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Can't Nothing Bring Me Down: Chasing Myself in the Race against Time
It's never too late to do the impossible. Meet Ida Keeling, a 104-year-old mother, activist, and world record-holding runner. Her fierce independence and deep faith carried her through the Depression and the civil rights movement--but her greatest trials were yet to come. Miss Ida, as she is known in her community in the Bronx, grew up as a child of immigrants during the Great Depression. She began working to help provide for her family at age twelve. Later, after her husband passed, she raised her four children alone while serving as an active member in the civil rights movement. In 1978 and 1980, Ida's two sons were brutally murdered. Justice was never achieved. Ida felt like she didn't have the strength to carry on, but, encouraged by her daughter, Ida put on her first pair of running shoes at the age of 67 and began to chase the paralyzing sorrow from her heart. Running gave light and new energy to Ida, and since her first race nearly 35 years ago, she's never looked back. Holding the world record for the fastest time in the 60-meter dash for the 95-99 age group, Ida isn't slowing down. Can't Nothing Bring Me Down gives us a clear picture of what it means In Can't Nothing Bring Me Down , Ida offers time-tested truths gathered from a lifetime of watching a nation change--and from a lifelong faith in Jesus. "Every night, I thank him for my many blessings, for his guidance, for his protection," Ida says. "And every night he tells me, 'Miss Ida, you just keep on, because I ain't done with you yet.'"
208 pages, Hardcover
Published February 27, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 22, 2018
This was an interesting book, but as a reader I had mixed feelings about it. I first became interested in reading this because I wanted to find out more about her experience as an runner. She started running in 5K's and other races at age 67, and has been running past age 100, which is amazing. She has set several world records in her age group. Learning about this was what drew me to the story.
However, she spends only about 10% of the book or less talking about this, and instead includes her whole history and back story of her life. Now, this was facinating, as any account of that generation growing up and living through the Great Depression and WWII and the Civil Rights era should be. It just seems like the story would have been more complete if she told the reader more about her life as a runner from age 67 to age 102, etc.
Overall it is a interesting story marked with personal struggles, tragedy and triumph. It is an good one to read if you have interest in the lives of immigrants growing up in New York through the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's.
However, she spends only about 10% of the book or less talking about this, and instead includes her whole history and back story of her life. Now, this was facinating, as any account of that generation growing up and living through the Great Depression and WWII and the Civil Rights era should be. It just seems like the story would have been more complete if she told the reader more about her life as a runner from age 67 to age 102, etc.
Overall it is a interesting story marked with personal struggles, tragedy and triumph. It is an good one to read if you have interest in the lives of immigrants growing up in New York through the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's.
August 14, 2018
What a delightfully inspirational book. Ida Keeling is an eighty-three pound, four foot, six inch amazing woman. Of Caribbean descent, she grew up in Harlem, living through Jim Crow, the Depression, The Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Era, and women’s lib. She is a civil rights activist and above all she is a runner. She started running at sixty-seven, to help get over the deep depression she fell into after her two sons were murdered two years apart. She lived through poverty, homelessness, racism and the loss of her husband. Yet she is a model of courage, bravery and determination. She refused to let the horrific losses in her life keep her isolated and in despair. As she proudly states, “ Do not let anyone aggravate you to the point where you cannot eat. Like President Obama, I absolutely refuse to tolerate drama. I’m that way because without good health and a clear mind, you don’t have anything.” She is a winner, and she has a multitude of medals to prove it.
October 4, 2022
I enjoyed this memoir! It was great to hear about her life’s experiences including growing up during the Great Depression, during the civil rights movement of the 60s, and then her experience with the drug epidemic that plagued NYC in the 70s-80s, running races and winning at 100+ years old, etc! So inspiring! Like I’ve said before, diversity in texts, especially for own voices stories, are limited so anytime we have these people that have done extraordinary things, especially when they have stigmatizing identities, is much welcomed and appreciated.
August 3, 2019
I don’t remember why this book was on my list of books to read, perhaps because she’s become a serious runner as an elderly lady. I do like runners. However this book is an autobiography of her entire life, and the running past grief and onto podiums is just touched on in a small way.
So, read this if you want a firsthand account of a centenarian black woman in Harlem who has lived through the 1910s through the present. It is interesting.
