Ever wish you could hit the reset button on your life?
Not because everything’s going wrong. Maybe you’ve just fallen into a routine. You get up, go to work, come home, and do it all again the next day.
Before you know it, another year has gone by.
That’s one reason books about starting over are so enjoyable. They remind us that life can surprise us, even when we think we know exactly how tomorrow will look.
In The Runner by Patricia Ann Keim, Emma Cribz has a life that feels pretty predictable. But things don’t stay that way for long.
And the funny thing is, she isn’t even looking for an adventure.
Emma lives in St. Louis and works as a university librarian.
She loves books, especially the kind with handsome heroes, a bit of adventure, and a happy ending. Give her a good novel and a quiet afternoon, and she’s perfectly content.
Well, most of the time.
The characters she reads about have all sorts of exciting things happening to them. Emma, on the other hand, usually sticks to what she knows.
She has her favorite places, her usual habits, and a routine that suits her.
There’s nothing wrong with that, of course.
Still, you have to wonder whether she’s missing out on a little fun.
Funny how the smallest things can introduce us to something completely new.
You meet someone by chance, accept an invitation, or find yourself somewhere you never planned to be.
That’s part of the appeal of books about new beginnings. You get to see where those unexpected moments might lead.
For Emma, meeting a group of runners opens up a world she knows very little about.
Suddenly, she’s listening to people talk about races, training, and weekend plans that involve getting up before most people have finished sleeping.
And they’re excited about it!
Emma doesn’t quite understand the appeal at first.
But these people seem to be having a wonderful time. They’re friendly, full of stories, and always looking forward to their next outing.
It’s a different way of spending the weekend, that’s for sure.
Who doesn’t love a Saturday morning with no alarm clock?
Emma certainly appreciates a quiet day.
But her new acquaintances have other ideas about how to spend their free time.
They get together in Forest Park, head out for runs, and somehow find the energy to laugh and chat afterward.
Emma isn’t used to that sort of schedule.
Still, she enjoys their company.
There’s always someone telling a joke, sharing a story, or suggesting something different to do.
And then there is Ben’s dog, Lucky, who seems to have his own ideas about making friends.
This bunch can make even an ordinary morning really exciting.
Some people can make you laugh without even trying.
Ben is one of those people.
He’s friendly, talkative, and rarely misses the chance to make a joke. He’s also quite happy to make himself look silly if everyone gets a good laugh out of it.
Then there’s Vickie, Emma’s best friend.
She’s quick with a witty comment and isn’t afraid to tease Emma when the opportunity comes along.
Put them together, and things can get pretty amusing.
Of course, not every plan goes smoothly. Sometimes, what should be a simple outing becomes a story everyone will remember.
These little moments bring plenty of fun to the novel.
And they make the friendships enjoyable to read about.
One thing I enjoy about novels about starting over is seeing characters try things they never imagined doing.
Emma doesn’t suddenly pack a suitcase and leave St. Louis behind.
Instead, she begins discovering different sides of the city she’s called home for years.
There are places to visit, activities to try, and people to get to know.
Even a morning in Forest Park feels different when there’s something new to do.
Does Emma like everything straight away?
Not necessarily.
Sometimes she wonders why she ever agreed to this in the first place.
But there are times when she has so much fun that she surprises herself.
And that is how new hobbies normally begin. You test something, you see how it works, you might decide to do it again.
There’s something lovely about waking up and knowing you’ve got plans you’re excited about.
Emma starts getting a taste of that feeling.
Her days aren’t just about work, home, and whatever book she’s currently reading.
Now there are friends to meet and invitations to consider.
The running group also brings together people with different personalities and experiences.
Some take their races very seriously. Others seem just as interested in enjoying the company.
They talk, laugh, share tips, and cheer each other on.
Emma hasn’t been part of anything quite like it before.
And you can see why she’d want to spend more time with them.
A lot of stories about fresh starts involve big moves, new jobs, or leaving an old relationship behind.
Emma’s story takes a different route.
She’s still living in St. Louis, working at the library, and going about her usual life.
What’s changing is how she spends her time and what she’s willing to try.
That’s a nice touch for readers who enjoy books about starting over without dramatic changes happening on every page.
Patricia Ann Keim also gives the novel a good sense of humor.
Emma’s thoughts can be quite funny, Ben has a knack for entertaining everyone, and their friends bring their own personalities into the mix.
There’s warmth here, too.
The narrative is about how meeting the right people may lead you to adventures you would never have thought of yourself.
If you appreciate books about starting over, Emma’s narrative has a lot to offer.
There are amusing moments, unexpected friendships, a little romance, and the pleasure of seeing someone discover interests outside her usual routine.
You don’t need to be a runner to enjoy it, either.
And if books about new beginnings are already on your reading list, this novel is worth a look.
Pick up The Runner by Patricia Ann Keim and follow Emma as she discovers what life has waiting beyond her familiar routine.
Who knows. You may even want to try something new yourself.
Yes! Emma’s tranquil Saturdays are disrupted by a boisterous group of joggers. Fans of new beginnings, hilarious blunders, and heartfelt friendships will find a lot to love.
Yes! Emma is a bookish librarian who can’t even conceive of liking races. Her hilarious reactions make this an intriguing read for anyone who is curious to try something totally different.
Ben’s jokes, Vickie’s quick replies, and Lucky’s talent for causing trouble keep Emma’s adventures lively. Pick up this story for friendships that feel fun, messy, and wonderfully easy to recognize.
Emma doesn’t leave St. Louis, doesn’t give up on her comfortable surroundings. But new people bring new possibilities. Her developing plot will appeal to those who prefer believable adjustments to sensational escapes.
Yes! Emma’s fluctuating schedule has lots to enjoy with vibrant outings, entertaining chats, and a touch of romantic tension. Add this one to your reading list for a wonderful character-driven vacation.
