This is no Born to Run, Christoper McDougall's utter classic and the running book I recommend to both enthusiasts and non-runners alike. But it is a diverting read. The donkey race does seem more like a gimmick here, but I loved learning about the Amish country and wouldn't you know it, before he's been there a few weeks he's discovered a secret Amish running club. And all brilliantly described in his trademark vivid fashion. Ultimately Born to Run is still the book of his that I would recommend, but this was a fun read for McDougall fans.

5.0 out of 5 stars So many great twists, turns and characters - like a burro race itself, apparently
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2020
Having read his NYT series about Sherman, I thought I knew what was coming. In fact, I was slow to read this because of that. Then I heard a recommendation on a "top books for runners" list and dove in. So glad I did. While the book at times seemed to slow, it always came roaring back with a plot twist, a new character - or both. As always, terrific storytelling by McDougall.

I found this book much more informative than I was expecting! A very inspiring story about the incredible bond between humans & animals. You don't have to be a runner to enjoy this light, quick read. My only criticism would be it's a little overly written - I think some edits could make this a much more enjoyable read.

It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
I loved this book and I think it's a must read for animal lovers or runners.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This might be my favorite book Mr. McDougall has written yet! You can really feel the personality of Sherman and his friends Flower and Matilda and I finished it really wanting to go watch a burro race. However, I will caution readers that the book starts off rather heavy. Mr. McDougall describes the horrible condition he finds Shermie in, at the home of a hoarder. I was revolted, as I am whenever I hear of animal cruelty or neglect. But I will say that this is necessary so that the reader knows how things where when they started: with an extremely neglected and fearful animal. However, the reader obviously knows Sherman will get better and Mr. McDougall does a good job of balancing out this information with other stories so as not to overwhelm the reader. Before long, the reader feels like they too have a vested interest in the Sherminator's success. Mr. McDougall also uses the journey of Team Sherman to share various other stories related to himself and other people he has met. For the most part, these were interesting; however at some points they felt a bit distracting. I think it is because we all want to know what's happening with Sherman.

I am a farm girl living in the city. My sister lives in the country. My sister has three miniature donkeys. And this is what I’ve come to believe. To know a donkey is to love a donkey.
I came into reading this lovely story knowing that the first part was going to be very hard. It was. I read as I wept. And as I was finishing this book, I wept as I read. Some of the tears were tears of sadness, but others were tears of happiness. This story about Sherman was a lot more than the story of a neglected donk. It is a story of community, friendship, empathy, caring. It is a story of animals caring about us. Wonderful. Simply wonderful. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Serpent's Tail/Profile Books for this arc.

Having been told repeatedly that sitting on my butt reading a book is NOT a sport, I have to admit to having absolutely no interest in the subject of sports/athletics whatsoever. But this is about a DONKEY! And it's a wonderful story.

Sherman (the donkey) came from a hoarder's collection and was an absolute mess when adopted by Christopher McDougall. Initially, there were questions about whether Sherman would make it or not. But Lawrence (a goat) showed people the way. From that point on, Sherman's rehabilitation soared. Within months, he was able to complete the short version of Colorado's Burro Race (15 miles) in Fairfax with his team - Gang of Three (six if you count the people) coming in at just over three hours. This is a race with people and a tethered burro.

Along the way to the race were all sorts of pig-trails followed.... ultra-marathon running, Amish lifestyle and Amish running clubs, introductions to some fascinating and amazing people. Altogether an exhilarating and exhausting read.

Born to Run is one of my favourite non fiction books of the past 10 years and I was very excited to get an ARC of 'Sherman'. It didn't disappoint - McDougall has the gift of making what sounds like an inaccessible topic relatable and entertaining. It might not do for donkeys what BTR did for foot gloves but it's a great read.

Why on earth would I want to read a book about a guy who adopts a mangy, depressed donkey and decides he wants to run the World Burro Championships with him? Because it's Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run. Born to Run is one of my all-time favorite books about running and it is credited with starting the whole barefoot running craze.

McDougall has been sharing stories about Sherman in his New York Times column, Running with Sherman. The book grew from these anecdotes and is written in the same style as Born to Run. There's McDougall's personal story interspersed with sidebar plots, lots of history about trail running, ultramarathoning, and burro racing. As with Born to Run, Running with Sherman makes for a very compelling read.

