Run Like a Girl Book Review

I was contacted a several weeks ago to review Mina Samuels' book Run Like A Girl: How Strong Women Make Happy Lives.  

Run Like A Girl is part locker-room confidential and personal memoir, revealing how women build confidence by participating in sports, whether it's running, rock climbing, or yoga. Sports can indeed transform a woman's life in profound ways. Throughout the book the author illustrates how participation in sports can boost confidence and strength, and how it can then be seen in other areas of life. This book is inspiring, funny, and at times, heartbreaking. The candid stories of nearly a hundred women fill the pages. From a U.S.-ranked amateur triathlete who’s raising an autistic son, to a woman who runs her first marathon at sixty; and a young mother with scoliosis who cycles her way back to health; as well as sports icons Kathrine Switzer, Rebecca Rusch, and Molly Barker. These women all share how sports helped them overcome life’s obstacles and achieve the happiness and success they’d been running toward. Through Samuels personal experience, we are given suggestions on how to cope positively with all the negative self-image, and all of life's challenges. It is a light hearted, enjoyable read that leaves you feeling empowered. It truly shows how sprots can play a vital role in a worman's life. 

“For anyone looking for a dose of inspiration before lacing up their sneakers, this book is it: part manifesto, part motivation, use it to go a little farther, faster, and feel better about every step.”– Lucy Danziger, editor-in-chief, SELF magazine, and co-author, The Nine Rooms of Happiness

"A book that is needed and important and life changing — all the things running has been for us!” – Kathrine Switzer, author of Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women’s Sports, Running and Walking for Women Over 40 and co- author of 26.2 Marathon Stories

“I was hooked after the first page. Run Like A Girl reminds me, once again, the power and importance of sport in young girls and women’s lives. As a mom and an athlete, I will continue to proudly run like a girl and support my kids as they do the same!” – Summer Sanders, Gold Medalist and TV personality

“A compelling and insightful book about using sport and physical activity to balance the extraordinary challenges women face. . . a must read for women athletes and non-athletes alike.” – Donna Lopiano, founder and president of Sports Management Resources; formerly CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation

About the author: Mina Samuels is a former trial lawyer, a human-rights advocate, a freelance writer and editor. In addition to many ghostwriting projects, her previous books include a novel, The Queen of Cups, and The Think Big Manifesto, coauthored with Michael Port. When she is not writing she might be off doing triathlons, marathons, biking, cross-country skiing, yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, snowshoeing, or hiking in far off places.


I have really enjoyed reading Run Like A Girl: How Strong Women Make Happy Lives. I agree that transformations can and will happen and by staying focussed, we can overcome our obstacles and become better equipped to achieve happiness in our lives. "To be strong in body is to be strong in mind.”  Check out Mina's blog and get your copy of Run Like A Girl here.