Stronger Than the Dark

Summary:

In his gripping memoir, Cory Reese offers a compelling and vulnerable insight into the pervasive destruction of depression. Drawing on lessons learned over a decade of ultramarathon running, Stronger Than the Dark offers a powerful new approach in the battle against the willingness to embrace suffering.

In a moment of physical and mental crisis during a 314-mile race across Tennessee, he realizes with clarity life’s ultimate purpose. We are here to endure. We are here to help others turn pain into peace. We are here to be a beacon of kindness and compassion.

Cory’s beautifully broken path of healing speaks to anyone feeling lost in insecurity or despair, and gives hope that even in life’s darkest moments, we can find the light. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

There is something about memoirs and seeing *true* personal development that consistently captures my attention, but adding an endurance sport to that? I’m here for it.  Reese is a fantastic writer, and the pages flew by.  The life changes Cory Reese withstood would challenge even the best of us and his book is an honest portrayal of how he did (and didn’t) manage when hitting rock bottom.

Now, this all probably sounds like a very heavy read and while addressing heavy topics it was not a downer.  Instead, I found the book uplifting and inspiring.  Reese has learned to have so much compassion towards himself you can’t help but be a little more compassionate towards yourself as well.  I highly recommend this one to anyone who appreciates some psychological self-assessment and thinks it would be fun to live vicariously through the chaos that are ultra-distance runs!

Warning: Contains discussion about depression and suicidal thoughts.

Rating: 5 stars!

Who should read it? Endurance sports fans or folks looking for a little inspiration.