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The Running Book: A Journey through Memory, Landscape and History
From the award-winning, number one bestselling author of The Cow Book.
It is summer, the hay and silage have not yet been made on John Connell’s farm, so he has time to indulge his other great passion: running. John sets off on a marathon run of 42.2 kilometres through his native Longford, the scene of his award-winning book The Cow Book.
As he runs across woodlands, fields and tiny roads, he tells the story of his life and contemplates Ireland’s history, old and new. He also remembers other great runs he has done, from Australia to Canada, and tells the stories of some of his running heroes, such as Haile Gebrselassie.
Part memoir, part essay, The Running Book explores what it is to be alive and what movement can do for a person. It is deeply intimate and wide-ranging, local and global: Connell is as likely to write about colonialism and the effect of British imperialism in Ireland and its former colonies as he is about life on his family farm in Ballinalee, County Longford. Told in 42 chapters, each another kilometre in the 42.2k race, the whole book is 42,000 words long and it captures what it is to undertake a marathon moment by moment, in body and mind. Above all, The Running Book is a book about the nature of happiness and how for one man it came through the feet.
It is summer, the hay and silage have not yet been made on John Connell’s farm, so he has time to indulge his other great passion: running. John sets off on a marathon run of 42.2 kilometres through his native Longford, the scene of his award-winning book The Cow Book.
As he runs across woodlands, fields and tiny roads, he tells the story of his life and contemplates Ireland’s history, old and new. He also remembers other great runs he has done, from Australia to Canada, and tells the stories of some of his running heroes, such as Haile Gebrselassie.
Part memoir, part essay, The Running Book explores what it is to be alive and what movement can do for a person. It is deeply intimate and wide-ranging, local and global: Connell is as likely to write about colonialism and the effect of British imperialism in Ireland and its former colonies as he is about life on his family farm in Ballinalee, County Longford. Told in 42 chapters, each another kilometre in the 42.2k race, the whole book is 42,000 words long and it captures what it is to undertake a marathon moment by moment, in body and mind. Above all, The Running Book is a book about the nature of happiness and how for one man it came through the feet.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2020
16 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
John Connell
108 books78 followersJohn Connell's work has been published in Granta's New Irish Writing issue. His memoir, The Farmer's Son, was a #1 bestseller in Ireland. He lives on his family farm, Birchview, in County Longford, Ireland
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 15, 2020
A compelling and enjoyable contemplation at what one experiences during long-distance running, mixed with local Irish history. The literary influences are obvious (and repeatedly referred to), from Thoreau to Faulkner to Murakami.
The book is slightly meandering in places, perhaps alluding to the lonely and wandering mind of a distance runner. Some lines were a little too on the nose: "Today is our masterpiece, today is my Caravaggio".
I loved the forays into Longford and civil war history, and the idea that local landmarks can have fascinating stories that are often overlooked.
Really enjoyed the book overall, and definitely have the earlier "The Cow Book" on my "to read" list.
The book is slightly meandering in places, perhaps alluding to the lonely and wandering mind of a distance runner. Some lines were a little too on the nose: "Today is our masterpiece, today is my Caravaggio".
I loved the forays into Longford and civil war history, and the idea that local landmarks can have fascinating stories that are often overlooked.
Really enjoyed the book overall, and definitely have the earlier "The Cow Book" on my "to read" list.
January 10, 2021
This is not a specialist book on running. It is a meandering philosophical and historical journey while the author pursues his favourte past time. Whilst on a 26 mile run of his beloved Longford, the writer regails us with anecdotes and history of the countryside.
His knowledge of history and life experience, make this book a valuable read. He points out the value in every day mundane aspects of life and highlights the beauty in the Irish countryside. It also underlines the effect of British colonialism and Irish emmigration has had on Ireland and the wider world.
It is a book on running, but more importantly, on living your own life. Living a life that you enjoy and control.
His knowledge of history and life experience, make this book a valuable read. He points out the value in every day mundane aspects of life and highlights the beauty in the Irish countryside. It also underlines the effect of British colonialism and Irish emmigration has had on Ireland and the wider world.
It is a book on running, but more importantly, on living your own life. Living a life that you enjoy and control.
December 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. While I’m not, nor have ever been a runner, I could really appreciate Connell’s writings on running. I loved how he tied it up with history and he has a great way with words. Great Irish book.
