Wendelin Van Draanen's writing is breathtaking. She has a God-given talent for the way she uses words. This book was simply BEYOND words that i could validly express. So beautiful and powerful. The entire book had SUCH a consistent pull for its readers, with thought provoking statements and a call for an emotional response. Through the eyes of an amputee, we are enlightened with this strong girl's constant battle for people to see past the false pretenses of a person with a disability. So encouraging! I exceedingly recommend to anyone and everyone who is willing to open their hearts to a heartfelt, perspective-changing book like this one!

The Running Dream is an amazing true story and it reminds me so much of Oscar Pistorious in the 2012 Olympics. This is a book any track lover should read.

Very good. Gives people a look at the life and stuggles of an amputee. Quite motivational.

Even though I'm not a runner per se, this book was so inspiring, while still also being realistic, and not just a fairytale. Definitely recommend it to be read!

Okay, so I run Cross Country for my school, and reading this book was amazing. Although the main character can be whiny at times, overall she's really sweet. I'm so glad I read this book, it's fantastic!

OMG! Best book ever! Well oe of the many! I read this book in a day! 10000000000000 outta 10000000000000 !!!!

This book was absolutely AMAZING!!!!!!!!! 5 thumbs up!

One of my best friends-who in fact is a CC runner-read this book and told me it was amazing. I wasn't sure if it would be that good, but once I read it I was glad I did. An amazing story, 5 prosthetic toes up! :3 (get it?)

Short chapters open for a direct path into Jessica's mind; the reader is right there with her from the beginning feeling her despair mingled with her love of running. So when the depression kicks in, Jessica doesn't seem too mopey since we already sympathize with her. The doubts and self-conscious thoughts make her likeable, flawed and relatable. The plot is surprisingly simple. Aside from Jessica's personal struggles and worries over insurance that had excellent obstacle potential (but were resolved too neatly and quickly), the storyline climbs a steep hill rather than Mount Everest. A few parts did make my heart ache, especially the parts with Sherlock. So sweet. Supporting characters shine, especially the BFF Fiona who's actually legit (rather than a Back-stabbing Fake Friend, also known as a BFF) and Rosa, who has such wisdom to share with Jessica and the reader. Her cerebral palsy isn't portrayed particularly clearly, but this may be a result of trying to show her as a person, instead of showing her cerebral palsy. One aspect I particularly enjoyed is the non-seriousness of the relationship Jessica strikes up with the crush interest Gavin. It isn't some "I found my soulmate for life or death" or even "he makes me feel like never before"; you can picture this relationship growing and dying naturally, like high school couples do. It's refreshingly normal, and at the same time not unsweet. A feel-good story and a quick read, The Running Dream is a fresh contemporary for all genre-lovers.

This book has lots of problems faced by the main character..it is very emotional reading about Jessica's condition. But it is truly magical for Jessica at the end of the book. Must-read to all runners!!!