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4:09:43: The Boston Marathon Bombings
In the first book on an iconic event, Hal Higdon, a contributing editor at Runner’s World, tells the tale of the Boston Marathon bombings. The book’s title (4:09:43) refers to the numbers on the finish-line clock when the first bomb exploded. Nobody is better qualified than Hal Higdon to write about this event. His coffee-table book, Boston: A Century of Running, published before the 100th running of the world's most popular running event remains the races's definitive history. But Higdon’s writing credentials go beyond the sport of long-distance running. His three dozen books include one on the Lincoln Assassination (The Union vs. Dr. Mudd) and another on the Leopold and Loeb case featuring attorney Clarence Darrow (The Crime of the Century). Yes, he is more than a one-subject writer.
In 4:09:43, Higdon views Boston 2013 through the eyes of those running the race. You will meet George, a runner from Athens, birthplace of the modern marathon, who at sunrise joins the eerie march of silent runners, all aimed at their appointments in Hopkinton, where the marathon starts. You will meet Michele, who at age 2 helped her mother hand water to runners, who first ran the marathon while a student at Wellesley College, and who decided to run Boston again mainly because her daughter Shannon was now a student at Boston University. You will meet Tracy, caught on Boylston Street between the two explosions, running for her life. You will meet Heather, a Canadian, who limped into the Medical Tent with bloody socks from blisters, soon to realize that worse things exist than losing a toenail.
In what may be a first, Hal Higdon used social media in writing 4:09:43. Sunday, not yet expecting what might happen the next day, Higdon posted a good-luck message on his popular Facebook page. “Perfect weather,” the author predicted. “A ‘no-excuses’ day.” Within minutes, runners in Boston responded. Neil suggested that he was “chilling before the carb-a-thon continues.” Christy boasted from her hotel room: “Bring it!”
Then, the explosions on Monday! Like all runners, Higdon wondered whether marathoners would ever feel safe again. Beginning Tuesday, runners told him. They began blogging on the Internet, posting to his Facebook page, offering links to their stories, so very similar, but also so very different. Over the next several hours, days, and weeks, Higdon collected the tales of nearly 75 runners who were there, whose lives forever would be shadowed by the bombs on Boylston Street.
In 4:09:43, Higdon presents these stories, condensing and integrating them into a single, smooth-flowing narrative that begins with runners boarding the buses at Boston Common, that continues with the wait at the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton, that flows through eight separate towns, a story that does not end until the 23,000 participants encounter the terror on Boylston Street. “These are not 75 separate stories,” says Higdon. “This is one story told as it might have been seen by a single runner with 75 pairs of eyes.”
One warning before you purchase 4:09:43. You will cry. But you will laugh, too, because for most of those who covered the 26 miles 385 yards from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, this was a joyous journey, albeit one that ended in tragedy. This is a book as much about the race and the runners in the race as it is about a terrorist attack. In future years, as people look back on the Boston Marathon bombings, 4:09:43 will be the book that everyone will need to have read.
In 4:09:43, Higdon views Boston 2013 through the eyes of those running the race. You will meet George, a runner from Athens, birthplace of the modern marathon, who at sunrise joins the eerie march of silent runners, all aimed at their appointments in Hopkinton, where the marathon starts. You will meet Michele, who at age 2 helped her mother hand water to runners, who first ran the marathon while a student at Wellesley College, and who decided to run Boston again mainly because her daughter Shannon was now a student at Boston University. You will meet Tracy, caught on Boylston Street between the two explosions, running for her life. You will meet Heather, a Canadian, who limped into the Medical Tent with bloody socks from blisters, soon to realize that worse things exist than losing a toenail.
In what may be a first, Hal Higdon used social media in writing 4:09:43. Sunday, not yet expecting what might happen the next day, Higdon posted a good-luck message on his popular Facebook page. “Perfect weather,” the author predicted. “A ‘no-excuses’ day.” Within minutes, runners in Boston responded. Neil suggested that he was “chilling before the carb-a-thon continues.” Christy boasted from her hotel room: “Bring it!”
Then, the explosions on Monday! Like all runners, Higdon wondered whether marathoners would ever feel safe again. Beginning Tuesday, runners told him. They began blogging on the Internet, posting to his Facebook page, offering links to their stories, so very similar, but also so very different. Over the next several hours, days, and weeks, Higdon collected the tales of nearly 75 runners who were there, whose lives forever would be shadowed by the bombs on Boylston Street.
