Running with Raven

November 28, 2016
In this vivid biography, Huttenbach (The Boy Is Gone) narrates the story of an unlikely hero: a dedicated runner who has run over 125,000 miles for over four decades on the unforgiving sands of Miami’s South Beach. Robert “Raven” Kraft, a high school dropout and failed songwriter, has not missed his eight-mile trot for a single day since a 1975 New Year’s Day resolution, and his dedication fascinates Huttenbach. Over 2,500 people, ages six to 80, have committed to joining the man’s runs, which Huttenbach narrates with admiration and disbelief. The ragtag Raven runners, according to Huttenbach, are very devoted to their leader, who sometimes runs in downpours and bad thunderstorms despite a series of degenerative back woes that have slowed his stride. Marked by personal tragedies and health problems, Raven’s tale of perseverance, understanding, and courage will inspire anyone.

April 15, 2017
Some sports streaks are legendary, like Cal Ripkin Jr.'s 2,632 consecutive baseball games played or Wayne Gretzky's 51-game scoring streak. Huttenbach introduces a less-famous man to that list: Robert Raven Kraft. A high-school dropout, Kraft made a resolution to run eight miles every day in 1975 and has not stopped since. Throughout the years, hundreds of runners have joined his Raven Runs on Miami's South Beach. He is a purist (not a fan of costly road races) and often compared to the fictional Forrest Gump. He welcomes runners of all abilities, whether on holiday from Europe or recently out of prison. This memoir includes interviews and testimonials from the cast of characters who have joined his community, each earning coveted nicknames like the Astrologer and the Taxman. Even Huttenbach, also a runner, is given the name White Lightning. Not deterred by hurricanes or even surgery, the Raven has battled through tremendous obstacles. Is his streak an obsession or dedication? It's a tough question, but his daily commitment demonstrates how anyone can rebuild a life, step by step. An entertaining, tender account of an authentic sports hero.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)