Feb 13 2006
A Review Of “The Memory Of Running” by Ron McLarty
The Memory Of Running by Ron McLarty
Rating: 
(8/10)
This excellent novel reminded me of The Lovely Bones, although it’s completely different. Both start with death, with the protagonist working through their family and themselves dealing with it, then closure at the end of the story; however, The Lovely Bones’ protagonist is a dead 14 year old. The Memory Of Running’s protagonist is a chain-smoking, forty-three year old alcoholic with no life:
He rides across America on a bicycle, trying to come to terms with his life: his insane sister, dead parents, regrets, and how he got where he is. It’s a painful ride at first (physically and emotionally), but his telling of his past and the people he meets on his journey helps him survive the journey. I’m making it sound sappy, but it isn’t. The guy is a little nuts, but he has a great story to tell.
The author writes well, making you feel not only for the main character, but everyone he writes about. He hits home sometimes:
Or:
Yeah, people who know me can see why those struck home, but don’t let my admiration dissuade you: this is a funny, touching novel. It isn’t a work of literature with a capital “L”; it’s a good novel. It’ll make you laugh, might make you cry, make you empathetic for the characters, and reminiscent about your past and life, giving you something to think about, although not in a deep way. You’ll smile when you put the book down after reading a chapter or two. He tells a good story.
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Tags: books, ron mclarty
Send me a copy of this book, and I’ll send you a copy of Lisa Moore’s “Aligator,” and we won’t have to get anything for each other’s birthday. What do you say?
I lent it to a friend already. You can have it after she’s finished. I’m reading your copy of The Joy Of Writing by Berton now. “Aligator” worth reading? You haven’t posted it about it.
Don’t wait for my birthday to send me anything; send it anytime.
I haven’t posted about a lot of things. It’s a good book.