Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero Hardcover – Deckle Edge, October 15, 2019

I can’t even express how much I love this book. I recently moved to the Southwest and discovered how unique and adorable donkeys are. I’m not a runner but I “run” a bit with a few donkeys and it is exhilarating and so darn enjoyable. These numerous creatures steal your heart and this book certainly proves that. Sherman, Flower, Matilda just make a person smile. Excellent read.

Book in great shape !!

.... this is a wonderful, roller coaster of a book that will twist your heart strings, make you laugh out loud and remind you that the most important part of life is discovering and embracing a purpose. The second most important is to always be compassionate and see the other person (and donkeys!) point of view and thirdly; be FLEXIBLE! (I could easily add #4: have a sense of humor!)This book was well written and authentic. I’ve been an Equestrain for more years than is prudent to admit to, and Chris does a great job of keeping it real and not diminishing Sherman and his fellow burro teammates. A mentor once told me, ‘ mules are like horses, only more so’. It’s so very true of the mules and donkeys...they don’t suffer foolish humans and they have self preservation in spades. Humans can bully and exploit horses, the “long eared legion” a.k.a. Donkeys & Mules, won’t put up with a nasty human for one nanosecond. They will give it their all as long as they feel like it’s their idea (fun with a purpose) and that they are an equal partner.Working with Sherman proved that nothing less than a partnership would do; for all members of team Sherman. It’s crazy how it sneaks up on you. If you work with any form of animal rehabilitation you know that you and the critter have to meet in the middle and pull together for a common goal. Nothing will force a human to change as deeply as several hundred pounds of equine. The horse is the mirror to your soul. (Or in this case, The Donk!) They reflect back what we give ....and they don’t lie.It was easy to engage and feel connected with the various people in the book and root for them in their trials and triumphs. I felt like they were old friends by the close of the book. (Which I almost hated to see end!...)Great easy, conversational style read. Bonus points for reviving my faith in humanity and supportive, caring community. Read it and Enjoy! Who rescued whom??!! Go Sherman!

This book is about so much more than a rescue donkey! I found myself deep in thought about the many topics the author researched and and intertwined in this uplifting story. I especially love the explanation of how our relationships with animals have changed with modern times and how we have somewhat lost our ability to understand them like our ancestors did. This book also reminded me of the importance of community and relationships with our neighbors. I loved reading and learning more about the Amish, and of course, Sherman the donkey. For those of you with the room and who feel inspired to learn more about donkey rescue, check out Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. The are the world’s largest equine rescue and probably have a satellite near you and a donkey friend waiting for love. I may not participate in the burro race in Colorado, but a group of my Texas friends and myself are ready to start training our own running buddies since we live close to the rescue HQ. Donkeys are amazing, loving, and loyal creatures, and the author has brought a rather quirky sport we had no idea existed into our lives. We can’t wait to start running with our own burros here, as we are runners and the book has sold us on the idea! This book is a great gift for anyone that loves running, animals, and stories about overcoming life’s curveballs. I have included a picture of my friend and myself with some of the Peaceful Valley rescue donkeys. There are definitely some future racers in that group!

I only gave this 4 Stars because the 5 Star review is reserved for Born To Run. Christopher McDougall is a great writer and has a "no frills" style. He doesn't spend three paragraphs describing a sunset like other authors and he knows his audience. This book is fantastic and even brought a tear to my eye a few times. When I lose my motivation for running/working out from time to time, I often reread Born To Run or this book to light my fires again.

McDougall is a gifted writer and a man with a huge heart. I enjoyed this book so much I have considered starting at the beginning and reading it again right away. So many good things in here, it is not just about the race, it is about how we humans can learn so much from the animals in our lives. It is about love and forgiveness. It is charming and educational. Read it, tell me I’m wrong.

I enjoy McDougall's easy writing style. The book is more than just a save the donkey story, and one asides on animal psychology and Amish culture are wonderful and give the story far more meat. Reading the story, Sherman seems quite happy and flourishing by the second half, frolicking with the other mules and goats, and what he seemed to need is community and care. The idea that Sherman needs a "purpose," and that that was the burrow races, does read as anthropomorphic, and the one problem of the book in McDougall's transference of his needs to the donkey. That is not to say the book isn't wonderfully entertaining. But the blinders the author we are (pun intended), are bothersome. He's the one who needs a project, and perhaps a book subject; he uses and manipulates numerous others to make his obsession a reality. Often both parties benefit, but this is not all about his altruism and desire to help Sherman; it's also about his latest project. There's a need for a little introspection and honest reflection of what he is getting out of all this and how he gets other people to invest in his schemes; that kind of honest is the one thing lacking here and which would have made this a 5.

Great storyteller! The book is funny and informative and an awesome story.

Not only a heart warming (initially, heart breaking) tale of triumph over adversity, but a fascinating account of the author's lifestyle, friends, and neighbours (including the local Amish community). A wonderful, wonderful book - chicken soup for the soul (or mushroom if you're not a meat eater).

The story was heartwarming and also hugely informative.I was so sorry when the story ended. Felt like part of the team….

Really enjoyed the book. So unusual that someone takes an interest and liking to a donkey... inspiring... learning to read the animal and taking cues from em. A real talent. Thanks for the education. And in so many areas. ie treatment of depression- exercise! Makes sense. I always feel better after a walk or good physical labor.

This book was a gift to me which I enjoyed so much I ordered another for someone else who cares about animals and overcoming uphill struggles.

Running with Sherman came up as recommendation from Amazon on my feed, and the name and cover page caught my attention right away. I usually read books on business and advertising, so I didn't really know what to expect, but downloaded it to my Kindle on vacation in Hawaii.This was by far one of my favorite reads this year! Words cannot express how much I enjoyed hearing about Sherman, burro racing, and Chris McDougall's adventures. Chris also did an awesome job of tying in so many different topics, from psychology, to autism, and Amish running teams into the plot. I never knew if I was going to laugh, smile, or cry when I flipped to the next page.I highly recommend reading this book!