Slinger Sanchez Running Gun [Paperback]

Bruce Glikin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1998

the story of jesse 'slinger' sanchez, a young man of mixed blood, and his struggle to become a world class distance runner.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"in slinger sanchez running gun, bruce glikin has done a superb job of detailing the experience of a world calss track-runner's struggle tobecome an olympian. from the challenging workouts, to the feel of what it's like to race with all you've got in an olympic trials final.

in creating the unique characters of jesse sanchez and kevin mcclanahan, he illuminates the extraordinary relationship that exists between athlete and coach, and its magical meaning in this uncommon sport. 'slinger' spells out running at its highest level, a pure sport that relates to human performance without mechanical assistance. but most importantly it illustrates how the individual must complete alone, relying only on himself at the moment of truth.

our sport needs bruce glikin's slinger sanchez runnig gun, a novel that accurately portray the beauty and power of our sport." -- bill rodgers, former olympian and multiple winner of boston, new york and fukuoka marathons-marathon running's grand slam

"atheltes' stories have never appealed to me, but by the time i finished reading the account of slinger's first race, i found myself with a lump in my throat and tears in mye eyes. this is powerful writing." -- juan palomo, the salt journal,usa today

"bruce glikin has captured the essence of what it takes to become a champion middle distance runner. raw talent, dedication, killer instincts-'slinger' has it all. my stomach was churning and my heart was racing as jesse sanchez competed. one hell of a read!" -- leonard hilton, olympian and u.s. national mile/1,500 meter champion, 1973, 1975

"bruce glikin masterfully capture's a man's will to succeed in life despite hardships and prejudice, illness and injury. utilizing racing competitions as a format for a sotry, the author, being an avid runner himself, is capable of expressing the true feelings and emotions invovled with the running experience. the result of course, is an exciting novel with a great 'finishing kick!" -- mack stewart, united sates age group record holder, men's 800 meters.

"if i had to describe 'slinger' in one word, i'd have to say riveting. i couldn't put it down. bruce glikin understands what it's really like in the world of top level-running-the work, the pressures, the satisfactions, the camarederie. as i followed jesse into major meets, i felt the nervous sensation i used to get before big races. 'slinger' is packed with excitement, heartache, pathos, dram and surprise. i loved it!" -- jeff wells, former american record holder in the marathon, winner of six major marathons, and four-time all-american

"slinger sanchez sets a fast pace on the page and on the track. bruce glikin does a fine job of detailing the talents and disciplines required for wolrd-class running." -- joe doggett, houston chronicle

"the realistic unique characters and the riveting sequences will engross both the runner and non-runner alike. and somewhere along the way, the reader is reminded of what track, and specifically sports in general, were meant to be." -- jon warren, men's distance coach, rice university, u.s. olympic trials participant, steeplechase, marathon

From the Publisher

bruce glikin's first novel is already receiving rave reviews from running legends bill rodgers, jeff wells, and a host of olympians and journalists. first serial rights have been purchased by runner/triathlete news.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 297 pages
• Publisher: Amber Fields Publishing; 1 edition (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966345800
• ISBN-13: 978-0966345803
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,375,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, December 28, 2000

By 

"d-becker" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Slinger Sanchez Running Gun (Paperback)

I am sorry to say that this book did not live up to my expectations by any means. If you are not a running fanatic, don't even bother--the fact that I am got me through this book. The quality of the writing was sadly rather lacking--I couldn't help but notice a plethora of grammatical errors that were really fatal to the book. The story was unbelievable and campy. There is a place in literature for stories about the down-and-out, but this is ridiculous. I've never seen a character so down on his luck as Jesse in this book. I was excited as the next runner when this came out, but after reading it I would suggest sticking with "Once a Runner" and "The Olympian."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars not even close, January 24, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Slinger Sanchez Running Gun (Paperback)

If you want to read a good book about competitive running, stick to "Once A Runner." "Slinger Sanchez" pales by comparison -- the book is melodramatic, I guessed most of the plot before I got to it, and the writing is juvenile at best.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, September 29, 2000

By 

N. Greene "philly-reader" (Elkins Park, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Slinger Sanchez Running Gun (Paperback)

Take Once a Runner and the Olympian combine them and then set it in a modern context, and you'll have a good idea of what the author has accomplished with this novel. Glikin writes with an insider's view of competitive running, from the workouts to the politics, and does it in a captivating story. I found my own heart racing as I read about the trials sacrifiess and successes of this memorable character. Definitely a recommended read, especially for those who run or just enjoy track and field.