Official Review: Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons
11 posts
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons" by Sam Brand.]
In Dolphins Don't Run Marathons, Sam Brand focuses on proving a point: “Nobody was born to run 26.2 miles.” To this end, the author concocts a metaphorical, imaginary running jungle and categorizes its members as human ants, human chimps, or human dolphins. All ants think about is running, no matter how costly or painful the exercise becomes. Chimps, who are considered lazy by the ants, don’t enjoy exercising and prefer fun, social activities. Dolphins are the wisest; they exercise in a balanced and pleasurable manner.
Throughout the book, Brand explains that he used to be a human ant. He narrates his experience of running the New York Marathon in 2007, which he finished, and how he realized that it was making him unhappy and lonely. A friend – a dolphin – talked to him and helped him realize that he needed to change. And he did. In 2009, for instance, he tried a different approach at the New York Marathon – he went there “as a self-experimenting, running dolphin.” He mostly contemplated and filmed the participants.
I enjoyed how the author narrates his decision to be happier. “I am free now. No more ant time. Back to the real, happy world, with a more satisfying life and the big desire to live a dolphin life.” I appreciated his remarks about the benefits of other activities, especially yoga and water sports. I can see how those would make someone happier.
Behind the good-humored approach, the author sends a strong message of discouragement to those who might consider running a marathon. However, I felt that this message, as important and true as it may be, becomes increasingly predictable and repetitive as the narrative progresses. I also had mixed feelings about the author’s ironic tone. There’s nothing wrong with a good-humored style, which I appreciate, but I wish he had approached at least some parts more straightforwardly and seriously. For instance, when he cites some of the perils of long-distance running, I felt they would be more effective if the author provided proper references.
In closing, I found this book to be a very fast and light read, for most pages have just one small paragraph. One can easily read it in one sitting. Unfortunately, though, there are several editing mishaps in it. Although they weren't egregious, there were more than ten, which detracted from the reading experience. For this and the negatives previously explained, I rate Dolphins Don't Run Marathons2 out of 4 stars. I believe it will appeal mostly, if not solely, to past, present, and aspiring long-distance runners. If you feel you need to convince someone to stop running long distances, this book may be just what you need.
******
Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons
View: on Bookshelves |
In Dolphins Don't Run Marathons, Sam Brand focuses on proving a point: “Nobody was born to run 26.2 miles.” To this end, the author concocts a metaphorical, imaginary running jungle and categorizes its members as human ants, human chimps, or human dolphins. All ants think about is running, no matter how costly or painful the exercise becomes. Chimps, who are considered lazy by the ants, don’t enjoy exercising and prefer fun, social activities. Dolphins are the wisest; they exercise in a balanced and pleasurable manner.
Throughout the book, Brand explains that he used to be a human ant. He narrates his experience of running the New York Marathon in 2007, which he finished, and how he realized that it was making him unhappy and lonely. A friend – a dolphin – talked to him and helped him realize that he needed to change. And he did. In 2009, for instance, he tried a different approach at the New York Marathon – he went there “as a self-experimenting, running dolphin.” He mostly contemplated and filmed the participants.
I enjoyed how the author narrates his decision to be happier. “I am free now. No more ant time. Back to the real, happy world, with a more satisfying life and the big desire to live a dolphin life.” I appreciated his remarks about the benefits of other activities, especially yoga and water sports. I can see how those would make someone happier.
Behind the good-humored approach, the author sends a strong message of discouragement to those who might consider running a marathon. However, I felt that this message, as important and true as it may be, becomes increasingly predictable and repetitive as the narrative progresses. I also had mixed feelings about the author’s ironic tone. There’s nothing wrong with a good-humored style, which I appreciate, but I wish he had approached at least some parts more straightforwardly and seriously. For instance, when he cites some of the perils of long-distance running, I felt they would be more effective if the author provided proper references.
In closing, I found this book to be a very fast and light read, for most pages have just one small paragraph. One can easily read it in one sitting. Unfortunately, though, there are several editing mishaps in it. Although they weren't egregious, there were more than ten, which detracted from the reading experience. For this and the negatives previously explained, I rate Dolphins Don't Run Marathons2 out of 4 stars. I believe it will appeal mostly, if not solely, to past, present, and aspiring long-distance runners. If you feel you need to convince someone to stop running long distances, this book may be just what you need.
******
Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons
View: on Bookshelves |
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