Jill Grunenwald

Grunenwald has written an inspiring memoir about running and her journey to become a runner. It was an easy read, with her friendly, chatty style peppered with geeky references and the occasional swear word (so, basically, she talks like me!).

It was really great to see a book about running from somebody who is slow (like me), and has trouble with motivation to exercise (ditto). I'm really happy to see this.

And this book also motivated me to sign up for a 5K. So thumbs up for that!

Review copy show more courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss. show less

I picked up this book because of it's title. Jill Grunenwald could be any number of people. She is a woman who has struggled with her weight all her life. She talks about her sedentary lifestyle from the time she was a child and the kickstart she received from her younger sister to get her to start some kind of exercising program. This is a body positive book, but in a very real story and way that many people will be able to relate to. I did not expect to read this book as fast as I did or show more enjoy it as much as I did. Jill's writing style is very conversational. It felt like we were friends talking about our successes and failures. She does use some profanity in the book so be prepared for that. Jill tells about her struggles to start a running program and her challenges along the way. She is not apologetic about being a slow runner, and gets angry at one point when the finish line of a race is basically torn down, they are running out of medals, spectators are walking all over the course and there are still people to finish, including herself. The point she makes about it being okay to come in last, at least you ran and finished the race is so empowering. Yes, she loses her mojo at times, yes she actually gains back some of her weight and yes, maybe her goals are not as lofty at others, but she kept at it, she did not give up and she makes the reader and others feel that it is okay to be slow, to come in last and to have a normal, not perfect body. I learned a lot about running and found myself feeling a bit enthusiastic for a topic I never found interesting. While this book isn't exactly focused on body size, there is a body positive message to this book: no matter what size you are, you can accomplish your goals. I enjoyed this book very much and think maybe even I might be able to start a running program. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. show less

Running with a Police Escort chronicles Cleveland librarian Jill Grunenwald's journey from being the girl who used to hate physical education classes to becoming a dedicated runner. She regularly finishes races right at the back of the pack - hence running with a police escort as organizers are closing the course behind her - but as she points out it's not about being fast or slow but about taking small steps to achieve your goals. I really enjoyed the author's candor and wit. Parts of the show more book were quite inspirational, and it was nice that she didn't focus on weight issues but it really was a book about running. However, it just turned into a series of race reports and as such became repetitive. I've learned an awful lot about Cleveland and its geography. The structure of the book wasn't always clear, which I think may be due to the fact that it is based on the author's podcast and blog content. Compiled into a complete book, it could have done with some more editing to avoid repetitions and establish a more accurate chronology. On the whole, an easy and enjoyable book, though, mainly due to the author's great personality. This should appeal to people who are looking to take up running for the first time or anybody who enjoys fitness blogs. show less

Gruenwald describes her job as a librarian in a minimum-security correctional facility for men in Ohio. She writes about the small library which she nurtures and slowly improves; the few inmates who work alongside her, and the readers. She finds friends among the staff. And how she came to understand the inmates' personalities and preferences, always trying to help them find what they were looking for. She cared about both the inmates and the books just as a librarian should.

While running show more this little library she always had to be concious about staying safe, and not allowing herself to be tricked or taken advantage of by the inmates, and after some time she did.

Gruenwald also addresses her private life particularly the painful break up with her boyfriend who had cheated on her. It caused to feel depressed for quite some time but she doesn't ask for help.

Less than 2 years later she decides its time to move on. She's had enough of her long commute, the strict rules; the bureacracy, and the frustration of getting new books but feels it was a positive learning experience for her.

Readable but not remarkable. show less