My First 100 Marathons

October 1, 2008
Attorney and freelance journalist Horowitz can brag 100 marathons, and of almost equal importance, an easy, honest, and humble writing style in his first book, which manages to teach without being intrusive. Eighteen years ago, he took up running, never having tried the sport before or even considered it when he was a student. He traces the paths taken and the transformations made by his body, psyche, and soul, and his story reveals with humility what it means to be a runner and how the culture becomes you. His tips and suggestions are insightful and palatable and are instanced by his experience.

With the lyricism and sensibility of a cinematographic poet, Robbins (sportswriter, "New York Times") glides through the 26.2 miles of the 2007 New York City Marathon like an Altman or Welles tracking shot. In her montage of human spirit, we sweepingly survey the character of the landscape mile by mile, zooming in to reveal the joy and suffering behind runners' strides, then back out to establish context and associate culture and history. No artifice or schmaltzthis is poetry for runners; pulsing and energizing in its immediacy, and as raw and persistent as its subject. Welcome stylistic departures, both titles are highly recommended for public libraries, where they will inspire readers to lace up their running shoes.Ben Malczewski, Ypsilanti Dist. Lib., MI

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.