The RunningShaped Hole, Robert Earl Stewart
The RunningShaped Hole, Robert Earl Stewart
List: $19.95 | Sale: $13.97
Club: $9.97

The Running-Shaped Hole
A Memoir

Author: Robert Earl Stewart

Narrator: Robert Fass

Unabridged: 11 hr 5 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/28/2022


Synopsis

A searching, self-deprecating memoir of a man on his way to eating himself to death before discovering the anxiety and fulfillment of distance runningWhen Robert Earl Stewart sees his pants lying across the end of his bed, they remind him of a flag draped over a coffin—his coffin. At thirty-eight years old he weighs 368 pounds and is slowly eating himself to death. The only thing that helps him deal with the fear and shame is eating. But one day, following a terrifying doctor’s appointment, he goes for a walk—an act that sets The Running-Shaped Hole in motion. Within a year, he is running long distances, fulfilling his mother’s dying wishes, reversing the disastrous course of his eating, losing 140 pounds, and, after several mishaps and jail time, eventually running the Detroit Free Press Half-Marathon.At turns philosophical and slapstick, this memoir examines the life-altering effects running has on a man who, left to his own devices, struggles to be a husband, a father, a son, and a writer.

About Robert Earl Stewart

Robert Earl Stewart’s first book of poetry, Something Burned Along the Southern Border, was shortlisted for the Gerald Lampert Memorial Award, and his poetry has been published in This, Magma, and The Best Canadian Poetry. He spent fifteen years as a newspaper reporter, photographer, and editor. Robert lives in Windsor, Ontario.

About Robert Fass

Robert Fass is a veteran actor and twice winner of the prestigious Audie Award for the year’s best narration. He has earned many Earphones Awards and AudioFile magazine “Best of the Year” accolades.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Wendy on November 11, 2021

Anyone who has struggled with weight will find a piece of themself in this book and in Robert Earl Stewart's candid commentary on why he struggled with addiction. It's so familiar to all of us. But what you won't have seen before is Stewart's description of why he runs and how he overcame his demons......more

Goodreads review by Edwin on December 03, 2021

As a once larger person who found inner peace running, I was excited to read Robert Earl Stewart's memoir THE RUNNING-SHAPED HOLE. Stewart chronicles his emotional, humorous, and moving journey from a man who let his addictions own him to man who finds running as one of the ways to funnel his addic......more

Goodreads review by Lori on December 02, 2022

An introspective and inspiring memoir chronicling the author's trials with alcohol and food and his acceptance of himself and his flaws through running. EVery bit of this book rang true for me. I remember when I was running that feeling where you could solve all your problems while you ran (you coul......more

Goodreads review by Todd on January 25, 2023

Brave and bold Funny and sad Real struggles - Real life A good read indeed Well done Bob......more

Goodreads review by Matt on March 19, 2022

The way in which Stewart's obsession with running was able to force humility upon him and fundamentally change him as a person is beautiful to experience. The Running-Shaped Hole is equal parts inspiring and devastating. Moments of huge growth are often undercut by a regression, which is true for th......more


Quotes

“Uplifting, emotional, and just plain hilarious, The Running-Shaped Hole may even inspire you to put down your fork and pick up those running shoes.” Jay Onrait, Canadian television personality and sports anchor

“A deeply personal memoir that you’ll love whether you run or not, weaving mind, body, city, love, and faith together. A story about figuring it out and running toward something rather than away.” Shawn Micallef, author of The Trouble with Brunch

“A memoir that speaks to the spirit of persistence, commitment, wisdom, and great wit…Stewart writes about the empty spaces within ourselves that we so desperately try to fill in…Will resonate with anyone who has come face to face with themselves in their quest to grow as a person.” Kim Fahner, author of These Wings