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Running From Tragedy
In his emotionally gripping and intensely personal memoir - Running from Tragedy, Michael Salsbury, a lifelong runner takes readers on a marathon run of a lifetime with his poignant journey of tragedy, loss, and triumph that defies every definition of unfathomable odds - that balances on the edge of believability.
It was a picture-perfect love story worthy of a Hollywood movie. Two contrasting childhoods both haunted with memories of sadness. The young American - an athletic marathon running Colorado mountain boy. A beautiful free-spirited Austrian girl. A whirlwind romance on an exotic Caribbean island. Successful careers. World travels. A story nearly cut short, the lone victims spared in a brutal armed robbery and killing spree. A fairytale Austrian "Sound of Music" wedding, and a bright future ahead full of love and adventure. But nothing in their wildest imaginations could have prepared them for what the future would hold.
The happy tale takes an unexpected and heart-wrenching turn as the couple descends into a decade-long odyssey of unimaginable grief surrounding the loss of not one - but three of their beautiful children to an unknown killer. All the while, in the background, in laboratories around the world, a scientific detective story was unfolding in a race to identify, name, and hopefully one day offer answers to an unknown disease that was one-by-one claiming their precious children. Years later scientific research around the globe eventually yielded answers that would hold worldwide implications - and change the Salsbury family forever.
With his haunting, at times whimsical and self-effacing style, Salsbury, throughout the unfolding saga weaves running, his lifelong passion, through the story offering brief yet welcome moments of comfort and solace in the darkest of times. Readers are introduced to the world of distance running and the close-knit community of ultrarunning where Salsbury takes refuge, blending it seamlessly into his story - tales of humorous and heroic feats of physical and mental endurance even non-runners will find irresistible. All the while Salsbury simultaneously runs two of his own personal distance races - toward a hopeful future...and from a heartbreaking past.
In the end it was running, three girls who gave their lives to science, a one in a million discovery, and one boy - a living breathing scientific miracle - that against all odds, brought closure and finally healed a bruised and battered family.
It was a picture-perfect love story worthy of a Hollywood movie. Two contrasting childhoods both haunted with memories of sadness. The young American - an athletic marathon running Colorado mountain boy. A beautiful free-spirited Austrian girl. A whirlwind romance on an exotic Caribbean island. Successful careers. World travels. A story nearly cut short, the lone victims spared in a brutal armed robbery and killing spree. A fairytale Austrian "Sound of Music" wedding, and a bright future ahead full of love and adventure. But nothing in their wildest imaginations could have prepared them for what the future would hold.
The happy tale takes an unexpected and heart-wrenching turn as the couple descends into a decade-long odyssey of unimaginable grief surrounding the loss of not one - but three of their beautiful children to an unknown killer. All the while, in the background, in laboratories around the world, a scientific detective story was unfolding in a race to identify, name, and hopefully one day offer answers to an unknown disease that was one-by-one claiming their precious children. Years later scientific research around the globe eventually yielded answers that would hold worldwide implications - and change the Salsbury family forever.
With his haunting, at times whimsical and self-effacing style, Salsbury, throughout the unfolding saga weaves running, his lifelong passion, through the story offering brief yet welcome moments of comfort and solace in the darkest of times. Readers are introduced to the world of distance running and the close-knit community of ultrarunning where Salsbury takes refuge, blending it seamlessly into his story - tales of humorous and heroic feats of physical and mental endurance even non-runners will find irresistible. All the while Salsbury simultaneously runs two of his own personal distance races - toward a hopeful future...and from a heartbreaking past.
In the end it was running, three girls who gave their lives to science, a one in a million discovery, and one boy - a living breathing scientific miracle - that against all odds, brought closure and finally healed a bruised and battered family.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2024
4 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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August 19, 2024
In his heartfelt memoir “Running from Tragedy,” Michael Salsbury describes his family’s search for answers following the devastating deaths of their three daughters from a rare, deadly illness.
Salsbury and Gabriella fell in love right away when they met at Club Med in the Bahamas. It did not take long for them to become engaged, relocate to Europe—where Gabriella was raised—and get married there. Salsbury, an American, would win Gabriella’s family over and land a job there as well.