January 30, 2021
Great book.
Would nearly make you want to live in Longford.
That's saying a lot from a Cavan man.
Looking forward to reading the cow book.
Would nearly make you want to live in Longford.
That's saying a lot from a Cavan man.
Looking forward to reading the cow book.
October 11, 2020
:
“Reading a take on memory from a fellow North Longford writer"
John Connell is from outside my families home village of Ballinalee. Author of “The Cow Book” – which was given a different title for our American cousins! – he comes from the similar storytelling tradition
as ourselves and that makes up the contents of his books.
His first book reflected on returning to work on the family farm after recovery from a serious bout of depression, his interaction with his father and neighbours, and what the land and its history means to him.
He tells the stories of the area as he knows them, the tragedy of the Charter brothers, tales of the 98 rebellion, its heroes and villains, and in the same breath talks of the locals he knew that we feel we know now after hearing him speak of them.
His current book is in a similar conversational vein, the background to it now is him doing a marathon run along the byroads and lanes of his home half county.
There is, you see – according to us anyway! – a difference between North Longford and South Longford, the latter may as well be Westmeath (in the best sense of the phrase!)
His run around our half county passes comments on the LeFroys, the Charletons, we learn a little more on the Charter brothers, we hear of his recently departed grandmother, and the also recently departed Tommy Forster who I had the honour of meeting in lodges on a couple of occasions. His reflections on history as its passed on to him and he retells it invites contribution from others who know what they have learned or are told.
=== When Romance Comes Late in Life
The Charleton Fund and the local Folly are a subject he writes of and spoke on when on the Ray D’Arcey show . The version of the story I have – sourced from the writings of Frank Columb – was that Charlton
had met and fell in love with a local girl, but his nephews tried to break the marriage. Others allude to the same but don’t say so directly, but blame his sisters, not his nephews.
On failing to prevent the marriage, in the tale as I know it, the nephews broke into his home one night, overpowered him and castrated him so he couldn’t have children and would have to leave the land and
money to them. In revenge, he set up The Charlton Trust that issued a grant to all newlywed couples, which did so up to the 1950’s. As far as I know it was for Protestant couples, and its records are a great source for family research from the times.
=== Running the Race of Life
Many find running a great way to clear the head. Some say its the endorphin’s released when you exercise, yet those of us who like me cant run but walk report the same effects of a good stroll.
Subscribers to the theory of the Japanese notion of “Shin Rin Yoku” say its getting out in the air and breathing in the scents of the plants around us, and either or both may be right.
As I was saying, running is not for me. But I will walk for Ireland, recently walking from Boyle to Knockvickar and on to Carrick on Shannon, for the craic. The head cleared, just caught in the moment of every passing vista, pausing to grab a photo (or ten!) before calling
in on friends is a great way to spend a day.
Clearing the head is important. To place your worries and concerns away for a while helps us reset and rest the system and to cope with life. Depression is a major issue in rural Ireland, and only something openly spoken of now.
Even with nothing wrong, it can floor an affected person, John himself having a period he refers to as The Lost Time , where he lost six months to it. Treatment is expensive, and hard to obtain.
An exhibition organised by Ballinalee woman and sculptress Tina Brogan I had a few photos in some years back aimed to improve this situation, and now Pieta House have outreach services in the wider area, but little directly in each community where it is needed. Awareness of the issue, and making ways to cope with it are vitally important.
I am a big believer in CBT – recognising when a bout comes on, adjusting your life to ride out the storm so to speak, and getting whatever help is needed if needed.
=== Who We Are and Who We Think We Are
In Longford, we have a major intrest in geneology, and our sense of place. I joke – half in earnest – that we are to Irish people in Ireland what Irish Americans are abroad.
An Irishman in America is always an Irishman, even if only one of his eight great grandparents came from Ireland, and he himself was never there. Us Longford folk – particularily those of us from the north of the county – are always from Longford according to ourselves even if we grew up in another county, and our parents or grandparents came from Longford.
Our Carty family are from Longford since circa 1820’s – as explored on my geneology website Who The Hell Do You Think You Are – our Donohoes since the 1500’s according to family lore (my theory they may be of
the Blennerhasset settlements on the O’Reilly lands is to be explored and disproved or proven – and our Reilly are local to the mists of time. Our Coyles are from Ballyshannon I gather, but I lost the background story and our Houricans are from Limerick, but after that
we know nothing.
