Once a Runner

Rating:
Summary: As good as it gets
Review: The first time I read it I took less than 24 hours to finish. The second time took slightly longer. Running novels just don't get any better than this. Parker is the rarity that has not only gone through the ups and downs he describes but can write about it in so much detail you feel it. At times I felt sick to my stomach. At others I was shaking from excitment I couldn't sit still. If you love competitive running, reading this book is an emotional experience, not a passive one.

Rating:
Summary: Quite simply the best book on the world of serious runners.
Review: Parker lived and trained with Frank Shorter and Jack Bacheler and the other Florida Track Club greats of the early '70s. He captures that atmosphere perfectly. Bruce Denton is Bacheler, Kernsville is Gainesville, Dick Doobey is Doug Dickey, and Quenton Cassidy is... the author - in his dreams, or aspirations. Even better, his dreams become yours. I don't know any serious runner who doesn't love this book. It's at least 20 years old - ignore that 1987 publishing date, Parker self-published it earlier - and it still holds true, absolutely.

Rating:
Summary: For TRUE runners
Review: Once is the book read by many top collegiate distance programs across the country. Cassidy represents all runners who seek to be the best. This is not a book for the happy-go-lucky "Runner's World" readers who think a 35 minute 10k or running on the treadmill when it rains outside is what running is about. A true runner runs when he doesn't want to, has quirks that come out when doing it, and puts his heart into it--just as Quentin Cassidy. An inspirational book for those that laugh when people ask them the Secret to running, why they run, and other things only runners understand. Miles of Trials. . .

Rating:
Summary: Read it if you are a runner!!
Review: The writing isn't the best, but Parker does an admirable job of capturing the emotions that abound every day in a runner's life, from race day all the way down to the middle of a training rut. I must read for all runners (and even people in other endurance sports...)

Rating:
Summary: Don't bother unless you're a glutton for punishment
Review: This book is not only poorly written, but annoying as well. Weak plot, poor character development, and a portrayal of runners as self-obsessed egomaniacs results in a book of marginal quality. "Runners World" is more inspiring, uplifting, interesting, and better written than this book. The author should stick to running or writing non-fiction.

Rating:
Summary: A book without rivals. The best book ever on running.
Review: Once a Runner, by John L. Parker, Jr., reveals the wonder and the woe of running as no other book I've read. When running, or anything else, leaves me weary and full of despair, I pick it up and hope is restored. If your running or your life does the same, listen not to the tired words you might find in running shoe ads or in the advise columns of running magazines, listen instead to Parker's words in Once a Runner. Buy it and lend no one your copy. I promise Parker's book will become more precious to you than any of the scores of shiny keepsakes gathering dust in your trophy case. Your heart and maybe even your heart-rate monitor will thank you.

Rating:
Summary: This book speaks to my soul!
Review: Once a runner is easily the most inspiring book I've ever read. From the first time I read it in high school, through college and into life as a member of the working class, the book never lost any of it's magic. I still sit down sometimes and read it cover to cover in one sitting. After which I am inevitably inspired to go out and run 6 miles (no small feat for a sprinter). Read this book!

Rating:
Summary: Must read for all runners
Review: Want to know what makes a runner tick? Read this book...you'll be forever changed. It describes a fictitious collegiate track program with some very colorful characters. Their tales and traumas boil down the essence of running.

Rating:
Summary: An enteraining romp through the life of a collegiate runner.
Review: I found this book very entertaining to read. It is a story about a college trackstar attempting to beat the 4:00 mile. Definately a book for runners, probably won't appeal and may be confusing to those of a normal disposition. Quite readable, however some transitions were difficult to follow, and some metaphors, while entertaining, were not very clear

Rating:
Summary: A simple must
Review: This book changed me from a recreational runner who also raced, into a motivated, mileage crazy hermit. If you are ever ran or plan to start running competitivly this book is your gaurenteed motivator. Personally I believe the best chapter is chapter 17. Breaking Down. This chapter clearly removes the competitive runner from all other types and holds the best explanation for why we run.I have read this book as many times as I have had the opportunity to. It serves as a great race day motivator. There is also a sequel coming out soon named, Return to Carthage.