They were ecstatic to welcome Nicholas into the world, marking the beginning of their dream of a big family. Unfortunately, their excitement at having a daughter as their second child did not last long, as her head growth and amniotic fluid levels became concerning. Additionally, their doctor noted that she did not have her hands in a normal posture, which indicated a potentially concerning condition. She appeared healthy at birth, much to their delight, but as time went on, her bright, cheerful, and attentive look would suddenly disappear, to be replaced by a gloomy, empty, and lifeless stare. Sadly, they were unaware that this would set off a four-year period of intense desperation, confusion, sadness, and emptiness as the situation repeated, leaving them with endless questions and anguish.
Beginning on the opening page, we follow two lovers as they go through tremendous adversity that tests their love and fortitude. Bloodthirsty criminals almost kill them, and cruel, uncaring epileptic episodes continually knock on their door, leaving them helpless. Upon hearing of a new pregnancy, they are thrilled, but they also become fearful of what could go wrong. They cannot help but question in their hearts whether there is some hidden reason why God may be punishing them.
Heartbreaking revelations, a lot of speculation, a medical oddity, and the threats surrounding a glowing romance are all vividly depicted in this poignant and tragic story. The narrative talks of a source of healing that comes as a surprise to everyone—scientists, researchers from around the world, doctors, friends, and family. The reader is engaged and enthralled as more than ten years of grief hang in the air until something much anticipated is revealed.
The life path described in “Running from Tragedy” by Michael Salsbury is something that no ordinary human being can easily endure. One of life’s greatest lessons is taught in this easy-to-read and comprehensive work—you can survive it all. Readers will find themes of resilience, family, and hope within this memoir.
Salsbury and Gabriella fell in love right away when they met at Club Med in the Bahamas. It did not take long for them to become engaged, relocate to Europe—where Gabriella was raised—and get married there. Salsbury, an American, would win Gabriella’s family over and land a job there as well.
They were ecstatic to welcome Nicholas into the world, marking the beginning of their dream of a big family. Unfortunately, their excitement at having a daughter as their second child did not last long, as her head growth and amniotic fluid levels became concerning. Additionally, their doctor noted that she did not have her hands in a normal posture, which indicated a potentially concerning condition. She appeared healthy at birth, much to their delight, but as time went on, her bright, cheerful, and attentive look would suddenly disappear, to be replaced by a gloomy, empty, and lifeless stare. Sadly, they were unaware that this would set off a four-year period of intense desperation, confusion, sadness, and emptiness as the situation repeated, leaving them with endless questions and anguish.
Beginning on the opening page, we follow two lovers as they go through tremendous adversity that tests their love and fortitude. Bloodthirsty criminals almost kill them, and cruel, uncaring epileptic episodes continually knock on their door, leaving them helpless. Upon hearing of a new pregnancy, they are thrilled, but they also become fearful of what could go wrong. They cannot help but question in their hearts whether there is some hidden reason why God may be punishing them.
Heartbreaking revelations, a lot of speculation, a medical oddity, and the threats surrounding a glowing romance are all vividly depicted in this poignant and tragic story. The narrative talks of a source of healing that comes as a surprise to everyone—scientists, researchers from around the world, doctors, friends, and family. The reader is engaged and enthralled as more than ten years of grief hang in the air until something much anticipated is revealed.
The life path described in “Running from Tragedy” by Michael Salsbury is something that no ordinary human being can easily endure. One of life’s greatest lessons is taught in this easy-to-read and comprehensive work—you can survive it all. Readers will find themes of resilience, family, and hope within this memoir.
July 28, 2025
This is an amazing memoir. It sat on my nightstand way too long. I got a lot out of it and read it rapidly. Couldn’t put it down. Recommend!!
October 25, 2024
In Running from Tragedy, Michael Salsbury bares his soul, sharing an intensely personal journey that is both emotionally stirring and deeply inspiring. Salsbury writes with an honesty that makes you feel his raw grief, yet his hopeful tone helps the reader emerge from the sorrow with a renewed sense of hope. The memoir begins with Salsbury’s picturesque love story, which reads like a Hollywood romance. But life turns unexpectedly dark as he and his wife endure the tragic loss of three young daughters to a rare disease. The unimaginable pain of these losses is vividly felt throughout the pages, and yet Salsbury manages to describe his experience with grace and an unyielding determination.
