Title/Author:
“Muscle:
Confessions of an Unlikely Bodybuilder” by Samuel Wilson Fussell
Tags:
Bodybuilding,
memoir
Published:
March
31, 2015 (digital edition) – originally published 1991
Length:
272
pages
Stars:
4
of 5 stars (very good)
Review:
Samuel
Wilson Fussell stepped from the University of Oxford into the world of
bodybuilding and its quirks when he arrived in New York City. Little did he
realize where this adventure would take him and he recounts his days in New
York and California living the life of a professional bodybuilder in this
autobiography that is being republished in digital format.
Even
though I knew nothing about the sport of bodybuilding aside from the fact that
a certain actor-turned-politician was a famous participant in the 1970’s, I
decided to accept the offer for a copy of the book from the publisher via
NetGalley. I am very glad that I did so,
because I found this book a fun read. It
was much like reading a comedy-drama fictional story as there are elements of
both humor and horror wrapped into one book. I felt connected to Sam as his
story progressed even though I would never imagine living that type of
lifestyle.
A
reader does not have to understand the sport or know anything about its history
in order to understand or enjoy this book. The workouts that he endures are
spelled out in a manner that anyone can clearly understand the strength and
endurance a bodybuilder must have in order to last through these workouts. The diets and steroids that he or she must do
as well as a look at the competition are also covered and the reader will be
both entertained and informed as these are described.
This
is one of the better memoirs that I have read recently as it clearly shows that
Samuel didn’t regret this choice, and covers all the reasons that he may have
done so earlier. I also enjoyed learning
about this sport and thought Samuel was quite the character once he truly
became part of this club. This is certainly
a book to pick up if the reader enjoys an entertaining autobiography.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Open Road Media for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Pace of the book:
Good
stories are usually fast paced reads and this is certainly the case with “Muscle”.
Do I recommend?
Even
if the reader knows nothing about bodybuilding aside from a certain former
California governor being a former participant, this book would be an enjoyable
read for anyone who likes a good story.
Ebook
(Kindle)
Buying Links:
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