About
I am a writer, based in London, UK.
Published novels: 'Second Chances' , 'A Time to Tell', 'Coincidences', 'The Dream', 'Haunted'.
Short story collections: 'Pieces of a Rainbow', 'Love and Loyalty (and Other Tales)' , 'Fusion', 'Delusion and Dreams'.
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
Delusion and Dreams is a collection of 12 short stories. They look at what motivates people to behave in a certain way, and how often things are not what they seem. The title story, Delusion and Dreams, is a story told in four parts, looking at life from the perspective of three different characters; old friends from college. How have their lives changed in 20 years since they last saw each other? There are humourous stories, stories of revenge and betrayal, stories of regret, and stories of courage and hope.
Reviews
<p>"Delusion and Dreams gives the reader strong, believable characters being presented with varying kinds of dilemma, and then makes it possible to examine the motives behind their actions. This is an endlessly fascinating prospect, because it is the essence of human nature; and Maria Savva understands human nature well." Review by MRCosby</p>
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<p>"The best short stories have interesting characters, satisfying plots and catchy twist endings, and I can tell you that Maria Savva's collection of stories, Delusion and Dreams, has all of these in abundance." Review by Geoffrey West</p>
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<p>"I particularly enjoyed the serialized short 'Delusions & Dreams' which was told from more than one perspective." Review by James M. Radcliffe</p>
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<p>"A well written collection of short stories.I feel that Delusion and Dreams has something for every type of reader." Review by Sheri A. Wilkinson</p>
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<p>"...this collection is well-written and definitely hones in on the everyday emotions that fill our days, as well as delving deeper, highlighting that we're not always sure what is reality." Review by Julie Elizabeth Powell</p>