What makes the memoir unique is Salsbury’s grounding in ultrarunning, which he uses to find strength and community amid his personal tragedy. His stories of distance running provide a backdrop that softens the sadness and gives him moments of peace and release. As a literary critic, I appreciate how Salsbury’s writing balances heavy emotions with an occasional touch of humor, and his pacing is impeccable. He invites readers into the heart of ultrarunning, making the sport accessible even for those unfamiliar with it.
This memoir is more than a story of survival; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Salsbury’s reflections on life, family, and endurance offer insight and inspiration to readers who may be facing their own hardships. His book is a gift that leaves readers touched, changed, and ultimately hopeful.
What makes the memoir unique is Salsbury’s grounding in ultrarunning, which he uses to find strength and community amid his personal tragedy. His stories of distance running provide a backdrop that softens the sadness and gives him moments of peace and release. As a literary critic, I appreciate how Salsbury’s writing balances heavy emotions with an occasional touch of humor, and his pacing is impeccable. He invites readers into the heart of ultrarunning, making the sport accessible even for those unfamiliar with it.
This memoir is more than a story of survival; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Salsbury’s reflections on life, family, and endurance offer insight and inspiration to readers who may be facing their own hardships. His book is a gift that leaves readers touched, changed, and ultimately hopeful.
October 25, 2024
As an ultrarunner, I picked up Running from Tragedy for its exploration of endurance, but what I found was a story that resonated far beyond the running world. Michael Salsbury’s memoir isn’t only about his miles logged or medals earned; it’s a testament to human resilience. His life takes a tragic turn as he and his wife lose not one, but three children to a rare, undiagnosed illness. Salsbury’s love for running becomes both his anchor and his escape during the darkest moments of his life. He shares raw, unfiltered emotions about grief, love, and the healing power of pushing one’s limits.
For a runner, his depictions of ultrarunning are compelling. His descriptions of the physical challenges, the camaraderie, and the mental endurance required to finish a race are spot-on. Salsbury’s connection to running makes this memoir feel unique. However, this isn’t just a book for runners; it’s a book for anyone who has ever faced adversity. The memoir is layered with insights about family, resilience, and science, as he and his wife navigate a world of medical uncertainty.
Salsbury’s writing style is candid, and his moments of humor provide balance. For those familiar with the sport, his personal anecdotes from ultramarathons add an interesting layer to an already moving narrative. Running from Tragedy is a beautiful, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting memoir that will inspire anyone who reads it. It’s a reminder of the strength we all possess, even in the most challenging times.
For a runner, his depictions of ultrarunning are compelling. His descriptions of the physical challenges, the camaraderie, and the mental endurance required to finish a race are spot-on. Salsbury’s connection to running makes this memoir feel unique. However, this isn’t just a book for runners; it’s a book for anyone who has ever faced adversity. The memoir is layered with insights about family, resilience, and science, as he and his wife navigate a world of medical uncertainty.
Salsbury’s writing style is candid, and his moments of humor provide balance. For those familiar with the sport, his personal anecdotes from ultramarathons add an interesting layer to an already moving narrative. Running from Tragedy is a beautiful, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting memoir that will inspire anyone who reads it. It’s a reminder of the strength we all possess, even in the most challenging times.
October 25, 2024
In Running from Tragedy, Michael Salsbury provides readers with an unparalleled glimpse into the nature of profound grief. As a therapist, I’ve read many memoirs on loss, but Salsbury’s story stands out for its unflinching honesty and raw emotion. His tale begins with the joy of a whirlwind romance and a fairytale wedding, only to descend into a heartbreaking journey through the loss of three beloved daughters. The depth of his pain is palpable, and as a mental health professional, I appreciate how Salsbury opens up about his struggle to find meaning and solace amidst such darkness.
