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The Marathon
As Tom Sheeran prepares to run the Boston Marathon, he comes across an envelope, stuffed into his bag the morning of the race. Written by his wife, the letter inside matches the course’s 26.2 miles with the struggles he and his family have endured during the previous, sometimes heart-breaking, fifteen months. Joining Tom as he tackles the course from Hopkinton to Copley Square, the reader follows the gripping ride of a family’s response to life’s incredible twists in the road. Uniquely told from both parents’ points of view, THE MARATHON follows a couple's attempt to save both their child’s life and their dwindling faith. In THE MARATHON, Sheeran courageously reveals the innermost thoughts and fears of parents struggling with experiences far beyond their control. Her true story uncovers the heart and soul behind one of the world's most historic races while beautifully demonstrating the power of inner strength, endurance, and human connection. Honest, humorous and raw, the emotions ring true from the start all the way through to an ending no one will predict. Of broad appeal to parents, athletes, medical professionals, and families in search of healing.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2014
About the author
Kerry Sheeran
1 book7 followersAuthor, Kerry Sullivan Sheeran was born and raised in Wyckoff, New Jersey. She is a graduate of Villanova University with a BA in English, and a former marketing/sales executive at Money Magazine and The Wall Street Journal International. Now married and the mother of six, her life experiences have allowed her to connect with many mothers and fathers who have suffered the illness of a child. Her support of patient advocacy and the advancement of prenatal & neonatal care is reflected in her work.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 9, 2017
Incredible true story.
July 15, 2014
There's a lot to say about the Marathon by Kerry Sheeran. Gotta recommend this beauty for parents who have endured the trials of a child fighting for his/her life right out of the womb. As a parent, you'll be shocked and angry at points, but more so uplifted by the resilience of Kerry (mother) and Tom (father) witnessing personal development/humor/resilience. Expect intense gratitude and appreciation of the caring and personable healthcare professionals (particularly at Boston Children's) who routinely save lives. This is as much an uplifting testament to the power of intact family rallying together to get through what can't be prepared for as it is being inspired by Tom's journey from bedside promise to Emma to turn from a non-runner into completing the Boston Marathon. Looking for a shift in perspective leaving you hopeful and inspired by the human spirit? Don't miss this one!
May 21, 2014
To give birth to a child with so many challenges to face on a minute/hourly basis in her first 3 months of life has got to be gut-wrenching, waiting so see what the next day will bring.
This book took me into the depths of this family and every painful step they took along the way for "mighty Emma" on her road to recovery.
I highly recommend this book because of the way the author made you feel as though you were right there in the room with them. I cried, I laughed and I felt connected and committed to the story because it makes you "need" to know that even with the biggest struggles God gives you, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Well done. It's a tough one to put down!
This book took me into the depths of this family and every painful step they took along the way for "mighty Emma" on her road to recovery.
I highly recommend this book because of the way the author made you feel as though you were right there in the room with them. I cried, I laughed and I felt connected and committed to the story because it makes you "need" to know that even with the biggest struggles God gives you, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Well done. It's a tough one to put down!
May 21, 2014
This book by Kerry Sheehan is a remarkable story of heartbreak, resilience, and faith. It revolves around the story of the premature birth of her daughter and the life and death struggle, through numerous operations, to keep her alive. During this upheaval, she and her husband decide he should run the Boston Marathon. At each mile he pulls out and reads a note written by his wife.
The reader is taken on a roller coaster ride of despair and hope. We ride along harrowing, mad dashes to the hospital, and along the way, learn some of the inner workings of that famous race (this took place before last year's bombings).
The Marathon is a mesmerizing, emotional book that reads much like a novel, with it's suspenseful twists and turns. I highly recommend it!
The reader is taken on a roller coaster ride of despair and hope. We ride along harrowing, mad dashes to the hospital, and along the way, learn some of the inner workings of that famous race (this took place before last year's bombings).
