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Summary: A lively and spirited page turner, told by a true heart/soul
Review: A quick and fun read about the toils and spoils of life; a comfortable story with colorful characters that everyone can take something from. There is "Gram" and her caring wisdom, Nose and Blinky and Autumn, and of course the 'Colonel'... you'll wish it was your story. A great book for everyone! From the Civil War buffs to the innocent kid inside, this story will touch you.
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Summary: Runner alert!
Review: Anyone that has ever run at any time in their lives will love this novel. In The Long Run is a compelling and charming story of truly vivid characters. Tim Van Wagner manages to weave an enchanting and authentic story and propel us along for the ride, or rather, the run! Josh Chamberlain, the main protagonist of the book, has resolved to run his first marathon and while doing so gets into "the zone". It is in this "zone" that he contemplates his past and distant heritage and where he meets "the colonel" his great-great grandfather and Medal of Honor recipient. Whether you happen to be a Civil War buff or not; you will find the entire tale a joy to read. Tim has a runners soul and an historians attention to detail. My only regret was that this excellent book had to end. I'm already anticipating Tim's second novel!Lynn Seely; runner/ author
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Summary: A charming read for sports enthusiasts/romantics
Review: Each year, many of us make a vow to get through our summer reading list -- a list often comprised of bulky classics that we've been meaning to get to for years. This summer, Tim Van Wagoner provides one more good reason to let those big novels serve as bookends just a bit longer by offering us a charming diversion entitled "In the Long Run." Enjoyably paced, the reader is transported, via 'the zone,' into the distant and not too distant history of sentimentally analytical Joshua Chamberlain, who contemplates his impending journey into midlife and beyond while running his first marathon. While one needn't be a runner to understand 'the zone,' I imagine it may help. However, those of us prone to the occasional daydream will also easily comprehend the device that serves as runners' mental escape pod. Left-brained readers may more easily settle in with the alternate historical chapters, which range from a tracing of Josh's formative years to a tour through Civil War battlefields. Romantics will fall easily into the charming ruminations of Josh's childhood/adolescence, where he met the woman of his dreams early on. As is so often the case, the relationship continuously becomes victim of that common malady - bad timing. Aiding Josh in his struggle of mind over the physical matter of the marathon is the omnipresent "Colonel," Josh's Civil War hero great-great grandfather, who serves as his mentor and guiding light - in race times and everyday life. Anyone who appreciates the romanticism contained within sports stories, from Hoosiers to Field of Dreams, can admire this first-published of author Van Wagoner. While to fully enjoy this tale requires the suspension of disbelief on several levels (from apparitions to the existence of perfect love), the weekend's escape that this quick read provides will make for pleasant dreams.
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Summary: Great for runners, Civil War buffs, a great read
Review: I loved this book. It would be a great story for anyone who is interested in the Civil War or running. I'm not interested in either but I still really enjoyed the story. It was very well written.
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Summary: Great for runners, Civil War buffs, a great read
Review: I loved this book. It would be a great story for anyone who is interested in the Civil War or running. I'm not interested in either but I still really enjoyed the story. It was very well written.
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Summary: I made a mistake and I'm glad I did...
Review: I was searching for the Eagles "Long Run" CD and came across this. I bought it and I'm glad I did. Good book.
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Summary: I made a mistake and I'm glad I did...
Review: I was searching for the Eagles "Long Run" CD and came across this. I bought it and I'm glad I did. Good book.
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Summary: Intriguing example of historical fiction
Review: In the Long Run is a captivating example of historical fiction that I found hard to put down. The author, Tim Van Wagoner, shows a keen interest and infinate knowledge of a vast array of topics, and is able to share this in an entertaining and engaging manner. His unique writing style provides the reader with a vivid image, and adds to the intriguing nature of the story being told. This book is definately worth reading, and I look forward to Mr. Van Wagoner's next work.
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Summary: Road Trip through Life, Love, and America
Review: In The Long Run is an inspirational literary work, which not only motivates the reader, but also takes them down memory lane of two-different American generations. The weaving of Civil War History and 20th Century Culture, as told by Josh, gives the reader the opportunity to remember, relate, and compare two impactful times during the history of America. Growing up with Josh and running with him in one of the ultimate human tests, the Marathon, provided a great look into the American spirit and growing up in Midwestern America. The tale definitely reconfirms the Carl Sandberg quote, "Nothing happens, unless first a dream."
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Summary: Enjoyable trek through history
Review: My brother advised me to read this book as he knows the author via sports. As I love to read, I was happy to oblige him just to see what he was talking about. I was pleasantly surprised to find a book that captured my interest from the first page! The author's style is easy to read and well done, and his sense of humor and detail appreciated by me. The story of the past and present Joshua Chamberlains blended together well and I was entranced.
Maybe I loved this book because I'm from a small town in Upper Michigan, and my dad was a Civil War buff and took us to battlefields and made history come alive with his stories.
Maybe I liked it because my brother was a basketball star and our small town team went to the state finals in the late 60's against those Detroit teams and won!
Maybe I liked it because I have run 10ks and walked a marathon and know what that's like.
Maybe I liked it because I read a lot and can recognize a good author and tale when I read it.
Maybe I have told a lot of others about it because I feel it's a "sleeper" and a good read!
Thank you Tim V for a great tale and enjoyable read!
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