Read More: Born to Run

I had my doubts about Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. I guess a lot of runners are super enthusiastic about it, and I knew that it had helped kick off the barefoot running craze. I also knew it had something to do with a Native American tribe that were famous for being great long distance runners. I was a little suspicious that it would be some flaky, pseudo-anthropology, new-agey book that would try to convince me to wear those awful five-toe shoes.

Well, my doubts were quickly put to rest. This book was so much fun to read that I finished it in two days. McDougall is a reporter, and it reads like great reporting--its stuffed with characters so zany that a fiction-writer would have trouble creating them, it's taut with suspense throughout, and there are all the makings of a great story: a reclusive Native American tribe, murderous drug dealers, a mysterious hermit, a race in treacherous terrain in the middle of nowhere. The book is just generally really well written. The author must have done tons of research interviews, because whenever he describes major events, there are perspectives from all of the principal actors throughout, and it's peppered with fun, historical tidbits. I learned a lot!

This is a quick and easy read, and it's also inspiring--reading about so many fascinating and dedicated people makes you take a second look at your own life. Maybe my life is a little boring, and I could benefit from becoming a tad crazier, you may think! I think almost anybody would enjoy this book. So, so fun. Two thumbs up!

-Kristin