What struck me most is how Salsbury finds temporary peace in ultrarunning, an activity that becomes both his therapy and his sanctuary. His narrative shows the healing power of physical endurance, and the strength required to persevere through unimaginable sorrow. The mental discipline needed for long-distance running mirrors his journey through grief, creating a powerful metaphor for resilience. This book is more than just a memoir; it’s a psychological journey, and it would benefit anyone dealing with loss or trauma.
Salsbury’s candid reflections and glimpses of humor make his story deeply human. His memoir is also a celebration of scientific progress, as his family’s loss ultimately leads to groundbreaking research in rare diseases. I highly recommend Running from Tragedy to anyone seeking comfort or insight on grief. Salsbury’s journey is a testament to human resilience, and his story offers hope for healing, even in the face of overwhelming sorrow.
What struck me most is how Salsbury finds temporary peace in ultrarunning, an activity that becomes both his therapy and his sanctuary. His narrative shows the healing power of physical endurance, and the strength required to persevere through unimaginable sorrow. The mental discipline needed for long-distance running mirrors his journey through grief, creating a powerful metaphor for resilience. This book is more than just a memoir; it’s a psychological journey, and it would benefit anyone dealing with loss or trauma.
Salsbury’s candid reflections and glimpses of humor make his story deeply human. His memoir is also a celebration of scientific progress, as his family’s loss ultimately leads to groundbreaking research in rare diseases. I highly recommend Running from Tragedy to anyone seeking comfort or insight on grief. Salsbury’s journey is a testament to human resilience, and his story offers hope for healing, even in the face of overwhelming sorrow.
October 25, 2024
Running from Tragedy by Michael Salsbury is more than a personal memoir; it’s also a captivating exploration of medical mystery. As a genetic researcher, I was drawn to this story for its scientific angle, but I found myself deeply moved by Salsbury’s raw and vulnerable portrayal of grief. He and his wife endure the unimaginable tragedy of losing three children to a rare and undiagnosed illness, and the scientific community’s struggle to identify the cause becomes an important thread in the story. The memoir offers a layperson’s perspective on the complexities of genetic research, yet Salsbury’s personal reflections make the scientific aspects accessible and engaging.
For those interested in the behind-the-scenes of medical research, Salsbury provides a unique viewpoint. He takes readers into the world of laboratories, DNA sequencing, and the race to find answers, creating a sense of urgency and intrigue. This scientific element adds depth to the memoir, as readers witness a story of both personal and scientific endurance. Salsbury’s writing is accessible, blending his family’s painful experiences with moments of humor and humanity.
In addition to the scientific intrigue, Salsbury’s account of ultrarunning provides moments of relief and resilience. He finds solace in running, using it as both a physical and emotional outlet, which adds a unique layer to the story. Running from Tragedy is a beautiful blend of personal narrative and scientific exploration. It’s an inspiring story for anyone touched by loss, rare disease, or the hope for scientific advancement.
For those interested in the behind-the-scenes of medical research, Salsbury provides a unique viewpoint. He takes readers into the world of laboratories, DNA sequencing, and the race to find answers, creating a sense of urgency and intrigue. This scientific element adds depth to the memoir, as readers witness a story of both personal and scientific endurance. Salsbury’s writing is accessible, blending his family’s painful experiences with moments of humor and humanity.
In addition to the scientific intrigue, Salsbury’s account of ultrarunning provides moments of relief and resilience. He finds solace in running, using it as both a physical and emotional outlet, which adds a unique layer to the story. Running from Tragedy is a beautiful blend of personal narrative and scientific exploration. It’s an inspiring story for anyone touched by loss, rare disease, or the hope for scientific advancement.
October 25, 2024
Running from Tragedy by Michael Salsbury is an extraordinary memoir that combines the physical endurance of a seasoned athlete with the emotional resilience of a grieving father. As a sports journalist, I was intrigued by the way Salsbury intertwines his ultrarunning journey with his family’s tragic story. The book’s first half reads like a love story and travel adventure, depicting his life as an athlete and his fairy-tale romance with his Austrian wife. But the narrative soon shifts as he describes the heartache of losing three daughters to a rare and unidentified illness.
