The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty

Actor Ron McLarty's first novel was well-received back in 2005, and in general the Abingdon Lite at Night book group enjoyed reading it. Only one reader wasn't too keen but this was because it was not the kind of book she would normally read. It does deal with some serious issues such as schizophrenia, alcoholism, and violence in American society, but above and beyond that it is a heartwarming and inspiring story of a man who goes on a quest to claim his sister's body, and finds himself in the process. Smithy Ide is a very overweight, alcoholic, chain-smoking Vietnam vet, socially inept, in a boring job, living alone. He discovers that his sister has died and is in a funeral home in Los Angeles. Without any planning or forethought he takes off on his old bicycle one day and his ride becomes a road trip across America from Rhode Island to Los Angeles. He meets a variety of characters on the way, some good, some bad, loses weight and quits his bad habits. He also rediscovers his childhood neighbor, Norma. This is a wonderful story, although you have to grant that the author has used some artistic license. It is doubtful that a man in Smithy's shape could just set off and ride so far without some serious health problems, but give McLarty the benefit of the doubt and read this book.

Ron McLarty’s new novel, Traveler, was released on 1/22/07.
A film version of The Memory of Running may be made in 2009.

You will find a good review of this book at http://www.curledup.com/memrunnin.htm and a book group reading guide is available at http://us.penguingroup.com/static/rguides/us/memory_of_running.html