However, be warned, the book as a whole is clunky, with no smoothing between Ida’s voice and that of her coauthor. Unfortunately that made it hard to enjoy the tale.
So, read this if you want a firsthand account of a centenarian black woman in Harlem who has lived through the 1910s through the present. It is interesting.
However, be warned, the book as a whole is clunky, with no smoothing between Ida’s voice and that of her coauthor. Unfortunately that made it hard to enjoy the tale.
April 15, 2018
Quick read. I was reading this book for longevity advice but it was more of a U.S. history book. An Insiders view of the Great Depression and other historical events in the course of a 100+ lifespan. Keep it up Ida!
February 23, 2018
Can’t Nothing Bring Me Down is the memoir of 101-year-old, world-record-holding runner Ida Keeling. Miss Ida, as she’s known throughout her Bronx community, isn’t your typical runner. Her fierce independence helped her through the Depression and the Civil Rights movement. But her greatest trials were yet to come. Ida’s two sons were brutally murdered. Justice was never found. Ida felt like she didn’t have the strength to carry on and she couldn’t hope anymore. But encouraged by her daughter, Ida put on her first pair of running shoes at the age of sixty-seven and began to chase the paralyzing sorrow from her heart. Running gave light and new energy to Ida, and since her first race nearly thirty-five years ago, she’s kept running and never looked back. Holding the world record for the fastest time in the 60-meter dash for the 95-99 age group, Ida isn’t slowing down. Now she gives us a clear picture of what it means to overcome obstacles. Ida Keeling shares her inspirational story about growing up as a child of immigrants during the Depression and later raising four children as a single mother. She offers time-tested truths gathered from a lifetime of watching a nation change and from a life-long faith in Jesus. “Every night, I thank him for my many blessings, for his guidance, for his protection,” Ida says, “And every night he tells me, 'Miss Ida, you just keep on, because I ain't done with you yet."
As a former marathoner (and doesn’t it just kill to have to say ‘former?’), I can say that many of Ida’s statements are runners’ life truths. Stick it out, even when it hurts - Life isn’t always easy, but once you break through the wall, it looks a lot sweeter on the other side. Plus, look what you’ve accomplished! Surround yourself with the right people – Birds of a feather flock together…surround yourself with who you want to be. If you want to run a 7 minute mile, don’t start out with the 10 minute group! The way you talk to yourself matters – P!nk says it best, “Change the voices in your head; make them like you instead.” If you’re constantly saying, “I can’t do this,” then you won’t. The book itself is a quick read, filled with her personal history and testament to using running as an answer to grief and stress. She uses it as a survival tool, as all long-term runners are prone to do at times. One of these days, I hope to remove ‘former’ from my title and join Miss Ida in the ranks of centenarian runners!
As a former marathoner (and doesn’t it just kill to have to say ‘former?’), I can say that many of Ida’s statements are runners’ life truths. Stick it out, even when it hurts - Life isn’t always easy, but once you break through the wall, it looks a lot sweeter on the other side. Plus, look what you’ve accomplished! Surround yourself with the right people – Birds of a feather flock together…surround yourself with who you want to be. If you want to run a 7 minute mile, don’t start out with the 10 minute group! The way you talk to yourself matters – P!nk says it best, “Change the voices in your head; make them like you instead.” If you’re constantly saying, “I can’t do this,” then you won’t. The book itself is a quick read, filled with her personal history and testament to using running as an answer to grief and stress. She uses it as a survival tool, as all long-term runners are prone to do at times. One of these days, I hope to remove ‘former’ from my title and join Miss Ida in the ranks of centenarian runners!
October 12, 2018
This was an interesting book. I expected it to be more about Mrs. Keeling's running career but it was more the story of her life. She has a great story to tell. Growing up in New York and living in Harlem Ida Keeling has experienced a lot in her hundred plus years. The book reads a lot like a conversation that you would have with a grandparent who is telling you about their life. There were a few places where it might have been edited better, but overall it is an interesting read.
March 3, 2018
An amazing woman, endured many hardships throughout her life. I bought the book thinking it was more about her running, yet it wasn't mentioned until about 90% into the book. She is quite an inspiration on so many levels!
