Customer Reviews

Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The vignettes within this book are poignant, touching, and downright real. One of my running friends handed this to me after a 12-mile Sunday morning trek, one (which like many others) allowed us to vent, analyze, and think about our lives. Reading this compilation truly drew me in, both as a runner and a woman. But don't let the chick peg fool you. My husband, who's been a runner for more than 25 years, picked it up and agreed: This is some solid, effective writing that rewards its readers with gold coins throughout.

This book is about women runners, but also about so much more, touching on themes that resonate with us all: family, faith, remembrance, hope. Elegantly written and in places quite moving, Sole Sisters takes us into the lives of 21 women or women's running groups. Some of the people define themselves through running while others find it an important adjunct to their lives, the place where they find renewal or even peace. Among the women we meet are a 9-11 widow who runs her first marathon to honor her lost husband, and an American Indian teenager who feels the spirits of her ancestors running beside her. The authors, both avid runners and veteran news reporters, know their material and tell a compelling story.

I never would've thought a book about running could pack an emotional punch, but this one sure does. This isn't a training book or guide to racing. It's about everyday runners -- a bunch of short chapters about women whose lives have gone through some kind of upheaval, and how running helped pull them through. But it's also upbeat -- you find yourself rooting for these women, and laughing, and believe or not, even getting misty-eyed! I gave it to a friend and our running group is passing it around. It's a perfect gift for anyone who runs.
This is what running is all about.

The stories in "Sole Sisters" demonstrated a hidden dimension of life that is revealed through running- unshakable relationships formed with running buddies, self confidence discovered through training and kicking that 5K in the butt, and dissolving problems with each step along the trails.We can all learn from these stories. Everyone, not only runners, should read this gem of a book.

A family member gave me this short book with its well-edited short essays. It did not disappoint, a clever breezy summer book. "Sole Sisters" isn't just for women. My mom is one of 5 sisters who run, and I think I finally understand them!

I had never read this book, but after reading a review, purchased it for two running friends. It was a hit! One copy has now been passed around to at least 3 different readers. The chapters are good, motivational, real to life running adventures. I would recommend it to both walkers and runners, beginners to advanced.

I very much enjoyed the personal nature of the story each runner had to tell. One or two were a little to much brag for me. Most provided inspiration and joy at the growth the runner achieved by their running. More than a couple brought a tear to my eye. I encourage the writers to create an annual supplement. (Keep it simple and don't over do it the way the Chicken Soup guys have done.) I look forward to more!

Thanks. egm, Vermont

Great book. No matter what your sport or fitness regime, the stories in this book will inspire and motivate you to overcome whatever obstacles stand in your way.

The lessons can be applied to any struggle you might be facing, from relationships to business to yep, even learning how to run. The stories are short and easy to read--great if you don't have much time to indulge.

These amazing and uplifting stories of the power of women would make a great gift for any woman (or man). Give a copy to all your "sisters".

I like this book in that it is, above all, encouraging of women to find their potential, and to keep going despite what the world will throw at you. In this book you have stories from all kinds of women, women who could be your neighbors or even your friends. They have all kinds of stories, both good and bad, some even heartbreaking. It's good to hear stories from the women who don't necessarily finish first in a race, don't set world records, and aren't necessarily rail-thin -- you know, all the ones *not* in a magazine.

On the other hand, the tone of the book and the rapid-fire sequence of tails can be tiring at times. I've been trying to finish this book for months -- not because it isn't good, but because it can only really be taken in doses. Overall I recommend it. :-)

"Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running" was a quick, easy read. I enjoyed reading the stories it contained and would recommend it to others.