Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall

Running with Sherman

by Christopher McDougall

From the author of the international bestseller Born To Run

When barefoot running guru Christopher McDougall takes in a neglected donkey, his aim is to get Sherman back to reasonable health. But Sherman is ill-tempered, obstinate and uncooperative - and it's clear his poor treatment has made him deeply fearful of humans. Chris knows that donkeys need a purpose - they are working, pack animals - and so when he learns of the sport of Burro Racing or running with donkeys, he sets out to give Sherman something worth living for.

With the aid of Chris's menagerie on his farm in rural Pennsylvania, his wife Mika and their friends and neighbours including the local Amish population, Sherman begins to build trust in Chris. To give him a purpose, they start to run together. But what Sherman gains in confidence and meaning is something we all need: a connection with nature, the outdoors, with movement. And as Chris learns, the side benefits of exercise and animal contact are surprising, helping with mental and physical health in unexpected ways.

Reviewed by Terri M. LeBlanc on

4 of 5 stars

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Probably the best nonfiction book I've read/listened to all year. It was funny, endearing and heartfelt. It made me miss the donkeys I grew up with — Violet, Buster and Ted.

I received this book from the publisher and Libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.

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Reading updates

  • 16 November, 2019: Started reading
  • 6 December, 2019: Finished reading
  • 6 December, 2019: Reviewed