Monday, June 14, 2021

Book Review: Stronger than the Dark by Cory Reese

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Stronger Than the Dark in exchange for my honest review. This post contains an affiliate link.

Ultramarathoner Cory Reese's life is literally an open book. He shares openly on social media. He has also written three books, sharing his trials and tribulations on the run. His newest book, Stronger Than the Dark, is even more personal and raw than the previous two. In it, he shares his struggles with depression as he deals with the diagnosis of a chronic health condition and exiting the Mormon church. 

He finds answers while running the Vol State 500k, which he recaps with his usual irreverent and self-deprecating humor. His revelation? Instead of fighting depression, we need to embrace suffering. Running has taught him that:

 "We are here to endure, to help others turn pain into peace, and be a beacon of kindness and compassion." ~Cory Reese

Reese begins the book by sharing some background about his family. When he was a young boy, his father killed himself, something Reese never formally dealt with. He also talks about leaving the Mormon church, which is a really big deal. With most religions, you can simply stop showing up to church, but Cory's description of leaving the Mormon church sounds similar to a divorce. Not only do you lose your faith, but you also lose your neighbors and friends. 

As if having a faith crisis wasn't enough...

Stomach issues plaguing Cory for some time send him to his doctor's office. After a colonoscopy and endoscopy, he is diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency Disorder (CVID), a condition that requires him to receive weekly immunoglobulin infusions. He will have to overcome his extreme needle phobia to learn to do these himself.

While his intent for this 3rd book was to share his race experience at Vol State, all these life-changing events and his descent into depression changed his focus. The race was on but it took on a different meaning for Reese. Can I just say that for so many reasons, this may be the best race recap ever?

" I am heading to Tennessee desperately hoping those 314 miles will unshackle me from the darkness I am being smothered by."~ Cory Reese

Many of us run for mental health. I've shared my battle with anxiety and depression on my blog. Running is my therapy and has been for the past 30 years. While I don't feel the need to run extreme distances, I've found strength through suffering and pushing through pain, lessons that have helped me off the road as well. Depression sufferers often suffer in silence for fear of being perceived as weak. When a beloved icon like Cory Reese shares his struggles, it makes it better for all of us who have battled with depression. 

Stronger Than the Dark is immensely readable. It will make you laugh and it will get you in the feels. But most of all, this book will make you feel that you are not alone. Yes, we are all on our own journeys, or as Cory says 'battling our own separate wars'. But by sharing our stories, our pain, with others, we are making it ok for others to admit their weaknesses as well. 

"Let's band together to become a tribe of road angels. Let's take a risk and ask for help when we have blisters on our soul that we can't fix on our own. Let's make connections and help people feel seen." ~Cory Reese

Stronger Than the Dark will make you laugh and cry! Cory Reese is here to endure. /via @oldrunningmom @SmithPublicity #running #runchat #depression

 

I'm linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics, with the Runners' Roundup: DebbieDeborahJenLaura, and Lisa,

 

36 comments :

  1. Sounds like a great read, with a lot of insight we all can relate to.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You always write the best book reviews!
    It's easy to forget that elite athletes have to deal with problems just like us. But Corey Reese has to deal with particularly tough challenges.
    I'm off to order that book. Thanks so much for the tip, Wendy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. A very interesting book. Now I try to find an Italian edition or ... if not... I will buy the "original".

    ReplyDelete
  4. This looks like a very interesting read.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am not familiar w this author but sounds like a really interesting read. Breaking from the church and having such a serious medical condition is a lot to deal with. I love that you read so much. I have a stack I am trying to get through

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cory's books are so good. He's a 'regular runner'. Except he goes way farther.

      Delete
  6. Coincidentally, I just wrote on my blog about making a plan, to list steps and things that motivate me to run. One thing was reading other runners' blogs.

    I guess I can add reading some good running bios to the list. I appreciate it when athletes share their struggles as well, not just their running. It makes them more relatable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely! I have a page on my blog with all the running related books I've read, if you need a place to get started!

      Delete
  7. Thanks for this review - this sounds like a very interesting and good read. I love that people are starting to feel more free about sharing their struggles. It makes it so much easier to relate to people when they are authentic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This year has really opened up the dialogue on depression and anxiety. It's great to know that you are not alone!

      Delete
  8. I always say that sharing something publicly will help so many people -- people you will probably never meet or even hear from. Especially dealing with depression -- and exiting the Mormon church! Those are big deals, to be sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mental illness is one of the last big secrets, isn't it? The more people talk about it, the better it will be for everyone.

      Delete
  9. Oh I loved this review Wendy! I enjoy all your reviews but this one is my favourite - his journey and the connection you make with your own personal journey.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks again for sharing your reviews.

    This one seems to be a really interesting read. I am glad he shared his excperiences.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This sounds like a great book. I'm so intrigued with the Mormon church, the Amish, even the ultra-orthodox Jewish community. I can't imagine how tough it would be to separate from such a controlled lifestyle.

    And I appreciate that he's so open about depression. I agree -- the more people who talk about it and the less it's stigmatized, the better we all are for it. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This has been such an interesting year in that respect--so many people are struggling with depression and anxiety that it's becoming normalized. No one wants to suffer with it, but I'm so glad we can talk about it!

      Delete
  12. I just got this book!!! I absolutely love Cory and can't wait to read it. I'm saving it for my vacation though in July. I have to admit I skipped over parts of your review because I didn't want to know to much in advance. We can compare notes later on!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Road angels. I love that. I'm not familiar with him, but going to look for his books. Sounds like a great story teller

    ReplyDelete
  14. This sounds like such a great book! Ive been looking for some summer books to read so I am definitely going to check this out. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  15. You're such a good book reviewer. You really make me want to run out and get this book! While I've never really dealt with depression, running has meant a lot for my mental health over the years too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just really like Cory--I think he would be such a nice person IRL.

      Delete
  16. I agree with Debbie that you are a good book reviewer. I have looked for it in the library but it isn't there yet. I did however added it to my list of books to get (should have started said list a while ago).

    ReplyDelete
  17. You are a good reviewer! I find it so interesting how so many ultra runners come from backgrounds of trauma and depression.

    ReplyDelete