To the Edge: A Man Death Valley and the Mystery of Endurance
Kirk Johnson

An early example of what has become a bit of a mini-genre – the middle age man with little athletic background who goes on to compete in a profoundly grueling endurance event along the way learning about himself, and the chosen sport.
In this case, the middle aged man is a New York Times reporter, so the writing is top notch, and the event is the Badwater 135, the ultramarathon through California’s Death Valley which many people think is one of the hardest ultra-endurance events in the world.

All of this is to say, while this isn’t a particularly profound or important book, it’s a good read and won’t let down those who, like me, love this genre.

Recommended for the enthusiast.