In 4:09:43, Higdon presents these stories, condensing and integrating them into a single, smooth-flowing narrative that begins with runners boarding the buses at Boston Common, that continues with the wait at the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton, that flows through eight separate towns, a story that does not end until the 23,000 participants encounter the terror on Boylston Street. “These are not 75 separate stories,” says Higdon. “This is one story told as it might have been seen by a single runner with 75 pairs of eyes.”
One warning before you purchase 4:09:43. You will cry. But you will laugh, too, because for most of those who covered the 26 miles 385 yards from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, this was a joyous journey, albeit one that ended in tragedy. This is a book as much about the race and the runners in the race as it is about a terrorist attack. In future years, as people look back on the Boston Marathon bombings, 4:09:43 will be the book that everyone will need to have read.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2013
10 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Hal Higdon
86 books46 followersHal Higdon is an American writer and runner. He has contributed to Runner's World magazine longer than any other writer. He is the author of 34 books, including the best-selling Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide. He has worked as a freelance writer since 1959, and has written a variety of subjects including a children's book that was made into an animated feature. He ran eight times in the United States Olympic Trials and won four World Masters Championships. He is one of the founders of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 8, 2013
I am surprised at some of the lower ratings on this book- I thought it was great. There are so many things about the book that I enjoyed, both for what was in there and what wasn't. The first half of the book is a description of the Boston Marathon and why it is one of the formidable running events. Hal Higdon is particularly qualified after running many marathons and writing a commemorative book on the Boston Marathon in the past. I didn't know that the marathon is run on Patriots Day in honor of Paul Revere's ride. He starts the book with the excitement of the runners, and it is clear he has gotten many first-person accounts. Each chapter is then about a particular area of the race. I had no idea about the "Screaming tunnel" where students from Wellesley line the streets with signs and kiss runners and screaming (shreaking!) for the runners. I heard about "Heartbreak Hill," but didn't know the downhill parts are just as challenging. All of the accounts mention the overwhelming crowd support, and you can just imagine how cool it would be to be there with the support of so many strangers running this race that only the best of the best can finish.
Want to know more about the bombers- look elsewhere. And I thought that was beautiful. There will be no honor for the cowards who sullied this remarkable event. I felt for the runners who had worked so hard and were robbed of their glory. I felt even more for the victims who were in the stands, completely innocent. I wish there were more accounts from the spectators, especially those who were injured. Maybe it's too soon for them to fully comprehend what they have lost, but that is the only part of the book that I thought was missing. I really enjoyed it, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
Want to know more about the bombers- look elsewhere. And I thought that was beautiful. There will be no honor for the cowards who sullied this remarkable event. I felt for the runners who had worked so hard and were robbed of their glory. I felt even more for the victims who were in the stands, completely innocent. I wish there were more accounts from the spectators, especially those who were injured. Maybe it's too soon for them to fully comprehend what they have lost, but that is the only part of the book that I thought was missing. I really enjoyed it, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
November 25, 2013
I found this very true to what I experienced that day. I was at mile 25.7 when I was stopped because of the bombs.
I think Higdon could have spent a little less time talking about the faster runners who were already done with the race when the bombs went off and more about the runners who were stopped, cold and confused. Nevertheless, considering he wasn't there, he did an excellent job of recreating the happenings of that day from blogs and interviews with those who were.
I think Higdon could have spent a little less time talking about the faster runners who were already done with the race when the bombs went off and more about the runners who were stopped, cold and confused. Nevertheless, considering he wasn't there, he did an excellent job of recreating the happenings of that day from blogs and interviews with those who were.
September 19, 2013
I will never forget what those bombs sounded like.
In 4:09:43: The Boston Marathon Bombings, I fully appreciated each person's perspective and personal story about their experience at the 2013 Boston Marathon; however, I wished that it would have continued more into the days that followed. As a dedicated marathon spectator for my significant-other, it was just as powerful to experience the community of the Bostonians and the running world in general during the aftermath.
In 4:09:43: The Boston Marathon Bombings, I fully appreciated each person's perspective and personal story about their experience at the 2013 Boston Marathon; however, I wished that it would have continued more into the days that followed. As a dedicated marathon spectator for my significant-other, it was just as powerful to experience the community of the Bostonians and the running world in general during the aftermath.
October 21, 2013
Just finished the book and it was tough to read. Being a runner who wasn't able to complete the race due to the bombs, the book brought back a lot of emotions. The different perspectives brought to light in the book were interesting. I wasn't ready for all the emotions of that day yet, but plan on reading it again once I complete the marathon this year.
January 18, 2022
This was definitely an interesting viewpoint on the events of Boston 2013. A much different "story" than I imagined it would be.
May 1, 2014
My husband, a Boston Marathon runner, handed me this book to read while on a flight to Boston for this year’s marathon. He said it would give me a great feel for what it is like to run the race. After reading, I agree with his assessment but can’t match his excitement because details like leg cramps, stomach pains, bloody toenails and “shredded” quads from running downhill don’t interest me that much and those kinds of details actually make up about 3/4ths of this book. Hal Higdon, a man I’ve never heard of but who assures me several times throughout the book that he is a big deal among runners (gag. But my husband did verify Higdon’s own importance and said most runners would know who he is) was not at the 2013 Boston Marathon but decided after reading blogs and Facebook posts and other statements from runners and volunteers who were there that he would recreate the race through the eyes of 75 different participants. I think it’s a pretty cool idea and reading about the race in short quick blurbs like that made for a much more interesting and complete picture than had he focused on just one person’s account or a generic historical account.
He never claimed to be writing a book about the bombings and so I can’t really fault him for leaving out what I deem are important details, but it bothered me that when he mentioned the 3 spectators who died, he didn’t give their names but, instead, only a perfunctuary description of them. A 9 year-old boy. A Chinese woman studying at Boston University. A young woman who came to cheer on her friend’s boyfriend. Even though this was a book about the race and its runners, I wish he would have include the names: Martin Richard, Lu Lingzi, Krystal Campbell. There. Not so hard and so much more respectful, I think.
If you are interested in the Boston Marathon and what it’s like to run it, whether you are an elite runner who plans on running or just someone who dreams of what it might be like to be cheered along those famous streets, it’s a quick and interesting read.
He never claimed to be writing a book about the bombings and so I can’t really fault him for leaving out what I deem are important details, but it bothered me that when he mentioned the 3 spectators who died, he didn’t give their names but, instead, only a perfunctuary description of them. A 9 year-old boy. A Chinese woman studying at Boston University. A young woman who came to cheer on her friend’s boyfriend. Even though this was a book about the race and its runners, I wish he would have include the names: Martin Richard, Lu Lingzi, Krystal Campbell. There. Not so hard and so much more respectful, I think.
If you are interested in the Boston Marathon and what it’s like to run it, whether you are an elite runner who plans on running or just someone who dreams of what it might be like to be cheered along those famous streets, it’s a quick and interesting read.
September 18, 2013
Very well written and moving book on this tragic event. I read it recently on a flight to Boston and while there, was able to run the final miles of the marathon course and see the details that Higdon had written of. This e-book could be expanded into a longer examination of not only the events during the race, but also the manhunt and capture of the bombers and the lasting impact on Boston and the running community.
February 11, 2014
A fantastic look at the tragedy that was the 2013 Boston Marathon. It avoids sensationalized political talk, instead focusing on the runners, which I very much appreciated.
August 25, 2024
I’ve read many different accounts about the Boston Marathon Bombings over the years. This one was very interesting coming from the eyes of runners that crossed the finish line, ones that watched the explosions as they were about to cross, and ones that never had the chance to make the full 26.2. This book also gives many sneak peeks into the actual race course. Very simple and easy read & absolutely worth it. Especially, if you are a runner!
July 19, 2017
This is a great book to read to understand the Boston Marathon course and the experiences some of the runners had on race day 2013. It describes the challenges of the course, the uniqueness of the sport of marathon running, and the wonderful spectators who support the athletes. This is a quick, informative for read everyone, but especially so for runners.
June 27, 2017
This made me want to run the Boston Marathon and I don't even want to run a marathon (so it's very likely never going to happen and I'm fine with that). It was mostly leading up to the bombing and it didn't feel like very much aftermath but still interesting having just been in Boston a few months ago. I'd recommend to anyone running the Boston Marathon because he does go over portions of the course.
