Rating: 
Summary: It's Not About the Running Shoes
Review: "What would I do if I knew I only had one day left to live?" writes Dean Ottati in a key passage of this book (p. 223). The answer he says, is that he would start by going out to run. "During that run, I would smell each smell, the roses and the horse droppings, with equal joy. I would listen to the leaves rustling in the trees, and I would watch the red-winged blackbirds against bright yellow mustard flower . . . . I would run up the Mauler [hill] one last time. And I would thank it for remaining such a consistent challenge over the years."
Those sentiments are the core of this book. It's not about running, it's about being a runner. The distinction is critical. I am a runner and author of running books. Ottati is a runner and has written a book that tells of how running has helped to shape his life. It's a good book: in places a great one. There are insights here about the importance of various aspects of our lives: hill running, career, family, corporate negotiations. I fluctuate between a four-star and five-star review, but some of the corporate lessons seem a bit obvious. But maybe that's just me...I abandoned that career path decades ago-about the time that I myself took up running, and my interest in corporate America is inherently limited.Highly recommended to anyone struggling to make sense of their priorities. Especially if you also happen to be a runner.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book, great gift
Review: Dean Ottati takes a fresh look at life, work and family, based on his own observations and conversations with his running partners. He offers a fresh insight into what "really" matters in business and thoughts about how to have a balanced life. I liked this book so much I bought copies as gifts for close friends. Its worth the read!
Rating: 
Summary: Not really a running book
Review: I have to admit that I'm only halfway through this book, but honestly I have put it aside for a while. Dean's book is good, but know that it's closer to a business or personal improvement book than a running book. If that is what you are looking for, this is a good one. But Dean is definitely not the next Sheehan, and his topics and style are completely different. A good book, but know what you are really getting.
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinarily deep, beautiful running book
Review: I sat in the parking lot before a sport injury prevention workshop and read a chapter in Dean Ottati's new book and came close to weeping. It's a wonderful book in many ways: first because it is so easy to relate to Dean's experiences. He's a runner just like the rest of us. Second, because he has a way of giving us hope, that we can find beauty and meaning and realize our ideals. And third, because he encourages us to carry forward our search for meaning and soul. It's a book to be grateful for. Disclaimer: I edited Dean's book. I've been a runner for thirty-four years and, in the early 1970s, served as assistant editor of Runner's World. I mention this because I'm familiar with runners' dreams, and in my view, no one has ever expressed them better than Dean Ottati.
Rating:
Summary: Runner and the Path is right on target
Review: I started reading Dean Ottati's book because I'm a runner. But, it's about so much more than running. In the tradition of George Sheehan; Dean uses running as a means to not only exercise, but to reflect on current events, rejuvenate the mind and soul, and explore the greater meanings of life. He reminds us of what's truly important in life. Engaging reading, and plenty of points to ponder on one's next run.
Rating:
Summary: A
Review: Issues in the business world and how running helped him deal with those issues were very well articulated.
Rating:
Summary: Fresh views on life, relationships and people
Review: Ottati explores life and its values through the eyes and ears of running companions. His friends are a refreshing group of individuals, some who have dropped out of corporate America and others who are just starting up their career paths. Additionally Dean shares his own insights with concrete examples of how to seperate the important from the unimportant in relationships, work and life. Its a great book for everyone, no just for runners.
Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful and well written, more than just a running book
Review: Ottati tells a wonderful story of his self exploration. The openess that he describes his family life, work life, and running life all blend together through his writing style. I enjoyed each chapter and his discussion of attentiveness and openess. A really great book and I'm glad he wrote it!
Rating:
Summary: Zen and the Art of Running
Review: The promo says it's in the spirit of Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - and it is. Ottati wrote a thoughtful and inspiring book for all runners, as well as thinkers who want to be runners (or vice versa). Of course, if you are both a thinking and a runner, it's perfect and easy to get into. Like Zen and the Art of MM, the running is the backstory. Ottati's philosophizing is pretty basic, but it's refreshing and very relevant to today's post 9/11, post high-tech crash world. And... Mahler sounds like a good run.
Rating: 
Summary: I guess I do not like it that much for the reasons ....
Review: This is NOT a "how to" book written by a "wanna-be" subject mater expert. This is a truly inspirational work that challenges us to face our "postmodern" human condition. Ottati places himself in the midst of common, modern day dilemmas where we all find ourselves pondering and searching for fulfillment while striking a balance between work, family and leisure. Each chapter has a story and message that stands alone on its own merit. One or many of these chapters will strike a chord with the personal life of every reader. This book is an unconventional and inspirational challenge to those who are seeking fulfillment in their "normal" corporate lives and to younger people who aspire to such positions.
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