The Memory of Running

Smithy Ide is a 43-year-old factory worker in Rhode Island who learns that both his parents have died in a car accident. After receiving this news, he discovers his long-lost sister Bethany has also died in Los Angeles. In response to these losses, Smithy begins an impromptu bicycle journey across America on his old Raleigh bicycle. As he pedals from Rhode Island to California, he encounters a cast of characters who impact his journey while he reflects on memories of his past, particularly his relationship with his troubled sister. The cross-country expedition becomes both a physical and emotional challenge for Smithy, an overweight, chain-smoking Vietnam veteran who hasn't been on a bicycle since childhood. Through alternating timelines, the story traces his present-day ride alongside pivotal moments from his earlier years. This debut novel examines grief, redemption, and the bonds of family through the lens of an unlikely hero's transformation. The narrative explores how people cope with loss while finding unexpected ways forward.

Readers found this story of a man's cross-country bicycle journey to be both heartbreaking and uplifting. Many connected with the main character Smithy's authenticity and flaws, appreciating his gradual personal growth throughout the novel. What readers liked: - Raw, honest portrayal of grief and mental illness - Balance of humor with serious themes - Detailed descriptions of American landscapes - Audio version narrated by author adds depth What readers disliked: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some found the protagonist frustrating - Occasional meandering subplots - Ending felt rushed to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (300+ ratings) "McLarty captures the voice of a simple man dealing with complex emotions perfectly" - Amazon reviewer "The bicycle journey drags on too long without enough character development" - Goodreads reviewer

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce A retiree walks across England to visit a dying friend, discovering redemption and meaning through encounters with strangers on his journey.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger An asthmatic boy and his family embark on a cross-country quest through the American Midwest in search of his fugitive older brother.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein A man faces life's tragedies and triumphs while his faithful dog provides insights about human nature and family bonds.

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper A dysfunctional family comes together for their father's funeral, forcing each member to confront personal failures and relationships.

The Good Luck of Right Now by Matthew Quick A middle-aged man copes with his mother's death through philosophical letters to Richard Gere while forming unexpected connections with fellow outsiders.

🔹 Ron McLarty originally wrote The Memory of Running as an audiobook, and it became the first exclusively audio original novel to be published as a book after Stephen King praised it in Entertainment Weekly. 🔹 The main character's cross-country bicycle journey spans approximately 3,000 miles, from Rhode Island to California, mirroring other famous literary road narratives but uniquely doing so on two wheels. 🔹 Prior to becoming a novelist, author Ron McLarty was a successful character actor who appeared in numerous TV shows including Law & Order, Sex and the City, and The Practice. 🔹 The protagonist's name, Smithson "Smithy" Ide, is partially inspired by the Smithsonian Institution, playing into themes of preservation and memory throughout the novel. 🔹 The book's exploration of mental illness and family relationships was influenced by McLarty's own experiences as an actor in various mental health training films in the 1970s.