Rating: 
Summary: Not About Bodybuilding Per Se
Review: Unfortunately, most of the reviewers below offer some skewed interpretatons of the story. Several said they were disappointed when Fussell quit lifting, but that's the whole point!! This was written as motivation for harder thinking, not harder lifting. Fussell finally sees that his aims are illusory, pointless. He sees in the end that he cannot outrun his fears and insecurities. This man spent years bulking up, and it took only a matter of months for him to deflate like a balloon. This is a story about re-evaluating life's material aims, whether they involve physical fitness or advancement in the workplace. We drive endlessly for this and that, but most of it's for naught. This may seem a rather fatalistic conclusion, but given some thought, it's really sort of freeing. It finally freed Fussell.
Rating:
Summary: Very Informative, Funny, Hilarious and Comic Book,
Review: An excellent way of teaching the newcomers in the "disease", this is an highly informative book, the hows and whys are explained in the BEST way, the style of writing is Funny and Hilarious indeed, One MUST READ this BOOK, simply Excellent, * If you people knows the email address of Samuel Fussel, so please do mail me, coz after reading this book, i really have a "crush" on him....so please do write me back
Rating:
Summary: Book offers a great insight into the world of bodybuilding
Review: Anyone who has ever had the urge to "pump-up" and transform their god-given body into an intimidating mass of muscle will thoroughly enjoy this book. It was very easy to identify with Mr. Fussell throughout most of the text, as I have shared the same thoughts, goals, and pain as the author many times. Mr. Fussell's intense motivation and complete dedication to this sport are indeed very inspiring. The end of this book is a bit disheartening though, as I wish the author could have somehow found the means to continue in the sport he obviously loved so well. Very well written and witty.
Rating:
Summary: Could not put it down... one hell of a story
Review: Seldom do I find myself devouring a book like I did this one. I was totally drawn into the spiral the author got himself into - first admiration at the dedication, then almost horror as he evolved. Superbly written. I thoroughly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: A must read!
Review: Even if you're not into bodybuilding, this book is a must read; the author gives an honest insight into the bodybuilding world; to escape the terror of New York (in the pre-Giuliani era)and in search for protection he builds up a shield of pure muscle; he takes it to the extreme and goes through a 4 year period of lifting weights, shooting steroids and finally competing for titles; this book leads you into the crazy world of those who caught "the disease"; honest and also a bit disturbing; I'd really like to know what he's doing now...
Rating: 
Summary: Read this book BEFORE you join the gym!
Review: Sam Fussell, an atypical "musclehead" with an Oxford education, provides an eye-opening look at one man's quest of getting "big." His goal was, at first noble; to become stronger, healthier. Over time, however, his goal became an unhealthy obsession, that overtook his life at the expense of all else. Fussell is bright and articulate, telling his story in a manner that lets the reader experience the highs and lows of one man's emotional journey into the world of bodybuilding. NOTE: His addiction could have been alcohol, cocaine, or sex--it happened to be iron.
Rating:
Summary: A must read for anyone with the "disease"!
Review: Finally an honest book about the sport of bodybuilding! Although Fussel's struggle was much more extreme than my addiction with weight training, I found myself identifying with him over and over again. Being female, I thought his experiences would be much different than mine, but it is amazing how his feelings generalized to cover all of mine. He accurately describes the societal and famial difficulties that come with bodybuilding and is not afraid to really lay himself out. The ending is sad and a bit disheartening, but Muscle motivated me more than any book ever has. It is also a great look into the California subculture that so many us are far removed from.
Rating:
Summary: insightful, resourceful, and accurate
Review: to the pointed truth about pathetic muscle-headed beasts in l.a., not represeting the mainstream of men working out
Rating:
Summary: Disenchanted & Disillusioned
Review: "Muscle" is a great book. A behind-the-scenes look at the personalities and motivations of body building. At times this was a very funny read. It really opened my eyes as to what makes these "steroid heads" tick. Inadequate in a lot of ways, these body building freaks overcompensate by working out like maniacs to hide their weak psyches behind their swollen body parts. From now on, whenever I go into a gym I'll look at these poor souls in a totally different light.
Rating:
Summary: A must for any serious bodybuilder!
Review: Muscle has had an unexplainable impact on my bodybuilding. I have read this book several times and still can't get enough of it. All I have to do is read a little each night before I go to bed and the next day my workouts are inspired. I could have done without the final chapter, but at least Sam gives an honest viewpoint of the sport. What an ispirational story!
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