August 25, 2018
A great compilation of perspectives & very interesting look at a devastating day & a beloved race.
January 28, 2021
mad me cry made me see in different eyes. Hal is a man that cam make it all come together and tell you how it is.
April 5, 2014
Not What I Expected …
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free advance copy of the book.
Until last year’s bombing, I casually dismissed the Boston Marathon (or any other marathon for that matter) as simply a “runner’s thing” … for hardcore fans only (much like the Triple Crown events or NASCAR). Hal Higdon’s 4:09:43 provides a runner’s perspective of last year’s marathon from its promising beginning to its shocking end. Far from being an in-depth source on the bombing itself, it does provide an interesting perspective of last year’s race through the eyes of those who participated.
Higdon, a best-selling author on running who practices what he preaches, seems to be the appropriate candidate to write about the 2013 Boston Marathon. His lengthy history of contributing to “Runners World” magazine has generated a following of fans whose experiences enabled this book to be written (some 75 individual accounts). 4:09:43 is simply a conglomeration of different views of the race from start to finish through the eyes of those who were there: marathoners of all calibers, marathon workers and fans. The book is in chronological order and at 168 pages, somewhat brief. While the selling point (and the book’s title) are tied to the bombing, the incident isn’t even approached until the last few chapters. The majority of the book comprises a chronology of the race, highlighting its various stages and giving readers (and non-runners, like me) a better understanding of the marathoner’s and the toll the rigorous race takes on both mind and body. What is made clear is that Boston’s marathon is a sacred and emotional event for both runners and the city of Boston.
The coverage of the bombing, while consuming a large portion of the book, may not be the detailed account that some are expecting. Higdon stays on track with the runner’s perspective throughout, which includes coverage of the bombing. Most of the runner’s accounts are varied as they all come from various points in the race (from those who finished to those who were hours behind the finishers), not “ground zero”. Hearing the two explosions and witnessing the ensuing confusion and fear are common denominators to most all of the runners’ stories. Even feelings of frustration are described by those too far back in the race to understand why they were told they couldn’t finish the race.
The bombing at the 2013 running of the Boston Marathon certainly brought attention to one thing: those willing to do harm to this country realize the most effective tactic is to target our culture and traditions for mass impact and to sow the idea in American minds that no place is safe. The author states that the moment the bombs went off in Boston last year were seared into memory like the assassination of JFK, the “Challenger” disaster and 9/11. Sadly and respectfully I disagree as our society nowadays seems so hardened to violent events that the Boston bombing can be viewed as a “minor” event when compared to what happened at Columbine, Fort Hood or Va. Tech. With that being said, I would have enjoyed the book more if the author had chosen previous years’ races or waited to cover the 2014 marathon (exemplifying American resolve). I have mixed feelings on the book. I enjoyed the experience of being on the heels of the runners throughout the race and wished the book had simply focused on that. The coverage of the bombing seemed disruptive and had an “I was there” quality that was out-of-place. The timing of the book’s release (1 year anniversary) and the title to be more about book sales than anything. I felt the author need to choose between writing a book about running or a longer, more in-depth book about the bombing and its impact on the runners.
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free advance copy of the book.
Until last year’s bombing, I casually dismissed the Boston Marathon (or any other marathon for that matter) as simply a “runner’s thing” … for hardcore fans only (much like the Triple Crown events or NASCAR). Hal Higdon’s 4:09:43 provides a runner’s perspective of last year’s marathon from its promising beginning to its shocking end. Far from being an in-depth source on the bombing itself, it does provide an interesting perspective of last year’s race through the eyes of those who participated.
Higdon, a best-selling author on running who practices what he preaches, seems to be the appropriate candidate to write about the 2013 Boston Marathon. His lengthy history of contributing to “Runners World” magazine has generated a following of fans whose experiences enabled this book to be written (some 75 individual accounts). 4:09:43 is simply a conglomeration of different views of the race from start to finish through the eyes of those who were there: marathoners of all calibers, marathon workers and fans. The book is in chronological order and at 168 pages, somewhat brief. While the selling point (and the book’s title) are tied to the bombing, the incident isn’t even approached until the last few chapters. The majority of the book comprises a chronology of the race, highlighting its various stages and giving readers (and non-runners, like me) a better understanding of the marathoner’s and the toll the rigorous race takes on both mind and body. What is made clear is that Boston’s marathon is a sacred and emotional event for both runners and the city of Boston.