Salsbury’s descriptions of running are inspiring and unique, particularly for those who love endurance sports. He speaks about running as a form of therapy, a way to cope with overwhelming grief and stress. His journey as an ultrarunner—pushing his physical and mental limits—becomes a metaphor for his struggles as a father grappling with unimaginable loss. For athletes, Salsbury’s connection to the sport and the sense of belonging he finds within the ultrarunning community will resonate deeply.
However, this memoir isn’t just for runners. Salsbury’s narrative is filled with insight on family, resilience, and the search for purpose in times of darkness. His writing is candid and, at times, unexpectedly humorous, offering glimpses of hope even in the face of tragedy. For anyone who appreciates stories of endurance and triumph, Running from Tragedy will be a deeply moving read. Salsbury’s story of resilience will stay with you long after the final page.
Salsbury’s descriptions of running are inspiring and unique, particularly for those who love endurance sports. He speaks about running as a form of therapy, a way to cope with overwhelming grief and stress. His journey as an ultrarunner—pushing his physical and mental limits—becomes a metaphor for his struggles as a father grappling with unimaginable loss. For athletes, Salsbury’s connection to the sport and the sense of belonging he finds within the ultrarunning community will resonate deeply.
However, this memoir isn’t just for runners. Salsbury’s narrative is filled with insight on family, resilience, and the search for purpose in times of darkness. His writing is candid and, at times, unexpectedly humorous, offering glimpses of hope even in the face of tragedy. For anyone who appreciates stories of endurance and triumph, Running from Tragedy will be a deeply moving read. Salsbury’s story of resilience will stay with you long after the final page.
October 25, 2024
Running from Tragedy took me by surprise. As someone who enjoys romantic stories, I was initially drawn in by Michael Salsbury’s whirlwind romance with his wife, set against exotic backdrops and full of life’s promise. Their love story feels almost magical, a tale of two people from different worlds coming together. Yet, what unfolds is a story of loss that is both heart-wrenching and beautifully told.
The tragedy that befalls the couple is unimaginable. Losing one child is difficult enough, but to lose three to an unknown illness is something beyond comprehension. Salsbury’s honesty about his feelings, his relationship, and his struggles as a father trying to cope with such tremendous loss make this book incredibly moving. His reflections on marriage and family life amidst such grief add a dimension of raw humanity to the story.
What makes the memoir unique, however, is the way Salsbury weaves his passion for running into the narrative. His ultrarunning becomes a lifeline, a way to find solace and process his pain. His descriptions of the sport and the community he finds within it add an inspiring element to the book. Even as someone unfamiliar with ultrarunning, I found these parts fascinating and deeply comforting.
Running from Tragedy is more than a story of romance and loss—it’s a journey of healing and resilience. Salsbury’s ability to find light in the darkest times makes this memoir a deeply powerful read, one that will resonate with anyone who has loved and lost.
The tragedy that befalls the couple is unimaginable. Losing one child is difficult enough, but to lose three to an unknown illness is something beyond comprehension. Salsbury’s honesty about his feelings, his relationship, and his struggles as a father trying to cope with such tremendous loss make this book incredibly moving. His reflections on marriage and family life amidst such grief add a dimension of raw humanity to the story.
What makes the memoir unique, however, is the way Salsbury weaves his passion for running into the narrative. His ultrarunning becomes a lifeline, a way to find solace and process his pain. His descriptions of the sport and the community he finds within it add an inspiring element to the book. Even as someone unfamiliar with ultrarunning, I found these parts fascinating and deeply comforting.
Running from Tragedy is more than a story of romance and loss—it’s a journey of healing and resilience. Salsbury’s ability to find light in the darkest times makes this memoir a deeply powerful read, one that will resonate with anyone who has loved and lost.
October 25, 2024
Running from Tragedy by Michael Salsbury is a memoir that masterfully combines heartbreak with moments of humor. While the story of losing three children is deeply tragic, Salsbury’s approach to storytelling is both raw and refreshingly human. His self-effacing humor and candid reflections make the memoir engaging and, at times, unexpectedly uplifting.
The narrative opens with Salsbury’s picturesque love story—a whirlwind romance, a fairytale wedding, and dreams of a life filled with adventure. However, when tragedy strikes, Salsbury and his wife find themselves on a harrowing journey through grief and loss. Salsbury’s writing style is deeply personal, and his ability to find lightness even in the darkest moments is what makes this memoir truly stand out.
