The Running Dream: Book Review


 


 
Title: The Running Dream
Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
Genre: Young Adult/Sports/Running
 
The Running Dream chronicles the story of Jessica-a track star who loses her leg in an accident. She is devastated at the thought of not being able to run again. After battling painkillers, a low self-confidence and learning to walk on crutches, Jessica makes an effort to get back to school with the help pf her supportive friend. She begins to gain hope when her coach shows her a video of amputees running on prostheses. The story goes on to describing her journey of overcoming hurdles, her friendship with a girl with cerebral palsy and getting back to running. 
 
Written in first person from the point of view of Jessica, the author takes you through her feelings of despair, pain, awkward moments with her peers and eventually gaining acceptance of her new life. She touches upon the topic of disability in a sensitive manner, conveying a powerful message about looking at a person beyond their disabilities with the line, “Don’t sum up the person based on what you see.”  The theme of friendship is also explored largely. 

This book is bound to strike a chord with runners especially when Jessica ruminates over her passion for running. She says, “Running is largely mental. If the mind’s not strong, he body acts weak, even if it’s not.” Non-runners would find this inspirational and derive some vital lessons-one being that the only disability in life is a bad attitude.   

The Running Dream is honest and emotional, making you root for Jessica all the way. No wonder this was Winner of the 2012 Schneider Family Book Award besides being nominated for the Goodreads choice award a few years ago.
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Comments

Wendelin Van Draanen said…
Thank you for this thoughtful review. Nicely done!
4:57 AM
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