protagonist's passion for running and the sacrifices he makes to pursue his athletic goals. The narrative unfolds with a mix of drama, humor, and introspection, showcasing the unique mindset of elite athletes and the struggles they face both on and off the track.

Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself is an inspiring memoir by Rich Roll that chronicles his dramatic transformation from an unhealthy, alcoholic attorney into a world-class ultra-endurance athlete. The book details his struggles with addiction, particularly alcoholism, and the turning point where he embarks on a journey to reclaim his health at the age of 40. Rich shares his experiences training for grueling competitions like Ultraman and EPIC5, a series of Ironman triathlons, showcasing his remarkable dedication and the life's lessons he learned along the way.

The writing style is engaging and candid, drawing readers into Rich's personal story with authenticity and a hint of humor. While it conveys the intensity of his athletic pursuits, it also serves as a self-help guide, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the transformative power of a plant-based diet. Despite the challenges he faced, the book is ultimately motivational, encouraging others to overcome their struggles and realize their full potential, regardless of their starting point.

'The Push: A Climber's Journey of Endurance, Risk, and Going Beyond Limits' by Tommy Caldwell is a gripping autobiography that delves into the life of a world-class rock climber. Through the eyes of readers, the book offers a detailed account of Caldwell's dramatic life experiences, including being held hostage by terrorist rebels and his epic climbing adventures. The core of the book revolves around Caldwell's preparation for and detailed description of the free climb of the Dawn Wall route on Yosemite's El Cap, widely considered the most difficult free climb ever done. Readers are taken on a journey filled with vulnerability, authenticity, wisdom, and insight, as Caldwell shares his personal struggles, triumphs, and the relentless pursuit of his passions.

Caldwell's writing style is praised for its ability to seamlessly mix personal aspects of his life with adventurous parts, allowing readers to witness the evolution of his perspectives and priorities as he navigates through hardships and failures with grit, perseverance, and a willingness to change and grow. not only showcases the thrilling world of climbing but also serves as a source of inspiration, motivating readers to chase their own passions with fervor and determination.

'The Motion of the Body Through Space' by Lionel Shriver revolves around the lives of a middle-class couple, Serenata and Remington Alabaster, who are in their sixties. The story delves into their marriage dynamics as Remington decides to pursue a physically demanding challenge of running a marathon and training for a triathlon, which creates tension between the couple due to their differing approaches towards exercise and aging. The writing style is described as supercilious, with a tone of mockery towards various themes such as religion, white privilege, and societal expectations, while also incorporating humor and sarcasm to highlight the absurdity of situations and characters in the novel.

'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' by Haruki Murakami is an introspective memoir where the author shares his experiences as a runner and writer. Murakami intertwines his thoughts on running, writing, and life, drawing parallels between the dedication required for long-distance running and the discipline needed for his writing process. is described as a candid exploration of Murakami's life, his training for marathons and triathlons, and the profound impact running has had on his mindset.

Murakami's writing style in this memoir is characterized as simple, honest, and introspective. Readers appreciate the way he delves into his insecurities, defeats, and triumphs as a runner, writer, and human being. The narrative flows seamlessly, with moments of dry humor and deep reflections, creating an intimate atmosphere that makes readers feel like they are having a private conversation with the author.

'Alone on the Wall' by Alex Honnold is a gripping account of the life and adventures of a world-class free solo climber. The book delves into Alex's mindset, preparation, and experiences while scaling monumental cliffs without any ropes or safety equipment. Through a combination of Alex's own reflections and detailed narratives by co-author David Roberts, readers are taken on a journey through Alex's most remarkable climbs, including his daring feats on Moonlight Buttress and El Sendero Luminoso. The writing style seamlessly blends technical climbing details with personal anecdotes, offering a captivating insight into the mind of a climber who pushes the boundaries of the sport.

'The Front Runner' by Patricia Nell Warren is a classic gay romance novel set in the 1970s, following the story of a gay Olympic runner and his coach lover. The book delves into themes of love, adversity, social ridicule, and the challenges of living in a homophobic world. The characters are vivid and the plot is described as a page-turner, providing a thoughtful insight into the American gay athletic scene of the time.

The novel portrays the relationship between Harlan, a university track coach struggling with his sexuality, and Billy, a track star who faces expulsion for defending other gay students. Against the backdrop of Harlan training Billy for the Olympic track team, the story unfolds with themes of bigotry, homophobia, and the fight for acceptance. The writing style is praised for being eloquent, poignant, and emotionally impactful, with a powerful portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the characters.

'The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner' by Alan Sillitoe is a collection of short stories set in pre and post-World War II British working class society. The title story follows an adolescent boy from a working-class background who is caught up in petty crime and sentenced to a borstal. Allowed to train outside the facility for a long-distance running competition, the story delves into his internal struggles between winning the race and defying the authorities. Other stories in the book portray characters facing loneliness, desperation, and societal inequalities, evoking a sense of anger, alienation, and desolation.

The writing style of Alan Sillitoe in this book is described as gritty, dark, and reminiscent of Dickens in its portrayal of the working class of England. The stories are said to be beautifully crafted, tragic, moving, and thought-provoking, capturing the trauma of wartime, the harsh realities of the class divide, and the struggles of individuals trying to break free from their circumstances.

'Grandma Gatewood's Walk' by Ben Montgomery is a biography that tells the inspiring story of Emma Gatewood, a sixty-seven-year-old great-grandmother who, in 1955, became the first woman to hike the entire 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail alone. Despite facing hardships such as raising eleven children during the Great Depression and surviving an abusive husband, Emma Gatewood's determination and resilience shine through as she embarks on this unprecedented journey. The book highlights her adventurous spirit, her love for nature, and her journey towards finding redemption and happiness through hiking.

The narrative style of the book captures the essence of Emma Gatewood's extraordinary life and her trailblazing accomplishments. Through vivid descriptions of her trek, the author paints a picture of a woman who defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations of hikers. The book not only explores Emma Gatewood's physical journey but also delves into the emotional and historical context of her life, making it a compelling read for those interested in tales of courage, perseverance, and the great outdoors.