Book Review: The Summit Seeker by Vanessa Runs

If you read my first post of the year, you know that I am have a bit of an issue with the ball of my left foot bruising and swelling after I run, and apparently when after walking for any length of time, now too.  So I am giving it some rest and just doing my strength and yoga sessions this week, and not running, and no loooong walks either.

So, what does a girl do when she can’t run?  Well, she reads about it, of course.

And after reading The Summit Seeker, written beautifully by Vanessa Runs, I am beginning to think this injury was a blessing in disguise, giving me the time and opportunity to read for pleasure.  And believe me, reading this book was pure pleasure.  I loved it. I plan to read it again.

I relate to Vanessa’s story about becoming an Ultra runner in so many different ways… as a woman who loves to run, who loves dogs and cats, who found herself in unsuitable relationships she eventually left, and who now has a simple and honest bond with a man she loves and partners… as a sheltered, socially awkward, unpopular child… as someone who longs to be outdoors in the fresh air and wild, open spaces where God and Self are friends and allies.
 
Her story unfolds in short chapters – anecdotes really.  It is often a bit sad but ultimately joyous and hopeful, and left me wanting more.  It is artfully written, and easy to read.  Vanessa paints vivid pictures with well-chosen words and phrases and is brutally honest about her family, her upbringing, her shortcomings, and much too modest about her accomplishments.

I was given a paperback copy of The Summit Seeker in exchange for this blog review.  And Vanessa has graciously offered to send a copy to one of you as well.   I am so excited to be able to share this wonderful story with you.

To be eligible to win this giveaway, please use the Rafflecopter form below for all of the entries which include the following:

There are 2 mandatory entries:
1.  Leave a comment telling me what you do to amuse yourself when you are sidelined from running by an injury, or weather,  or on rest days.
2.  Leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

There are 4 ways to get bonus entries, too, after the mandatory entries are complete:
1. Follow @eatrunsail on Twitter.
2. Like eat run sail on Facebook.
3. Tweet about the giveaway.
4. Like The Summit Seeker on Facebook.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will email the winner on Wednesday, January 15th, 2014 ...  If you cannot wait to see if you win the giveaway, and want to order right away, check out this link to The Summit Seeker on amazon.com.

UPATE!  I have emailed the winner and want to say thank you to everyone who commented and entered.


I would be so very interested to hear what you think of it, too.