The Marathon is a mesmerizing, emotional book that reads much like a novel, with it's suspenseful twists and turns. I highly recommend it!
June 1, 2014
This book is an amazing true journey about resilience, determination and love. I could not put it down page after page, I felt as if I was right there living their day to day struggles, moments and accomplishments. Crying, laughing and holding onto my chair as I turned each page. I could not put this book down, just waiting for the next mile for Tom to open up his letter and read the "teaser" into the next chapter of their lives. This family is inspiring and just when you don't think they can handle anymore they can .... God created these two angels (Kerry and Tom) because without them we wouldn't have this beautiful family and our mighty Emma , a must read for all !!t
December 11, 2017
I liked experiencing the Boston marathon as someone runs it for the first time; as their first ever marathon. I'd love to qualify to run Boston. I admire those who run it for charity and Tom sure has a personal reason for doing this. The hardships of caring for a child with severe medical needs are paralleled with running the marathon. The story shows these parents are mighty strong people. Training for this marathon was an act of faith and I'm sure very therapeutic for someone dealing with this much hardship.
August 29, 2014
Great story of a mother (and fathers) love for their children. To what lengths you must be the best advocate for your children!!!!
A true testament of what amazing hospitals we have here in Boston (a MA resident myself with a child who has needed children's as an infant).
A fun tale of a runners mind as they push themselves to the most invigorating 26.2 miles for their own personal reasons (having completed two marathons I can completely relate)
A true testament of what amazing hospitals we have here in Boston (a MA resident myself with a child who has needed children's as an infant).
A fun tale of a runners mind as they push themselves to the most invigorating 26.2 miles for their own personal reasons (having completed two marathons I can completely relate)
December 10, 2021
Incredible story; poorly written book. The first few chapters seem to have been edited/proofed, the rest of the book, not so much. Dozens of cringeworthy grammatical errors (especially for an English major). And personally I did not like that it was written in 3rd person. Lost 2 stars for those 2 reasons. I enjoyed the sections on Tom’s run through Boston though, and much of the story.. although it dragged at times. Thanks for sharing your story!
July 19, 2014
This book is absolutely incredible. The author is honest, brave, and inspiring while eloquently taking the reader on a heart-wrenching journey through terrifying, riveting, and inspiring moments in her family's unimaginable struggles, scares, and achievements...and her newborn daughter's unfathomable close-calls. I couldn't stop reading this beautifully communicated passionate story.
May 24, 2014
The marathon is an amazing story of true love, strength, resilience and dedication. Kerry made me laugh out loud many times then completely ball my eyes out!! I read this book while training for the boston marathon which made it that much more exciting!! Great book. Highly recommend. Can't wait for the next book!!
March 5, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt like I was right there with the family, crying, laughing, and praying that little Emma would be OK. It is a powerful example of why we must ask questions and understand medical diagnoses for ourselves and our families.This book will stay with you long after reading.
May 21, 2014
I can't say enough about this book - love, love, loved it. A heart-wrenching story told in relatable-detail about the journey of strength of one family through the harrowing health crisis of the newborn. This is a wonderful work by a gifted new author.
November 13, 2014
Just finished The Marathon, a wonderfully written story about a couple's journey with their premie daughter and the struggles they have during this time in their lives. What an incredible story- I highly recommend!
May 21, 2014
This was one book I couldn't put down. I needed to know what was going to happen next. Loved it!!
May 21, 2014
I cried and laughed with the author's story about her heartache & laughter during a difficult year in the life of her family. I enjoyed the honesty!
May 23, 2014
I could not put this book down. I loved it from start to finish. I laughed and cried and would recommend this book to anyone.
January 29, 2015
A great book. I was riveted throughout the whole book. I have and definitely would recommend this book again & again!
June 26, 2015
Love the book, disappointed to see such obvious typos.
August 10, 2016
Hey Cheryl! Your family is in this book!!
December 8, 2015
This book was written by a friend of mine and is absolutely beautiful!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews