• Author
  • Book
  • Story behind the book
  • Media Links
  • Reviews
J. M. Hochstetler

J. M. Hochstetler

About

The daughter of Mennonite farmers, I grew up in the Kokomo, IN, area and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Germanic Languages. I am a publisher, a professional editor, and a lifelong student of history. I am also the author of the American Patriot Series, the only accurate, comprehensive historical fiction series set during the American Revolution, and an award-winning modern-day retelling of the Christmas story, One Holy Night. Currently I live in the Elkhart, IN, area with my husband, a retired United Methodist pastor. 

Learning to Breathe Fire: The Rise of CrossFit and the Primal Future of Fitness

Learning to Breathe Fire: The Rise of CrossFit and the Primal Future of Fitness

0.0
0 ratings

Description

<p><b>The absorbing, definitive account of CrossFit's origins, its explosive grassroots growth, and its emergence as a global phenomenon.</b><br /> <br />One of the most illuminating books ever on a sports subculture, <i>Learning to Breathe Fire </i>combines vivid sports writing with a thoughtful meditation on what it means to be human. In the book, veteran journalist J.C. Herz explains the science of maximum effort, why the modern gym fails an obese society, and the psychic rewards of ending up on the floor feeling as though you're about to die. <br /> <br />The story traces CrossFit’s rise, from a single underground gym in Santa Cruz to its adoption as the workout of choice for elite special forces, firefighters and cops, to its popularity as the go-to fitness routine for regular Joes and Janes. Especially riveting is Herz’s description of The CrossFit Games, which begin as an informal throw-down on a California ranch and evolve into a televised global proving ground for the fittest men and women on Earth, as well as hundreds of thousands of lesser mortals. <br /> <br />In her portrayal of the sport's star athletes, its passionate coaches and its “chief armorer,” Rogue Fitness, Herz powerfully evokes the uniqueness of a fitness culture that  cultivates primal fierceness in average people. And in the shared ordeal of an all-consuming workout, she unearths the ritual intensity that's been with us since humans invented sports, showing us how, on a deep level, we're all tribal hunters and first responders, waiting for the signal to go all-out. </p>

Story Behind The Book

Media Links

Reviews

<p>“Historic. Romantic. Riveting. Rich and multi-layered, <em>Crucible of War </em>is the epic continuation of an unforgettable series. Joan Hochstetler gives us a rare glimpse into America's past, leaving the reader enriched and wanting more. I highly recommend this amazing book and series!” <span style="line-height:1.6em;">—Laura Frantz, author of </span><em style="line-height:1.6em;">The Colonel's Lady</em><span style="line-height:1.6em;"> and </span><em style="line-height:1.6em;">Love's Reckoning</em></p> <p> </p> <p>“J. M. Hochstetler weaves a tapestry rich in detail, a riveting story of adventure and intrigue in a time when men and women made choices that wrenched the heart, but honored God. An engaging new chapter in the on-going saga of how an enduring nation—and an equally enduring romance—were forged in the <em>Crucible of War</em>.” <span style="line-height:1.6em;">—Lori Benton, author of </span><em style="line-height:1.6em;">Burning Sky</em></p> <p> </p> <p>“We have given this series to all of our family so that they will understand the foundation of this country and the freedoms they enjoy. If you haven’t read it yet, you should. You will relive the sacrifices, romances, and pain experienced by past patriots. You will understand what you have benefited from when you experience this trip through history as written by Joan. It is historically accurate fiction, and a very engaging and interesting read. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!” <span style="line-height:1.6em;">—John E. Anderson, SGM Ret., U.S. Army Intelligence &amp; Communications Command</span></p> <p> </p> <p>“I did not think J. M. Hochstetler could keep her readers riveted through seven books in her American Patriot Series, but she is doing it with such stunning storytelling that her characters are becoming bigger than life, just as Margaret Mitchell achieved with Scarlet O’Hara and Rhett Butler in <em>Gone with the Wind.</em> Today’s military wives can relate to Elizabeth and Jonathan’s longing to be together and despair at parting. Here is an opportunity for Americans to become reacquainted with their nation’s agonizing birth and the stout-hearted people who made it possible. J. M. Hochstetler has captured this period magnificently. Her battle scenes rage, her love trysts wrench your heart. And her writing achieves literary pinnacles.” <span style="line-height:1.6em;">—Bonnie Toews, author of </span><em style="line-height:1.6em;">The Consummate Traito</em><em style="line-height:1.6em;">r</em><span style="line-height:1.6em;"> and </span><em style="line-height:1.6em;">Communications Command</em></p>