Get the Book, Not the Audiobook

Where does Once a Runner rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The story is one of the best, however, I would have much preferred a different narrator (I just felt like he wasn't a good fit for the age of the characters).

What did you like best about this story?

As a former college runner, I appreciate the author being so knowledgeable about the college running culture and telling Quentin's story in a fun and quirky way.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Patrick Lawlor?

A college runner, actually. He would know better how to act the parts, and he would sound of the same age of the characters. It sounded like the narrator may have been a good 30 years older than these college boys. If not a college runner for the part, then at least someone who sounds more of the same character as Quentin Cassidy.

If you could rename Once a Runner, what would you call it?

I like the title.

Any additional comments?

Such a runners cult classic. This book will be enjoyed for decades.

Also, there is a sequel to this book, which I started once but didn't finish, as at least the first several chapters aren't really running related. And I might say that although women could easily enjoy Once a Runner, the sequel seems to be more of a man's book (about fishing, war, etc).

4 people found this helpful

Spellbinding!

A great story, particularly if you are a runner or are involved in aerobic sports.

3 people found this helpful

Wind in Your Face

In a field, far deprived from human contact, Quenton Cassidy and Bruce Denton clip off sixty-second quarters in preparation for the inevitable dance with fate – the ever, elusive four-minute mile. In Once a Runner, John L. Parker, Jr. masterfully captures the collegiate running experience while following his main character Quenton Cassidy.



The research behind this novel is right on the mark. The famed Millrose Games, with its long, rich history is best known for its Wanamaker Mile. John captures the allure of this event, and other great events like the Drake Relays with excitement and passion. Southeastern University is the home to its greatest athletes that are full of college politics, back history, athletes that have Olympic and World hopes and some drama.

Rolling through campus, bobbing and weaving through campus students, Quenton Cassidy and his merry gents feel the wind in there faces, and the ground beneath them. I listened to this book in the car and I found myself lost in my childhood. As a kid, I grew up running with a local track club and then eventually in high school. I remember how it made me feel. I remember the joy of the wind in my face and the rolling hills of a single-track trail winding through a wooded forest. I detested the intervals much like the characters in this book; however, nonetheless this book is a must read for anyone who loves running.

After reading this book, you will want to hit the trails or streets for some exercise – that alone is inspiring.

3 people found this helpful

motivating, inspiring.

This book will take you to the limit. immpossible to put down! worth your money, every penny of it!

3 people found this helpful

Not a good story

The narrator is crap and sounds terrible.
He sounds like a 5 year old. not recomended

2 people found this helpful

For my first read a running book it was good

Is it a coincidence that when I listened to "The Perfect Mile" (a great book) part of it sounded like this book....did the author of this book use the ideas of The Perfect Mile and change the characters and story around a bit?
It was a good book but I found the first part really boring and dragged on until the storey finally started to emerge. The narrator was kind of irritating to listen to until I became used to his whiney voice.

5 people found this helpful

the way it really is

This book was a pretty realistic telling of the typical journey to being a world class competitive runner. There are many distractions along the way, and John Parker does a good job of laying them out.

2 people found this helpful

overrated cult book

Struggled to finish. It was not what I had expected. As someone who has been a competative runner since 6th grade, It was easy to relate to the emotions described. But overall, the story was not inspiring nor interesting

1 person found this helpful

Perfect

Unbelievable! Captured and celebrated the running experience with intimate and precise description. I loved it. I want to be it. God help me, I need it. The focus, commitment, and desire described in this book is something to aspire to.

My Favorite Runners Book

Loved it, just a great story, not much needs to be said except, you should get this book.