Jennie Jacques Instagram – A few moments, caught me completely off guard; a genuine, heart wrenching, reaction to the loyalty, sheer teamwork & camaraderie – it blew me away; one of the “beauty spots” of sport, isn’t it? Prior to illness, running races made me feel on fire! Being one of 7 kids, we grew up with “teamwork” at the heart of each day. If you aren’t “into” your running, per se, but perhaps want to renew your faith in human beings, this is one to read. Equally, remaining true to life, it had me questioning the stupidity (& backstabbing greed) of some “business minded” c#%nts. This is a story about an epic foot race from LA to NYC… but there’s more mileage & greater emotional depth than my wee review can reflect. Read it. Or give it a listen 👂 🎧 Well structured, with detailed backstories (& arcs) for each of the characters. It could make a fine tv series. The author (McNab) was an Olympic Coach in real life, plausibly supporting that rawness/authenticity which runs (pun intended) throughout the book! Not to mention he also won 5 titles in the Scottish triple jump. I know – what a guy?! He’s created this “1931 Trans American race” for fictional purpose, but I read it’s inspired by the actual 1928 Bunion Derby, covering the same route; explains why parts of the novel were more like a documentary, than pretend. With 2000 runners gathered from around the world during the Great Depression, to compete for the 150,000 dollar prize… you “might” imagine the gambling, bets, drugs & corruption that “might” arise around it. I’m not going to give much away about the colourful characters & subplots but here’s some words to tickle ya tastebuds… survival, human spirit, wheeler-dealers, bootleg whiskey, pigeons, cocaine, gangsters, Hitler, old timers, feisty 😈 ladies 💥 poverty, determination & love! 4.5/5 *felt a bit like I was running a marathon reading it to the end, when (at times) I wanted to sprint… but perhaps that’s genius?! #bookreview #bookrecommendations #running #races #sport #reading