FROM FIVE STAR REVIEW: The author writes a story that makes you realize that it is never too late to fulfill your dreams. Isabel Kramer found that training for the Boston Marathon was no easy task. Ms. Kramer is a psychiatrist, 60 years of age and had always wanted to be a runner from a teenage. It just seemed that every time Isabel wanted to do something her mother stopped her. Isabel’s high school coach told her mother what a good runner Izzy was. That didn’t matter to Isabel’s mother. Isabel wasn’t allowed to participate. Izzy thought if she could convince her mother to run a marathon with her, she would find out how much fun and how good Izzy was. When Izzy ran she realized how much she loved running. When Izzy decided at the age of 60 to run, she had a hard time to get the coach to help her. He thought she was too OLD to run or train. I believe the author was trying to show that no matter how old or young you are, if you have your heart set on realizing a dream, go for it. Why not? Of course if it is a danger to your health, it’s a very bad idea. If you’re fit and there’s no danger, reach for those stars. Even if you don’t win, you’ve actually won. You’ve won because you didn’t quit. Just like Izzy when she finally ran at the age of 60, did she lose or win? The way I took the author’s story is that it doesn’t matter. You’ve won either way. Dr. Gold wrote a book that you don’t lose interest in. It may bring tears to your eyes, but they are tears of joy. A good book for everyone. It shows that dreams can come true and you have to keep trying. Wonderful book.
Isabel Kramer’s dream of running competitively, frustrated since age seventeen, reveals itself when, on a lark, she joins her daughter in the Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco. Now age sixty, Izzy challenges her misgivings, the sage and well-intentioned advice of family and friends, and prepares for long-distance running.
Izzy, a psychiatrist and professor of psychology at UC Berkeley has no illusions about the likelihood of success and the possibility of injury, but amazingly, she outperforms the running world’s and her own expectations and trains for the Boston Marathon.
Barriers of every type obstruct Izzy’s path to Boston. Can they stop her? Supporters of every age see in her the will and the talent to win, and they joyfully join her in the realization of a destiny too long delayed.
"An enjoyable read, with drama, a few unforeseen twists, characters you can support, and a great ending!"
Reviewer: Reader for Bookangel.
Izzy Meyer is rather elderly for a marathon runner: over 60. She loves her new hobby, starts setting records, and is on her way to a title. In her way is a rivalry with her younger running partner, a hostile media, someone who will stop at nothing to make their runner win, and the twenty-six miles of the Boston Marathon,
I enjoyed this. The book really does revolve around Izzy, and she's a distinct enough character to carry it. Her taking up, and then discovering she's actually very good at, distance running was fun to read. She's a character you can like and root for, which given some of the nastier plot twists is very important. Hunter makes an excellent rival, with her own complex motivations slowly uncovered.
The writing is a fairly flat style with short sentences, no long words or creative language use, but what it does make the book is accessible. It is easy to read, easy to follow, and easy to get hooked by even if you don't realise it. I didn't notice, until I suddenly realised I had finished it - at 2 a.m. The climax of the book comes shortly before the end, but you keep reading to find out what's happened to everyone else. The loose ends are wrapped up neatly.
It would be suitable for most ages, as the events and drama are of a type that most will understand. It isn't a demanding read, but it is an enjoyable one, with drama, a few unforeseen twists, characters you can support, and a great ending!
Izzy Meyer is rather elderly for a marathon runner: over 60. She loves her new hobby, starts setting records, and is on her way to a title. In her way is a rivalry with her younger running partner, a hostile media, someone who will stop at nothing to make their runner win, and the twenty-six miles of the Boston Marathon,
I enjoyed this. The book really does revolve around Izzy, and she's a distinct enough character to carry it. Her taking up, and then discovering she's actually very good at, distance running was fun to read. She's a character you can like and root for, which given some of the nastier plot twists is very important. Hunter makes an excellent rival, with her own complex motivations slowly uncovered.
The writing is a fairly flat style with short sentences, no long words or creative language use, but what it does make the book is accessible. It is easy to read, easy to follow, and easy to get hooked by even if you don't realise it. I didn't notice, until I suddenly realised I had finished it - at 2 a.m. The climax of the book comes shortly before the end, but you keep reading to find out what's happened to everyone else. The loose ends are wrapped up neatly.
It would be suitable for most ages, as the events and drama are of a type that most will understand. It isn't a demanding read, but it is an enjoyable one, with drama, a few unforeseen twists, characters you can support, and a great ending! Rating:4
This sounds like one I might be able to brave. I think sometimes it's worth giving the author a chance before tossing the book in the bin even if it's a little flat in some areas. The ending might make it worth your while.
Any book that has the power to surprise me in this day and age deserves my time. So many authors' stories have become predictable now and it's rare to find a book that has a story that is truly original with twists that you can't foresee a mile away.
I have a friend in a similar position as Izzy, and I think she may enjoy this book. I can't say she has had any particular dramas come up since she took up running, but perhaps there's more to the world of older athletes than I have been told!.
I can certainly relate to this story. Thanks for the review. I love a great story that is very well written and I'm looking forward to reading this one.
What a wonderful and inspiring story. Thanks for sharing this review. I know this kind of motivating story is great for a lot of readers who find themselves in similar situations when it comes to chasing their biggest goals.
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