McDougall is living in Pennsylvania Amish country on an old farm with his wife, 2 daughters, and a menagerie of animals, including cows and goats. When one of his neighbors tells him about this poor donkey, living on an animal hoarder's farm, McDougall goes to check him out. The donkey was in way worse shape than anyone could have imagined. His hooves were in such bad shape that he could barely walk. His belly was bloated from lack of exercise. His neighbor, who is a vet, tried to convince him to put the donkey down. Instead, McDougall named him Sherman, from the movie Saving Mr. Banks, and set out to heal this poor creature. He learned a lot about donkeys (and so will the reader) including how to clean out the donkey's penis.

As an animal lover, I was enthralled with the rehabilitation of Sherman. People who rescue animals should be on the fast track to heaven. It takes patience but it also takes discipline. McDougall's whole family was on board, as was his veterinarian. McDougall also eventually takes a struggling college dropout under his wing to help work with Sherman. Even though the humans were helping Sherman heal, Sherman was giving them something too. Animals have the power to heal humans and the relationship between Sherman and the college kid grows into something really special.

In Running with Sherman, you'll laugh and you'll cry. You'll learn about the art of Donkey Tao, which is basically letting the donkey think everything is his idea. McDougall stumbles upon this idea when he is reminded of an old movie, The Tao of Steve, in which the main character learns the art of scoring with women. Gotta love pop culture references that apply to everyday life, right?

There are a lot of interesting characters in McDougall's story who all play a part in getting Sherman to that World Burro Championship in Leadville Colorado. You'll have to read Running with Sherman to learn the outcome, but you'll be glad you did. I wonder if this book will spike interest in burro racing? What an amazing story. I think I'm going to have to read it again!

Running with Sherman is a great book for people who love running and people who love animals. It's a beautiful story about an animal who's been neglected becoming the best version of itself. I've read the other two books by Christopher McDougall and I really a joy his writing style, you can really notice he has a passion for what he's writing about. There's a whole world out there for people racing with donkeys, I never knew!!

It’s a great book. Definitely a different kind of book. It’s a running story with a different twist. You need to read this one if you like a different kind of true story.

Donkeys are one of my favourite animals. They’re always so soft and unassuming. Gentle and kind. They’re not as graceful as their horse relatives, not as majestic as other animals, yet their faces, their gentle nature makes me warm to them and always want to stroke them when I see them.

I loved donkey rides on the beach as a child and now feel guilty for this feeling it was cruel and unkind, so when I got to read about them being in races, I was in two minds. Was this a good thing?

This book is not just about donkey racing (Burro racing is a thing and is the national sport of Colorado, who knew?) but so much more. It’s about a man whose love for a rescue donkey knows no bounds. Chris and his wife Mika are the couple who take in the donkey named Sherman when it’s basically at death’s door. He is horrified to learn of how it has been kept and not looked after and so he brings it back to life effectively and gives it, and him, a purpose by joining in a burro race. Ten months of preparation for the biggest challenge of their lives!

I felt this was so much about the resilience of both beast and man. Boy, I always thought that donkeys were intelligent creatures but there are some real heartwarming and surprising moments here. There are also plenty of funny stories and self-deprecating humour here and you can’t help but warm to the furry and not so furry duo. I also learned a lot about Burro racing, the sport of ultra running and the challenges of the Colorado landscape. There’s even side stories of Amish life and wait until you get to attend the Leadville 100 race! I’m not sporty, but I loved it.

Next time I see a donkey, I’m going to look into its eyes and smile at my new found respect for these furry personalities.

Some years ago, I read and enjoyed “Born to Run” by this author. I was thrilled to receive an advanced reader copy from Netgalley on Chris McDougall’s latest work set to be released October 15, 2019.

Chris and his wife Mika take in a rescue donkey named Sherman who his close to death. He was kept isolated in a stall by a hoarder. Chris quickly learns that in order to help save his life that he needs to give him a “job”. Chris decides to enter Sherman and himself in a burro race in Colorado. They have 10 months to actually train for this race which probably isn’t enough time given all the obstacles they must face. The biggest challenge probably is getting to know how donkey’s think and overcoming all of Sherman’s fears since he had been neglected his entire life.

This story as you may imagine, is quite funny! I found myself laughing out loud so many times. I do think I had an advantage in reading this book because I enjoy mountain ultra-running and have a thorough understanding of what the author was talking about. I know my ultra-running friends would probably love this book as much as I did.

The story is also educational as Chris has included chapters about Amish life, famous female ultra-runners, the beginnings of Leadville 100 mile foot race, and the history of burro racing. I really enjoyed these sections of the book as well.

The author did a great job in developing the key characters who helped him in training Sherman for the burro race. I particularly enjoyed how well they knew their animals personalities. It was quite entertaining.

Thank you Netgalley and Knopf Publishing group for allowing me to preview this ARC in exchange for my honest review.