The touching memoir of 101 year old record holding runner, Ida Keeling tells her story, from the daughter of immigrants to single mom of four. But her greatest challenge comes when dealing with the brutal murders of both her sons. Feeling hopeless and lost, Miss Ida was ready to give up. Until one day when her daughter showed up with a pair of running shoes. And with a little push, Miss Ida started running for her life.
I had mixed feelings about this book. I wanted to cheer on Miss Ida and at times I did. Getting back up after ever knock in life (missing high school graduation because of an $8 project, raising her boys despite their father's absence, working multiple jobs to support her children), Miss Ida demonstrated true grit and determination in the face of a far from ideal life. When you add up all that she's been through, it's a wonder that she kept moving forward, let alone with such a concrete will.
On the other hand, I expected more from the book. Maybe more insight into what kept her moving forward. How did she find the courage to keep getting back up? How did she see her way through loosing both her sons to horrific murders within the span of less than two years? I want to sit at Miss Ida's feet and learn the secret to her grit. In reading her story, she certainly is a woman to admire and yet, I wanted more. More about what kept her going. Instead, I was left wanting.
The book was ok. Miss Idea Keeling has certainly spent the last 100+ years cramming in every up and down that life has to offer. I just wish there would have been more insight into her personally, instead of simply a memoir.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment