Meredith Clark gives a whole new meaning to going the distance when she finds herself starting over in small town, Iowa. A talented runner attempts to escape a broken heart by chasing big goals. She expected to fill a coaching role in Iowa, what she stumbles upon is so much more. Will she allow herself to stop running long enough to enjoy all that Iowa has to offer, including the infamous Ope?
This is a great story that knows it’s one thing to be seen...and another thing actually to be seen and acknowledged.
I believe that the paradigms set up by emotional damage can be nearly impossible to break unless you find the right people and environment that help you establish newer and healthier paradigms.
If you open yourself enough to truly let go and let life’s current take you, something awakens, and you’ll discover goals and passions you hadn’t realized were within you. You might find something bigger and better than your original goals.
Regarding the Midwest “Nice” phenomenon…it’s a thing. I think it stems from building relationships in order to thrive as a community. It’s a survival mechanism. It sure the hell beats the “every person for themselves” mindset...
...and the word “ope”...it’s also a thing. It’s been a part of my vocabulary since I was a young child growing up in North Dakota. I laughed the first time Jessica introduced it in the story.
If you know someone struggling with unhealthy self-doubt...buy them this book, and include a small note with my favorite lines from this book: "You deserve to feel proud of yourself, you deserve to feel exceptional, you deserve happiness.”
A wonderful story full of love, family, and Midwestern values. The author has a way of making you want to go for a run and set (and achieve!) big goals just like Mere and her team.
I liked the pacing of the story. I was very invested in Nolan and Mere's relationship from the beginning. The feelings of new love and getting to know each other was endearing and made me smile. The author immersed me into the small town and I felt like I was there. At a few points in the story, I was in tears for the main characters, even for myself. I could relate to Mere and her journey to find love, push past her own limits, and believe in her worth. I loved it!