Running with Sherman

The Donkey Who Survived Against All Odds and Raced Like a Champion

By: Christopher McDougall

Narrated by: Christopher McDougall

When barefoot running guru Christopher McDougall takes in a neglected donkey, his aim is to get Sherman back to reasonable health. But Sherman is ill-tempered, obstinate and uncooperative - and it's clear his poor treatment has made him deeply fearful of humans.

Chris knows that donkeys need a purpose - they are working pack animals - and so when he learns of the sport of Burro Racing or running with donkeys, he sets out to give Sherman something worth living for.

With the aid of Chris' menagerie on his farm in rural Pennsylvania, his wife, Mika, and their friends and neighbours including the local Amish population, Sherman begins to build trust in Chris. To give him a purpose, they start to run together. But what Sherman gains in confidence and meaning is something we all need: a connection with nature, the outdoors, with movement. And as Chris learns, the side benefits of exercise and animal contact are surprising, helping with mental and physical health in unexpected ways.

©2019 Christopher McDougall (P)2019 Hachette Audio UK

A heartfelt story with more depth than you think

This was a super easy read. Christopher's writing is easy to follow and is not aimed at an exclusive group. In addition, this is definitely not only for runners as running is a theme but does not become the main thrust of the story.

Human/animal interactions, mental health and wellness, relationships and a dive into Mormon life are all bundled into the story. Super fun.

The one challenge is Christopher's reading style - being a regular Audible member I am spoilt with some of the narrators who do this as a profession - Christopher is not a voice actor and therefore it does sometimes grate...but not a big thing.

I would recommend this book easily.

My favourite book

Loved every single thing about this book and the narration. Heartwarming, humane, and funny.