Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A MUST-Add to Your Holiday Wish List! (Possibly the Best Book I've Ever Read!)

I (Bethany) finished reading this book a few weeks ago and I LOVED it. It was a quick read because I was SO into it, I had to keep reading!! I laughed out load a lot and I cried a lot too, not always in a bad way though, but I did have to get up and blow my nose a few times. I don't think I have 1 bad thing to say about this book! It was awesome!! Quite possibly the best book I have ever read! (I think I would rank it higher than Harry Potter and The Twilight Saga on my list of favorite books! *gasp*)


The Long Run, by Matt Long

I know most of you have already heard of Matt Long through articles published in Runner's World. This book goes much more into detail about his life, accident and comeback. There is so much that Runner's World did not include, it's DEFINITELY worth buying the book!!! Incase you don't know about him, here is a quick recap...
Matt was a New York City firefighter who was hit and run over by a 40,000 pound bus while riding his bike in NYC (during the transit strike). When the bus ran him over, the seat post of his bike went through his body. He was given a less than 1% chacne of survival and in two days was given 69 units of blood. He nearly bled to death but doctors say he survived because of his marathon running and triathlons, basically, his body was tough enough to withstand and survive such trauma. The book goes into detail about his family/friends, qualifying for Boston, his receovery, competing in Lake Placid Ironman before and after his accident, September 11th when he was at the World Trade Center, nutrition etc.

I hope you like this book as much as I did!!

What's your favorite sports-related book??

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

24 comments:

Jill said...

That sounds like a great book. I think you just sold me on it.

Hope you have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING.

How is wedding planning going?

Anonymous said...

well since i'm heading to the library NOW i'll see if they have it :)

Marlene said...

Believe it or not, I don't know of Matt Long! Putting this on my list. :)

Thanks!!

Emz said...

I had heard about this but then [of course] forgot. Thanks for reminding me [again!]. ;)

misszippy said...

I read the article on him in RW a while back. I can only imagine the book is fascinating.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jill said...

I have heard about that book, I must pick it up!!! Thanks!

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Oh, and I'm doing a holiday blog gift exhcange. If interested, pop over and let me know!!

ShutUpandRun said...

I just got this from the libary and am chomping at the bit to read now!!

Heather said...

That sounds like an amazing story! It definitely sounds like something I'd want to read. Thanks for the telling us about it.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Fifty K said...

Will put this on my must read list.

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

Just found your blog and am a new follower!

Running and living said...

SOunds awesome. I am always looking for a new book to read. So, are you and Ryan running the Fells Skyline race on Dec 4th? The website says it is close to registration, but the race is free and I am sure if you email him he'll tell you to come and run. I am only doing 2 loops (16 miles), but others are doing 5 or more....Let me know if you are coming, so that I may look for you:)

Allie @ The Constant Pursuit said...

Looks like you might have helped me find another gift for my boyfriend for the holidays!!

Sara said...

Thanks! It's going on my Christmas list! Happy Thanksgiving! ;)

Richelle said...

I read an excerpt of the book in a recent Runner's World. Definitely want to read it... I've got two other books to finish first.

Silly Girl Running said...

Thanks for sharing!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! :)

Johann said...

Thanks for the quick review. I was wondering about this book but now I know. Will definitely get it.

Marci said...

I saw Long Run laying on a few tables at Barnes and Noble a week ago... definitely reading it! Happy Turkey Day!

Unknown said...

Hey, I hope you both have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and thank you for your kind words.
I met Matt Long at the expo in NYC and I actually told him how much his book meant to me. His recuperation and spirit is incredible. While I was telling him, I started crying and he did too!!!! He is a very, very special human being. Very humble and authentic. I think that makes his book even more special.
I HOPE you can meet him someday and tell him how you feel about his work!
Hugs and thanks again.

Amanda said...

I definitely want to read this one. Loved the stories in Runner's World and am so inspired by what Matt has been through! Glad to hear you really liked the book.

Bekah @ runtrackmind said...

Well, with that kind of recommendation I think it will be a must read. ;) I liked the Ultra Marathon Man: Confessions of an all night runner and I am about to read Born to Run.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Sweet I have been curious about this book, will have to tell hubby to get it for me :)

RunToTheFinish said...

i am such a huge reader, that this was already on my list but I am sooooo glad to know it's actually worth it!

Unknown said...

Bethany, Thanks so much for the kind words about my book.
Long May You Run!, Matt

Wendy said...

Beth, I have to agree with you. One of the best books I have ever read and honestly, I literally cried through the entire book, tears of joy and sorrow. He told his story so candidly. I read it right before running Vegas and I thought about him through all 26.2 miles - I was so happy to be running. A definite MUST READ!