The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances

The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances by The Oatmeal (Matthew Inman)

This book is a first for me because it's my first comic book! (Besides Archie Comics) And it's extra special because it is non-fiction. That is to say that the characters and the plot (if it can be said to have plot) are all real, or are simply hypothetical/metaphorical. It is a book describing the author's trials and joys in doing long-distance running that was also made to function as a motivational/how-to book for runners.

There is little summary I can give you, but let's see what I can do. Matthew describes his struggles with "the blerch", his greatest running experience, some do's and don'ts for running, and more.

The illustrations are extremely cartoony and often over exaggerated, but they serve to emphasize the writing and make it easy and enjoyable to follow. Rather than tell you more, let me give you a sample (part one of the book is available on The Oatmeal's website).

I am more of a reader than an athlete, but this book made me want to run, so clearly The Oatmeal's style and message were effective. It makes a simple (and potentially boring) topic into something quick and enjoyable to read. It's like an adult picture book, with its simple design and bold use of colour.

I would definitely recommend this as a summer read if you're looking for something light to pick up. And it's short. I got through it in no more than two hours during my commutes.

This is a true piece of creative non-fiction if I ever did see one.