BEN TUCKER at Books Inc. Alameda

Books Inc. Alameda presents Ben Tucker, reading and signing copies of his memoir, A Good Run.

A coming of age memoir of an African American middle distance runner during the civil rights era. Ben was the first African American to run the equivalent of a 4 minute mile in 1964. He was a member of San Jose State NCAA cross county championship teams 1962 and 1963.

The book takes the reader on a journey with a three year old black boy who is boarding a segregated train in Louisiana bound for San Francisco during the Great Migration. The journey continues on a jog through Ben’s remarkable life, growing up in de facto segregated San Francisco public housing projects and the Bayview-Hunters Point neighbor. He describes his life experiences in revealing details; what it was like living in an all black community while attending integrated public schools.

Ben discovers that he is a talented high school middle distance runner. A track scholarship to San Jose State University exposes him to the national and world stages as an All American middle distance runner. He was also exposed to and influenced by the intellectual discourse and social activism on campus.

The book provides the reader insight into the world of a black student athlete during the tumultuous ‘60’s.

We had the good fortune of meeting Ben during last year’s Storytime series at our store in Alameda. He joined the team from Stagebridge a few times bringing his storytelling magic and wisdom. Please join us as we celebrate this amazing man, and his life!

Ben Tucker is a retired University of California administrator. He is an author, storyteller, and podcaster. Ben is a board member of the Storytellers Association of California (SAC) and The Prescott Children’s Theatre.

Host or Publisher Books Inc.