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Given To Fly : An Improbable Story of Triumph, Tragedy, and Realization at the Western States 100
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 13, 2026
I'm just a little bit biased, so you may have to take my review with a grain of salt, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have had the privilege of Brian's acquaintance and have shared many a mile out in the great PNW. He helped lead a training camp back in 2007, just a year after his epic race featured in the book, and I will be forever grateful for the knowledge I gained as I tried to keep up. But this is a review of the book.
One of my favorite running books is Bill Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, and this has a similar vibe. Given to Fly lacks the deep historical reach contained within Kenny Moore's book, but I found myself feeling I was reading a shorter Puget Sound version. The cast of characters that Brian introduces us to is nearly as rich as he recalls his meteoric rise to the pinnacle of the sport, Western States. We get glimpses of running greats like Jurek and Koerner, and lesser-known icons for those who know, like the McCoubreys. We are taken back to the heyday of SRC when the sport was the wild west and pro contracts were maybe a pair of shoes and a shirt. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Pearl Jam tie-ins. Yeah, it's got a little bit of PJ.
If you're a runner, at any distance, I think you'll enjoy this book. If you like adventure-type stories, read on. I could quibble about the writing a little, which explains my 4 star vs 5, but for a first-time author, great job, my man. For me, the true mark of a good book is how long it takes me to read. I picked this up and barely put it down until it was finished.
One of my favorite running books is Bill Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, and this has a similar vibe. Given to Fly lacks the deep historical reach contained within Kenny Moore's book, but I found myself feeling I was reading a shorter Puget Sound version. The cast of characters that Brian introduces us to is nearly as rich as he recalls his meteoric rise to the pinnacle of the sport, Western States. We get glimpses of running greats like Jurek and Koerner, and lesser-known icons for those who know, like the McCoubreys. We are taken back to the heyday of SRC when the sport was the wild west and pro contracts were maybe a pair of shoes and a shirt. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Pearl Jam tie-ins. Yeah, it's got a little bit of PJ.
If you're a runner, at any distance, I think you'll enjoy this book. If you like adventure-type stories, read on. I could quibble about the writing a little, which explains my 4 star vs 5, but for a first-time author, great job, my man. For me, the true mark of a good book is how long it takes me to read. I picked this up and barely put it down until it was finished.
May 17, 2026
Such a powerful journey of self discovery and determination.
Brian shared his most inner emotional battles and determination to be the best that he could be. Loved reading his dedication or some may say obsession to Pearl Jam 🎶. I could imagine him running through the hills and extreme heat with Pearl Jam music pushing him further and further.
Brian shared his most inner emotional battles and determination to be the best that he could be. Loved reading his dedication or some may say obsession to Pearl Jam 🎶. I could imagine him running through the hills and extreme heat with Pearl Jam music pushing him further and further.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews