The Running Dream

I enjoyed this book and had learned so much from reading it.

It was look to look into the world of prosthetics and see Jessica's journey as she grapples with her feelings about this huge change and adjustment in her life. I loved how close knit her running team was and the effort they put into support her, her family also.

The romance was okay and lackluster but it was put waaayy on the back burner and wasn't the main focus of the story. But it was still cute, I guess.

Other than that, I loved Jessica's relationship with her friends, Fiona and especially Rosa, a math genius with cerebral palsy. It was to see her deal with her issue of not being seen because of her condition. The disability rep in this book is really great, especially like the receptionist at the prosthetics fitting center who also had a positive attitude and a prosthetic leg and cancer survivor, also. She was a warrior!! You can tell that research really went into making the characters fleshed out and more than just their disability and “woe is me” stories.

Another thing that I like about this book was that parents had insurance coverage issues. It exposed the atrocious healthcare and insurance system and the reality that so many people face in this country. It reaffirms why we need universal healthcare so badly here in the United States.

Anyway, this book is highly worth the read for the representation, friendships, and realistic problems. I would love to see this turned into a movie. Had a blast.

a beautiful, heartfelt, and down to earth feel good story
I was definitely a little concerned going into this book. I had friends in elementary school reading this, so I didn't know if I was going to make it all the way through.
I finished it in two days.
This book is about being seen, being a true friend, and how you can overcome hardship if you look at it the right way. Having struggled with injury and disability my entire life, this book tugged at my heartstrings as it addressed the internal struggles of people who are different than everyone else.
A victory for these characters feels like a victory for the reader. There is a lesson to be learned for people of all ages.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages

Jessica's only dream is to run. With the wind in her hair as she tears down the track, the rest of the world falls away. But when a car accident causes her leg to be amputated, she fears she will never run again. Her life becomes a daily battle as she must learn how to walk again and come to terms with having a prosthetic leg. But she will find help from a place she least expects it. A girl named Rosa who has Cerebral Palsy, a girl she never noticed before, suddenly becomes a new support system for her. With the help of her friends and family, Jessica will do all she can to try to run again.

The Running Dream takes you into the mind of someone who's entire world has changed. Jessica goes from being a star runner on her track team, to struggling just to learn how to walk again. Until I read this book, I didn't realize that the physical effort to recover from an amputation is as difficult as the mental effort. Jessica feels so defeated. The number of labels she puts on herself as people begin to treat her different is heartbreaking. She feels as though she is a stranger, and someone to look down on. And while this is a work of fiction, I can see this happening in real life as well.

But this isn't just a book about the sense of defeat a person feels. It is also a book about how the little wins make all the difference. Something as simple as relearning how to climb the stairs or being able to shower. This is also a book that teaches us to never overlook a person just because of their disabilities.

Wendelin Van Draanen has created a wonderful cast of characters. Never once did I doubt the raw emotions Jessica was feeling, or the growing support system that surrounded her. Combined with a powerful story that will leave you engrossed right until the end; I recommend this to fans of Young Adult. I would also label this as an appropriate read as there is only light romance.

Realistic characters and a good portrayal of of visible disabilities.

Great book, great massage, great author! Loved it!