The book is one of the better running books, with twists, turns, and tragedy, but it lacks depth to be fully engaging. It offers insights into overtraining and coaching philosophies, making it a valuable read for serious runners.
This book stands out among running literature with its engaging narrative, twists, and tragic elements, though it falls short of being fully immersive. It's particularly appealing to those with a background in running, as it delves into the mental and physical challenges faced by collegiate runners. The character development is commendable but struggles to differentiate team members, as many runners will relate the characters to their own experiences. The book also provides a valuable perspective on overtraining and various coaching philosophies, making it a worthwhile read for serious athletes. Additionally, the reviewer found an interesting connection between the coach's love for Tom Wolfe's works and the book's themes, adding a layer of personal intrigue.
Quick quotes
One of the better books I've read about running. Has twists, turns, a lot of dirt paths, and tragedy but stops short of being enveloping.
The book could be used to study incidences of overtraining among runners and different coaching philosophies.
It turns out that Mark Wetmore and I both fell in love with reading after encountering Tom Wolfe's _The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test_.