Book Review: The Runner and the Path by Dean Ottati
Rating: 2.5 water bottles (out of 4)
This book's subtitle reads, "An Athlete's Quest for Meaning in Postmodern Corporate America." As both an athlete and someone who works in Corporate America, I figured this one might be enlightening. Since it also was a loaner from Activeness' John, my expectations probably were too high.
The author maintains his insufferable senior position at a telecom equipment company, but struggles to understand why when it causes stress and significantly reduces the time spent with his family, which includes a sickly son.
Ottati gradually transitions his attention away from climbing the corporate ladder and, by the end, seems to feel better about himself. A more convincing action, in my opinion, would have been for him to quit the job he seemed to despise and attempt to live off a lower-paying job salary. But he doesn't. Though he passes on promotions, in the end the golden handcuffs seem to have won again, leaving this reader somewhat disappointed.
There were some worthwhile insights sprinkled into his pensive training run recaps. If you don't know what motivates you and are drowning in the so-called American Dream of "finishing with the most toys," this could be an eye-opener. But if you already have a balanced life of work and athletics, you might take a pass.
This book's subtitle reads, "An Athlete's Quest for Meaning in Postmodern Corporate America." As both an athlete and someone who works in Corporate America, I figured this one might be enlightening. Since it also was a loaner from Activeness' John, my expectations probably were too high.
The author maintains his insufferable senior position at a telecom equipment company, but struggles to understand why when it causes stress and significantly reduces the time spent with his family, which includes a sickly son.
Ottati gradually transitions his attention away from climbing the corporate ladder and, by the end, seems to feel better about himself. A more convincing action, in my opinion, would have been for him to quit the job he seemed to despise and attempt to live off a lower-paying job salary. But he doesn't. Though he passes on promotions, in the end the golden handcuffs seem to have won again, leaving this reader somewhat disappointed.
There were some worthwhile insights sprinkled into his pensive training run recaps. If you don't know what motivates you and are drowning in the so-called American Dream of "finishing with the most toys," this could be an eye-opener. But if you already have a balanced life of work and athletics, you might take a pass.
posted by JPD at Wednesday, June 28, 2006
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