Review by Seroney_ -- Beneath the Muscle by Lauren Powers

[Mutai Marshal]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Beneath the Muscle" by Lauren Powers.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Born in 1961, Lauren Powers was surrounded mostly by women (mother, auntie, a female cousin, and grandma) in her childhood. In her elementary education, she was subjected to firsthand discrimination due to her poor eyesight by students. She avenged this by performing astoundingly-well in her class. She would later study business at the University of Hawaii.

Beneath the Muscle provides an insight into the author’s life as a firefighter, lover for waterskiing, entrepreneur (marketing), and bodybuilder. As a sojourner, she counters the Naysayers and addiction to drugs. It is during her recovery that she relishes that sobriety is a mindset.

While rhapsodizing the atrocities in her lifetime, Powers enlightens the reader about the steps to success. She divided the memoir into four parts: My Journey, Starting the Journey, Keys to Success, and Continuing Your Success. Days before her fortieth birthday, Powers ventured into bodybuilding. The majority of the people in her class were in their twenties and early thirties. With sheer determination, she faced every obstacle gallantly in the male-dominated industry. Two lustrums later, she reaped handsomely. Find out more how Lauren Powers wriggled and tiptoed from the grassroots level to becoming a celebrated ten-time heavyweight bodybuilding champion, by grabbing a copy of this book.

Over the years, women have been demeaned by men as being feeble and incapable. I was thrilled by the passion, commitment, and hard work of the protagonist. She argues that taking the route less traveled (bodybuilding) made all the difference. Again, realizing the insidious effects of drug abuse, she quit the practice. I found this fascinating as she has never looked back since then.

The author wrote the book from a first-person perspective. By utilizing an apprehensive language, the message is easily fathomable. There were light moments in the book that made my reading experience delightful (I won’t provide spoilers). I appreciated the inclusion of graphical representations in the book. My favorite was a picture between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lauren at the Arnold Strongman Competition, USA. Moreover, I envied her hard-earned medals as an athlete (I possess just a few accolades). The only thing I disapproved of about this book was the author’s sexual orientation due to my religious beliefs.

The book was edited by a professional since I hardly noted any typographical errors. I flagged no profanity or sexual scenes. The emphasis on passion and hard work is what I liked the most. Many times, I spend time grinding in the gym. The output reflects my robust input. I have encountered catastrophic concussions while engaging in a rewarding contact sport. Without passion and hard work as my pillars, I would have dropped workouts and sporting activities to avert pain and injuries associated. Legend has it that without pain, there is no gain.

I strongly recommend this book to all women because of its empowering capacity. Sportspersons will equally pick priceless lessons by making it their handbook. I gladly rate this book 4 out of 4 stars as nothing (even my beliefs) in it warrants a star deduction.

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Beneath the Muscle
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Ellylion]

Sounds like a very inspiring read definitely worth checking out Thanks for a great review!

[Connie Otwani]

I admire Lauren's sheer strength and determination. She proves that life can actually begin at 40. An inspiring read indeed. Great review!

[Olabode Joshua]

This book just smacks of "effort". I'd like to have a willpower as strong as the author's. I'm already motivated by reading your review.

[Honest-reviewer]

This is quite inspiring and motivating. I would like to read this book someday. Thanks for your wonderful review!

[Nerea]

I liked the author's attitude towards life. She was unstoppable. The changes she made in life were inspiring. I enjoyed reading the book too. Lovely review.

[Vic Chimezie]

Lots of positive reviews for this book. Am glad that you found it inspiring too. Thanks for the detailed review and recommendation.

[MuthoniMuriithi]

The author's use of strong female characters is fascinating. Thanks for your review.

[LuciusM]

Thanks for the recommendation. Your review is well detailed!

[kdstrack]

It is inspiring to see the author go after a goal without letting anything limit her - not even age! Her accomplishment and awards help others to see that, so often, the obstacles are only in their minds. Thanks for this motivational review.

[jennydelacruz]

What a wonderfully written review. You made the book sound so interesting and inspiring! Thank you for your awesome writing style, Seroney!

[Sushan Ekanayake]

It is a great empowering book to females. Thanks for the nice and descriptive review

[Elvis Best]

I loved, loved this book when I read it, too. Powers is truly a unique and strong woman. Great review!

[kandscreeley]

It sounds like the author has a lot to offer. She was involved in a lot of male dominated jobs or hobbies. I've heard so many good things about this one that it's definitely worth reading. Thanks!

[NDeMeer]

Wow, this must be such an empowering and inspirational book! Thank you very much for the insightful review.