A compelling insight into the mind of someone who loves to run for running's sake, and who is keen to immerse himself fully into the world around him * Irish Independent *
In this difficult new world where a walk or a run around the block might be the only respite your mental health gets in a day of isolation, Connell's paean to the activity couldn't be better timed * Sunday Independent *
This book explores wonderfully the joys and pleasures of running and conveys why it is so important to so many people. Through running journeys that are interspersed with interesting anecdotes and memories, the history and beauty of Ireland are brought to life. We are all unique and run for many different reasons but every runner will find something poignant that resonates within this book. -- Paula Radcliffe
Some books are for runners, some are for history lovers. This charming volume is for both. It has made me vow to keep my eyes more widely open the next time I put my running shoes on - whether the ground beneath my feet is new or familiar. -- Adam Hochschild, author of King Leopold's Ghost
Read The Running Book and you see life in every route you run: past, present and future. Life is for running. -- Sonia O'Sullivan
British colonialism is a topic that demands coverage and I am glad that Mr Connell is approaching it from this new lens. -- Shashi Tharoor, author of Inglorious Empire
In this slim volume, Connell offers a lovely testimonial to all the seeing to be done by eyes and hearts that hold themselves open. And he shows us that, wherever we run, the world remains with us, to be grasped in all its grief and majesty. -- Zia Haider Rahman, author of In The Light of What We Know
Sensational! John Connell has done it again -- Dean Karnazes