A conversation with “Ultra” author David Carroll

ultra author

ultra author

Author David Carroll. Photo: Andy Carroll

Ultra

David Carroll

Scholastic, 2013

192 pages

Review

In David Carroll’s debut novel, Ultra, the award-winning CBC producer confronts the challenge of making running cool for a generation of kids who seem disinterested in being active. Published by Scholastic, the story is an easy read for children and young adults, but still holds more serious topics underneath the surface for deeper reading that can be enjoyed by adults interested in the ultramarathon scene.

Quinn, a thirteen-year-old, decides to follow in his father’s footsteps and run the Shin-Kicker 100-mile race. He soon realizes that the ultramarathon may not be as simple as he thought. After his inspirational story goes viral — a result of being posted on Michelle Obama’s blog — he is invited to be a guest on a national talk show. The story is told through a combination of fictional talk-show transcripts between Quinn and television host Sydney Watson Walters, and a first-person retelling of his race.

The book tells a David and Goliath story, offering up a new and refreshing spin in the hope of encouraging young readers to try running, though it does present a possibly unintended question as to whether or not these types of events are safe for children. Throughout the novel Quinn is presented with life-threatening circumstances while stranded in the forest. The teenager overcomes these challenges, which makes for an inspiring read.

There is an unexpected subplot that engages in political commentary in the midst of an otherwise politics-free oasis of enjoyable reading. Most of the commentary will likely go over the heads of the book’s target audience, and feels forced.

Carroll’s novel makes for an easy and quick read, especially if you are already interested in the ultramarathon scene. It will certainly pull some hesitant spectators into the sport, but the eye-opening truth about the dangers faced during a 100-mile race may also scare a few off. Of course, ultramarathons were never intended for anyone and Ultra does not sugar-coat about how tough those who race them have to be.

This review appears in the January/February 2014 issue.

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