Connell states in his Ray D’Arcey interview, his family are in North Longford since 1798, which is interesting, as some spell the name with one L, others with two. Traditionally such variance is seen as a change of faith and back again, but Connell or Connel may be a bit
more interesting than that.
Post 1700 there was a large settlement of Catholic Flemish speaking weavers with French sounding names in Ireland due to the linene based
economy collapsing in the area around Calais. Memories of the Dutch from the 1690 war was so fresh, it was expedient to abandon their
language and names and they Irishised their names to fit in. One changed to Connell, the original I dont have to hand Coinuel is the closest spelling I can record from memory. The story goes they were instrumental in organising the 1798 rebellion and fighting in it, and
many came to Longford in the Battle of Ballinamuck with some settling locally.
That may or may not be the origin of Johns family, who is to know. The other famous person of the name in that period in the North Longford area ended up in Fiji where his issue live to this day, a long long way from their native County Clare.
Such history is debated back and forth, many like me tell the stories in all their gorey detail, others tone down the tale not to spread scandal. Then the first party think they dont know the story and tell what the second party would rather wasnt told, at least not in that
way! Such is the joy of conversation and debate, and times and people are not forgotten. Indeed, we hope we learn from the mistakes of others.
=== Everyone Has a Book in Them
We all have stories to tell. Getting that down on paper to read as enjoyable as John Connells books is an achievement few try and less succeed to the degree of The Running Book and The Cow Book.
There is a lot of truth in the saying that everyone has a book in them.
Or two and counting in the case of John Connell
“Reading a take on memory from a fellow North Longford writer"
John Connell is from outside my families home village of Ballinalee. Author of “The Cow Book” – which was given a different title for our American cousins! – he comes from the similar storytelling tradition
as ourselves and that makes up the contents of his books.
His first book reflected on returning to work on the family farm after recovery from a serious bout of depression, his interaction with his father and neighbours, and what the land and its history means to him.
He tells the stories of the area as he knows them, the tragedy of the Charter brothers, tales of the 98 rebellion, its heroes and villains, and in the same breath talks of the locals he knew that we feel we know now after hearing him speak of them.
His current book is in a similar conversational vein, the background to it now is him doing a marathon run along the byroads and lanes of his home half county.
There is, you see – according to us anyway! – a difference between North Longford and South Longford, the latter may as well be Westmeath (in the best sense of the phrase!)
His run around our half county passes comments on the LeFroys, the Charletons, we learn a little more on the Charter brothers, we hear of his recently departed grandmother, and the also recently departed Tommy Forster who I had the honour of meeting in lodges on a couple of occasions. His reflections on history as its passed on to him and he retells it invites contribution from others who know what they have learned or are told.
=== When Romance Comes Late in Life
The Charleton Fund and the local Folly are a subject he writes of and spoke on when on the Ray D’Arcey show . The version of the story I have – sourced from the writings of Frank Columb – was that Charlton
had met and fell in love with a local girl, but his nephews tried to break the marriage. Others allude to the same but don’t say so directly, but blame his sisters, not his nephews.
On failing to prevent the marriage, in the tale as I know it, the nephews broke into his home one night, overpowered him and castrated him so he couldn’t have children and would have to leave the land and
money to them. In revenge, he set up The Charlton Trust that issued a grant to all newlywed couples, which did so up to the 1950’s. As far as I know it was for Protestant couples, and its records are a great source for family research from the times.
=== Running the Race of Life
Many find running a great way to clear the head. Some say its the endorphin’s released when you exercise, yet those of us who like me cant run but walk report the same effects of a good stroll.
Subscribers to the theory of the Japanese notion of “Shin Rin Yoku” say its getting out in the air and breathing in the scents of the plants around us, and either or both may be right.
As I was saying, running is not for me. But I will walk for Ireland, recently walking from Boyle to Knockvickar and on to Carrick on Shannon, for the craic. The head cleared, just caught in the moment of every passing vista, pausing to grab a photo (or ten!) before calling
in on friends is a great way to spend a day.
Clearing the head is important. To place your worries and concerns away for a while helps us reset and rest the system and to cope with life. Depression is a major issue in rural Ireland, and only something openly spoken of now.
