Harry Miller's Run

A beautiful story for all ages. Without pictures, it'd read like a novelette in a literary magazine for adults, but the illustrations (which look slapdash and amateurish but of course are not) make the story come alive for all ages.

I really want a glossary, though. And an audiobook by an old native resident of the town would be lovely.

I do believe context has a lot to say. After all, young Harry and his mates could not have run 13 miles in boots at a pace as if there was "a wolf at their tails." Besides, the boys were running for the sheer joy of it, reveling in the fact that they were young & strong & free.... And maligning wolves is not cool. So, I'm assuming Harry's motto, taught to Liam, is an expression from the old days.

Anyway, show more some children will want this to be their own special book, and some families will want to read and talk about it together, and some will not be ready for how quiet & subtle it is.

But also some adults will let a tear fall for joy. show less

This is an incredibly touching story written with lovely flowing words that ring true to the time, location, and era of the tale. The story is of an older man who recalls his youth and his running. But as important as the recollection of an older man is, the respect showN to him by a younger generation and the respect for the elderly it will instill in young readers is truly wonderful.

The story resonates with wonder as the joy of the older man is recalled and captures the attention and imagination of the young boy, proving that interests and goals span the generations helping young Liam see that going to help Harry proves beneficial for both Harry and Liam.

I strongly encourage adults to find ways in which their young children can engage show more the senior population learning their stories and finding things they can do to help the aging population. This story shows a way the generations can benefit from each other and also is a powerful story.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given. show less

This book would be great to read together. The character of Harry Miller speaks with a thick English accent and for a newer reader this could present a problem. I would hate for the book to be missed, as it is a charmer. Runners will be particularly endeared to it. Young Liam is set to participate in the Junior Great North Run and it turns out his elderly neighbor, Harry Miller ran the entire 13 miles of the Great North Run as a boy on a lark. Several simple storylines weave through. It ends rather poignantly.

Gorgeous story which was engrossing and heartwarming

Liam is entered into the Great North Run with his friend, and wants to go train so he will be ready. But first, his mother says he needs to help their elderly neighbor clear out his house so he can move. This gives the neighbor, Harry Miller, the chance to talk about his own run to the sea when he was Liam's age.