"Finding Gobi," by Dion Leonard

"Finding Gobi," by Dion Leonard

Finding Gobi is the miraculous tale of Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner who crosses paths with a stray dog while competing in a 155-mile race through the Gobi Desert in China. The lovable pup, who would later earn the name Gobi, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the Tian Shan Mountains, across massive sand dunes, through yurt villages and the black sands of the Gobi Desert, keeping pace with him for 77 miles.

As Dion witnessed the incredible determination and heart of this small animal, he found his own heart undergoing a change as well.  Whereas in the past these races were all about winning and being the best, his goal now was to make sure he and Gobi’s friendship continued well after the finish line.  He found himself letting Gobi sleep in his tent at night, giving her food and water out of his own limited supply, and carrying her across numerous rivers, even when he knew it would mean putting him behind in the race, or worse, prevent him from finishing at all. 

Although Dion did not cross the finish line first, he felt he had won something even greater – a new outlook on life and a new friend that he planned on bringing home as soon as arrangements were made.  However, before he could take her home, Gobi went missing in the sprawling Chinese city where she was being kept. Dion, with the help of strangers and a viral outpouring of assistance on the internet, set out to track her down, and reunite forever with the amazing animal that changed his life and proved to him and the world that miracles are possible.

This book is the choice for the April meeting of the book club I have joined.  The one thing about being in a book club is your exposed to books you may not normally read.  This book is a perfect example of this.  I wouldn't have picked this book up; for no particular reason, just not my sort of book.

However after reading it I did enjoy it.  If you like a feel good book this is for you.  It includes a lovely story about a dog and human, and how an inseparable bond can form.  I learned a lot about a sport I knew nothing about; ultramarathon's.  Who knew there was such a thing?  I learned a bit about China and how even a dog can whip up so many different emotions in a country.  

If I were honest though, despite being a dog lover, I found the whole sport of Ultramarathon more interesting for some reason.  However, Gobi is a cute looking dog!!

Stars out of 5 : 4 Not a bad book.  Pretty easy to read and a feel good story.  Well worth the read.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.