BOOK review FINDING GOBI By Dion Leonard
JO BOURKE What a delightful and positive true story! I feel it has universal appeal but especially for those of us who are dog lovers. We may shake our heads in amazement at those who choose to train for and compete in ultramarathons, but we totally understand the unconditional trusting bond that developed between Dion and Gobi. Dion gave us a day-by-day account of his grueling run across the Gobi Desert. From the day this little stray dog chose to run alongside him, Dion was hooked and by the time the race was over he knew he would return to China to take her home to Scotland. Little did he know the obstacles he would have to face. This is a story of determination and resilience with a happy ending. I just watched a video of Dion and Gobi on Google. What a cute little dog – I reckon it was smiling smugly for the camera. Definitely worth reading.
TONY HARRINGTON This book is not a literary masterpiece but a great little true story of an ex-pat Australian ultramarathon runner and a small dog who adopted him during a race in the Gobi Desert. Dion had a difficult and painful childhood with the death of his stepfather and a lack of love from his mother. Due to these troubles in his early life he has the ability to switch off pain, doubt and fear which gives us some insight into why he can run 155 miles in extreme desert heat. He sacrifices his place in the race to help another runner and the little dog Gobi. Gobi and other dog loving Chinese folk help Dion change his outlook on life. Finding Gobi helps him find his better self and he changes from being a self-centred loner to an other-centered caring person, and the world to a loving and kind place. This is a must read for all animal lovers, 8/10
ELIZABETH PASCOE A true story, plainly and sincerely told. Deon is an ultramarathon runner in China to complete a gruelling race through the Gobi desert. While waiting at the start, a little brown female bitzer dog ambles up to his yellow sneakers and gives them a lick. The runners are off and trotting beside Dion is this little mutt. So begins an amazing story of endurance, frustration and at times helplessness. People from different cultures and backgrounds are willing to give wholeheartedly to find this dog in a city of millions. In looking for Gobi, the author found himself. This story will warm the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. I loved every minute reading this amazing bond shared between man and animal.
While competing in a gruelling 250km race across the Gobi Desert in 2016, Leonard, an ultramarathon runner, came across a little stray dog. The lovable pup he called Gobi, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart. She went step for step with Dion over the treacherous Tian Shan Mountains, keeping pace with him for almost 130km. Seeing the incredible determination of this small animal, he felt something change within himself. He had always focused on winning and being the best, but his goal now was simply to make sure that his new friend was safe, nourished and hydrated. He took Gobi home to the UK with him and a rollercoaster of drama, heartbreak, joy and love that changed their lives forever began.
MARY BARBER This little tale will appeal to someone who loves an uplifting dog story. It’s simply written, not a work of art by any means. The author refers to his difficult childhood in Warwick, Queensland and the healing that came from finding Gobi during a race in the Gobi Desert. As a marathon runner, he learnt about heart and resilience from this pint-sized dog. There’s not much I can say about it really without giving away the story. It will appeal to marathon runners and dog lovers. For me, the book didn’t build in enough tension, partly because the start of the story was the ending. I can only give it 3 out to 5 stars.
JOHN KLEINSCHMIDT This is a wonderful book about a big-hearted man and a small dog that picked him to be his master. Dion’s big heart is proven by his competitiveness in multi-stage ultramarathons and confirmed by his admiration and love for a small dog that ran with him for more than 100km on the first two days of a six-day race. This true story provides an insight into the mental and physical toughness of an ultramarathon runner; the lifestyle, culture and kindness of the people in a remote Chinese City; and how an unshakable bond developed between a man and his dog. A good read for all ages.
SUZI HIRST This is such a joyful book about a lost dog and a lost soul who find each other in the middle of the Gobi Desert and change each other’s lives forever. The joy of a dog in your life is immeasurable. Unless you own a dog – mind you they would say that they own you – you have missed out on one of the greatest true loves that there is on offer. This was evident in the amount of interest worldwide and support that the author had in finding Gobi. He was never going to give up until he found her, and that he did, bringing her home as promised. Any easy, enjoyable read.
ALL ABOARD FOR A RELAXING JOURNEY Saturday 18th to Sunday 19th August
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NORTHERN RIVERS WANDERER
Weekend to Byron Bay & Ballina by coach. Explore the closed lines of the former Ballina Line. Travel on World First Solar Train. Accom & some meals incl.
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Travel on the Silver Bullet 2000 Class Series Rail Motor from Roma St to Spring Bluff & onto Toowoomba. Lunch Option Available. Return Trip
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