It is that time of year when you may be having a hard time deciding on a Christmas gift for your runner friends or family members. Hey this year a fruitcake, gift card or those gift baskets from Costco may not say how much you really care. You may be looking for something special, something that says, “I understand your lifestyle and love of literature” . This might be the year a great running book is just the ticket.

Over the last 2 years I have reviewed 20-30 books, many of which I really enjoyed as literature, biographies or investigative journalism. I was hoping this could develop into a shared library of running books, a veritable running book of the month club. Although this idea is still in development I have received some positive feedback about the reviews as well as some sharing from others regarding a few of the choices included here.

So if literature is the gift of choice this season I have compiled a list of the Top 10 books; in no particular order. These are not only good reads but also look good on the coffee table or the bookshelf:

1A.  ONCE A RUNNER, John L Parker

1B. AGAIN TO CARTHAGE , John L Parker (there is a third sequel book, “RACING THE RAIN” which I haven’t read yet)

2. BORN TO RUN Christopher McDougall(I know; Who doesn’t have this book?)

3. MY LOSING SEASON, Pat Conroy

4. RUNNING WITH THE BUFFALOES, Chris Lear

5. PRE, Steve Prefontaine, Tom Jordan

6A. OUT OF NOWHERE, How Nike Marketed the Culture of Running, Geoff Hollister

6B. SWOOSH, The Unauthorized Story of Nike, J.B. Strasser and Laurie Becklund.

6C. BOWERMAN AND THE MEN OF OREGON, Kenny Moore.

7. DUEL IN THE SUN, John Brant

8. RUNNING WITH THE LEGENDS, Michael Sandrock

9. THE SILENCE OF GREAT DISTANCE, Women Running Long, Frank Murphy

10. HUNT FOR WOLF-EYES, Ty Strange

I know, I said 10 books, but a few books are direct sequels although each stands on its own, a few are directly related, again standing on their own. And although #10 is not exactly a running story, it is written by our very own local Empire Runner, Ty Strange and the Redwood empire plays a role in the story. Looking forward to a running story from him soon.

Hope this helps making Christmas shopping easier.   Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.