Nonfiction Monday-- Running

Nonfiction Monday was started by Ana Suen and is hosted today at SimplyScience Blog.



Bobrick, Benson. A Passion for Victory: The Story of the Olympics in Ancient and Modern Times

26 June 2012, Knopf Books for Young Readers (E ARC from Netgalley)

Starting at the first reported Olympic games in ancient Greece and following the progression of such contests of athletic ability up until the 1936 games in Germany, Bobrick gives a well-researched yet entertaining account of how the Olympic games evolved over the years into the international spectacle we have today. Incorporating stories of individuals as well as the games, the history and politics of the game are covered, with lots of interesting facts making the events come alive.
Strengths: This offers so much amusing information about the Olympics that it should be a very popular title. Inclusion of period photos adds interest.
Weaknesses: This stops at the 1936 games! I was hoping that it would continue to the present day, so I was disappointed. Perhaps a second volume is in the works? This was also very hard to read on my Nook.

Yakin, Boaz and Joe Infurnari. Marathon.
19 June 2012, First Second Publishers, E ARC from Netgalley.

I had such high hopes for this book, since the history of ancient Greece is covered in our 7th grade curriculum, it's a graphic novel, and I like to have books to inspire my runners. I was a bit put off by this title, however-- it was VERY violent. I know the ancient Greeks weren't the most peaceful of people, but the various beheadings and other killings put the GRAPHIC in this graphic novel, and I think I'll pass. Do take a look at it for high school, or if your stomach isn't as weak as mine.