After reading this book, I was debating whether to post a review here or not since this is not a "running" book per se, and this series of marathons is not a competitive event but instead one to raise awareness. In the end, I decided to post the review since it is a book that I believe that despite some negativity toward the end, it is a very worthwhile read. Here is my review of "Spirit Run."
Title/Author:
“Spirit Run: A 6,000 Mile Marathon Through North America’s Stolen Land” by Noe Alvarez
Rating:
4 of 5 stars (very good)
Review: Noe Alvarez, the son of working Mexican immigrants, won a full ride college scholarship that he gave up after learning about the Peace and Dignity Journey (PDJ) in one of his classes. This “journey” is a set of running marathons from Canada to Panama. The purpose of the PDJ is to renew cultural connections across North America among indigenous people and lands. Seeing an opportunity to learn more about his family’s heritage, Alvarez sets out on this journey.
The beginning of both the book, where Alvarez shares his family’s hard work and sacrifice while working in fruit field, is stunning in both his descriptions and the strong feelings he has for his family. Then when he starts out on the PDJ, it is just as strong to illustrate what he and other newcomers to the journey must endure. Between animosity from other PDJ participants, unwelcoming hostilities to the runners (especially in his native Mexico) and the physical issues Alvarez suffers during the journey, the beauty of the book decreases as the miles run increases. He decided to end his participation in Guatemala, falling short of staying with the team to Panama. By the end of the book and his run, just like Alvarez, I was glad it was over.
This doesn’t mean that the book was not worth the time to finish – indeed, even when the main dialogue seems to break down into Alvarez simply venting all his complaints and frustrations, there is still beautiful descriptions of the land and many indigenous customs. Some of these are even present during the running, such as the carrying of a staff by a runner. It is items like that that kept me interested despite the poor treatment of Alvarez, at least through his description, by citizens and fell PDJ participants alike. It certainly will educate the reader on many levels. It should also be noted that despite the title, Alvarez does not delve deeply into how many indigenous cultures and landowners suffered – instead he describes the culture and his desire to connect with them.
Overall, this was a very good read and one that I am glad that I took the time to finish the book – I just wish the PDJ could have ended on a more positive note. At least Alvarez was able to return to school and finish his studies.
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