The coverage of the bombing, while consuming a large portion of the book, may not be the detailed account that some are expecting. Higdon stays on track with the runner’s perspective throughout, which includes coverage of the bombing. Most of the runner’s accounts are varied as they all come from various points in the race (from those who finished to those who were hours behind the finishers), not “ground zero”. Hearing the two explosions and witnessing the ensuing confusion and fear are common denominators to most all of the runners’ stories. Even feelings of frustration are described by those too far back in the race to understand why they were told they couldn’t finish the race.
The bombing at the 2013 running of the Boston Marathon certainly brought attention to one thing: those willing to do harm to this country realize the most effective tactic is to target our culture and traditions for mass impact and to sow the idea in American minds that no place is safe. The author states that the moment the bombs went off in Boston last year were seared into memory like the assassination of JFK, the “Challenger” disaster and 9/11. Sadly and respectfully I disagree as our society nowadays seems so hardened to violent events that the Boston bombing can be viewed as a “minor” event when compared to what happened at Columbine, Fort Hood or Va. Tech. With that being said, I would have enjoyed the book more if the author had chosen previous years’ races or waited to cover the 2014 marathon (exemplifying American resolve). I have mixed feelings on the book. I enjoyed the experience of being on the heels of the runners throughout the race and wished the book had simply focused on that. The coverage of the bombing seemed disruptive and had an “I was there” quality that was out-of-place. The timing of the book’s release (1 year anniversary) and the title to be more about book sales than anything. I felt the author need to choose between writing a book about running or a longer, more in-depth book about the bombing and its impact on the runners.
April 30, 2015
I confess to a little trepidation at reading this book. I wasn’t sure I was ready to really delve into the horror of that day, which I know is a little cowardly of me. Surprisingly, that isn’t what this book is about. This book is largely about the stories of all of the other runners and volunteers and race workers present that day, which I love for so many reasons. We haven’t heard many of these stories and yet these people were just as affected emotionally and psychologically as so many of the others we’ve seen in the news and in photos.
Higdon does a wonderful job of weaving together the stories of so many people from various social media sources to take us from the beginning on the race through the attack and beyond. While I found myself constantly bracing mentally for the moment of the attack in the story, that doesn’t come until 60% of the way through the book (thanks to the Kindle for that statistic). I loved reading about the race from so many different perspectives and getting caught up in the magic of race day both because I personally enjoyed reading it and experiencing it vicariously (because honestly, odds are low I’ll ever run Boston) but also, because it so important that we hold on to the wonder and magic of this race and not let the terror attacks take that away. Thanks so much to Hal Higdon for presenting this and helping to preserve some of that wonder.
Of course, eventually the attack must be addressed and I was struck by the real sense of confusion and chaos for those just outside the immediate blast area. I was also struck by the stories of the Boston locals and spectators reaching out to shelter and aid those fleeing the attack area. The best parts of humanity can be seen in times of great stress as well as the worst and I was inspired to be reminded of that. This is a very quick read and a great insight into not just the Boston Marathon in 2013, but this historic race in general.
Higdon does a wonderful job of weaving together the stories of so many people from various social media sources to take us from the beginning on the race through the attack and beyond. While I found myself constantly bracing mentally for the moment of the attack in the story, that doesn’t come until 60% of the way through the book (thanks to the Kindle for that statistic). I loved reading about the race from so many different perspectives and getting caught up in the magic of race day both because I personally enjoyed reading it and experiencing it vicariously (because honestly, odds are low I’ll ever run Boston) but also, because it so important that we hold on to the wonder and magic of this race and not let the terror attacks take that away. Thanks so much to Hal Higdon for presenting this and helping to preserve some of that wonder.
Of course, eventually the attack must be addressed and I was struck by the real sense of confusion and chaos for those just outside the immediate blast area. I was also struck by the stories of the Boston locals and spectators reaching out to shelter and aid those fleeing the attack area. The best parts of humanity can be seen in times of great stress as well as the worst and I was inspired to be reminded of that. This is a very quick read and a great insight into not just the Boston Marathon in 2013, but this historic race in general.
June 9, 2014
***I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads****
I'm not really sure what I was expecting from this book, but was afraid it would turn into a morbid recounting of police procedure and the lives of those who instigated this tragedy.
Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by a very well thought out book that focused on the runners who pursue the dream of marathons.....and the upheaval that they were unwittingly thrust into that day in Boston.
As a non-runner, it was also fascinating to see the "behind the scenes" snippets that the average person has no real glimpse of during a marathon. It gave even more depth to the passion of the runners and those who work so hard to create these marathons on a yearly basis.
I also really enjoyed the multiple voices that make up the narrative, allowing the reader to experience the day from different eyes and different locations along the route.
My only real negative is purely a personal take on this work. I would have liked to have seen more through the eyes of the runners who were more directly affected, rather than the runners who had already finished and/or those who were much further back. I do NOT mean that in a ghoulish manner, but more to gather a full understanding. I do realize that it might not have been possible for the author to connect with those runners, and it doesn't ruin the book overall not to have it.
I'm not really sure what I was expecting from this book, but was afraid it would turn into a morbid recounting of police procedure and the lives of those who instigated this tragedy.
Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by a very well thought out book that focused on the runners who pursue the dream of marathons.....and the upheaval that they were unwittingly thrust into that day in Boston.
As a non-runner, it was also fascinating to see the "behind the scenes" snippets that the average person has no real glimpse of during a marathon. It gave even more depth to the passion of the runners and those who work so hard to create these marathons on a yearly basis.
I also really enjoyed the multiple voices that make up the narrative, allowing the reader to experience the day from different eyes and different locations along the route.
My only real negative is purely a personal take on this work. I would have liked to have seen more through the eyes of the runners who were more directly affected, rather than the runners who had already finished and/or those who were much further back. I do NOT mean that in a ghoulish manner, but more to gather a full understanding. I do realize that it might not have been possible for the author to connect with those runners, and it doesn't ruin the book overall not to have it.
May 15, 2014
I love everything about running & running stories. I was excited to get this book to see through the eyes of runners the story of Boston & the bombing that happened in 2013.
This is a quick book that starts at the beginning of the race & leads us to the time on the clock of 4:09:43
I loved hearing the stories, but it got a little over whelming with all the names & stats of each person's story. It was like little snippets off of hundreds of people's blogs or something. "So & So from such such said" - "So & So from such & such ran" - "So & so from such & such felt" ... it's that kind of thing continually repeating. I get this is the point of the story to see the day through runners eyes, but it was just distracting to me.
I'm sure these runners loved seeing their names in this book, having a part of their story of Boston put into a book with others. It just wasn't made for a good book. This to me just reminded me of a collaboration of a bunch of blog posts.
I wish they would have focused on maybe 1, 2 or 3 people that really experienced the day & tell their story more in depth.
Its still definitely an interesting read - something I'm glad I read just to feel what happened that awful day.
This is a quick book that starts at the beginning of the race & leads us to the time on the clock of 4:09:43
I loved hearing the stories, but it got a little over whelming with all the names & stats of each person's story. It was like little snippets off of hundreds of people's blogs or something. "So & So from such such said" - "So & So from such & such ran" - "So & so from such & such felt" ... it's that kind of thing continually repeating. I get this is the point of the story to see the day through runners eyes, but it was just distracting to me.
I'm sure these runners loved seeing their names in this book, having a part of their story of Boston put into a book with others. It just wasn't made for a good book. This to me just reminded me of a collaboration of a bunch of blog posts.
I wish they would have focused on maybe 1, 2 or 3 people that really experienced the day & tell their story more in depth.
Its still definitely an interesting read - something I'm glad I read just to feel what happened that awful day.
October 2, 2014
** I won this through a Goodreads giveaway.
Overall decent, well put together book. It cohesively put together first hand narratives of runners and spectators alike. I enjoyed learning about the things that go through a runner's mind before, during, and after running a marathon. Some parts, as others have noted, can seem very technical, but I don't believe it was done in a tedious way. The part about the actual bombs avoided almost all gruesome detail, of which I was glad. I was not looking for a book to discuss the exact injuries of victims and what not. Very easy to read. Could be read in one sitting (I'm just slow and don't have the time). If you're looking for a book to challenge your knowledge of vocabulary and sentence structure, this isn't it. That's ok though, since I don't believe that is something the book needs to accomplish. As a resident of Brookline, MA I now feel that I understand the Boston marathon that much more and feel more connected to the yearly event that takes place in my home.
Overall decent, well put together book. It cohesively put together first hand narratives of runners and spectators alike. I enjoyed learning about the things that go through a runner's mind before, during, and after running a marathon. Some parts, as others have noted, can seem very technical, but I don't believe it was done in a tedious way. The part about the actual bombs avoided almost all gruesome detail, of which I was glad. I was not looking for a book to discuss the exact injuries of victims and what not. Very easy to read. Could be read in one sitting (I'm just slow and don't have the time). If you're looking for a book to challenge your knowledge of vocabulary and sentence structure, this isn't it. That's ok though, since I don't believe that is something the book needs to accomplish. As a resident of Brookline, MA I now feel that I understand the Boston marathon that much more and feel more connected to the yearly event that takes place in my home.
April 20, 2015
This book loses major points for severe editing failure. There were a number of logic errors that made me not trust a lot of the book. Hello, the Sandy Hook shootings occurred several MONTHS before the 2013 Boston Marathon, not several weeks before. And all the marathon participants had not FINISHED by 10:20am, they all STARTED by then. Just embarrassing errors that really should've been caught, and really takes away from the book. He proudly proclaims that this book was "entirely researched on social media!" as if that's a good thing, and I can say from all these factual errors, it's not.
But, the stories of these 75 runners was naturally very interesting, so it's hard not to get caught up in that. There were many different runners, of different genders, skill levels, ages, etc., and they all had their "where I was when the bombs went off" stories, from being at the finish line right at that moment, to having already finished, to having been stopped miles away from finishing. Interesting to read about.
But, the stories of these 75 runners was naturally very interesting, so it's hard not to get caught up in that. There were many different runners, of different genders, skill levels, ages, etc., and they all had their "where I was when the bombs went off" stories, from being at the finish line right at that moment, to having already finished, to having been stopped miles away from finishing. Interesting to read about.
July 4, 2014
4:09:43 is the retelling of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings as seen from the blogs, facebook, twitter and other accounts of the day. This is not a grim look at the tragedy but rather one of hope and determination made up of those who choose to run 26.2 miles and what it means to them. This account is focused on the personal stories of those who were involved and what happened to them in the immediate aftermath. For those looking for a detailed account of what happened that day this will not be the book for you. For those interested in how this day will shape the future of running the marathon and what it meant to those who ran it you will not be disappointed. This is truly an uplifting book about a horrible tragedy that shows the strength and determination of the participants (marathoners, volunteers and the crowds cheering them on). Overall a great book for those interested in the spirit of the Boston Marathon.
January 5, 2015
This is a fairly short book, only 134 pages long. It focused on the actual race and not the bombing; there were only two or three chapters out of fifteen that talked about the bomb and the confusion concerning the topic.
Reading this book made me want to enter the marathon. Although I'm definitely not a runner and even have trouble running a mile in under 16 minutes. But, I too wanted to run through "The Scream Tunnel" and take on the hills in Newton.
Hal Higdon wrote in a style that I have never read before; he explained it in his words but they weren't his words. I don't even know if that makes sense to anyone other than me. This book went beyond my expectations, I assumed that this was going to be a drag and that it would be painful for me to read it, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Reading this book made me want to enter the marathon. Although I'm definitely not a runner and even have trouble running a mile in under 16 minutes. But, I too wanted to run through "The Scream Tunnel" and take on the hills in Newton.
Hal Higdon wrote in a style that I have never read before; he explained it in his words but they weren't his words. I don't even know if that makes sense to anyone other than me. This book went beyond my expectations, I assumed that this was going to be a drag and that it would be painful for me to read it, but I was pleasantly surprised.
March 3, 2014
This book tells the story of various runners on the day the bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon (2013). The runners are from around the world and run various times. There's a lot of work that goes into these races as well as a lot of tough, driven runners. This book gave an insight into what the organizers and runners go through and their mindset on race day, what is going on during the race and in this case what happened once the bombs went off.
I was amazed at the number of spectators that are along the route (for hours) cheering on the runners and offering them something to drink/eat. What a motivating factor they are to the runners.
I am not a runner, have never been to a marathon and had no idea what went on. I really liked this book.
I was amazed at the number of spectators that are along the route (for hours) cheering on the runners and offering them something to drink/eat. What a motivating factor they are to the runners.