A significant part of the story is Salsbury’s relationship with ultrarunning, which he uses as both an escape and a means of coping. His passion for the sport adds depth to the narrative, as he describes the strength and community he finds within it. The endurance required in running becomes a metaphor for his resilience in facing life’s challenges.
Salsbury’s journey is also intertwined with a scientific mystery, as researchers work to identify the disease that took his daughters. This scientific aspect adds an element of intrigue, making the memoir feel like a blend of personal narrative and medical thriller.
Running from Tragedy is a beautifully written story of love, loss, and the power of humor and endurance in healing. It’s a memoir that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.
The narrative opens with Salsbury’s picturesque love story—a whirlwind romance, a fairytale wedding, and dreams of a life filled with adventure. However, when tragedy strikes, Salsbury and his wife find themselves on a harrowing journey through grief and loss. Salsbury’s writing style is deeply personal, and his ability to find lightness even in the darkest moments is what makes this memoir truly stand out.
A significant part of the story is Salsbury’s relationship with ultrarunning, which he uses as both an escape and a means of coping. His passion for the sport adds depth to the narrative, as he describes the strength and community he finds within it. The endurance required in running becomes a metaphor for his resilience in facing life’s challenges.
Salsbury’s journey is also intertwined with a scientific mystery, as researchers work to identify the disease that took his daughters. This scientific aspect adds an element of intrigue, making the memoir feel like a blend of personal narrative and medical thriller.
Running from Tragedy is a beautifully written story of love, loss, and the power of humor and endurance in healing. It’s a memoir that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.
September 2, 2024
BOOK 📚- RUNNING FROM TRAGEDY
AUTHOR ✍️- MICHAEL SALISBURY
RATING - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
BOOK REVIEW ✍️-
🌟"Running From Tragedy" by Michael Salsbury is a striking memoir that offers an in-depth exploration of grief, resilience, and triumph. Salsbury, an avid marathon runner, intertwines his passion for running with a deeply personal narrative of love and loss. The book details his harrowing journey as he grapples with the devastating loss of three children to a rare disease, a tragedy that tests the limits of his and his Austrian wife’s endurance.
🌟The memoir paints a poignant picture of a fairytale romance turned into a nightmare, as the couple confronts the unimaginable. Despite the profound sorrow, their story is also one of hope and perseverance. Their surviving son emerges as a symbol of scientific progress and the family's undying hope.
🌟Salsbury's narrative is both haunting and heartfelt, infused with self-deprecating humor and occasional moments of levity that provide relief from the weighty subject matter. The memoir is a testament to the strength required to face life’s darkest challenges and highlights the intersection of personal endurance and scientific advancement.
🌟"Running From Tragedy" is a compelling read that showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in overcoming profound loss. It is a moving tribute to the capacity for recovery and the relentless pursuit of answers amidst adversity.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 📚 ✍️ 😊 💯
AUTHOR ✍️- MICHAEL SALISBURY
RATING - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
BOOK REVIEW ✍️-
🌟"Running From Tragedy" by Michael Salsbury is a striking memoir that offers an in-depth exploration of grief, resilience, and triumph. Salsbury, an avid marathon runner, intertwines his passion for running with a deeply personal narrative of love and loss. The book details his harrowing journey as he grapples with the devastating loss of three children to a rare disease, a tragedy that tests the limits of his and his Austrian wife’s endurance.
🌟The memoir paints a poignant picture of a fairytale romance turned into a nightmare, as the couple confronts the unimaginable. Despite the profound sorrow, their story is also one of hope and perseverance. Their surviving son emerges as a symbol of scientific progress and the family's undying hope.
🌟Salsbury's narrative is both haunting and heartfelt, infused with self-deprecating humor and occasional moments of levity that provide relief from the weighty subject matter. The memoir is a testament to the strength required to face life’s darkest challenges and highlights the intersection of personal endurance and scientific advancement.
