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| Source: goodreads.com |
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication date: February 3, 2015
Category: Fiction
Source: I received this free ARC from Harper Collins Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
At first, I couldn't really say what attracted me to Girl Runner. Unlike others, it wasn't the retro cover. And I'm a little ashamed to say it wasn't necessarily the topic (the fictional main character Aganetha is among the first females to participate in the 1928 Olympics for the Canadian team). I think it was this small portion of the summary, which I've copied here from Amazon, that made me request it:
"Her remarkable story is colored by tragedy as well as joy, and in Girl Runner Carrie Snyder pulls back the layers of time to reveal how Aganetha’s amazing athleticism helped her escape from a family burdened by secrets and sorrow. However, as much as Aganetha tries, she cannot outrun her past or the social conventions of her time."
It's the life lived behind the scenes, so to speak, that draws me in. Famous this, famous that, I don't care so much about. I want to know who a person is, where do they come from, how has life shaped him/her? This is what makes a story because this makes humanity what it is.
And this is what Girl Runner delivers. Told as a flashback from the elderly Aganetha, the reader slowly pieces together the parts of Aggie's life, sorrows that led to victories, which in turn led to some of her lowest times. A complex mix of joy and sorrow that I felt, in the end, I had to decide which ruled her life.
There are other aspects to the story, such as the people who take her on the adventure that sparks her past to play before her eyes. Their intentions are not what they claim upon meeting Aggie and this adds some mystery, especially as the past and present begin to meet. While this is the catalyst for the entire past story to play out, the story being played out is what kept my attention the most...but like I said, it all connects eventually.
I don't usually rate books by "stars," but it seems easiest to give my stance that way this time. I give Girl Runner a solid three star rating. It was a good story.
What plot idea draws you to a story the most?
At first I thought this was a biography, the story sounds so true to life. I am not sure what exactly draws me to a story. I like some quality of suspense, or not knowing, which is why I enjoy mysteries so much I guess.
ReplyDeleteYea, the premise make sit seem like maybe it was written on a true woman because it uses that historical setting of the 1928 Olympics. I think I looked it up to see if it biography or not at first.
DeleteI haven't heard of this one, but it sounds very interesting! I'll have to check it out. :)
ReplyDeleteOne of those strong woman character types, but seemingly more human at the same time.
DeleteThis sounded like an interesting story to me, but I didn't quite decide to pick it up and at only 3 stars, I think I'm happy to continue passing on it. It sounds good, but not amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat would be a good take on it, good but not amazing.
DeleteI like stories behind the scenes, and I do love stories about athletes and sports. I may look for this one when I need a good historical read.
ReplyDeleteTo give fair warning, it has a historical backdrop, but it's not much more than that really.
DeleteWell what do you know. I really thought that this one was nonfiction. Huh! I'm wild about the cover, just loooove it.
ReplyDeleteYea, I did too, but turns out it's barely historical fiction!
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