The Race: Life's Greatest Lesson

by Mac Anderson (Introduction), Dee Groberg

An illustrated poem, this is the heart-wrenching story of a boy in a footrace hoping to win, but falling again and again. Each time he wants to give up, knowing, pace by pace, that he has lost any chance of winning and that his dad, watching from a distance, will be disappointed. But each time he gets back up and runs as hard as he can. For inhis heart he can hear the voice of his dad: "You haven't lost at all; for winning is no more than this, to rise each time you fall." As the boy finishes the race, the crowd cheers as loudly for him as for the winner, and his father's proud look is his true reward.

Genres: Inspirational, Self Help, Poetry, Picture Books

64 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only had some of my poems make me cry, but this is the first poem written by someone else that had me in tears while trying to read the last few pages.
Beautiful poem that all should read.
May we rise each time we fall.

[Trajano Lima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best poem I've ever read. And I've read many many times over the past 27 years. About 10 years ago, I found it in a little book in a thrift store online. It was my best spend ever. Can't hold tears every time I read this little poem. It's so inspirational and fills my heart with hope and energy to carry on. I have no doubt it's a poem inspired from God. Although you can Google for the poem and find it fully online, I do recommend having a hard copy handy, and read it every time you feel down, discouraged, frustrated, or facing hard challenges. The Race is a story of a little boy who ran a race, supported by his beloved father. So many lessons can be taken from this story. Here's one significant to me - I've always put myself in the boy's shoes, and was deeply comforted by the Holy Ghost. But after years being a father of four, a husband, a teacher and a business leader, I've put myself in the father's shoes. Life is a mission, and we're on it to learn and to help others to learn.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring and motivational. The message is to not quit, to not give up but rather get back up when we stumble and keep going to the end. That message is applicable is so many different life situations.

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a wonderful book and poem! It really inspires! Everyone should read this.

[Tavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!

[Claudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A member of our ward is leaving on his mission this upcoming week and included reading this book to us during his farewell talk. It's a great book.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest motivational books I've ever read.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a poem that has been made into a small book with photographs. A great mood lifter when you are feeling down. It could easily be used in a lesson or talk, very inspirational.

[Jewell Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing book of perseverance! Keep moving.

[Matt]

Good FHE

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good inspirational book to show you how you easly can fall but to keep on going to win the race

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this poem. I believe that one of my cousins has it memorized. This reminds me of good times with my family.

[Michelle Sarrault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great motivational and inspiring book!