Even with nothing wrong, it can floor an affected person, John himself having a period he refers to as The Lost Time , where he lost six months to it. Treatment is expensive, and hard to obtain.
An exhibition organised by Ballinalee woman and sculptress Tina Brogan I had a few photos in some years back aimed to improve this situation, and now Pieta House have outreach services in the wider area, but little directly in each community where it is needed. Awareness of the issue, and making ways to cope with it are vitally important.
I am a big believer in CBT – recognising when a bout comes on, adjusting your life to ride out the storm so to speak, and getting whatever help is needed if needed.
=== Who We Are and Who We Think We Are
In Longford, we have a major intrest in geneology, and our sense of place. I joke – half in earnest – that we are to Irish people in Ireland what Irish Americans are abroad.
An Irishman in America is always an Irishman, even if only one of his eight great grandparents came from Ireland, and he himself was never there. Us Longford folk – particularily those of us from the north of the county – are always from Longford according to ourselves even if we grew up in another county, and our parents or grandparents came from Longford.
Our Carty family are from Longford since circa 1820’s – as explored on my geneology website Who The Hell Do You Think You Are – our Donohoes since the 1500’s according to family lore (my theory they may be of
the Blennerhasset settlements on the O’Reilly lands is to be explored and disproved or proven – and our Reilly are local to the mists of time. Our Coyles are from Ballyshannon I gather, but I lost the background story and our Houricans are from Limerick, but after that
we know nothing.
Connell states in his Ray D’Arcey interview, his family are in North Longford since 1798, which is interesting, as some spell the name with one L, others with two. Traditionally such variance is seen as a change of faith and back again, but Connell or Connel may be a bit
more interesting than that.
Post 1700 there was a large settlement of Catholic Flemish speaking weavers with French sounding names in Ireland due to the linene based
economy collapsing in the area around Calais. Memories of the Dutch from the 1690 war was so fresh, it was expedient to abandon their
language and names and they Irishised their names to fit in. One changed to Connell, the original I dont have to hand Coinuel is the closest spelling I can record from memory. The story goes they were instrumental in organising the 1798 rebellion and fighting in it, and
many came to Longford in the Battle of Ballinamuck with some settling locally.
That may or may not be the origin of Johns family, who is to know. The other famous person of the name in that period in the North Longford area ended up in Fiji where his issue live to this day, a long long way from their native County Clare.
Such history is debated back and forth, many like me tell the stories in all their gorey detail, others tone down the tale not to spread scandal. Then the first party think they dont know the story and tell what the second party would rather wasnt told, at least not in that
way! Such is the joy of conversation and debate, and times and people are not forgotten. Indeed, we hope we learn from the mistakes of others.
=== Everyone Has a Book in Them
We all have stories to tell. Getting that down on paper to read as enjoyable as John Connells books is an achievement few try and less succeed to the degree of The Running Book and The Cow Book.
There is a lot of truth in the saying that everyone has a book in them.
Or two and counting in the case of John Connell
May 12, 2023
3.5
Really enjoyable read, especially lovely to listen to while running
Really enjoyable read, especially lovely to listen to while running
February 20, 2025
*Audiobook*
This was a quick listen, a little over 4 hours, and a very enjoyable one at that. In fact (and this is the only time, so far, that I have done this) when I finished listening to it, I went straight back to the start and listened to it all over again.
Connell narrates his own book, and he brings it to life. He speaks of running, history, and his home county of Longford with passion. I'm very familiar with Longford myself, so I knew many of the places he mentions. I loved how he tied his running into the history of the county but also his own history. It's a very engaging story.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I certainly would.
This was a quick listen, a little over 4 hours, and a very enjoyable one at that. In fact (and this is the only time, so far, that I have done this) when I finished listening to it, I went straight back to the start and listened to it all over again.
Connell narrates his own book, and he brings it to life. He speaks of running, history, and his home county of Longford with passion. I'm very familiar with Longford myself, so I knew many of the places he mentions. I loved how he tied his running into the history of the county but also his own history. It's a very engaging story.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I certainly would.
January 25, 2026
An interesting book about rambling memories and meditations on running but more about his life, his career, his home and colonialism (he is Irish with ancestors who fought for independence). I reminded me of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami.
February 23, 2023
A great read for anyone, like myself, that runs for the sheer enjoyment of it, for how good it can make you feel and for the positivity it can bring to your life.
