Guest Review: The Long Run by Matt Long and Charles Butler

Title: The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter's Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete
Author: Matt Long and Charles Butler
Publisher: Rodale Books
Web: http://www.mattslongrun.com
Date of Publication: October 12, 2010
ISBN-10: 160529246X
Pages: 264 pages
Format: Kindle eBook

About the Book: (from Goodreads.com)
Matt Long had no chance. He was cycling to the firehouse when a 20-ton bus turned, making an illegal turn, and hit him. Sucked under the chassis, he sustained injuries serious enough to necessitate 40 operations. And then the real recovery began. This veteran marathoner and brave firefighter had faced challenges before, but even he had never experienced such physical and psychological pain. Yet just three years later, Matt Long ran in the 2008 New York City Marathon. A "Running Saved My Life" memoir that you won't forget.

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About the Author: Charles Butler is the coauthor, with Matt Long, of "The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter's Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete." Charlie is also an editor at Runner's World magazine and his writing has appeared in The New York Times, SmartMoney, Good Housekeeping, among other publications. (Amazon.com)

My Review: There are so many inspiring stories on television, in movies and in books, but this story is true.

You really get to know Matt well through his story. Sometimes you might think you know him too well. Honestly, at times it was hard to read about the injuries Matt endured, but it sure helps you to understand vividly how far he made it.

Matt was lucky to be able to walk again after his accident. With his strong determination, and a great network of friends and family he was able to go far beyond regaining the ability to walk.

I had not gone running in quite a while before reading this book. I had all kinds of excuses why I couldn't. After reading this book, I started running again. It really made all my excuses seem pathetic.

My Rating: 5/5 – You don’t need to be a runner to be moved by Matt’s story and to be inspired by it.

Other Bloggers Reviews:

She is Too Fond of Books

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Book Journey

Book Review: The Pioneer Woman- Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond

Title: The Pioneer Woman Black Heels to Tractor Wheels:  A Love Story
Author: Ree Drummond
Publisher: William Morrow; First Edition, First Printing edition (February 1, 2011)
Web: http://thepioneerwoman.com/
ISBN: 0061997161
Pages: 352 pages
Format: Hardcover from the Ramsey County Library

About the Book: (from Booklist)

Popular blogger and cookbook author Drummond shares the story of her courtship and marriage to her husband, whom she refers to as Marlboro Man. Though Drummond grew up in Oklahoma, she never imagined she’d end up there for good. After four years of college in Los Angeles, Drummond was only making a pit stop home before moving to Chicago. A chance encounter with a devastatingly masculine cowboy in a local bar changes everything. Though several months elapse before Marlboro Man calls her, the spark between them ignites as soon as they start dating. A rancher with deep roots in the land he works, Marlboro Man isn’t going anywhere, which means Drummond has to decide whether, to be with him, she’s willing to give up her dream of moving to Chicago. By the time Marlboro Man proposes, the decision is made, and Drummond prepares to marry the love of her life and discover what being a rancher’s wife will entail. Charming and bright, Drummond’s story will be an inspiration to those who despair of finding old-fashioned, lasting love. --Kristine Huntley

Setting:  Drummond’s Ranch – Pawhuska, Oklahoma

About the Author:   Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman is from Pawhuska, Oklahoma.    Ree turned away from the city life by marrying a cattle rancher and moving to his home in the middle of the country.  Together, they have four children. 

Pioneer Woman all started as a simply blog, which has continued to grow in popularity!  Ree Drummand has a book, cookbook, a upcoming cooking show on the Food Network as well as a movie adaptation of her book in the works.  

 

 

 

Related Media:

Ree Drummond – talking about recording the audiobook.

Ree Drummond: 2010 National Book Festival 

My Review:  I chose to read The Pioneer Woman Black Heels to Tractor Wheels because I am a long standing fan of “The Pioneer Woman”, her blog as well as her cookbook.   We LOVE her Sangria recipe!   I started reading her blog Confessions of a Pioneer Woman in the early years of the blog, so The Pioneer Woman Black Heels to Tractor Wheels felt like reading an old friend’s story.   While the writing may not be great, the book is written very similar to her blog, which I love.   Ree Drummond has a wonderful sense of humor, sprinkled with just the right amount of sarcasm, which I simply love.    The Pioneer Woman Black Heels to Tractor Wheels is a light and quick read. 

The Pioneer Woman Black Heels to Tractor Wheels is about Ree’s transformation from City Girl to Country Girl and all the mishaps and adjustments that required.     It is an honest and humorous story.  Black Heels to Tractor Wheels shows how love and motherhood can change a person in ways they didn’t realize possible.  As well as how love can get you through all the ups and downs of life!  Ree Drummond’s depiction of life on the ranch is engaging and wonderfully funny when told in her voice.

I must share how wonderful Ree Drummond’s photography of life on the ranch is.  She captures the true spirit of the life and some very handsome cowboys.   I grew up in South Dakota so the farm life is very familiar to me and something that I miss to some extent now living in the city.

I also read that Ree Drummond has sold the rights of the books for a movie to be made.  I look forward to seeing who is cast in the roll of The Pioneer Woman!  

My Rating: 4/5 – a light and enjoyable read.  Especially enjoyable to follower of Confessions of a Pioneer Woman blog.

Other Bloggers Reviews:

Silly Little Mischief

2 Kids and Tired Books 

Reading For Sanity

Happy Reading!

My Rating Scale: 1 – didn’t like it; 2 – it was ok; 3 – liked it; 4 – really liked it; 5 – it was amazing