🌟"Running From Tragedy" is a compelling read that showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in overcoming profound loss. It is a moving tribute to the capacity for recovery and the relentless pursuit of answers amidst adversity.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 📚 ✍️ 😊 💯
October 25, 2024
Few memoirs are as moving as Michael Salsbury’s Running from Tragedy. This book took me on an emotional journey through love, loss, and eventual healing. Salsbury begins with his fairytale love story—a romance that feels like it could be the plot of a Hollywood movie. But soon after, he and his wife are thrust into a decade-long nightmare as they lose three of their children to a rare, unknown illness. The intensity of their grief is profound, yet Salsbury’s writing carries a sense of resilience that keeps the reader hopeful.
Salsbury’s memoir is both raw and relatable. His storytelling style feels honest and unfiltered, making it easy to connect with his journey. The way he incorporates his passion for running adds a unique dimension, showing how his dedication to ultrarunning became a source of strength during the darkest times. His vivid descriptions of the running community and the physical challenges he undertakes create moments of relief amid the heavy narrative.
One of the most moving aspects of Running from Tragedy is how Salsbury and his family’s pain ultimately leads to scientific advancements. It’s heartbreaking that their tragedy had to fuel this discovery, yet the sense of purpose they find is inspiring. This memoir will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss, but it’s also a story of hope, healing, and the enduring power of love. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates stories of resilience and triumph over unimaginable challenges.
Salsbury’s memoir is both raw and relatable. His storytelling style feels honest and unfiltered, making it easy to connect with his journey. The way he incorporates his passion for running adds a unique dimension, showing how his dedication to ultrarunning became a source of strength during the darkest times. His vivid descriptions of the running community and the physical challenges he undertakes create moments of relief amid the heavy narrative.
One of the most moving aspects of Running from Tragedy is how Salsbury and his family’s pain ultimately leads to scientific advancements. It’s heartbreaking that their tragedy had to fuel this discovery, yet the sense of purpose they find is inspiring. This memoir will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss, but it’s also a story of hope, healing, and the enduring power of love. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates stories of resilience and triumph over unimaginable challenges.
October 25, 2024
Michael Salsbury’s Running from Tragedy is a powerful memoir that speaks to the strength of the human spirit. It’s not often that a book can take you from moments of pure joy to the depths of sorrow and then back to a place of healing. Salsbury’s journey is remarkable—not only for the tragedies he endures but also for the way he uses his passion for running to find purpose and strength.
From the beginning, Salsbury draws readers in with his beautiful love story, a tale that feels almost too perfect to be real. But as his life takes a dark turn with the loss of three children to a rare disease, his reflections on grief, family, and endurance add profound depth to the narrative. The way he describes ultrarunning makes it clear that this sport became his sanctuary, a place where he could find clarity and strength.
Salsbury’s memoir goes beyond his personal experience; it offers inspiration to anyone who has faced hardship. His story shows that while life’s challenges may knock us down, we have the resilience to rise again. This book isn’t just about running or grief; it’s about hope, perseverance, and the healing journey that ultimately led Salsbury and his family to a place of peace.
Running from Tragedy is a truly inspirational memoir that will resonate with anyone who has struggled to overcome life’s adversities. Salsbury’s ability to find light in darkness makes this a book you’ll want to revisit whenever you need encouragement.
From the beginning, Salsbury draws readers in with his beautiful love story, a tale that feels almost too perfect to be real. But as his life takes a dark turn with the loss of three children to a rare disease, his reflections on grief, family, and endurance add profound depth to the narrative. The way he describes ultrarunning makes it clear that this sport became his sanctuary, a place where he could find clarity and strength.
Salsbury’s memoir goes beyond his personal experience; it offers inspiration to anyone who has faced hardship. His story shows that while life’s challenges may knock us down, we have the resilience to rise again. This book isn’t just about running or grief; it’s about hope, perseverance, and the healing journey that ultimately led Salsbury and his family to a place of peace.
Running from Tragedy is a truly inspirational memoir that will resonate with anyone who has struggled to overcome life’s adversities. Salsbury’s ability to find light in darkness makes this a book you’ll want to revisit whenever you need encouragement.
October 25, 2024
Michael Salsbury’s Running from Tragedy is an unforgettable tribute to the strength of family. His story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, taking readers on a journey through love, loss, and ultimately, healing. Salsbury’s memoir begins with the joy of his fairytale romance and marriage, but it soon delves into his unimaginable grief as he and his wife lose three daughters to a mysterious illness.
