For some, running is a cornerstone in their lives. To those individuals, there is an unquenchable need to run on roads, trails and track. They cannot explain it, but that does not matter. Running is who they are. It is for them The Unforgiving Line is written. A timeless tale of Mac and an unexpected  protégé, D.J., exploring a clash of worlds, wills, dreams and regrets. Blending the past and present of the glorious history of distance running, The Unforgiving Line delivers through the final stride.   "Paul Maurer's The Unforgiving Line i s a captivating coming of age story about hopes, dreams and the two-way give and take path of mentorship. Running is of course the central thread through the fabric of this endearing story of two men on opposite ends of the age spectrum and their evolving coach/athlete relationship. But the salient theme to me is the ironic nature of how mentors often learn, and mentees often teach.It's also simply a compelling and heart-warming story of a young man chasing his dream. From start to finish, you won't want to close the book. But if you must, it will provide you with something to which you'll be eagerly awaiting to return. Having recently been asked to recommend a runner-themed book for a graduating student-runner, given the plethora of excellent books to consider, I chose Paul Maurer's The Unforgiving Line ."(5 stars) - Jack Fultz, 1976 Boston Marathon Champion "THE UNFORGIVING LINE tells it like it is. As good as ONCE A RUNNER, it shows the struggles and sadness in the sport, but also the goodwill, friendship and ultimate beauty."- Billy Rodgers, 4 time Boston and New York Marathon Champion "Whether you are starting your career...or long past your glory days, The Unforgiving Line is a book for all runners. Paul Maurer is an author who shares his wisdom." - Marty Liquori, Legendary Olympian; PR 3:52.2 one mile; 3:59.8 one mile (high school) "John L Parker, Jr. penned the now classic story of a track athlete and originally sold it out of the trunk of his car... THE UNFORGIVING LINE, penned by Paul C Maurer, needs to be digested just as Parker's, ONCE A RUNNER, as it too will endure, just like Quenton Cassidy has,all these years. Writing about the struggles each are going through and how their common interest of running a fast 1500 meters, moves the story right to the gun lap. A most enjoyable story, that will inspire many and endure for many years to come."- Roy Pirrung, Ultra Hall of Fame runner and author of heROYic! "NEW to the track nerd's overflowing bookshelf...'The Unforgiving Line' is a fresh novel that captures the essence of our sport...it belongs on your reading list yesterday...so, whaddaya' waiting for. Seriously,a total track and field 'page turner'...you're gonna' dig it." - Mike Fanelli, USA National Track Coach, founder Greater San Francisco Track Club "Really enjoyed reading The Unforgiving Line. Beautifully written, fair play to you!" - Shane Healy, Irish Olympian; PR 3:35.29 1500 meters,3:53 one mile "Kudos on the Paul C Maurer book THE UNFORGIVING LINE! It's an excellent read for runners of all ages!" -Sam Bair Jr., Running Legend, PR 3:56.7 one mile "The Unforgiving Line, by author Paul C. Maurer, is one of your requisite tales of good over evil, love over hate and glory over failure. It is set to a coming of age running backdrop. The story transcends running, therefore will be an interesting read for anyone, but is set heavily in the world of high school track and field." - Christopher Kelsall, Athletics Illustrated "Every day I look forward to coming home from work so I can get back the story. There is so much relatable story lines for me as a runner, coach and family life. Excellent read and will in some form remind you of many of your experiences as a runner or coach." - Russell Delap, Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field at Concordia University, Decorated Ultra-distance runner "Paul Maurer's novel took me back to my day's of running cross country and track...I personally found what he's written to be both insightful and inspiring. I felt sad coming to the end of his novel as I had bonded so strongly with the main characters. This book would make a great gift for any aspiring high school runner, or for those who coach them."- Joe Head, 1968 Olympic Marathon Trials competitor After a lifetime of memories on the track, roads and trails, The Unforgiving Line was born. I truly hope you will enjoy my work. All the best, Paul. "It's raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's besides the point. It's simply that I just have to." - Emil Zatopek "Hopes and dreams drive us. Motivate us. They get us up for an early morning run and out the door on a sub-zero day. Dreams whip us to do things that others would never consider. But dreams can only take you so far. At some point a runner must harden. The dream still exists but it becomes more than that. It becomes tangible, no longer just a whisper in the night. It evolves into f