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Memoir Non-Fiction

Running with Sherman

Name: Running with Sherman
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.24 (1 reviews)
Author: Christopher McDougall

by Christopher McDougall

Published 2019

Pages 272

Goodreads ⭐ 4.24

Pacing Fast-paced

Amazon Bookshop.org View Discussion

Also available on: Kindle, Audible

Synopsis

Running with Sherman: The Donkey Who Learned to Love by Christopher McDougall (2019) is a heartwarming and hilarious true story from the author of the legendary running book Born to Run. It’s a tale about the power of inter-species connection, the healing nature of movement, and the sheer absurdity of rural life.

The Plot
The story begins when McDougall rescues Sherman, an abused and neglected donkey, from a neighbor’s hoarding situation. Sherman’s spirit is broken, and his physical health is so poor he can barely walk.

McDougall learns that donkeys are social animals that need a “job” to feel purposeful. He decides on an ambitious goal: he will train Sherman to compete in the World Championship Pack Burro Race in Leadville, Colorado—a grueling 15-mile race through high-altitude terrain where humans and donkeys run together. To get Sherman there, McDougall enlists a “motley crew” of neighbors, including a depressed college student and a goat named Flower.

Key Appeal Notes

Animal Intelligence: The book is a fascinating deep dive into donkey psychology. You’ll learn that donkeys aren’t “stubborn”; they are highly analytical and won’t move if they sense danger.
Healing through Movement: Much like Born to Run, this book argues that running is a fundamental human (and animal) need that can cure both physical and emotional ailments.
Small-Town Charm: Set in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, the book is filled with colorful local characters and the challenges of farm life.
Science and History: McDougall sprinkles in fascinating facts about the history of burro racing and the evolution of the bond between humans and beasts of burden.

Why It’s Still Popular

Mental Health Awareness: The book’s focus on using nature and animals to combat depression and anxiety makes it a frequent recommendation in wellness circles.
Audiobook Brilliance: Narrated by McDougall himself, the audiobook captures the humor and genuine affection he has for Sherman and his community.
The “Underdog” Factor: Everyone loves a story about a “broken” creature finding a new lease on life.

Why Pull This Book
                                From Born to Run author; heartwarming animal story; perfect for animal lovers and runners                            

Why It Fits

Charming story exploring healing, perseverance, human-animal bonds, and unlikely goals. Funny, moving, and inspiring.

Discussion Topics

Animals donkeys healing human-animal bonds perseverance rescue running unlikely goals

Content Warnings

Animal abuse (past), animal rescue

Book Club Discussion Guide: Running with Sherman

1. The Premise: Running a Race with a Donkey

Training a rescue donkey to run a 15-mile mountain race sounds absurd. What makes this goal compelling versus crazy? Why do people set outlandish challenges? What's the appeal of doing something no one expects? What's your "run a race with a donkey" equivalent?

2. Sherman's Rescue: Healing Through Care [CW: animal abuse, neglect]

Sherman arrives traumatized and near death. How does McDougall portray rehabilitation—of Sherman and himself? What's the relationship between caring for others and healing ourselves? Have you experienced caregiving as transformative? Can you fix yourself by fixing someone else?

3. Human-Animal Bonds: What Animals Teach

The book explores deep connection between McDougall and Sherman. What do animals provide that humans can't? What does Sherman teach McDougall about perseverance, trust, or life? Do you believe in profound human-animal relationships? What's your most significant animal connection?

4. The Donkey Choice: Why Sherman?

Donkeys are stubborn, underestimated, unglamorous. What does choosing a donkey represent? How is Sherman an unlikely athlete? What's the appeal of championing underdogs (underdonkeys?)? Is there something inherently charming about donkeys, or is it McDougall's portrayal?

5. McDougall's Motivation: Why This Quest?

What drives McDougall to this unusual challenge—love of running, need for purpose, healing his own trauma, Sherman's need? How much is about the donkey versus about himself? When is helping others actually helping yourself? Is this distinction important?

6. The Community: Burro Racing Culture

McDougall discovers a subculture of donkey racers. What's the appeal of obscure athletic communities? How do niche groups create meaning and belonging? What weird athletic subcultures exist? What makes people dedicate themselves to unusual pursuits? Would you try burro racing?

7. Healing and Goals: Purpose Through Challenge

McDougall and Sherman both heal through training for something bigger. What does having a goal provide? Can you heal without purpose? Is the goal or the journey more important? What challenges have helped you through difficult times?

8. The Born to Run Connection: McDougall's Brand

McDougall wrote bestselling Born to Run about ultrarunning. How does this compare? What's his signature—running philosophy, animal connection, finding meaning in physical challenge? Does his running expertise help or is this different? Which McDougall book is better?

9. The Fast Pacing: 272 Pages of Heart

Despite being relatively short with fast pacing, this covers training, setbacks, race prep, and emotional growth. Does the pace work? What needed more development—Sherman's perspective, the training process, the community? When does heartwarming become too sentimental?

10. Perseverance: Donkey-Level Stubbornness

Donkeys are famously stubborn, but this becomes asset. What's the difference between stubbornness and perseverance? When is refusing to quit wisdom versus foolishness? How do you know when to persist versus when to let go? What would Sherman say?

11. The Underdog Appeal: Rooting for Sherman

Everyone loves an underdog story. Why are we drawn to unlikely success? What makes Sherman sympathetic—his trauma, his disadvantages, his personality? Is the appeal universal or do certain readers connect more? What underdog stories resonate with you?

12. Animal Rescue Ethics: Saving One vs. Saving Many

McDougall pours time and resources into one donkey. Is this admirable or privileged? Could he have helped more animals differently? What's the ethics of animal rescue—save everyone possible or deeply invest in one? Does Sherman's story help other animals by raising awareness?

13. The Race: Climax or Anticlimax?

How did the actual race compare to the buildup? Was it satisfying or did expectations exceed reality? What matters more—finishing, competing, or just attempting? What would constitute success for Sherman and McDougall? Did the ending deliver?

14. Heartwarming: Genuine or Manipulative?

This is designed to warm hearts and possibly make you cry. Does McDougall earn the emotions or manipulate them? What makes animal stories affecting—inherent appeal or specific storytelling choices? Did you cry? Does crying mean a book is good or just that it knows your buttons?

Running with Sherman

Synopsis

Why Pull This Book

Why It Fits

Discussion Topics

Content Warnings

Book Club Discussion Guide: Running with Sherman

Additional Resources

Trusted Resources

References