As a parenting book reviewer, I was struck by Salsbury’s candidness about the challenges of being a parent in the face of such overwhelming loss. His reflections on fatherhood, marriage, and resilience are powerful. His honesty about the strain his family endured and the ways they found strength in each other is inspiring. He also shares the ways he found solace in ultrarunning, describing how the physical and mental demands of the sport mirrored his journey through grief.
What makes this memoir particularly unique is the scientific journey interwoven with Salsbury’s personal story. The race to understand his daughters’ illness is a story of medical discovery and innovation, and it adds an unexpected layer of intrigue. Salsbury’s journey with his family and their eventual healing make this an incredible read for anyone who has faced hardship.
Running from Tragedy is a heartfelt memoir that captures both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. It’s a story that will resonate with parents, families, and anyone who values the strength of love and community.
As a parenting book reviewer, I was struck by Salsbury’s candidness about the challenges of being a parent in the face of such overwhelming loss. His reflections on fatherhood, marriage, and resilience are powerful. His honesty about the strain his family endured and the ways they found strength in each other is inspiring. He also shares the ways he found solace in ultrarunning, describing how the physical and mental demands of the sport mirrored his journey through grief.
What makes this memoir particularly unique is the scientific journey interwoven with Salsbury’s personal story. The race to understand his daughters’ illness is a story of medical discovery and innovation, and it adds an unexpected layer of intrigue. Salsbury’s journey with his family and their eventual healing make this an incredible read for anyone who has faced hardship.
Running from Tragedy is a heartfelt memoir that captures both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. It’s a story that will resonate with parents, families, and anyone who values the strength of love and community.
January 22, 2025
The book is a memoir, sharing of how the author met and married his wife and then expanded their family. After having a healthy son, they had three daughters who all had an unknown genetic disorder which caused them to pass away in under a year. Eventually, researchers from around the world were able to identify the unknow disorder and Michael's wife was able to have prenatal testing to ensure her final pregnancy was safe. Throughout the story, Michael talks about his running and really gets into the descriptions of trail ultra-running in the last part of the book since his youngest son, who was born healthy, became a phenom child ultrarunner. Very good way with words, very inspiring story of a family supporting each other and sticking together during the most unimaginably difficult times.
October 25, 2024
*Running From Tragedy* is a story about endurance—both physical and emotional. Michael Salsbury’s life was turned upside down after the loss of his three children, and this memoir explores how he survived through running. His love for ultrarunning becomes an essential part of his journey as he processes unimaginable grief. What makes the book especially captivating is the scientific detective story running parallel to the personal loss. The eventual discovery of the genetic disorder gives the memoir a hopeful resolution, making it a story of not just tragedy, but triumph.
October 25, 2024
Michael Salsbury’s *Running From Tragedy* is an unforgettable memoir that dives deep into the emotional and scientific complexities of loss. What struck me most was the raw honesty with which Salsbury describes the death of his children and the long process of healing that followed. His love of running becomes symbolic throughout, as it offers moments of escape from the pain. The scientific breakthrough adds a sense of closure and hope to a story otherwise filled with grief. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.
October 25, 2024
*Running From Tragedy* is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Michael Salsbury recounts the unimaginable loss of three children and the decade of grief that followed. What makes this memoir unique is the intersection of personal tragedy with scientific discovery. The global effort to uncover the genetic disorder that took their children’s lives adds an interesting dimension. I also loved how Salsbury used his passion for ultrarunning to cope, making the narrative feel balanced between sorrow and strength. It’s a difficult, yet rewarding read.
October 25, 2024
*Running From Tragedy* is more than a story of loss—it’s a journey of healing. Michael Salsbury brings readers into his world of ultrarunning, where each step mirrors the emotional endurance needed to survive the unimaginable. Losing three children to a genetic disorder is a loss few can fathom, but Salsbury’s ability to keep going, finding solace in running, is what makes this memoir so powerful. The scientific discovery that follows is both fascinating and hopeful, giving the family some peace after years of grief. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in human resilience.
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