January 24, 2021
My first five star read in a long time, I thought long and hard about whether it was a four or a five, but really the writing is just so beautiful, the story and history of place is so wonderfully told through the running in the countryside, and other stories interwoven into it, bringing you all over the world. I kept going back to read parts of it again, I am not a long distance runner and think anyone who has ever enjoyed a walk outside will enjoy this book. It makes you appreciate what is on your doorstep and take note of the little things around us. Loved it.
December 11, 2020
From the outset, I have to declare that I am neither a farmer or a runner, but I loved John Connell’s “The Cow Book” (Granta 2018), and I can identify so much with the content of his latest “The Running Book” (Picador 2020, also available on Audible read by the author).
“The Cow Book” won many readers, and indeed, many hearts, when it took the Irish publishing scene by storm in 2018. Indeed, Storm Emma hit Ireland in early March just as John Connell was about to appear on The Late Late Show leaving him as one of the few people in Studio 1, and with a captive audience at home, where everyone had been told to stay.
Now we have The Running Book during Covid 19 restrictions – so we’d all like to know now what his third book is well in advance so we can make a plan!!
The Cow Book was written in short episodes, mainly between milking cows, delivering lambs, mending fences – it is the story of life on a family farm in modern Ireland. Holding the book together is the rhythm of a single lambing season, the history of man’s relationship with the cow – but Connell was also telling his own story – his return to Ireland from abroad, his battle with depression, his relationship with his father, and his search for meaning in his everyday life.
In his latest book, Connell has taken to the road – and like before – we are being taken on a journey on several levels. In the last few years, the author has taken up running, initially for his mental and physical well-being, but it has obviously opened him up to new experiences, people and places.
In structure, the book is similar to its predecessor – short episodes, moments in time, local history, personal reflections – the microcosmic of locality and daily life. The linking narrative is a marathon run within a radius of his home place in Ballinalee, Co. Longford. We are with him as he prepares, chooses his runners and his music playlist, heads off out on to the road, describes his surroundings, and takes us on a 26 mile trip through his immediate neighbourhood and ultimately through local countryside and towns such as Edgeworthstown and Granard, leading him back eventually to his home place.
If ever there is a book where we will find the universal in the local, this is it. It’s a wonderful evocation of place, a place firmly planted in rich historical soil – there is hardly a turn in the road without an encounter with the likes of Kitty Kiernan, Maria Edgeworth, King John of England, General Humbert, Jane Austen and Sean MacEoin; he runs through areas touched by the Great Famine, the Year of the French, the War of Independence, and when he gets to Granard he reminds us of the more recent tragedy of Ann Lovett. We meet his running heroes – Paula Radcliffe, David Rudisha, Abebe Bikila, and Pheidippides, the first marathon runner in Ancient Greece. He tells us of runs in the Mojave desert and Joshua Tree. As he runs, Connell’s sense of place displays a sensibility to the land and nature, his neighbours and their joys and tragedies, and underneath it all his own place in this little universe.
I started this book when it was published in late September and finished it on the night Ireland went into its second lockdown on 21st October. A weary population had been dreading what was to come and as I read, I reached page 132 where the author reaches “The Wall”, the latter part of the marathon where the athlete confronts his greatest challenge – himself, and his choice between three options – Stop, Get nourishment, or Distract Yourself. In this instance he chooses the latter, but I was now reading wondering when I would face my own pandemic wall, and suddenly the entire book became a lockdown metaphor – we are in a marathon, and maybe now is time for deeper connections with family, to admire our surroundings, learn where we came from, find our limits, empathise with our neighbours who are also on the road with us, and keep the end line in sight.
This short book (165 pages), written in beautifully clear, accessible prose will stop you in your tracks many times, to savour the local history, to join the author in flights of the imagination, to accompany him into his reflections on life, but you may also find yourself caught up by his search for meaning and spirituality in the contemporary world, and you will also look upon your own home place with new eyes.
“I run because in this act I prove my living, in every step I prove myself”
“The Cow Book” won many readers, and indeed, many hearts, when it took the Irish publishing scene by storm in 2018. Indeed, Storm Emma hit Ireland in early March just as John Connell was about to appear on The Late Late Show leaving him as one of the few people in Studio 1, and with a captive audience at home, where everyone had been told to stay.
