Learning to Breathe Fire: The Rise of CrossFit and the Primal Future of Fitness
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
My parents served as models for my main characters Jack and Eva. Truth is, I never knew much about their history, but I did know they met at a restaurant in Chicago in 1930. That's all I knew. So, being intrigued with the history of the Great Depression and knowing they began their married life right after the 1929 crash, I imagined them there. I so enjoyed writing the novel, learning about the Great Depression, and "watching" them negotiate the times.
Reviews
<p>I always try to read any Virginia writer and since Mr. Fuller is practically in my back yard, I had to give this one a read.</p>
<p>This is a love story, but it is not JUST a love story. The characters are memorable and people you wish you knew. It is set in the Great Depression era so the mores and manner of speaking are frank and honest to the time.</p>
<p>I thoroughly enjoyed the read and can honestly recommend it to anyone interested in a good book by a fine writer with an eye for characters.</p>
<p> —Sandra M. Sauders</p>
<p>As you read the book, it's like you become part of the story or wished that you<br />
could find that kind of love and dedication in your life.</p>
<p>This book is a must read. For those of you who hunger for a good love story, this is it. Not your typical love story so, hold onto your hats!!</p>
<p>Enjoy... I did.</p>
<p> —Kat</p>
<p>Good theme,well written but badly in need of a proof reading. The author should have caught some of these numerous mistakes.</p>
<p> —<span class="gr10"><span class="txtsmall">Sheryl E. Mackey</span></span></p>
