A lovely, honest, heartfelt memoir from an ultramarathon runner. Dion shares how meeting a little dog in China during a gruelling race changed and enriched his life.
This true-life story has a happy ending, so you know from the beginning whatever happens things turn out well for Dion and his doggy friend.
Dion is a driven individual whose childhood ended abruptly with the death of the man he called dad. Much of Dion's motivation for pushing himself beyond reasonable limits can be traced back to his childhood. The memoir flows like a novel and is full of action, conflict, grounded characters and poignant moments.
Meeting Gobi is serendipitous, and Dion is determined she will be his. The sacrifices he makes, the people he meets and the different culture he learns to live with making this an enthralling read. Gobi's story is touching, and many times your heart is in your mouth as you wonder if she will ever make it to the UK and life with Dion.
The insight into 21st-Century China is fascinating. The real-life action is heartstopping and the bond between man and dog rewarding. So familiar to everyone who shares their life with a doggy friend. Whether or not, China, dogs and running are part of your life you will enjoy this well-paced, action-packed, original story, I did.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins Non-Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Finding Gobi is a heartwarming story about Dion, a long distance, extreme runner's discovery of a little "nuisance" dog who just wouldn't stop following him along when he was trying to win a race. But this is no jog outdoors from his house down the road and back, no this was a 155 mile race across the Gobi Desert in China, in what could be the harshest weather and terrain for humans, let alone a tiny little scruff like Gobi.

As the story continues we hear how Dion becomes attached to the little mutt, and makes part of his mission to win the race, whilst protecting his new little friend. Eventually, he realises they can't be apart, but getting the dog back to the UK is full of drama and ultimately a really great feel good read.

I'm not a runner, but I am a dog lover, and even though the dog was not in the early parts of this book and it was more about Dion's running achievements, I was totally enthralled by this 'sporty' theme, which took me by surprise. I am not usually one for books about sport. I mean, running eh? It's one foot after the after... how interesting can that be to write about? Er, actually, much more than I originally thought!

By the time we got to meeting Gobi, I really couldn't put this book down! This will lift your spirits, and remind you how animals lovers are simply the best people around. In the end there is such a bond between the couple, I could not help but admire their courage, bravery and tenacity for overcoming obstacles and reaching their goals. Determination is a wonderful thing and is highlighted wonderfully within these uplifting pages. A terrific tale that will have you racing through this book as fast as a long distance runner high on adrenaline. A super read for fans who also liked A Streetcat named Bob, only about a dog, which is even better in my book. I do hope we get to see a film about this tenacious duo, I'm sure it will be both a tear-jerker and inspirational one to watch! As is this book!

For someone who has little interest in sport, let alone running multiple marathons across the world’s deserts, I should have put this book down after a few pages. Written with passion and sensitivity Finding Gobi carries the reader along on a journey to save a small dog. Saving Gobi was picked up by social media and the world’s press, before long it seemed everyone wanted to help. This life affirming account will lift your spirits and restore your faith in human nature.

Heartwarming and inspirational story, especially for animal lovers, and fascinating background to the world of extreme running - to be hones, learning the tale of Australian legend, Cliff Young alone was worth reading the book! I really enjoyed this, and anyone who liked A Streetcat Named Bob will too. Fluffy and adorable :)

The picture on the cover of this book was enough to capture my heart. I was also really glad when I read the first chapter to find out everything worked out in the end however hard the journey was!

Dion Leonard, an Australian now living in Edinburgh is an extreme runner; going long distances over rough terrain and punishing weather. On the second day of his run across the Gobi desert he notices a scruffy wee brown dog running along with him. The dog keeps up with him throughout the hot gruelling day & shows no sign of leaving his side. Before long everyone had fallen in love with 'Gobi' The race organisers even transport him to the end of the hottest stage of the race! By the time the race is run Dion knows that the bond with Gobi is so strong he cannot leave him behind. The paperwork and bureaucracy required to get one small dog from China to Scotland is daunting in the extreme but Gobi captures the heart of everyone.

This is a story of determination, the kindness of strangers and how dogs can change lives.

I don't know how I missed this story when it was happening as I know I'd have done my bit with the crowd funding! I read the book in almost one sitting- absolutely loved it! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read Gobi's wonderful story.

