very freaky (sexually, that is). The interesting part was about the whole bodybuilding subculture; and I wish there had been more of it. Dark book, worth a read

Within the pages, Dowling explores not only the science, cultural condition, attitudes, history, and studies of women and girls’ physical development and abilities, she also shows effectively how the female in society is taught to intentionally (even though subconsciously) underdevelop her potential to the point of abnormality. Whether this is in terms of pursuing the so-called “fashionable figure” (which is likened to that of a marathon runner, mind you), to the ever-pervasive negative attitudes both women and men hold towards the possibility of women “getting big,” or gaining muscle mass, or advancing/excelling in sport.

It is more of an academic-style book rather than a narration (but very readable, mind you). Much of it I already had an idea about before even cracking the cover, however I found mounds of information I’d never come across before, most especially, that of the history of women in athletics and strength, and society’s (mostly crappy) reaction to it, even to this day.

Muscle is basically a memoir of “an unlikely bodybuilder” as the subtitle states. Samuel W. Fussell writes of his late entry into the subculture of bodybuilding, telling his tale of gorging food and body-weakening diets, starting with vitamin and protein-powdered supplementation until he crosses the border into the underground of more chemical substances, from steroids to human growth hormone. The tale is likened to a beefy version of Alice in Wonderland on the cover, though I’d probably liken it more to Through the Looking Glass, not only due to the theme of appearances and crossing lines, but also an almost schizophrenic duality which is shown between the inner narration of the author, and the external amendments and mutations made in order to convey a certain appearance and message via the body. Best part of the book which struck me the most was when Fussell points out that male bodybuilding is not, in fact, a masculine exercise, but was actually in its very essence, a feminine one. Read this book, and you will soon understand why that is so.

The book I found interesting and entertaining, being a big fan of fiction. The author has a flowing narrative style, and a heavily-pointed sense of humor that had me cackling every few pages or so. I was also very curious about some of the behaviors I’d seen amongst a very small minority of the men in the free weights section of my local Y (none of it as extreme as is described in the book, however). It also showed a side of the bodybuilding lifestyle that is seemingly incongruous with what we non-builders think of when we see them in competition: that while we see oily, huge physiques dyed burnt orange and think “strength,” the more common reality is that by the time these chaps make it to the posing platform, a brisk wind is likely to floor them

hell yes it’s good. But then again, I’m in it. Ha ha, egotistic review!

So far, this book is REALLY good, and with its narrative style, it is quite enjoyable reading!

GOOOD BOOK

I hate doing book reviews; it makes me feel as though I’m back in high school trying to prove to my teacher that I’d actually read an assignment and all. Note that I do, however, enjoy writting little ditties about thematic issues or analysis of various novels. I don’t know why, you’d think that they jive together well, just not for mahself.

So, back to Bee Season. I’d seen the trailor for the upcoming movie and was interested enough to check out the book from the library a week or so ago. I sped through it in two days, which is usually an indication that the book totally ROCKED, which in fact it did.

The story is (without giving away too much info) about a Jewish family, focusing on each member and what they go through in the span of a year. The young daughter, who was normally thought of as being a C student and of mediocre intelligence, suddenly wins the school spelling bee, eventually ascending up to attending the national competition. Attidudes change towards her and the dynamics between each family member alter during this time. Each person is seeking something (which, in my own analysis is basically the same thing) but it ends up expressed in widely different ways.

If any of your enjoyed reading the Life of Pi (one of my top 3 books) or fiction with a transcendant type of theme—this book is for you. I’m pretty sure that this book has made its way up near the top of my favorites as well.

In other words, I’m buying a hardback edition for my home library. I may even write in the margins during my re-readings.

and so I have to wonder if the particular wording was a direct translation into very explicit language (ie cunt instead of vagina or ?) or whether the word choice in English translation was deliberate. That aside, I think it’s an interesting story, and has references to various aspects of North African life surrounding the topics of gender, Arab-Berber items, the rural versus the urban and urbanization of the rural, etc. With those items in mind, I am fairly sure the author is, indeed, from North Africa. Most likely a woman, as the pseudonym implies, though I don’t discount it possibly being a man (although woman as have sexual aggressiveness and still being the protagonist is more rare in male-authored novels).

So, read if you are ok with explicit sexual content in books. Otherwise, don’t bother.

Karen Armstrong’s first book, and autobiography focusing on her time as a Catholic nun, and leaving this life after seven years.

an alternative view of looking at Oklahoma, from the perspective of those who do NOT end up writing the standard histories