No Finish Line

by Sally Jenkins and Marla Runyan

Book Overview

The first legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympic Games tells her compelling story, revealing what it was like to grow up disabled in a society where expectations are often based on perceived abilities, and what it means to compete at the world-class level despite the fact that--quite literally, for her--there is no finish line.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399148035
• ISBN13: 9780399148033
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Putnam Adult
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Obstacles and Perspectives

One can never truly understand a piece of literature, much less an autobiography, without actually becoming that person. In this case, one may "understand" that Ms. Runyan had a painful and frustrating past, but since we are not that ones that experienced it, we do not truly understand. Being blind takes away from you just as much as it gives. You take on a completely unique perspective on life; you take nothing for granted, and take great pleasure in the small things that make life worth living. Ms. Runyan, you will win a gold medal in the Olympics.

Witty, insightful, humorous inspiration.

I'm not legally blind, but I could really understand it and identify with the struggles she endured in being different throughout most of her life. The writing style is so engaging and easy to read that it feels almost like conversation. Just when you have a question, the answer appears. Marla's dry wit is refreshing and intelligent. There is no pity party here! Marla has really struggled in life and sport. She continues to learn and perservere as a person and athlete and that is what makes a champion in life and on the track. I can't wait to see her medal in Athens at the next summer olympics. I'm a better person and athlete after reading her story.