Book Review: The Memory of Running

Author: Ron McLarty

Read: 7/3-7/9/12

Snapshot (taken from the book cover): 

Every decade seems to produce a novel that captures the public’s imagination with a story that sweeps readers up and takes them on a thrilling, unforgettable ride. Ron McLarty’s The Memory of Running is this decade’s novel. By all accounts, especially his own, Smithson "Smithy" Ide is a loser. An overweight, friendless, chain-smoking, forty-three-year-old drunk, Smithy’s life becomes completely unhinged when he loses his parents and long-lost sister within the span of one week. Rolling down the driveway of his parents’ house in Rhode Island on his old Raleigh bicycle to escape his grief, the emotionally bereft Smithy embarks on an epic, hilarious, luminous, and extraordinary journey of discovery and redemption.

Mandy Thinks:

"Running" was another decent recommendation that I received from Elizabeth Banks' website (my previous post was also recommended from her website).  I follow her on twitter so I happened to see her book recommendations and I'm always looking for a good book. Obviously… Anyway the book was a lot slower moving than the last book I read. The chapters change between current day and past memories from Smithy's point of view.  The current events weren't as intriguing to me since it follows him through a cross country bike trip and consists mostly of observations on the scenery and random occurrences but when he comes into contact with others along the way, it picks up some since its usually an interesting tangent to follow.  The chapters focusing on past events were much more entertaining because it focused on his relationship with his mentally unstable sister and how their family dynamic revolved around her well being.  

The book made me mostly feel bad for Smithy because I felt he did not really have a capacity for feeling or communicating his feelings in a healthy way.  He seemed to keep most emotions held back and kind of let the world happen to him without really being present in the moment.  I guess that was the beauty of his cross country bike ride. It made him much more aware of what his place in the world was and how his life affected others.  I think it was harder to relate to this book because the family dynamic was loving and supportive, but it didn't feel connected in a real way.  I think if anything tragic were to happen to one of my siblings or parents or even Jason, I think that there would be more feelings flying around and emotion instead of a lot of quiet.  

The book was decent, I just felt it didn't seem too relatable or make you feel what Smithy was feeling. Just like you were watching a movie while constantly trying to figure out what everyone was really thinking and feeling.  If nothing else, the book was really well written and smart with some parts that did make me chuckle a little.  

Top 3 things I learned from this book (I gave up trying to think of 5 things): 

1. Riding across the country on a bicycle will instantly result in lots of weight loss and increased physical strength and stamina! Yeah!
2. Don't live your life just floating by… make some human connections and try to get more out of it all. 
3. Riding across the country on a bicycle is a good way to really sort out your feelings and think about your life. Imagine all the time of introspection!