Customer Reviews

American Miler: The Life and Times of Glenn Cunningham

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The true story of the incomparable Glenn Cunningham is one full of extraordinary perserverance and determination. Dr. Keill does a remarkably adept job of creating the world in which Mr. Cunningham grew up. This is the story of a boy so severely burned in a school house fire that doctors feared he would never walk again (his older brother died as a result of his burns in the same fire). He regains his ability to walk and run. His family suffers through depression era Kansas farm life and Glenn never gives up his dream of an education. His quest to become a world class runner is truly inspiring. The life he carves for himself after his running career ends is even more remarkable. GLENN CUNNINGHAM IS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

This book is well written and interesting. As a high school teacher I will use it to encourage students to make/reach goals.

To understand Glenn Cunningham, one must understand more than the runner and the author does just that in his moving account of a life like no other. Not content with just feeding us events and stats from a bygone era when Glenn dominated the oval for a decade, the author over the life of the book layers the philosophy and personality of a truly great soul whose life's work arguably began after his spikes were hung up. While I was amazed at Cunningham's struggle to overcome his crippling childhood tragedy (and in the process become an icon of inspiration for a Depression era population strongly craving a hero), I was moved by his fervent desire to help troubled children on his ranch. In an era of millionaire narcissists who crave the pleasure and fame offered by their craft, Glenn stands out as a humble giant, eschewing money for meaning, and in the process living a life that was both singular and unforgettable. Not just another running book. Be prepared to meet a most noble character who tackled life on his own terms and who defined what it meant to be a tough and sensitive man.

I have to admit that I haven't read this book however, I gave it to my dad for his 84th birthday and he has been enjoying it very much. Glenn Cunningham was my dad's first cousin once removed and I remember growing up hearing the stories of Glenn's life; his tragic accident as a child; his perseverance to prove the doctors wrong; and the life he lived of giving hope and help to boys who needed a guiding hand. I am proud to claim Glenn Cunningham as a member of my extended family and hope that those whose lives he touched have paid it forward in their own lives.

Great insight to a great runner of the early 20th century. Although the author tends to skip around in time here and there and is somewhat repetitive in a lot of the information, it was still an exciting read for me. The author does a great job in bringing out the true passion and love for running, and life, that Glenn Cunningham had. I only wish I had gotten to witness this great American miler.

Cunningham's perseverance, achievements, and conscientiousness are extraordinary, but the writing is average, and the story bogs down as it chronicles Cunningham's career race-by-race in repetitive detail. As a runner, I tend to enjoy race accounts, but here they lose their drama after awhile--the reader has little reason to care about the outcome of yet another low-stakes event featuring (often) the same participants as previous races. Unfortunately, the races are the most exciting part of the text throughout much of the book, so it gets just plain boring. I might recommend skimming it to get a sense of who Cunningham was, but personally I wouldn't spend any money on this book.

Exactly what an online retailer should be. Prompt, well packaged and good value.