What made Maddy run - Kate Fagan - 2017

 

One of the saddest books I have ever read. Not that long. It was originally a story for espnw. For this to happen to a runner was so sad. I feel so sorry for her family as well. 

I see some of myself in Maddy in terms of the struggle with mental health. This book offers a good description of how young people try to meet so many expectations. As a result, under the surface, many young people are stressed out or are secretly struggling. Probably Maddy’s family will never recover. 

There is also a good discussion about the “race to nowhere.” This is the idea that kids try to do all of the right things for their future and to look good in society. Often they are too hard on themselves and do not know what their real interests are. I think I am a member of this “race to nowhere.” I always try to keep up with my peers and maintain a good appearance. Really I should probably chill out and not worry about what other people are doing. 

This is a sad book, but it contains a good discussion of common mental health problems that young people are dealing with. I wish the ending was different. It is a true story. Life is unfair and bad things do happen unfortunately. 

She saw a soccer coach she knew near the end. Maybe that was a sign from God. It seemed this way to me. Ok now I will read some more Krakauer.