Hap Cawood’s The Miler is a work of fiction, though with an acknowledgement to his brother who was the mile TEAM for his high school, I would term this work more Historical Fiction.
I have read a few fictional accounts of running and most stay uncomfortably close to the facts of running almost to the point that there is NOTHING else.
However, The Miler does not fall into that same trap and that is what makes the story so appealing and an enjoyable read. The story is set in the 50s, certainly a simpler time, and after I read the book, I yearned for times such as these (or at least as described in the book).
Our hero, Jeremiah, takes up running and he doesn’t get much respect. He wins some regional championships and his high school doesn’t even acknowledge him – and he’s the entire track team!
I won’t spoil any more of the story; I’ll let you pick up a copy and enjoy the love, mystery, grief and exultation yourself.
And you’ll recognize a little of The Miler in you.