I am not a runner, have never been to a marathon and had no idea what went on. I really liked this book.
April 17, 2015
Started and finished this book this evening. An inside look at the many runners and spectators of the 2013 Boston Marathon and their account of what happened. It starts the morning of the marathon and ends the next day. A reminder at how strong we can be during an event such as this that brings people together. My favorite quote from the book... "If competitors require us to run faster, crowds inspire it. Nothing can galvanize greatness as much as throngs of screaming fans. Running persists on passion. It rides on emotion. Cheers can't compensate for underprepared hearts or untrained legs, but they can make those hearts beat a little faster and those legs drive a little harder." (Written by Mike Cassidy, an Olympic Trials qualifier)
January 6, 2017
This book was so hard to put down! I would have finished it in one sitting but I could not stay awake any longer last night! This is the second book I have read by Hal Higdon and I really enjoy his books.
I think he did a great job of putting this together especially considering he was not there. I do think he could have included less about the fast runners who were done with the race and possibly focused a little more on those that were still running it. Also I believe there could have been more from the injured. But either way while reading it I felt like I was there.
My heart goes out to those who were inured and killed in this tragic event. I hope that it did not cause anyone to give up the sport which they love if they were in a condition to continue running.
I think he did a great job of putting this together especially considering he was not there. I do think he could have included less about the fast runners who were done with the race and possibly focused a little more on those that were still running it. Also I believe there could have been more from the injured. But either way while reading it I felt like I was there.
My heart goes out to those who were inured and killed in this tragic event. I hope that it did not cause anyone to give up the sport which they love if they were in a condition to continue running.
March 20, 2017
Higdon's book is an enjoyable read despite the seriousness of the subject matter. The runner's perspective that this book provides gives a real feel for the amazing experience that is participating in the Boston Marathon. This makes the tragedy that unfolded there that much more shocking. Yet Higdon's book provides an optimistic riposte to those who would try to damage the sport of running through the tales of bravery determination and joy that the marathon engenders. It is an enjoyable read and certainly recommended.
*Disclaimer - I received a free review copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
*Disclaimer - I received a free review copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
December 18, 2016
If you are looking for a book that tells of all the events surrounding the Boston Bombings, this is not your book. What this book is, however, is a wonderful telling of the Boston Marathon 2013 through the eyes of 75 different people involved in the Boston Marathon, most of them runners. While the bombings absolutely are talked about, the book takes you from the waking up in the morning on that day to the starting line and then through each suburb prior to reaching Boston. I don't know that this book will ever have wide appeal, but as someone who began running BECAUSE of what happened that day, I found this a fascinating read.
March 21, 2014
This was a beautiful story that has been told through the eyes of some runners and spectators. Hal Higdon did a wonderful job at telling their stories. This book put me through that day of the Boston Marathon. I'm not a runner, but wow the training and dedication these people had to go through is wow.
I recommend this to anyone, runner or not. This book will make you go through all emotions and come out in awe of what you just read. This is a must read.
So read, enjoy, and go through this with full emotion!
I recommend this to anyone, runner or not. This book will make you go through all emotions and come out in awe of what you just read. This is a must read.
So read, enjoy, and go through this with full emotion!
March 16, 2014
I had been waiting for this book to come out in paperback for months and was very excited to see it at the bookstore last week. I thought that the stories were well put together in order to get a full picture of that day. However, it felt a little bit rushed and like the book could have been improved if a little bit more time had been spent on interviews and developing a more complete story from the various participants whose stories made it into the book. Overall, it was interesting and a pretty quick and easy read.
November 20, 2015
Read this as a companion to "Long Mile Home" which was more of an overview of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. This was an interesting concept: the race through the eyes of the runners as told through their facebook and blog posts. The parts quoted or paraphrased from the runners were good, but Hal Higdon's writing was not. It provided an interesting look at the events and truly captures the view from the middle of the pack. The best part was Katherine Switzer's Foreword, though, which kept this from being a two-star review.
April 11, 2015
An emotional read from start to finish: From the overwhelming joy, gratitude and pride of accomplishment that are an integral part of running the marathon, to the sadness of the losses and terror of that day. I am running Boston in nine days and found myself choked up at several points during the story. Viewed through the eyes of Higdon, runners, spectators and others present that day, this is a touching tribute to the events of April 15, 2013, marathons, and runners.
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