clm's booklist

"Duel in the Sun: Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America's Greatest Marathon"

by John Brant

Excellent read. The story of the 1982 Boston Marathon where Salazar and Beardsley ran the entire 26.2 miles step by step together. Salazar was the favorite and Beardsley, the underdog. Both were young and thought to be on the upswing of their careers, but that one race exacted a toll on both of them in different ways. The book also covers the aftermath and their meeting up in 2003 after Beardsley had come out of prescription drug addiction and felony possession and Salazar having gone through and dealt with depression. A very well told story and gripping tale. Highly recommended.

"A Death in Brazil:A Book of Omissions"

by Peter Robb

A memoir, travelogue and political history primer all wrapped into one. The book covers the presidency of Fernando Collor and his subsequent impeachment (and murder of his main sycophant), but also contains an accounting of the history, especially of the northeast part of Brazil. Robb also describes the small towns of the northeast and the food and social life very well. A very interesting book which makes me want to read more about the recent history of Brazil.

http://www.amazon.com/Death-Brazil-Omissions-MacRae-Books/dp/0805076417

by Peter Robb

A memoir, travelogue and political history primer all wrapped into one. The book covers the presidency of Fernando Collor and his subsequent impeachment (and murder of his main sycophant), but also contains an accounting of the history, especially of the northeast part of Brazil. Robb also describes the small towns of the northeast and the food and social life very well. A very interesting book which makes me want to read more about the recent history of Brazil.

http://www.amazon.com/Death-Brazil-Omissions-MacRae-Books/dp/0805076417