“I ran my first Boston Marathon fifty years ago in 1969, so you can only imagine how many stories I’ve heard from runners over the years. Amy Noelle Roe’s just happens to be one of the most poignant, inspiring, and humorous ones of all. She captures the lore, challenge, and fascination of the legendary marathon and weaves it into her own compelling story. A perfect companion while you are trying to achieve your own Boston Qualifier.” —George A. Hirsch, publisher of Runner’s World and Chairman of the New York Road Runners
“Boston is the Madonna or Cher of the running world—no last name needed, and the events of the 117th marathon affected runners of all speeds and abilities. In Becoming Boston Strong, Roe writes with courage and heart, taking readers from heartbreak to Heartbreak Hill, reminding us all why we lace up and chase those finish lines.” —Jill Grunenwald, author of Running with a Police Escort
“Roe’s book is perfect for anyone looking to qualify for Boston. Her determination to get to that celebrated start line is inspiring.” — Gail Kislevitz, author of Running Past Fifty
“From the nervous energy before hard workouts to the diehard spirit in earning a Boston Marathon finishers medal, Becoming Boston Strong is a relatable read that captures the runner spirit and aspirations.” —Jackie Dikos, author of Finish Line Fueling
“There was a 1950s TV police drama series where each episode concluded with the narrator intoning, ‘There are eight million stories in the naked city. This has been one of them.’ So it is with the marathon, from the winners, the almost winners, and all the runners who made the winning worthwhile and from every spectator cheering along the 26.2 miles. Each has a personal story that should be told. This is a well-written, witty, poignant one that will carry you along the course and inspire your own story or race.” —Tom Derderian, author of Boston Marathon: Year by Year Stories of the World’s Premiere Running Event and executive producer of the Boston Marathon Documentary Film
"I really enjoyed Amy’s story and would recommend it for others. . . . these stories of real human being runners are always inspiring." —Meg DuMez, Run Oregon Bookshelf
Becoming Boston Strong
One Woman's Race to Run and Conquer the World's Greatest Marathon