Not my usual read but I really enjoyed it. I do think some of the background story (Dion's life before he met Gobi) could have been cut down a bit, because I think this book really gets into its stride when Dion embarks upon the mammoth challenge of bringing Gobi home. Heartwarming, inspirational - what a man and what a dog! And not forgetting everyone else who was involved. Lovely to read such a story given all the negative news out there. Well done!

I knew from the start that Gobi would catch my heart because animals always do, but anything sport related really isn't my thing, so I was worried that the fact Dion is a seasoned ultramarathon runner would ruin it for me. I just hoped that maybe running would take a backseat in the story, which, of course, it didn't.

I realised from the start that running was going to be a major part of the story and my first thought was 'oh dear.' And then I carried on reading... and reading... and reading... and for the first time in my life, I realised I was actually enjoying reading about running. At one point, (before the introduction of Gobi,) I actually forgot this book was about a dog and was really getting into it irrelevant, to the point it didn't matter if a dog was even part of the story or not. This really surprised me.

And then you meet little, energetic Gobi, with an attachment to Dion right from the start. If I was Dion, I probably wouldn't have even ran at all and would have been sat on the floor cuddling Gobi, because, well, that's just me, but I kinda like the fact that Dion wasn't as taken with Gobi as Gobi was with him straight away. This allowed for the progression of the relationship to be shown throughout and it was nice to see Dion gradually falling in love with this little stray, from him considering her as somewhat of a nuisance, to him reaching the point of doing anything for her.

I cannot fault this book at all, except for the fact it had to end and I love all the pictures!

I wanted to read this book to try and understand why anyone would choose to run an ultramarathon. The story of the little dog Gobi seemed a secondary issue to start with. Of course, Gobi soon moved front and centre. As the story progresses and the author develops an affection for the little dog who randomly follows him on some of the longest trails, we do too. You can't help it. You start to understand the life the little dog would have if left in the desert. But by publicising and trying to arrange a permanent adoption of Gobi, Mr Leonard inadvertently puts him in danger.

The book is fascinating on several levels. Why do people run huge distances? Why do the races seem so badly organised (the beginning of the book where getting to the start of the race and the journey is described is surprising)? Where did the little dog come from? Why did he choose Dion to run with?

There is a lot here on human psychology and our motivations and the relationship between Mr Leonard and his girlfriend (who first got him interested in ultra running) and their relationship with Gobi, the relationships of the runners - many of whom know each other and race against each other repeatedly. I liked the fact that if someone stops for any reason, the folk behind him stop too and allow the advantage to continue. A real sense of sportsmanship comes through - maybe because people can (and do) die on these races.

From the moment Gobi chooses Dion, we are rooting for them both. Recommended as a gift for anyone becoming a bit cynical about life or anyone who needs reassurance about the goodness of life.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I would like to thank HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Finding Gobi’ written by Dion Leonard in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Dion Leonard is a marathon runner from Sydney, Australia, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, and when lining up for the second stage of the 155 mile Kalahari multi-stage ultra race he becomes aware of a small dog chewing his shoe laces. When the dog keeps pace with him for nearly 80 miles over the hazardous Tian Shan Mountains, Dion realises this dog is special and gives him the name of ‘Gobi’. Dion decides he’ll do everything in his power to take Gobi back to the UK and this book is an account of the trials and tribulations Dion goes through before his dreams can become reality.
This is a warm and touching true story of man’s love for a dog and the kindness, generosity and helpfulness of people around the world. It’s interesting to read of Dion’s experiences from childhood when his headmaster said he’d end up in prison and his marriage to Lucja, to his achievements in ultra-marathon races. It’s a wonderful account of a plucky little dog and the man whose heart he captivates. ‘Finding Gobi’ will appeal to all readers regardless of whether they are keen runners or dog-lovers and is a book not to be missed!

What a tale (tail?). The sensible part of me asks what kind of idiot would go to this extent for a stray dog? It also asks what kind of masochist would have been on the start line at Tian Shen? Followed by what kind of idiot would donate money to bring this crittur to Edinburgh.
The answers are Dion, Dion and...erm...people like me. How could you not?
Such a well written book about changing perspectives, watertight relationships (Dion and Lukja), the need for some hope and good in this world and the unbreakable bond between a dog and her man.
Wonderful.
Thank you Netgalley for providing the opportunity to read this book . This is my honest review.

