The Humiliation Tour

by Jeffrey Recker

The Tall Tale of Billy Ball

In this humorously poignant coming-of-age story, a star high school cross-country runner finds himself the subject of a humiliating life. Billy, entangled in a web of bureaucratic idiocy and in trouble with the law, enters into a quirky and tumultuous relationship with his attorney, and later with a saucy pink-haired co-worker, only to discover his empty pursuits mask his real struggles and the angst of growing up.

Percolating within him, he comes to realize the one true love of his life—his childhood best friend. He uncovers his athletic potential with her support, and the haunts of an ancestor who had a similar gift. Through his great grandfather’s story—one of unfinished business played out during the Great Depression—Billy is led back to race on the world’s grandest stage…Boston.

Genres: Humor, Fiction

476 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2023

Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. A great read filled with humour, alongside tender moments about a teenage boy coming of age through some difficult times as he tries to find his way. Loved it! Oh and it’s about running. So that makes it even better. ;) 5/5

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great first book. I was introduced to Jeff years ago thru a work friend. He provided guidance and moral support in training for my first Ironman. He was a great cheerleader. I never thought he’d be an even better writer.
Billy Ball’s life encompasses all the angst and adventure of teenage boys coming of age. A great read, especially if you’re a runner or know a runner, or have ever thought of running. Or not. It’s good.

[Ben MacDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The start left me questioning when the two stories would be relevant to each other and when it came full circle it was great! I very much enjoyed the ending as well.

[Mickaela Marichal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was funny and light hearted and had running (one of my favorite activities) woven in. A local run club, the NY flyers, organized a zoom book club with the author and it was great to hear from him 💗. Grateful for the organization of the book club otherwise I might have never come across this gem 💎 highly recommended!!

[Diane Bosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect final 2023 read for me.Running, humor, love and humiliation!

[Michael Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tale of runners from two distant generations, of running, family, love, humiliation, and a shared yearning for redemption. As someone who has trained for and finished a 26.2 miles marathon, I understand how stories evolve from running. If you live to run, read this book.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, Jeff! This brought back a lot of great memories of my cross-country days.

[Charlie Gessner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Humiliation Tour is a fantastic ride in the fictional coming-of-age story of Billy Ball, a runner who goes through many trials and tribulations as an inspiring runner. The opening of this story is laugh out loud funny, and its host of characters that are introduced along the way all add to the story in their own unique way. In Billy, you have a lead character who is easy to like and root for; and his various up’s and (mostly) downs introduced along the way help you invest in the character even more.

This book is a tale of two stories that are intertwined, but very easy to follow. The ending takes place at the Boston Marathon and delivers a very satisfying ending. I really don’t want to say more about the characters introduced as it may be seen as a spoiler, but I’ll simply say all of the characters introduced are equally well developed and enjoyable for who they are.

If you love sports, running, the Boston Marathon, and more importantly — great writing that keeps the reader wanting to turn the pages, then this book is for you. It’s a home run. Jeffrey Recker has outdone himself. I’ll be certainly looking to read more from this author in the future, but for now, I’m very satisfied with this exceptional read. Five stars….loved it!

[Christie Bane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, and fully expected to. Tucson, running, Boston Marathon, mostly 4 star+ reviews? How could I not? But I didn't. The book is two parallel stories. First, Billy Ball, a high schooler who experiences a humiliating event when he loses his shorts in a race and then has to deal with all the repercussions that follow. Second, his great-grandfather in the Depression years, who ran in a very early Boston Marathon but had an unfortunate experience that changed the course of his life. The overall story wasn't bad, and the writing was entertaining. But I found myself getting very bored in large sections of the book. Nothing much happened in all the boring years between the events that started both stories and their conclusions. And at the end of the book, I was unable to suspend my disbelief sufficiently to enjoy the conclusion. First, there is NO WAY that an unknown kid without coaches could win the Boston Marathon. No way. Not with the elite fields they have today. Second, the likelihood of same kid losing his shorts twice in different races and having to run naked to the finish line is infinitesimal. I actually finished the book annoyed by these two things. That having been said, the vast majority of readers loved this book, so maybe it's just me.

[John Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is a little bit of a spoiler. If you don't wan to read the rest, just know I thought it was a great book, worth the read.

I loved the story, although I hoped for a better ending to Billy's first major challenge. I wanted him to go on to college and I wanted to read about his struggles with running at that level, and hopefully and ending with him defeating his rival in an important race. That's what I wanted at first, but it's not what happened at all. I did like the connection between Billy and his grandfather and how Billy was able to finish what Jimmy started, wearing Jimmy's shoes. I hate what happened to the shoes, but I think that was as important to the story as the finish. There are a few things I would have liked to see differently. Like I would have liked Christmas Day to have been punished for his actions at the end, but that didn't happen. And would have liked Billy to be a little bit better of a person, but maybe he's growing up into a good man, anyway.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 3 out of 5]

William "Billy" Ball is a high school cross-country runner competing against his nemesis in the state cross-country meet for the 4th and final time. The final stretch run of that meet sets the stage for the rest of the book, as well as the rest of Billy's life.

Parallel to this storyline is the explanation of Billy's great grandfather, Jimmy the Rabbit. The story bounces back and forth between these two characters.

This is in essence a coming of age story, the similarity between the two characters, and the horrible luck of their lives. The book is well written and the characters are interesting. However, the bad luck of the characters grated on my nerves and became a little too depressing.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I used to run marathons, many years ago. Very interesting story, from numerous angles, running, young love, high-school bullies, .....
This is the 2nd book this year that had me in tears! I was literally in tears (of memories of running, and joy) the last part of the book. I HIGHLY recommend this for anyone who is or ever was a runner, whether in school or just for health and enjoyment!

[Barbara Buehrle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book with a clever story. As a runner, I appreciated the familiar descriptions of the rituals involved with our sport.
Although I was a mediocre runner and so reading about running through the eyes of an elite athlete was fun.
But this is a quintessential coming of age story. No need to be a runner to appreciate Billy Ball's Humiliation Tour. We all have our own box of humiliation, I'm glad Billy shared his.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot love this story enough!

I haven't laughed this hard, cried, and cheered so loudly in such a long time! I needed this book.

As my son is getting ready to go to college and I am set to run my sixth (and perhaps last) Boston, I'm so happy to have this story, the legend of Billy Ball in my memories.

All my runner friends, please read this book. I'll buy it for you!

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun coming-of-age story of a high school runner, Billy Ball, as he grows up. I enjoyed this book a lot. It is a story of the humorous adventures and misadventures of a young runner, including a tie-in with one of his ancestors.

If you liked "Once A Runner" you'll love this book.

[Geoffrey Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The funniest book I have ever read. Being about running is just icing on the cake.

[Thalassa Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining coming of age story written by a friend of mine.

[Yvonne Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read. There are some funny moments and many times you sympathize with Billy as he goes through those humiliations. He is a relatable character.
Thanks for the free book.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, with heart. Cross country runner redemption story chasing after a familial past. Some parts were a little over the top but great overall story.

[Drew Klaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give this book a 6? What a fun ride!!!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, original, fun

Outstanding storytelling and cast of characters, funny and engaging. If you’re a runner you’ll need to engage your sense of humor; if not, you’re good!

[Alex Sachs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very fun read!! Makes you want to run and run fast!!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a grand story!

I enjoyed the journey of following a very human and relatable guy growing up and finding his way in the world.

[Evie Whiting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Gina Poirier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love running books and I love an underdog story. I struggled to see how the two different time frames would come together, but they did. And it was good!!