Why people recommend it
What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan is a poignant nonfiction book that investigates the tragic life and death of a collegiate cross-country runner, exploring the hidden pressures of student-athlete mental health and social media. On the Joe Rogan Experience, Ryan Holiday praised the author, calling Kate Fagan an incredible writer. Later, appearing as a guest on The Daily Stoic, Kate Fagan herself reflected on the book, discussing the distinction between timely stories and timeless literature and noting that her debut book possesses a long shelf life even if it is deeply rooted in a specific era. During the same podcast conversation, Fagan also discussed her subsequent book, All the Colors Came Out, emphasizing its deeply personal nature and clarifying that its creation stemmed from her own introspective reflections and a free year of writing rather than commercial motives. Podcast guests and hosts frequently highlight Fagan's literary talent and the emotional weight of her biographical work, drawing attention to critical conversations surrounding mental health, the hidden struggles behind outward success, and the profound responsibilities inherent in modern storytelling.
Who recommended it
- Ryan Holiday Recommended
Ryan Holiday — 1 mention
“and kate fagan's an incredible writer”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker — 2
“But I think there's a difference; like this book for me, All the Colors Came Out, is not that it's not—I had this year free, and I guess 'I'm a writer, so I guess I'll write this idea.'”
“And I think about that a lot, even in terms of my first book, What Made Maddie Run. Even though I think it has a long shelf life, it's not timeless.”