Dandelion Growing Wild is a remarkable true story of resilience, perseverance and the power of hope. It’s a look into a large, loving, dysfunctional and oddly religious family thrust into horrific tragedy. The memoir captures the essence of innocence and the disturbing truth of poverty, mental illness, disappointment and death… a powerful, humorous and uplifting story of a little girl who rose from those challenges to compete in the toughest competitions in the world, becoming a world-class athlete and a marathon champion. Kim Jones’ autobiography will inspire the millions of Americans who put on their running shoes every day. However, you don’t have to be a runner to cheer for her. Dandelion Growing Wild chronicles her dual careers as one of the top American marathoners in history and – most important of all – as a mother, trying to chart a smoother course for her daughters. “Stunning! This is no ordinary running story... it's a record of tremendous family struggle and personal triumph. A beautiful story of resilience and perseverance... a journey through a world class career as a marathoner. A hell of a book!” – Bill Rodgers. 4-time winner of the Boston and New York City Marathons “Dandelion Growing Wild by elite marathoner Kim Jones is fascinating, inspiring, uplifting and tragic. A truly remarkable story as fast paced as one of her marathons!” – George Hirsch. Former Worldwide Publisher, Runner's World; Chairman of the New York Road Runners “Beautifully written, Kim's story has given a new definition to the word perseverance... in both life and sport. Inspirational with every turn of the page.” – Joan Benoit Samuelson. 1984 Gold Medal, Olympic Marathon “Kim Jones emerged from an impoverished, challenging childhood to become the best marathoner in America. Her story is nothing short of incredible, and it ought to give runners of all abilities a boost in pursuing their own dreams.” – Don Kardong. Author; 1976 Olympic Marathoner "A former US marathon champ, Jones grew up in the Pacific Northwest in a family plagued by dysfunction, poverty and mental illness. Her memoir of survival and triumph is told with humor and inspiration. You don't have to be a runner to love it." - Donnamarie Barnes - People Magazine "Kim Jones was one of the best marathoners in the world and a familiar favorite on the roads throughout the late '80s and early 90s. With her flowing blond hair and bright smile, she looked like an all-American college girl. Her recent autobiography, however, reveals a story of a large, close-nit family full of trouble -- mental illness, drug abuse, suicide, prison -- and a life spent managing pain and finding freedom." - Jonathan Beverly - Editor in Chief, Running Times Magazine "Very powerful book and amazing journey, Dandelion Growing Wild by Kim Jones. A must read for every runner, I was captivated from chapter one." - Bart Yasso - Runner's World "For all the running in the book, it's not really a running book. It's an extraordinary, often devastating family story told unflinchingly." - John Blanchette - Spokane Spokesman-Review "Jones has penned a story of pathos and passion that ranks among the best and most gripping books written by a runner I've come across. "Dandelion Growing Wild" is that rare sports book that has the potential to cross over into the mainstream reading public." - Mike Sandrock - Boulder Daily Camera The writing process is as personal as childbirth. And that is even truer when writing about your own life. I wrote and rewrote these words over a three-year period, even though I had conceived of the book at an earlier time. Every serious writer wants to find a voice that is true. My effort to find that voice came as I remembered events and then committed them to words. In my case the act of writing was also an act of catharsis, the spiritual healing that must come with any tragedy. I have tried to capture my life within the context of a career as an elite runner. This book, however, is not so much about the running life but rather my endurance and triumph within that life. As Faulkner wrote: "Between grief and nothing, I will take grief." This book has allowed me to move beyond even that.       My story is connected to the lives and deaths of many loved ones. I hope that my memoir honors both their memory and the dedication and courage of the loved ones they had to leave.