'Life at These Speeds' by Jeremy Jackson is a stunning narrative novel of a young mid-western boy's meteoric running career. The novel begins by introducing us to Kevin Schuler -- a vivacious middle-schooler and talented runner. At Kevin's small school, most students belong to the track team. After a meet, Kevin opts to ride home with his parents while the rest of the team rides the van. Kevin's teammates fall upon misfortune when the van crashes taking all of their lives.
The heart of the book, then, explores Kevin's unique character that is born from this event. His primary mode of grieving is running. Kevin becomes a national class runner as well as an outstanding student. But his relationship with running, and life, is complex. The layers of Kevin?s character become elucidated as the book progresses ? but never completely. There are no single answers or final resolutions. Rather, the reader is exposed to the ambiguities faced by a young man dealing with the ultimate questions of life and mortality.
Jackson's descriptions in the race scenes are nothing short of magnificent. The images and detail will make reader's pulse will quicken and legs will stiffen. Not since 'Once a Runner' has there been such a superb treatment of the sport.
Before reading this, however, make sure to set aside six hours -- because you will not be able to put the book down...