Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. She's not comforted by the news that she'll be able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. Who cares about walking when you live to run? As she struggles to cope with crutches and a first cyborg-like prosthetic, Jessica feels oddly both in the spotlight and invisible. People who don't know what to say, act like she's not there. Which she could handle better if she weren't now keenly aware that she'd done the same thing herself to a girl with CP named Rosa. A girl who is going to tutor her through all the math she's missed. A girl who sees right into the heart of her. With the support of family, friends, a coach, and her track teammates, Jessica may actually be able to run again. But that's not enough for her now. She doesn't just want to cross finish lines herself-she wants to take Rosa with her.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The external conflict of Jessica actually losing her leg, and all of the internal conflicts she faces throughout the whole book are really amazing. I thought the best part of the whole book was the end. The fact that she was still willing to help people after all she went through is just awesome.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you W3Parks. My favorite part was seeing Jessica give back to someone who had already helped her at the end.
DeleteI loved this book so much. Jessica's struggle was so well written I felt almost as if I was living that struggle too. As a running addict myself I could relate to how hard it was for her. The suspense and mystery in this book were crafted very well. They left you with a slight idea but you have no clue whether you're actually right. There were a few parts of the book that were slightly predictable but this book surprised me a lot too. I fell in love with the characters and the plot too. This book really inspired me and I enjoyed reading it very much.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%. I agree with what you said about it being slightly predicatable, but suprising at the end. I like how the author did that to make it more enjoyable to the reader.
DeleteThis book was very great! As an athlete myself i get worried on the bus now because of this book! The charaters in this book are remarkable! How Jessica overcame her fear and shamefulness of her stump inspires me to not be afraid to be me. this story would be great for anyone who wants to be on the edge of their seat or just wants a great book to read!
ReplyDeleteI found “The Running Dream” inspiring. I thought the author did an amazing job of picking a theme and then developing the story to help support the theme. I thought the two main themes were perseverance and, as Jessica found helped her, just going day by day and week by week. Jessica accomplished her goals by having perseverance, going day by day, and by having the support of her friends and family. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading. It sends out a good message and everyone can become inspired by it.
ReplyDeleteThis book had an amazing effect on me! I made many self vs.text connections with Jessica's sports life being put on hold by an injury. One connection I had with Jessica was how she had to build her confidence and endurance back up once she could run again. When I broke my wrist my entire softball pitching carrer was put on hold, and when I could finally play again it felt alot more difficult. The external conflict I faced wasn't near as big as Jessica's, but I believe we felt the same heart break when each injury happened.
ReplyDeleteThis book was incredibly inspiring. I instantly fell in love with the story from the first few chapters. Jessica's unselfishness and compassion to accomplish her goals was very role model like. I think the author did a fabulous job of using a theme that has been written numerous times, and creating it with her own version. This book was a little predictable at first, but once I kept reading I realized that my prediction wasn't exactly right. It was a great read with lots of suspense, a great plot, and inspiring characters.
ReplyDeleteI think the “Running Dream” was a very inspirational book. The theme of the book really taught me to be thankful for all the things I am able to do. It inspired me to stay athletic and be happy while I play sports, because you never know when that could be taken away from you. I suggest this book to anyone who wants to be moved!
ReplyDeleteW3meGalloway, I totally agree with you. This book made me think more about everything I do throughout the day. I especially felt more thankful for the little things, after reading The Running Dream.
Delete@W3meGalloway, I agree with you. It really inspired me and made me think. There are so many things we should be thankful for that sometimes we don't realize. I remember in the book Jessica was talking about how everyday events were challenging. I never really realized how blessed I am just to have my legs until I read this amazing, inspiring book.
DeleteThis book was very inspirational and faithful. The situation Jessica was put through was so difficult and suspensful, but the attitude she put forth during it was amazing. She held her ground during the whole thing and never let her chin down. I loved this book completely and would most definitely recommend this to a friend.
ReplyDeleteThe Running Dream was the most inspirational book I think I have ever read. There was vivid imagery on every page and I felt as if I knew Jessica because I felt so close to her. It was as if I was with her every step of the way on her road to recovery. I dislocated my elbow in second grade and after having surgery and being in a cast for what seemed like forever, I was scared to use my arm again. I can only imagine how scary it was for Jessica to use a prosthetic leg after she had lost her real one. This book inspired me to stay determined even when you feel like giving up. I feel that this quote, "You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore," describes the theme of this book perfectly.
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