5 🌟
Format: ALC

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the alc in exchange for an honest review.

Did I know who Keira D'Amato was before this book? No I did not, but you can bet I do now. As someone who just began a running journey this year, hearing her tell her story with running was so inspiring. While I was struggling to consider myself a 'runner' when I'm jist getting 1 mile, Keira made me feel as if I should be proudly calling myself just that. This story is so motivating, funny, emotional, serious. It's the whole package. I definitely think anyone who runs should give this a listen.

I know it will appeal to some people but the informal text speak (TBH, OMFG) sprinkled throughout did not appeal to me. It made D’Amato come off as immature and a little lazy. It likewise turned me off early on in the book when D’Amato used not liking Taylor Swift and Beyoncé (notably both stereotypically women’s interests) as examples of how she didn’t follow the pack. It gave the vibe that she’s not like other boring women; she’s a ~cool~ girl.

Overall her story *is* inspiring, and many people will connect to her post-children journey back to competition. The early chapter on that was the best part.

But the book and D’Amato’s alleged sense of humor (I don’t think I found a single one of her “jokes” funny) didn’t really resonate with me.

.First, a big thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listen of Keira D’Amato’s memoir—funny, honest, emotional, and truly inspiring. Bonus points that the audiobook is narrated by Keira herself, which adds a personal and authentic touch.

You don’t need to be a runner or follow professional racing to connect with this story. Keira’s journey—from middle school cross country to breaking records on the world stage—is filled with relatable lessons and insights that transcend sport. Her reflections on perseverance, identity, and rediscovery offer something meaningful for anyone, regardless of their path or profession.

This is the kind of memoir that rejuvenates the spirit as much as it entertains. It blends humor, vulnerability, and wisdom with an athlete’s grit and an honest look at life’s unexpected detours. Whether you're lacing up for your first 5K or chasing your next chapter, Don’t Call It a Comeback delivers a heartfelt, motivating push forward.

Highly recommended for anyone in need of a spark—or a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

I am a marathon runner, and I cannot BELIEVE I didn't know about this marvelous human. I am so so so thrilled she chose to share her amazing story with the world. I will be telling all of my friends, especially those that run, that they need to read this book! Keira did an AMAZING job narrating, as well!

Aside from my love for running, few things get me more excited than a story that’s real, raw, and resilient—just like Keira. From following her on social media and catching her in interviews, I’ve always admired her authenticity, sharp insights, and, let’s be honest, her next-level fashion sense (seriously, who didn’t obsess over that gold fringe jacket during the live show with Ali on the Run at Glossier Boston in 2023?! EPIC).

This audiobook hits hard in all the best ways. It dives into themes that so many of us—especially runners, mothers, and women pushing back against expectations—will find painfully relatable. There’s the emotional rollercoaster of rebuilding fitness postpartum, the sting of a DNF (Did Not Finish), and the quiet wins that come not from perfection, but from persistence. It’s a reminder that progress often begins with baby steps and is carried by consistency.

Keira’s story is both personal and universal. She tackles the unfairness of internet hate and doping rumors with the grace and grit we’ve come to know her for—turning every setback into a comeback. Add in the lens of military life and the unseen challenges of being a military spouse (boy, this was the most relatable part for me, as both a veteran and former military spouse), and you get a layered narrative that goes beyond the surface of elite performance.

And yes, there’s humor and pop culture too—because life isn’t just marathons and medals. Whether she’s referencing The Bachelor or calling out how some things (and couples) are better off separate (Kim and Kanye, anyone?), the voice here is sharp, smart, and oh-so-relatable.

One thing that truly stood out to me was the audiobook. Hearing Keira tell her own story in her own voice added a depth and richness that made the experience even more powerful. There’s something incredibly special about hearing those genuine emotions, inflections, and moments of reflection straight from her. It made me feel even more connected to her journey.

All in all, this is a story about resilience, identity, and rising above—whether it’s a tough race, toxic headlines, or personal doubts. For me, this is definitely a 4.5/5 read (or listen!) and one I’ll be recommending to every runner, mom, and dreamer I know. A genuine, gritty, and amazing journey worth every page.

Keira D'Amato is a name that I have heard but I was totally unfamiliar with her story and her resurgence in the sport of running after completely stepping away due to injury. What a powerful story of both a woman and mom reclaiming her love of running and continuing to pivot rather than give up at any point and even when random strangers and doctors kept telling her to stop.

YOU GO GIRL! Cheering for you in everything and everywhere you go!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and MacMillan Audio for the advanced copies! Keira read the audiobook herself and she infuses all of her humor and emotion into the reading! I was completely infuriated on her behalf at everyone who tried to shoot her down. Her story as a mom/athlete/military wife is completely relatable and I think even if you're none of those things you can find gems of wisdom and inspiration!