Now we have The Running Book during Covid 19 restrictions – so we’d all like to know now what his third book is well in advance so we can make a plan!!
The Cow Book was written in short episodes, mainly between milking cows, delivering lambs, mending fences – it is the story of life on a family farm in modern Ireland. Holding the book together is the rhythm of a single lambing season, the history of man’s relationship with the cow – but Connell was also telling his own story – his return to Ireland from abroad, his battle with depression, his relationship with his father, and his search for meaning in his everyday life.
In his latest book, Connell has taken to the road – and like before – we are being taken on a journey on several levels. In the last few years, the author has taken up running, initially for his mental and physical well-being, but it has obviously opened him up to new experiences, people and places.
In structure, the book is similar to its predecessor – short episodes, moments in time, local history, personal reflections – the microcosmic of locality and daily life. The linking narrative is a marathon run within a radius of his home place in Ballinalee, Co. Longford. We are with him as he prepares, chooses his runners and his music playlist, heads off out on to the road, describes his surroundings, and takes us on a 26 mile trip through his immediate neighbourhood and ultimately through local countryside and towns such as Edgeworthstown and Granard, leading him back eventually to his home place.
If ever there is a book where we will find the universal in the local, this is it. It’s a wonderful evocation of place, a place firmly planted in rich historical soil – there is hardly a turn in the road without an encounter with the likes of Kitty Kiernan, Maria Edgeworth, King John of England, General Humbert, Jane Austen and Sean MacEoin; he runs through areas touched by the Great Famine, the Year of the French, the War of Independence, and when he gets to Granard he reminds us of the more recent tragedy of Ann Lovett. We meet his running heroes – Paula Radcliffe, David Rudisha, Abebe Bikila, and Pheidippides, the first marathon runner in Ancient Greece. He tells us of runs in the Mojave desert and Joshua Tree. As he runs, Connell’s sense of place displays a sensibility to the land and nature, his neighbours and their joys and tragedies, and underneath it all his own place in this little universe.
I started this book when it was published in late September and finished it on the night Ireland went into its second lockdown on 21st October. A weary population had been dreading what was to come and as I read, I reached page 132 where the author reaches “The Wall”, the latter part of the marathon where the athlete confronts his greatest challenge – himself, and his choice between three options – Stop, Get nourishment, or Distract Yourself. In this instance he chooses the latter, but I was now reading wondering when I would face my own pandemic wall, and suddenly the entire book became a lockdown metaphor – we are in a marathon, and maybe now is time for deeper connections with family, to admire our surroundings, learn where we came from, find our limits, empathise with our neighbours who are also on the road with us, and keep the end line in sight.
This short book (165 pages), written in beautifully clear, accessible prose will stop you in your tracks many times, to savour the local history, to join the author in flights of the imagination, to accompany him into his reflections on life, but you may also find yourself caught up by his search for meaning and spirituality in the contemporary world, and you will also look upon your own home place with new eyes.
“I run because in this act I prove my living, in every step I prove myself”
May 1, 2021
It reminds me of "What I talk about when I talk about running" by Murakami. This books takes you on a journey through Ireland on a long run. It's a good idea but I found it very rambly at times and frustrated at the pace of it. However the snippets of local Irish history are so vividly described and I learned a lot of interesting facts about my own country which I really enjoyed. There were also some nuggets of wisdom about running, my favourite being "running is a mistress and time is her chariot". I felt a sense of relief when I finished that it was over, and appreciate it more now that I have read it. Definitely enriched for having read it.
January 20, 2021
Interesting but a little odd, this one.
All done from the perspective of a long run in Irish countryside, which is the catalyst for reflection on history local, foreign but usually colonial. History - colonial and Irish history - are the driving force of this short book.
Most other books I've read from Ireland have at least a hint of humour - this one is oddly serious. Not even any gallows humour! I'm almost disappointed.
Strange but interesting enough and the author mentioned some interesting characters who have duly gone onto the 'to-read' list.
Not sure I'd recommend it to that many people but it was interesting enough.
All done from the perspective of a long run in Irish countryside, which is the catalyst for reflection on history local, foreign but usually colonial. History - colonial and Irish history - are the driving force of this short book.
Most other books I've read from Ireland have at least a hint of humour - this one is oddly serious. Not even any gallows humour! I'm almost disappointed.