December 3, 2018
I wanted more about running so was a bit disappointed. The book is more a history and autobiography text than training manual or memoir. Still, she's amazing and had lived through a lot. Many lessons here. Caribbean diet for the win!!!
February 17, 2021
'Can't Nothing Bring Me Down' is the story of a formidable woman who is presently 105 years old - the track and field athlete Ida Keeling, a Masters record holder. The American of Caribbean descent walks us down memory lane of having been through two world wars, the Great Depression, the American Civil War, from hearing Martin Luther King's 'I Have A Dream' standing in front of him, to wondering if she would ever get to see a black man in the White House, battling homelessness and joblessness, being a single mother to four children, tackling racism and sexism across two centuries, addressing the African diaspora from Jamaican to Haitian history, completing college in her forties, running in her sixties, competing internationally in her eighties, here is a woman who has literally seen, heard, and done it all.
When it comes to memoirs and autobiographies, there is often a tendency of writers trying too hard to come across as inspirational, by listing problems which only showcase their privileges instead. Ida offers a fresh take with her matter-of-fact narrative, dismissing her hardships as "people have been worse off". The conversational tone feels like talking to a wise old grandmother, proffering life lessons and advice on the way without praising herself. Encouraging women to have professional careers rather than being dependent on a spouse, highlighting the importance of education, the pride in supporting her niece to become an armed forces officer, the loss of two children who were found murdered with both cases never solved because no witnesses wanted to get involved with the law, the importance of reading, the uselessness of regrets, the ease with which black people get blamed and white people go free, breaking shackles of mental slavery, training for races under the guidance of her daughter, taking care of family, aiming for the sky, writing poetry, going to the gym, the fear of being trampled in her first race, the serenity that accompanies running, the elation of having another day to do what you want to do. Over a hundred years can never be compressed into a book, and a review does even lesser justice of a life story that covers everything and still leaves you wanting more.
When it comes to memoirs and autobiographies, there is often a tendency of writers trying too hard to come across as inspirational, by listing problems which only showcase their privileges instead. Ida offers a fresh take with her matter-of-fact narrative, dismissing her hardships as "people have been worse off". The conversational tone feels like talking to a wise old grandmother, proffering life lessons and advice on the way without praising herself. Encouraging women to have professional careers rather than being dependent on a spouse, highlighting the importance of education, the pride in supporting her niece to become an armed forces officer, the loss of two children who were found murdered with both cases never solved because no witnesses wanted to get involved with the law, the importance of reading, the uselessness of regrets, the ease with which black people get blamed and white people go free, breaking shackles of mental slavery, training for races under the guidance of her daughter, taking care of family, aiming for the sky, writing poetry, going to the gym, the fear of being trampled in her first race, the serenity that accompanies running, the elation of having another day to do what you want to do. Over a hundred years can never be compressed into a book, and a review does even lesser justice of a life story that covers everything and still leaves you wanting more.
July 23, 2018
Ida Keeling is a 103 year old woman who started running in competition when she was in her mid 60s. she has won many awards over the years and continues to run today. This is her memoir. from birth to now. She was born I NYC one of ten children. she grew up poor married young. had two boys divorced married a few years later had two girls. divorced again. she writes how she spent most of those years as a single mother. Tried to teach her children to be good people. suffered the tragedies of the murders of her two sons only a couple years apart. She is quite a lady. I was glad to get a chance to read her memoir.
August 23, 2020
3.5
Ida Keeling is now 104 years young, and an athlete still running and winning races! Her memoir Can’t Nothing Bring Me Down is just the right motivation for anyone who considers their existence as stagnant and unfulfilling. Keeling shares her life story—one of humble beginnings as an immigrant, hardship, poverty, sexual harassment, racism, failed relationships, single parenthood, dysfunctional family life, and so much more. However, nothing, absolutely nothing brings her down, not even the unresolved brutal murders of both of her sons. In her pint-sized, 4 ft. 8 in., eighty-three-pound body, she conquers the unmitigated depression that follows the loss of two of her four children. Running, hope and unrelenting faith are her medicines.
Keeling also reflects on eras, movements, events, and people in the United States in her lifetime: Jim Crow, the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., the Civil Rights Movement, “white flight,” the crack epidemic, and the election of President Barack Obama.
