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Once a Runner [Paperback]

John L. Parker
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)

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Hardcover CDN $17.56  
Paperback CDN $14.43  
Paperback, November 1978 --  
MP3 CD, Audiobook, MP3 Audio, Unabridged CDN $35.25  

Book Description

November 1978 0915297019 978-0915297016
This is the inspirational cult classic that Runner's World (and many others) have called "the best novel ever written about running".

The Reno Gazette-Journal has also called it "a book so good, people will steal it."

How often do you hear about someone borrowing a friend's book, then later buying their own copy because they liked it so much? Or a book so treasured that it gets passed from friend to friend until it simply falls apart from so many readings? Once a Runner is such a book. It has become a cult classic and our all-time best seller. It's been acclaimed over the years by Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Alberto Salazar and many other top runners.

Many regard the story of Quenton Cassidy's battle to the top as the most accurate portrayal yet written of the tiny universe of world class runners. And it's a great source of training inspiration and wisdom as well. Many readers say they learned more about running from this novel than from all the training books they have read.

It has won Running magazine's award as the best book of the year, and has been highly acclaimed by Runner's World, Running Times, Racing South, and Track & Field News, as well as by writers like Don Kardong, Kenny Moore Tom Jordan and Hal Higdon.


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Review

"By far the most accurate fictional portrayal of the world of the serious runner. . . a marvelous description of the way it really is." -- Kenny Moore, of Sports Illustrated

"I hate to use a clich, but I couldn't put it down." -- Joe Henderson, Runner's World

"I'm jealous. This is very close to the kind of book I've wanted to write for years. . . [Parker] has shown an ability to find that vein that runners have within them, and write about it better than anyone ever has." -- Don Kardong, of Runner's World

"I've read `Once a Runner' six times and still enjoy it immensely. It continues to renew my heart to `go after the fire, not the smoke." -- J.A. Sandoz, Olympia, WA

"My 17-year-old son was transfixed with `Once a Runner'. . ." -- Jon Boon, Columbia, MD

"Perhaps the best novel ever written about running. There are parts of Once a Runner that are pure poetry. I have never read descriptions of what it is to run and race as accurate and compelling as Parker's." -- Tom Jordan, Track & Field News

"The best piece of running fiction around. Beg, borrow, or buy a copy, and you'll never need another motivator." -- Dave Langlais, Runner's World

"There is a remarkable parallel between the pacing of this novel and a well-run race." -- Ed Ayres, Running Times

From the Publisher

Truly a cult classic. Now in its 8th Printing!


Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars good book Jan 29 2004
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This was a good book and I did a book report on it. I liked it, but I the true stories in Running Forward, Looking Back better. I'm going to get more running books.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A simple must July 2 2004
By d z
Format:Paperback
This book changed me from a recreational runner who also raced, into a motivated, mileage crazy hermit. If you are ever ran or plan to start running competitivly this book is your gaurenteed motivator. Personally I believe the best chapter is chapter 17. Breaking Down. This chapter clearly removes the competitive runner from all other types and holds the best explanation for why we run.I have read this book as many times as I have had the opportunity to. It serves as a great race day motivator. There is also a sequel coming out soon named, Return to Carthage.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
A great book for former (and probably current) competitive runners. Good for all ages but especially if you ran in the 70's and can pick up on some of the historical details. Really takes you back into the mind and fun of a distance runner. Probably not as interesting to a non runner who can't relate to the experiences as described in the book.
Great vacation reading.
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Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars THE running novel
`Once a Runner` is a must read for every semi-competitive runner or anyone even remotely interested in running. Read more
Published 19 months ago by DanWay
2.0 out of 5 stars Junior High School Level Writing
Back in junior high school, I used to read biographies of sports heroes, like Stan Musial. These books were written with 13 year olds in mind. Read more
Published on Jun 6 2009 by Oliver
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the serious runner
John L. Parker does a fantastic job of capturing the mindset of a serious runner. Anyone who has blacked out in the home stretch, or performed the self mutilation of a twenty mile... Read more
Published on Jun 1 2004 by "tw_runner"
5.0 out of 5 stars amazing
I find it hard to believe that anyone who has ever run track would not enjoy this book. If you know what it's like coming to the last straightaway at the end of a 1600 or a 800,... Read more
Published on May 25 2004
1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
I did not like this book.

The narrative, loosely structured, concerns itself with the ambitions of a college runner, Quenton Cassidy. Read more
Published on May 20 2004
1.0 out of 5 stars It's not a good book
This book is a disappointing read, and it makes me wonder if the publisher and writer think so little of running readers that they would allow something to be published that is so... Read more
Published on May 19 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars From a non-runner
I am not a runner. I read this book soley to do an essay for my english class, But it is the most phenomenal peice of work I have ever read. Read more
Published on Nov 27 2003 by James Cunningham
5.0 out of 5 stars A Runner's Dream...
I believe that "Once a Runner" is the authors dreamscape. It is a past he wishes on some level he had lived. Read more
Published on Aug 9 2003 by Corey Davidson
5.0 out of 5 stars Better than a 3:50 mile...
If your family and friends don't understand your running ways, get them this book. They may disown you, but they'll have an idea what it's like. Read more
Published on July 19 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars A Truly Inspiring Novel
I was lent this book by a friend and fellow runner, and he's obviously read it many times. I am planning on buying my own copy, because this book is so inspiring. Read more
Published on Jun 30 2003 by Jesse Baver
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