Book: The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen
Genre: YA
Rating:★★★★☆
For: Fun
From: This is the first book I figured out how to borrow from the library, for my Kindle. Cool.
I heard about this one back when the librarians told the teens (yes, I was there) about the books that had been nominated for the Beehive Award. Many of them sounded awesome, but this one just sounded okay to me. I'm not that into running, I'm not at ALL into running actually, so I thought, meh.
But then when I was again at the library, taking a little class on how to borrow books to my Kindle, I saw that this one was available, so I pushed the button and BAM, it was suddenly there to read! (I'm still gaga over the technology... does that show my age?) And then, I started hearing other awesome things about it, so I actually manged to read it before it "expired."
It's about this girl, who yes, is a runner. But as the book opens, she is in the hospital recovering from a foot/ankle amputation which we learn later is from a car accident. So this is the story of how she learns to deal with that, how she overcomes the disability, but most importantly, what she learns about herself and other people in the process.
This is one of those very real books that makes you feel All The Things. (Saw that phrase earlier today on someone else's post who borrowed it from Raych which I'm now borrowing!) It makes you think about looking deeper into people than what you see on the surface. It makes you think about what's really important.... and how lucky we all are, even with all our problems and issues.
Many people have been saying this is tear jerker. I agree, however, I shed my tears up front as the mom was dealing with the situation. I found myself feeling all her feelings! Oh man, to see your kid go through something like this, I can't even imagine.
Anyway, it's a good one! An inspirational story indeed.
Bottom line: Totally enjoyed it.
Other Reviews:
Becky's Book Blog
The Book Swarm
The YA YA YAs
Many people have been saying this is tear jerker. I agree, however, I shed my tears up front as the mom was dealing with the situation. I found myself feeling all her feelings! Oh man, to see your kid go through something like this, I can't even imagine.
Anyway, it's a good one! An inspirational story indeed.
Bottom line: Totally enjoyed it.
Other Reviews:
Becky's Book Blog
The Book Swarm
The YA YA YAs
I agree! I thought it was a wonderful story myself. Very real. Definitely can't imagine watching your child go through something like that. I thought the way she wrote Jessica's emotional ups and downs was realistic. Glad someone else enjoyed it as much as I. :)
ReplyDeleteKara: Thanks for commenting! Yes, this one is one of those good "real" ones. I love those.
DeleteI need to learn how to borrow ebooks! I hadn't even heard of this one, though.
ReplyDeleteJenny: It's easy. I'll teach you someday.
DeleteSo if I read this does it count as working out and running for me?!?!? Please say yes. Actually this sounds like a great book to read on my iPad. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteIs it "fall" there?? I would come to conference and force you to shop and visit with me at the King's English but we are waiting on a grandbaby to arrive. :) Too cool, huh?!? What's up with your kiddos?
Inside: Yes, it counts! :) And yes, it's sort of being fall here... the weather is cooler and the trees in the mountains are changing. Going shopping at the King's English would be a blast. Some day, okay? Good luck with the new baby! And the kids here are fine, busy and stressed, but fine.
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