My disappointment in the memoir lies in its organization and seemingly unplanned movement from one topic to another sometimes in the same chapter. On occasion, Keeling’s’ “voice” and language sound like that of her co-writer, Anita Diggs.
The sixteen pages of family photos are great additions to the narrative.
Ida Keeling is now 104 years young, and an athlete still running and winning races! Her memoir Can’t Nothing Bring Me Down is just the right motivation for anyone who considers their existence as stagnant and unfulfilling. Keeling shares her life story—one of humble beginnings as an immigrant, hardship, poverty, sexual harassment, racism, failed relationships, single parenthood, dysfunctional family life, and so much more. However, nothing, absolutely nothing brings her down, not even the unresolved brutal murders of both of her sons. In her pint-sized, 4 ft. 8 in., eighty-three-pound body, she conquers the unmitigated depression that follows the loss of two of her four children. Running, hope and unrelenting faith are her medicines.
Keeling also reflects on eras, movements, events, and people in the United States in her lifetime: Jim Crow, the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., the Civil Rights Movement, “white flight,” the crack epidemic, and the election of President Barack Obama.
My disappointment in the memoir lies in its organization and seemingly unplanned movement from one topic to another sometimes in the same chapter. On occasion, Keeling’s’ “voice” and language sound like that of her co-writer, Anita Diggs.
The sixteen pages of family photos are great additions to the narrative.
January 5, 2021
Miss Ida is my new idol and I adore this spectacular woman, however, her truly remarkable life story deserves a more worthy, more cohesive telling. Meandering and weird editing pull from the narrative's intrinsic power-and we need to know more about her astonishing running career- which is treated almost as an afterthought, oddly. Her life and character are breathtaking so it pains me to rate it only 3 stars...dang ...She needs an inspired biographer.
October 22, 2018
Enjoyed it. Strong woman. She's living at 103 with a Caribbean diet she grew up on!
May 21, 2019
Fun light hearted read about an amazing woman's life and how she copes with trying circumstances in her life.
July 24, 2019
In my continuing quest of reading about the lives of Strong women, I found myself listening to Ida Keeling's story of struggles & perseverance. This story led me through the Depression years & the Civil rights movement, which granted me more insight into the challenges of that time. And so my journey of understanding & embracing multiculturalism continues.
January 27, 2022
Inspirational story of a centurion who endured many difficult times. I loved that she started running when she turned 67. Parts of the book were a little slow, but I loved the audiobook.
February 26, 2019
Like listening to your grandma tell you about growing up. Mrs Keeling went through a lot in her 100 plus years as a Black woman in NY. Like most of the reviewers I had assumed the book was going to be about running, and picking up running later in life. I spent most of the book waiting for the running.
The story line, just like hearing a story from my own grandmother meanders, and sometimes backtracks. Mrs. Keeling went through a lot, and overcame much in her years. And it is interesting to hear a biography of a minority in the 1930's-40's NY. As we usually only see novels - or biographies from the white and rich - of this period.
The story line, just like hearing a story from my own grandmother meanders, and sometimes backtracks. Mrs. Keeling went through a lot, and overcame much in her years. And it is interesting to hear a biography of a minority in the 1930's-40's NY. As we usually only see novels - or biographies from the white and rich - of this period.
July 7, 2018
Took me forever to read this short book BECAUSE...... the good stuff was the last 3 chapters. The rest was about the roots of her life —- history about growing up poor and black. About her relationships , where she worked and friendships. The end was about, sadly ,the death of her two sons and how her daughter got her into running to keep her going . At 101, still running and winning — AMAZING!!!
Now onto the next one ———
Now onto the next one ———
May 8, 2018
I loved reading her story. But be aware the book is 98% her life story and her relationship with God and 2% about her racing.
April 9, 2019
Born May 15, 1915, Ida Keeling (nearly 104 at this time) has experienced a great deal, and she (with the help of Anita Diggs) recounts some of the key events of her life. Keeling is hardworking, responsible, driven, and dedicated to her family. She is noted for running races into her 80s, 90s, and 100s. However, that is merely one manifestation of her grit.
