Customer Reviews

Slinger Sanchez Running Gun

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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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."

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.

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.

"Slinger" is, without a doubt, the best running novel I have read. You travel the highs and lows of competition and your stomach churns with nervous energy before each race. This book captures the essence of elite competition and all of the things, both good and bad, that go along with trying to compete at the highest level.

Bruce Glikin's work is good and original. The parts that are original, though, aren't good, and the parts that are good aren't original.