Strange but interesting enough and the author mentioned some interesting characters who have duly gone onto the 'to-read' list.
Not sure I'd recommend it to that many people but it was interesting enough.
February 3, 2025
I rather enjoyed The Running Book by John Connell. It weaves together a compelling narrative that blends the historic role of Longford in the Irish freedom struggle, broader Irish history, and the many facets of running.
I will concede that I picked it up with some skepticism but was pleasantly surprised by how engaging it turned out to be. Connell’s reflections on running resonated deeply, making the journey through the book both insightful and relatable. A well-crafted and enjoyable read.
I will concede that I picked it up with some skepticism but was pleasantly surprised by how engaging it turned out to be. Connell’s reflections on running resonated deeply, making the journey through the book both insightful and relatable. A well-crafted and enjoyable read.
January 11, 2021
A poignant account of some of the disturbing events of recent Irish history told by one to whose life and history they are connected. And these reflections are related to us as the author runs a marathon around his old haunts! Connell also reflects on what running means to people from the elite to the casual jogger, and how it has helped him to get through difficult times.
July 14, 2022
Fascinating personal account of running experience of author through native Longford, mixed with reference to some of his athletic heroes and Irish revolutionary history, particularly local
Touches on author’s previous mental struggles and some light philosophising, interlaced with a marathon run around home county
comes across as well grounded through out
Touches on author’s previous mental struggles and some light philosophising, interlaced with a marathon run around home county
comes across as well grounded through out
February 26, 2021
I listened to this book on audio. As a runner, I thought that I would find this interesting. Listened to it whilst out walking but found that it didn’t keep my attention at all and my mind kept drifting . No for me.
June 4, 2024
Although called the Running Book, it's really much more about history, particularly of the authors area, which is pretty interesting. Of interest to runners also, as running is - so to speak - often about more than running, and Connell understands and articulates that well.
February 2, 2021
Excellent I really enjoyed joining John on this marathon run through his native Longford with the history of the locality of great interest.
July 24, 2021
Love this book! Shows running as a way of life, way to life. individual and collective healing
Took away a few songs for my playlist and a few follow up readings and inquiries.
Took away a few songs for my playlist and a few follow up readings and inquiries.
January 30, 2022
Really enjoyed this book as the author takes you on a run around his native county and remembers people, places and events that come to mind on his run... Very enjoyable
March 15, 2022
Great honest , simple straight forward book. A Geography and History lesson too. Enjoyed it immensely. Get your runners on.
October 12, 2022
I liked it … maybe it was too Irish for me as an Irishman … it was good
December 17, 2022
I listened to the audiobook and it was pretty amazing to hear the author himself. 😍
dnf
February 14, 2023Marked as DNF, just not for me.
August 16, 2023
Beautifully written. Despite being short this book requires concentrated reading. The weaving narrative, combing the story of a long run with part history, part memoir, part travelogue is very clever
January 11, 2024
Nicely written, ambles along at a leisurely pace and is very entertaining. Owes A LOT to Murakami - felt like I was reading the literary version of a cover version!
July 15, 2024
What a great book , excellent stuff. Loved the running Commentary and also learning a bit of history of Ireland.
October 2, 2024
Whimsical melancholic book with local and national stories and anecdotes. I listened on audiobook. A lovely listen and philosophical take on life.
July 17, 2022
I'm not a runner, but I was attracted to Connell's latest offering as my lack of farming credentials did not lessen my enjoyment of the author's earlier Cow Book. It is not, in any case, a manual on running; rather, it focuses on local, national and family history, his personal motivation and, to a lesser extent, his mental and physical strengths and weaknesses. As other reviewers have noted, he's following the lead taken by Murakami, but while Connell's marathon undertaking may impress, his pseudo-philosophical turns do not. The reflections and folksy style are often tedious and occasionally banal: 'I'm a rural man born and bred, and the country life is the life for me. ... To run in the countryside is to run in peace; country roads are often quiet places where one can take in nature...' (77) He does not in fact 'take in' as much nature as he would have the reader believe; he's noticeably better on the built than the natural environment, to which he pays surprisingly scant attention. Listening to '70s pop and easy rock music' through headphones may make the road shorter, but they will also keep nature at a distance. But, there again, I'm not a runner...
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