What a wonderful heartfelt book. emotional without being mawkish, the story of a little dog, who for whatever reason decided she wanted to be with a runner she had just met. This follows her bravery and the obstacles to her final goal. What a lovely book

Dion Leonard was running a gruelling ultramarathan race across the Gobi desert when he was joined by a little dog that he named Gobi, Gobi was amazing he made the decision that Dion was for him and he was not letting go! The amazing loyalty and perseverance of Gobi changed something in Dion and at the end of the race he was determined to find a way to bring Gobi home with him but that was where his troubles began..... how much red tape can there be!

A lovely story about a fantastic dog..... being a real dog lover I am a sucker for this sort of book and loved it

An incredibly touching and enlightening read. Dion Leonard shares the highs and lows of running ultra- marathons in hostile territory and his brilliant descriptions create a vivid picture for the reader. It is easy to imagine oneself in the midst of the competitors fighting to succeed and achieve. Then we encounter Gobi, a stray dog who attaches himself to the race and in particular to Dion, who rapidly becomes enthralled by her and her devotion to him. At the end of the race he decides he must get her back to Britain and we follow the highs and lows of Chinese, European and British red tape, that take many months to overcome. A great true story.

What an amazing adventure for both man and boy. A very special dog. I hope they have a long and happy life together.

Amazing book, such a good read! Not what I expected at all. I couldn’t wait to finish it to see how it ended! Highly reconmmend

Dion Leonard is an ultramarathon runner, introduced to this extreme sport by his wife Lucja. They live in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dion is a 42 year old Australian; as his father came from Birmingham Dion is entitled to hold a British passport. In 2016 Dion took part in a 155 mile race across the Gobi Desert in China. As he set off on the first leg a small, stray dog became rather attached to him and kept pace with Dion over almost 80 miles of this arduous race. Dion fell in love with this little dog, a little dog with a big heart. Dion wore yellow gaiters above his running shoes: ”The day Gobi stood by my side and looked up from my yellow gaiters and stared into my eyes, she had a look about her that I’d never seen. She trusted me implicitly… (Dion had named the dog, Gobi). He knew, come the end of the race, he would do everything possible to get Gobi back to the UK.

”They say it takes a village to raise a child. I think it takes almost half a planet to rescue a dog… Dion had no idea of the momentous task he was about to undertake. The tale of Gobi had already made the news and a Crowdfunder appeal quickly raised thousands of pounds. News media around the world picked up and broadcast the story. But, the devil is in the detail…

I won’t say more without spoiling the details. Finding Gobi is a true story of determination, anguish, bureaucracy, paranoia, sorrow, tears, joy. And the unquenchable love for a little dog. A heartwarming tale for any dog lover.

You will love Finding Gobi.

Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard was a rewarding book to read. At first, it didn't seem like a read for a grown up. After all, what could we possibly have in common? But, it turned out to be a real treat. This story was about not just finding a little dog lost in the Gobi Desert, but also a journey to finding oneself.

Dion Leonard, an ultramarathon runner came across Gobi, a small stray dog in the Gobi desert. The little dog latched onto Dion no matter what during the 155-mile race. The terrain and race were grueling, but Gobi didn't give up hope that she might one day be loved.

Gobi changed Dion's perception of the world and helped heal his past.

Lovely descriptions throughout. Finding Gobi is a true story that warms one's heart.

★★★★★ 5 Stars

Thanks to #NetGalley for the review copy.

As an animal lover this book appealed. What a great story of a man and his dog. Really enjoyed it

Normally non-fiction books aren't my go-to reads but seeing the adorable face of Gobi on the front of this book I just had to find out the whole story!

At first I wasn't really enjoying the book and was ready to "throw in the towel." I'm so so glad I never! Following Dion and Gobi's journey was so heartwarming and gives you so much hope for everything to go right for them. The book was extremely tense at parts and had you biting your nails in anticipation of what was going to happen next. So many times you lost hope that they would get their happy ending because so much was happening that seemed to be making it impossible.

The amount of caring, helpfulness and friendship in this story was really encouraging and I absolutely adored the story. It was so nice seeing so many people come together to help this complete stranger and stray dog be reunited and get home to live their life together. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I'm so glad it was brought to my attention by Netgalley. Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review such a lovely, feel-good book.

Was a really enjoyable book, I'm the biggest animal lover they is so this book was very much my cup of tea. I will be purchasing a couple of paper back versions for family birthdays etc as makes a good feel good read. I now follow Gobi on Facebook to see what he's up to.