Official Review: Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons" by Sam Brand.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"Trust the human dolphins: they enjoy whatever they are doing and don't even bother wondering whether the glass is half full or half empty. They know how to be happy."

If you had to select a creature that most represents your personality, would you choose an ant, chimp, or dolphin? In Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons: 26.2 Loving Thoughts on Why You Should Not Run a Marathon, Sam Brand cleverly contrasts the differing lifestyles of three "human animals." Drawing from amusing caricatures of the human ant, human chimp, and human dolphin, the author playfully pokes fun at his previous lifestyle as a human ant obsessed with running marathons. With a healthy dose of humor, the author encourages readers to "live their best life," while expanding on the benefits of his transformation into a happy and well-rounded human dolphin.

This quick read includes 26 instructional "miles”--brief chapters representing each mile of a marathon. Since most of the 209 pages only contain a paragraph or two, I easily read the book in one sitting. While the author conveys specific thoughts related to running marathons, many of his humorous reflections on healthy active lifestyles and the value of being present in the moment apply to life in general. For example, the author elaborates on the social lives of the three human animals and also contrasts the business practices of the human ant and human dolphin.

I most enjoyed the author's entertaining portrayal of himself as a human ant marathon runner prior to his personal transformation into a happier and healthier human dolphin. "Human ants love to think very highly of themselves, but the perspective from an ant's view is less than an inch from the ground." In my organic Texas garden, destructive ants are the bane of my existence, so the author's depiction of obsessed and overworked human ants struck a chord with me. Readers will relate to the author's comical classifications of people as different animals while they are reminded of friends and family members. For instance, I seem to have several human chimps in my circle; these are people who don't necessarily enjoy sports but do like to encourage others in their endeavors.

The only issue I found with the book is its brevity. I wonder if some readers might be disappointed by 209 pages of only a paragraph or two. Based on the cover's caricatures and its novelty style, readers may also assume the book is illustrated; it isn't, which does leave a lot of blank space. Even so, the author humorously shared the promised 26.2 thoughts, and his short and sweet delivery didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

Additionally, the book is exceptionally edited. I'm pleased to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. The book would make an excellent gift for runners and athletes. However, since much of the content applies to many aspects of life and not just exercise, I also recommend it to readers who appreciate humor and quick reads.

******
Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Cecilia_L's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kdstrack]

I have heard about these personality tests that compare humans to animal traits. Remember the: owl, penguin, duck, eagle, personality test? I can also empathize with the ant problems as we have had fire ants in some places where we have lived. The brevity and humor make this seem attractive for a weekend read. Thanks for the great recommendation.

[kandscreeley]

This sounds quite interesting and unique. I wonder what animal I would most closely compare to. I also think it's interesting that he has chapters that base everything on the miles of a marathon. Thanks.

[Cecilia_L]

I have heard about these personality tests that compare humans to animal traits. Remember the: owl, penguin, duck, eagle, personality test? I can also empathize with the ant problems as we have had fire ants in some places where we have lived. The brevity and humor make this seem attractive for a weekend read. Thanks for the great recommendation.

Thanks for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

This sounds quite interesting and unique. I wonder what animal I would most closely compare to. I also think it's interesting that he has chapters that base everything on the miles of a marathon. Thanks.

It really is. Thanks for your comment.

[Ms_Bookworm]

This sounds like a delightful read! The author's take on marathon runners sounds like a comment I recently made to my husband, that people in this world can be divided into marathon-runners and non-marathon-runners (we fall into the latter category, ourselves.) So I suppose we're dolphins? Thank you for your honest review.

[Cecilia_L]

This sounds like a delightful read! The author's take on marathon runners sounds like a comment I recently made to my husband, that people in this world can be divided into marathon-runners and non-marathon-runners (we fall into the latter category, ourselves.) So I suppose we're dolphins? Thank you for your honest review.

From your comment, it sounds like you would enjoy the book, and yes, you would probably be a dolphin.

[Jessacardinal]

I ran the 26.2 mile Chicago marathon in 2008. I am intrigued to see if my mile-by-mile thought process of the daunting task relates to the material the author has presented in this book.

[Cecilia_L]

I ran the 26.2 mile Chicago marathon in 2008. I am intrigued to see if my mile-by-mile thought process of the daunting task relates to the material the author has presented in this book.

Though I exercise daily, I'm not a runner, so I would think it would be especially interesting for runners. Thanks for your comment.

[mihaela_bartha]

Oh, I am really curious to see which one I would identify with most. Just like with silly personality test (as opposed to more serious psichometric ones) I would really want to know the answer, even though I would know it is not an accurate representation. I suspect I would be the ant, assuming that they are portraied as experiencing burnout and some sort of dissatisfaction from working too much in addition to the pride derived from being so active . I can already appreciate the author's irony regarding ants' high self esteem contrasted with their narrow perspective. It's a shame the book is not illustrated, I suspect that would have added to the humor. Your review really sparked my curiosity, thank you for it.

[Cecilia_L]

While the book is a lot of fun, the author does provide insightful advice. I know what you mean about relating to the ant. I could identify with the author's perspective as someone who is learning to be a dolphin after previously leaning toward ant tendencies. You're welcome. Thanks for your comment.

[unamilagra]

Sounds like a cute idea for a self-help book. I'm glad it is actually provides insight to go with the humor. Sounds like a short and sweet book that I would probably enjoy. Thanks for the review.

[Cecilia_L]

Sounds like a cute idea for a self-help book. I'm glad it is actually provides insight to go with the humor. Sounds like a short and sweet book that I would probably enjoy. Thanks for the review.

You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

[Mbrooks2518]

Sounds like a fun book. I'll definitely check it out. Great review!

[Cecilia_L]

Sounds like a fun book. I'll definitely check it out. Great review!

Thanks for your comment.