An energetic memoir that will motivate, educate, and help you find your own inspiration.
Charles Moore might just be the most driven person you’ve never met. A willing transplant to New York City, this Detroit-born Black man has been competitive from as far back as his memories stretch. “A passion to compete and win burned deep inside me.” Whether family board games or basketball with friends, this spirit of competition seems written in his DNA. No matter the goal, each endeavor is a manifestation of the validation he seeks. A newfound desire ignites when a sunny stroll across Central Park lands Charles in the midst of an enthusiastic throng of spectators. The event? The New York City Marathon, an annual institution drawing tens of thousands of runners from around the globe. Living in New York City is only one of many goals the author had already accomplished by age 40, but seeing the emotions on the faces of these endurance athletes on this crisp November morning creates a new yearning, to join the bibbed runners and compete in this renowned race. True to his character, entering a single marathon isn’t enough, instead, running becomes synonymous with accomplishment, peace, possibility, and personal satisfaction.
For most of us, running in a 26.2-mile race is more of a pipe dream than an achievable goal, but Charles Moore’s memoir details a life of hard work, persistence, and shattering expectations, plus running several marathons along the way! There are many discoveries to be enjoyed as Moore regales readers with his global racing journey, though some observations are easier to swallow than others. In light of recent events, you can’t help but put yourself in the place of Moore who soberly notes, “If you happen to be a Black runner, it can become a combat sport.” While none of us can outrun ignorance and racism, this enlightening account shines a slowly brightening light on places that have long been dim. Black cultural awareness is brought to the fore in a manner that appeals to the heart and speaks to the soul. For casual runners, interesting marathon trivia dots the pages, while more experienced racers will empathize with Moore’s challenges and root for him every step of the way. A 28-chapter runner’s high, Apropos of Running is an energetic memoir that will motivate, educate, and help you find your own inspiration.
