Praise for Depression Hates a Moving Target

Nita Sweeney’s new memoir is attracting national attention and rave reviews. Here is just a sampling of the praise Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink is attracting.

“Nita Sweeney’s vibrant memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target, not only captures the runner’s mind, but shows how practice — whether in running, writing, or meditation — and finding a community can transform a life. Sweeney charts the ups and downs of her journey with searing and refreshing honesty. Her story will resonate with anyone looking for a way out of the darkness.”
— Natalie Goldberg, bestselling author of Writing Down the Bones and Let the Whole Thundering World Come Home

“Nita’s brave, honest book imparts hard-won lessons on using running to combat depression.”
― Scott Douglas, contributing writer for Runner’s World and author of Running Is My Therapy

“Nita Sweeney’s Depression Hates a Moving Target is a gallant new memoir about persistence in the face of long odds. If you have an interest in long-distance running, this book has you covered. Dogs? Ditto. A love story? Absolutely! Nita Sweeney not only found a way to survive crippling depression, she created a way to thrive. The love of a good man, the love of a good dog, the love of running, and above all the love of oneself. Come along on this inspiring journey. It goes the distance and then some.”
― Lee Martin, author of the Pulitzer Prize Finalist The Bright Forever

“Wow! Nita’s memoir is an inspiring and engaging read. It’s a great narrative on how moving your body can actually transform your brain! If you struggle with depression or anxiety or are just stuck in a rut and need to make a healthy change in your life, you should definitely give this book a read!”
― Richard C. Davis, Ph.D., B.C.N., psychologist, brain trainer

“Funny, poignant, touching and inspiring . . . Nita Sweeney’s tale of finding the strength to do what seemed impossible should encourage all of us to get up off that couch and do something to make our lives better! Nita Sweeney is a terrific writer, and her story is irresistible.”
— Sean W. Murphy, National Endowment for the Arts Fellow in Creative Writing, author of the Hemingway Award-winning novel The Hope Valley Hubcap King and The Time of New Weather

“Nita Sweeney’s Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink is compelling. The memoir had me in tears at times, and rejoicing at others. The book (and Nita’s life) is a roller-coaster ride, one of the big ones at the super amusement parks, not the teeny ones from our childhood. Wow! The memoir brought back memories of bad form, struggling to make the distance, and that blackout for the last 5 miles of a first marathon. Well written, the book is evocative, engaging, inspirational and compulsive reading. I could not put it down. And what an amazing journey! Nita’s strength shines through, as does her struggle and humanity.”
― Paul Nash, ultramarathoner, two-time Comrades Marathon Finisher, Two Oceans Finisher, Boston Qualifier, Marathon PR 3:30

“Nita Sweeney’s courage and grit shine through her candid memoir of ‘running out’ depression. This book has the power to inspire countless others as they pace themselves to mental health.”
— Aimee Liu, author of Gaining: The Truth About Life After Eating Disorders

“This inspiring and warm-hearted memoir proves that no dream is beyond our reach if we just take one step at a time. I cheered for Nita Sweeney as she describes with unflinching honesty her transformation from depressive couch potato to marathon runner, and I laughed out loud at her self-deprecating humor and her conversations with Morgan the dog, her trusty sidekick on the running trail.”
— Tania Casselle, award-winning writer and journalist, author of Insider’s Guide to Albuquerque

“Nita’s story is a gift, a reminder that you can return to something you used to enjoy. You start with a single step. Even if it means running with a kitchen timer on a secluded street in the neighborhood. Even if it means telling your brain to stop saying ‘You’re old and fat.’ Even if it means that you have to continually fight to get up and just do. Reading Nita’s story continuously reminded me of my own journey. Even though our goals are different (because let’s admit it, running a marathon is not one of my goals), her story is inspiring to appreciate the small victories along the way to the big goal. Through her grief and loss of loved ones, Nita kept running. Through her fears and daily problems, Nita kept running. Through the health problems and reminders of the past, Nita kept running. The journey continues, teaching us something new each day as we attempt to reach the big goal. I can keep running.”
― Suzanna Anderson, Editor of The Magnolia Review

“Thrillingly good ― an acutely observed memoir that reads like a well-plotted novel. At times funny, gut-wrenching, and frequently both. Nita mesmerizes with tales of the unique life hacks and circuitous corrections she used to cope with and triumph. Vibrant, heartfelt, weird and wonderful, Depression Hates a Moving Target will inspire readers to push through challenges to make what seems impossible real.”
― Lisa Haneberg, writing coach, author of the novel Toxic Octopus, and author of more than a dozen nonfiction books including High Impact Middle Management

“Finally, a running memoir for the rest of us. Nita Sweeney’s Depression Hates a Moving Target is inspiring, moving and very funny. Her journey is both heroic and deeply human. You don’t need a dog or a high-priced pair of running shoes to enjoy this book (but you may end up acquiring them after you finish).”
― Robert Wilder, author of Nickel and Daddy Needs a Drink

“For me, as an older runner, I connect with Nita’s efforts to be part of the running community, which, in my experience, is incredibly welcoming to runners of all ages. Nita’s careful to note that running is not a substitute for treatment such as medication and therapy for her mental health conditions. It’s just one more tool in the toolbox to help her cope and feel hopeful in spite of everything else. If you’re stuck on the couch and doubting whether you could ever enjoy exercising, you’ll be inspired by Nita’s story and lace your sneakers to head out the door for a walk or run.”
― Carolee Belkin Walker, author of Getting My Bounce Back: How I Got Fit, Healthier, and Happier (And You Can, Too)

“Runners like Nita Sweeney don’t win fame and glory, but there are far more of them than there are Olympians. And their stories are just as inspirational. Yes, Sweeney somehow works up to the marathon distance, but it sure doesn’t come easy. It takes everything she’s got, especially when dark clouds gather overhead. And everything a husband, sister, and great friends can provide. Plus, one more thing: Morgan, the dog. He’s as good a coach and training partner as any runner has ever had.”
― Amby Burfoot, winner of 1968 Boston Marathon, author of Run Forever, First Ladies of Running, and The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life

“Inspiration comes in many forms, and from all sorts of people. Nita’s story, told in an open, honest way, will pull at your heartstrings, and hopefully will get you pulling on your shoestrings and following in her footsteps, whether you walk, jog or run!”
— Darris Blackford, finisher, Badwater 135 Ultramarathon, 200-plus marathons. Race director, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon