On the eve of the 2014 Boston Marathon, writers from both here in town and across the country commemorate the tragedy at last year’s marathon through newly released books. / Elissa Bernstein

4:09:43: Boston 2013 Through the Eyes of the Runners by Hal Higdon 

After the first bomb went off 4 hours, 9 minutes and 43 seconds into the race, many marathoners kept running—not toward the finish line, but toward loved ones, to help the injured or to safety. 4:09:43 tells their stories. Compiled by Runner’s World contributing editor Hal Higdon, the book weaves a single narrative from the perspectives of 75 runners who experienced the tragedy firsthand, taking readers on a particularly personal journey from start to finish.

26.2 Miles to Boston: A Journey Into the Heart of the Boston Marathon by Michael Connelly ($18.95)

While the events at the 2013 marathon certainly shook our city’s foundation, we’re still standing — and the world’s oldest annual marathon isn’t going anywhere. In 26.2 Miles to Boston, local writer and runner Michael Connelly recalls the marathon’s rich history in 26 trivia-packed chapters — one for each mile. This all-new edition also explores the marathon’s future, including interviews with runners prepping for 2014 who are out to prove that Boston’s runners are as resilient as Boston itself.

The Boston Marathon: A Celebration of America’s Greatest Race by Tom Derderian ($22.95)

Though the Boston Marathon attracts runners from around the globe, it has always retained a distinctly hometown feel. New England Runner Magazine writer Tom Derderian explores the marathon’s deep local roots in this book that traces the marathon’s route through Hopkinton, Framingham, Newton, Brookline and more, through trivia and vintage photos that intertwine Massachusetts history with the marathon’s evolution.

Stronger by Jeff Bauman ($26)

Waiting for his girlfriend to cross the finish line, Jeff Bauman locked eyes with Tamerlan Tsarnev. Ten seconds later, a bomb went off at his feet. Within minutes, a photograph of him being rushed away in a wheelchair, both legs gone, had gone viral. The survivor’s powerful new memoir recalls the horror of the attack, Bauman’s role in identifying the suspects and his inspiring road to recovery.

Boston, You’re My Home by Suzie Canale ($15)

How do you talk to kids about tragedy when even adults have trouble making sense of it all? This children’s book takes a step in the right direction with Caroline, a little girl worried about moving to Beantown until her parents explain why their new home is “Boston Strong.” The bedtime story tackles tough topics without actually mentioning the bombings, and benefits the One Fund, helping kids—and parents—feel proud to be Bostonians.