Anyone out there NOT like Once A Runner?

I have never read it, so I cannot comment.

Agree, thought it was awful.

I agree. Didnt care for it at all.

I think Im the only runner to read it and think it sucked.

Thought the story was weak, the charaters were flat and stock.

I always thought it read like a (bad) made for tv movie or after school special.

Started it but couldn't finish it -- not enough sex, gunplay, and car chases for me. Boooooring!

The book is a better book than the author is a human.

I liked it but agree that the writing was not very good.

The writing was too dramatic for the scenes described. So So

It is one of the only "runner books" so that's why it became more popular among runners. Agree that it is badly written and the characters are bad, etc. Many good runners I know did not like the book. It is a bit like Pre, some of your JV/new runners are the ones who overrate it.

Tried it but could not go on, the writing is awful.

one thing that struck me is the carbo-loading before the race. really? for a mile?

i also started and thought it was lame so didnt finish. i remember other runners telling me about the 60x 400 workout or whtever he does. they speak like its amazing. i just thought it sounded like the most retarded thing ever. to me it symbolizes a lot of the stupidity in american running circles... overtraining that forgets about the end goal, and over romanticization/myth shrouding of elite runners and the ability to race at the top.

Jesus people,

It's a work of fiction, take it for what it is. It's a novel that revolves around running. I'm glad it was written and I thought it read just fine.

Of course I'm cool like that, but that is a whole other thread.

I also tried reading it several times, but got bored and never finished it. Maybe I'll try again.

I'd guess most people who don't like it are those who aren't into competition or even just running hard.

My impression of Parker, having met him, is of a self-absorbed prick. Having enjoyed "OAR," I was disappointed.

Heard mixed reviews about "Again to Carthage." Would like to think John had grown up by the time he wrote it, but didn't feel confident enough to give him any more of my money.

the first page makes fun of joggers... "doing their 90 seconds quarters !"

WTF

Non-fiction running books are better thean OAR or Again to Carthage.

The semi-fictional chapter about the 64 Olympic Trials in "Cold Clear Day" (The Buddy Edelen Bio) is one of the best pieces of running writing.

ouch ... too. There was a singer, Peggy Lee, who popularized a song entitled "Is that All There Is?" in late 60s early 70s. That's where I landed shortly after I started it. And once I landed I didn't unland ...

Pain is a much better read.