This does make me want to go out and sign up to run a race (not a marathon!) so keep that in mind. You may now be completely motivated to go do something you swore you would never do again. ;)

Great Running Story told in a short timeline from Keira D'Amato. Really enjoyed story telling about her challenges and successes as a runner. Fun, quick read.

5/5. 10/5. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Keira D'Amato, the publisher, and Netgalley for the audiobook ARC.

This is not a book about running... Unless you are me and you run, you follow runners, and you love the stories behind runners. Then it is a book not <i>just </i> about running - it's about doing anything despite all odds. And that's what Keira really embodies. When she came back to the running world in the 2020s, I was just having my second kid and thinking about what my running future would be. What I wanted to do and what I could do were two different things and I really wish I had this book then (I'd be MUCH further along). I think my return would have been way better at putting me in the mindset she talks about. But, hey, today is the next best day to start.

While traveling along with Keira on her return to running at a professional level, she tells stories of the past and her desired future and how they both build into her goals and performance. I think anyone - runner, mother, person with goals - can find something useful in this pursuit of happiness. And, yes, if you wanted some fun insight into the behind-the-scenes of major races, there you go.

The tone is conversational and Keira reading her own words makes this all the more enjoyable. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to succeed in whatever makes path they travel toward happiness.

Don’t Call It A Comeback Honest ARC Review:

5⭐️ as Keira is relatable, shares her personal stories, struggles and how she works to overcome them.
As a mother of four who has been seeking inspiration to push myself to run more, this has been valuable.
The candid accounts Keira shared made me feel so seen in my journey as a mother and hopefully a consistent runner again.

Thank you so much Net Galley for sharing this ARC with me.

Audiobook

Keira D'Amato is a champion runner who faced many challenges throughout her career. Aspiring to become a professional athlete as a young woman, Keira was sidelined by an injury that threw her off her path. She adapted, discovered new passions—including motherhood—but running remained her true passion. Keira shares this memoir to describe the highs and lows she experienced, while also finding joy along the way.

I enjoy a compelling memoir that not only reveals details about the person but also about a hobby, experience, or career. Keira structures her story to educate her audience about running, race schedules, and anatomy, as well as the struggles of aging, motherhood, and finding purpose. While any reader might enjoy her story, those without an interest in fitness or running may find it somewhat repetitive (this race, then that race, race, race, race). Overall, I’m very glad I discovered Keira, and it definitely motivated me to walk more while listening!

Advanced copy provided by Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan for this ARC. When I first got this book I thought it’d be interesting, informative, but unrelatable. I was so wrong (other than Kiera’s paces which are insane). What a great memoir, not only about her journey becoming an elite runner but about life along the way. Her take on being a wife and becoming a mother is so relatable and her sense of humor is top notch. She’s an excellent reminder to never stop having fun and chasing your dreams.

'Don't Call it a Comeback' is a great listen! Keira D'Amato's story in her own voice is time well spent. She takes the listener on the ups (and downs) of her running journey - and what a ride it has been! As a runner, I not only enjoyed hearing her talk about the preparation and training that went into her record-breaking runs. As a mom with a career, Keira's honesty about her life is refreshing and much-needed motivation for so many of us. She also doesn't shy away from the struggles of being a military wife with a deployed husband which makes her even more real. I spent long runs listening to her book, and hated finishing it because it was over.

As someone who has always been a slow runner, and been slower lately wondering if I'll ever get back to my old slow, Keira's book is absolutely inspiring. I loved listening to this book as her personality shined through - her sense of humor is one I can get behind and I laughed so often as I listened. To hear that Keira was "just" a regular runner for so much of this book was just so crazy to me and honestly, I loved that she had the freedom to do things her way. This book truly reminded me of the love I have for the running community and that I need to try to get back to a happier place on my own running journey. Oh, and I bet that I'm not the only reader that can say they have run the same race as Keira (2019 Peachtree), although I have to use the term run very loosely. And the 2020 Olympic marathon trials brought back memories of the day I was course monitor, which is still one of the coolest experiences ever. Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for a chance to listen in exchange for an honest review.

Very motivational book that I completely enjoyed. It flowed well and made sense throughout. Recommend for anyone who enjoys running or just needs a little motivation.

This book hit me at just the right time - I’ve just run a half marathon and am trying to figure out what to do next. Keira’s story really hit home and opened my eyes to new ways to approach fitness.

The writing style felt very personal and I enjoyed how each chapter was wrapped up with a “punchline”.

Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan audio for an advance audiobook! All opinions are my own.

Excellent book. I truly enjoyed Keira’s story. She narrated the book and did a fantastic job.
She has a great sense of humor too. I’m still laughing at “Up Dog.”
As a runner training for my BHAG, I appreciated all the encouragement and mental tips that she gave.