Keeling was born to immigrants from the Caribbean. Her father worked hard, but the Great Depression set him back considerably. Ida didn't have the fees required to graduate from high school, so she started working at age 17. She worked in her early years in factories. She had four children with two men (two boys with one and then two girls with another). For the more part, she was a single mother working hard to provide for her children and to instill similar values within them.
Although not the focus of the book, Keeling describes some of the larger political, cultural, and historical phenomena of her lifetime, notably The Depression, World War II, racism, Civil Rights (she attended speeches by MLK and Malcolm X), Vietnam and her thoughts about Obama winning the election.
Sadly, her two boys fell into the life of drugs and crime. Her girls were able to stay out of street life, to earn advanced college degrees and to hold steady jobs. One of her girls suggested that her mother start running as a way to address depression. But in this autobiography, Keeling also relies on her faith in God to overcome a number of obstacles. This idea is interwoven throughout the book, but the final pages bring that to the foreground.
Keeling was born to immigrants from the Caribbean. Her father worked hard, but the Great Depression set him back considerably. Ida didn't have the fees required to graduate from high school, so she started working at age 17. She worked in her early years in factories. She had four children with two men (two boys with one and then two girls with another). For the more part, she was a single mother working hard to provide for her children and to instill similar values within them.
Although not the focus of the book, Keeling describes some of the larger political, cultural, and historical phenomena of her lifetime, notably The Depression, World War II, racism, Civil Rights (she attended speeches by MLK and Malcolm X), Vietnam and her thoughts about Obama winning the election.
Sadly, her two boys fell into the life of drugs and crime. Her girls were able to stay out of street life, to earn advanced college degrees and to hold steady jobs. One of her girls suggested that her mother start running as a way to address depression. But in this autobiography, Keeling also relies on her faith in God to overcome a number of obstacles. This idea is interwoven throughout the book, but the final pages bring that to the foreground.
February 15, 2023
Unfortunately, I'd never heard of Ida Keeling until I read a little article about her in my Reader's Digest. Fortunately, now I do! I came away with: What an inspiring woman!
This is Ida Keeling memoir. It's a fast book to read and a book you don't want to put down. I love how there were pictures included. This is a wonderful and inspiring book of her life. And her life wasn't ever easy. She was born into poverty, lived in poverty all through her life raising first, her two sons, then her two daughters all on her own. She was homeless, dealt with racism and worked two-three jobs while later in life going back to school to further herself in getting better paid jobs. And all through this, she never complained because she wasn't raised that way.
Of Caribbean decent, the 4 foot six inch 83 lb Ida Keeling grew up in Harlem. Born in 1915, she lived until she was 103! It wasn't until she was 67 when she was depressed and had no motivation to do anything because of her 2 sons recent deaths; they were murdered, that her one daughter, Cheryl "Shelley" told her mother, "I want you to run." Cheryl is a runner. And run is what Ida did! She had a new purpose in life again!
Being 103 years old and born in 1915, she had lived through a lot: the Jim Crow era, the Depression, The Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Era, the Women’s Liberation Movement, and seeing a black man become President! She was also a civil rights activist. She also wrote poetry. Some are included.
This story is not about her running, it's only brief. It's a story about her life. Thank you Ida Keeling for putting it into Print.
This is Ida Keeling memoir. It's a fast book to read and a book you don't want to put down. I love how there were pictures included. This is a wonderful and inspiring book of her life. And her life wasn't ever easy. She was born into poverty, lived in poverty all through her life raising first, her two sons, then her two daughters all on her own. She was homeless, dealt with racism and worked two-three jobs while later in life going back to school to further herself in getting better paid jobs. And all through this, she never complained because she wasn't raised that way.
Of Caribbean decent, the 4 foot six inch 83 lb Ida Keeling grew up in Harlem. Born in 1915, she lived until she was 103! It wasn't until she was 67 when she was depressed and had no motivation to do anything because of her 2 sons recent deaths; they were murdered, that her one daughter, Cheryl "Shelley" told her mother, "I want you to run." Cheryl is a runner. And run is what Ida did! She had a new purpose in life again!
Being 103 years old and born in 1915, she had lived through a lot: the Jim Crow era, the Depression, The Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Era, the Women’s Liberation Movement, and seeing a black man become President! She was also a civil rights activist. She also wrote poetry. Some are included.
