The Bookie's Runner, by Brendan Gisby

As he returns to school for the new term, the narrator (the author) looks back over the life of his recently deceased father.  Never a famous, wealthy, or overly successful man, his father was a good man nonetheless.  Different aspects of his father's life are discussed, anecdotes and personal histories.  The narrator's stories serve to eulogize his father, as he prepares to share his loss with the world.

This book is nothing short of gorgeous.  I have said it before, I love stories about real people, and this novella is certainly that.  The book flowed so well, it was more like a conversation with the author than a book.  It felt as though we were sitting at a wake, remembering the best times in the life of a man, a father, a husband.  This may be one of the most poignant books I have ever read.

I love that we really feel the emotion in the storytelling.  Several times, the narrator/author interjects his attempts to keep from weeping.  I would have to try to keep myself from weeping as well.  So much beauty in a story of an everyday life.

This book is a great fit for anyone who loves memoirs or autobiographies.  It is a nice short read, but it packs a walloping emotional punch.  Read it, and keep the tissues handy.



I received a review copy of the book courtesy of the author.