The book does a great job examining all facets of how and why to run naturally. One point I would like to make is that this book is not an advertisement for Newton Running shoes. Mr. Abshire only mentions Newton Running a couple times in the whole book. As a devoted wearer of Newton Running shoes, I was worried people could be turned off of the book if they felt like it was just a plug to buys shoes. The book seems written more by a neutral observer rather than the owner of a shoe company.
Like most instructional type books, the first chapter gives a bit of history about Mr. Abshire on how he got started in the business and how his philosophy of natural running was shaped. I found it interesting the he initially learned the principles of foot biomechanics not by running, but by fitting people for snow skis in Colorado.
The next chapters go on to explain what natural running is, evolution of the sport/shoes, how to examine your own running form, explains running gaits, foot biomechanics, physics of running, common running injuries and their causes.
After digesting all the hows and whys to adopt a natural running style as well as running in a minimalistic type of shoe that is light weight with a low ramp angle, you get into the meaty part of the book.
The last 50 pages of the book teaches you how to not just run naturally but gives you the tools to engrain the correct form. First up is a set of basic strength and form drills to perform. The strength drills work the muscles, tendons, etc. that are used in natural running and may be weak if you have been a loping heel striker. You are then given form drills to perform that teach and reinforce the feelings and movements of natural running.
Most books of this type usually end here. But in this book, you are given an 8 week training schedule to help you adopt the skills needed to run naturally. With the combination of strength and form drills mixed in with just a bit of running, you should have a pretty good grasp of the concept if you adhere to the schedule and don't self-sabotage it by running too much or racing. This is not an in-season change you want to make.
The book finishes with a fantastic explanation of the training philosophies of the late, great Arthur Lydiard who has coached several world/olympic champions. Much of his teaching is still used by the best coaches and elite runners. This also happens to be the training I have personally used the last year or so with great results.
So, if you are a heel striker (especially one who fights injuries) or even if you already run with a midfoot/forefoot strike, I recommend reading "Natural Running" as it will help you learn how to run naturally or reinforce what you already know or don't know.
Hmmm...sounds like an interesting read for me, especially since I'm seriously considering going the neutral shoe route.
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