This story is not about her running, it's only brief. It's a story about her life. Thank you Ida Keeling for putting it into Print.
March 31, 2022
As I learned in college, you can be incredibly smart and not be an effective teacher. I want to offer that you can have a incredible life story and not be a good storyteller.
Yes, I know there is another author on this book, but I wonder how much input or crafting they were able to offer. Could they not have cut out the countless references to addresses that had nothing to do with the story? I understand sentimentality for an address where you were born, but do we need to know the address of the butcher shop around the corner? I’lol just say no.
There were lose ends that never were resolved that would have made the meandering and tangents worthwhile. She explains her mother was hospitalized early in her life for a week…but never found out why. End of story. She had a half-brother who lived with them for a time and then moved down south to be with his mother. She ends this story with something like “I never found out what happened to him”. Ok but what if, hear me out, the publisher or co-author had done a little Googling? I guess I just wanted more resolution but maybe that’s just part of her story, that she was lacking it in some aspects.
I also wanted her to focus more of the amazing fact that she was setting running records into her late 90s. That is hella interesting! I can’t believe she passed not even a year ago (at 106 years old!!!) and I never heard her story before.
Yes, I know there is another author on this book, but I wonder how much input or crafting they were able to offer. Could they not have cut out the countless references to addresses that had nothing to do with the story? I understand sentimentality for an address where you were born, but do we need to know the address of the butcher shop around the corner? I’lol just say no.
There were lose ends that never were resolved that would have made the meandering and tangents worthwhile. She explains her mother was hospitalized early in her life for a week…but never found out why. End of story. She had a half-brother who lived with them for a time and then moved down south to be with his mother. She ends this story with something like “I never found out what happened to him”. Ok but what if, hear me out, the publisher or co-author had done a little Googling? I guess I just wanted more resolution but maybe that’s just part of her story, that she was lacking it in some aspects.
I also wanted her to focus more of the amazing fact that she was setting running records into her late 90s. That is hella interesting! I can’t believe she passed not even a year ago (at 106 years old!!!) and I never heard her story before.
August 7, 2019
I wanted to read this book because i was inspired by the fact she is a centarian runner and was hoping to gain some advice and insight on what its like to be able to still run and stay healthy at that age. One of my life goals is to still be running after I retire. With that being said, i was disappointed in how little the book focused on her running career. I enjoyed learning about her life and what it was like during the Great Depression and World War 2. I understand some of her experiences are the basis for her decision to run, but i felt like it could have been summed up maybe as Part 1 and then devote a Part 2 to being all about her running career. I also could tell the parts the co-author wrote because the sentence structure and vocabulary were much more elaborate. I think she wanted to provide a factual context for what ida keeling was referring to but it didn’t flow when it came right after ida’s firsthand account without warning—it took me a second to adjust. In short, if you are just looking for a leisurely biography this is an interesting read, but if you are wanting something in-depth about being an active senior citizen, you will need to keep looking.
June 30, 2020
It's excellent read for anyone. Just an extraordinary glimpse into the Black life of Harlem throughout most of the 20th century & the beginning of this one through the eyes of a Black woman who lived it from the same apartment in a high rise public housing project. Surviving in the tenements of Harlem, learning from hardworking immigrant West Indian parents, helping raise a slew of siblings, watching the rising & falling of Harlem decade by decade, enduring poverty, abusive husbands, watching a father whose dreams outstripped his reality as a black man in America, being betrayed by her brothers that put her life on a dangerous trajectory, struggling as a single mother clawing to provide, mourning the deaths of grown sons to the drug scene, and finally, the love from a daughter who pulled her from the abyss of mourning & steered her to regeneration. The regeneration at the age of 68 came in the form of running, which restored her spirit & gave her new purpose. She went on to break age-group track & field records in the elderly. Don't get it twisted this book is about her unique journey through the travails of Harlem, not the running.
April 20, 2018
One of the most honest accounts of someone who has literally lived it all. From growing up in a large, poor family in Harlem, experiencing abuse, assault, walkaway boyfriends, teenage pregnancy and a host of other setbacks, Ida continues to keep her passion and zest for life alive. She attended the March on Washington and listened to MLK Jr. She brought her daughters to hear Malcolm X speak twice a week in the 60s. She grew up during the Depression and experienced so many difficult things - abusive relatives, missing out on graduation by a total of $8.00, and yet she didn't let that stop her. She moved around from job to job and did whatever it took to provide for her family. Truly a remarkable woman, and despite losing two sons in violent deaths, she kept her head held high and found a passion for running at the age of 67, something she has kept until the young age of 102! She is a model of persistence, perseverance and fortitude. A quick read but so worth it!
August 11, 2018
I enjoyed reading this biography. Ida Keeling shares how she got through the worst times in her life. First and foremost is her relationship with Jesus Christ, her faith that God would take care of her and her family got her through everything. Second is her strong work ethic that she got from her parents, she never stopped working and doing everything she could to support her family. Third was her drive to make the world a better place for her kids and grandchildren through reading, becoming educated, and then civil rights activism. And fourth was accepting the fact that she needed help from the despair of the death of her sons. Not only does Ida run to relieve her stress (thanks to her daughter Cheryl), but she found out she is good at it, continually winning in her age category. She also thanks her mom for teaching her how to eat healthy and her doctor for the daily shot of Hennessy. Ida is truly an inspiration for living life to the fullest at any age.
April 5, 2020
I was seduced into buying this book due to the description by a close relative, of a woman who started running at age 67 and continues to race at over 102 years of age. Unfortunately, only the last two chapters of the book were devoted to her running. The eleven preceding chapters were about her childhood then raising four children as a single mother in Harlem. Don’t get me wrong, I love stories about overcoming obstacles like discrimination and poverty. I just expected the book to be more about the experience of running in old age. Bravo for Ida’s accomplishments, especially in raising two daughters that, despite circumstances, became highly educated and successful women.
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Update: Ida must be so disappointed ... Internet search on Cheryl Keeling returned this bit of bad news.
https://www.manhattanda.org/da-vance-...
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Update: Ida must be so disappointed ... Internet search on Cheryl Keeling returned this bit of bad news.
https://www.manhattanda.org/da-vance-...
July 17, 2021
This is my second book on older runners (my first being What Makes Olga Run) and I'm fascinated by them. Ida Keeling seems like such a strong person and the entire book I was in awe of her fierce determination. By virtue of living so long, Keeling witnessed so many changes. It was eye-opening seeing her struggle with racism and the great depression to seeing her witness the first black president. It made me appreciate how momentous that truly was. I loved Keeling's faith in God and how she related scripture stories to her life.
Ida's story alone was worth five stars. While the writing was serviceable, Can't Nothing Bring Me Down would have benefitted from added bulk. I was disappointed that the racing parts were so short. There were other parts of Ida's life I would have loved to have heard more about. I also was confused when some parts were written by her daughter. That happened late in the book with no explanation as to why.
3.5 Stars.
Ida's story alone was worth five stars. While the writing was serviceable, Can't Nothing Bring Me Down would have benefitted from added bulk. I was disappointed that the racing parts were so short. There were other parts of Ida's life I would have loved to have heard more about. I also was confused when some parts were written by her daughter. That happened late in the book with no explanation as to why.
3.5 Stars.
February 13, 2018
"Can't Nothing Bring Me Down" is a great book about a Ida Keeling who is extremely brave. Running at 102, nothing will keep her down. She has been through some difficult things in her life and this memoir is a great testament to her faith, her life story and her determination to not give up on life.
This book was a quick read. I read this book in less than two hours and found it to be quite inspiring. Ida shares about her childhood, her family and her children. This book will make you hold your children closer, it will inspire you to dream bigger and it will keep you moving forward in your life. I love that Ida is so real in this book. This is a book that isn't for the faint of heart, but for the person who can read real life style and be inspired by a woman who has turned lemons into lemonade. I truly enjoyed this book.
This book was a quick read. I read this book in less than two hours and found it to be quite inspiring. Ida shares about her childhood, her family and her children. This book will make you hold your children closer, it will inspire you to dream bigger and it will keep you moving forward in your life. I love that Ida is so real in this book. This is a book that isn't for the faint of heart, but for the person who can read real life style and be inspired by a woman who has turned lemons into lemonade. I truly enjoyed this book.
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