Review by AbhyarnaAman -- Beneath the Muscle

[AbhyarnaAman]

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

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3 out of 4 stars

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Lauren Powers is a female bodybuilder who shares her struggles in this male-dominated competitive sport. This book is intended to give the readers an insight into the personal life of Powers. She talks about her experiences along with her advice that would help others to keep moving towards their career goals. The book Beneath the Muscle starts with the life history of Lauren who is raised by her mother, surrounded by her grandparents, aunt, and cousins.

Initially, the book is full of instances where the author is focusing on her qualities like perseverance, determination, and excellence in whatever she chooses to do. As the book progresses, the author gives some helpful advice that applies to any kind of occupation or general life.

Each chapter begins with a quote from different celebrated personalities and ends with a link to some interactive book that claims to help readers champion their inner selves when they answer some questionnaires. The link was not secure so I could not proceed to the page. The initial quotes are much capable of sending their messages across, compared to the content of the chapter. My favorite quote from the book is “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do”, by C.G. Jung. There are numerous pictures of Powers, scattered in between the chapters and many at the end, that help the readers to visualize her and look at her achievements and celebrity status.

While sharing her advice, Lauren has been honest in revealing her flaws and how she worked on them to be a better human being and to get ahead in her career path. Talking about her shortcomings, she shared her story of addiction when success got into her head. Lauren also briefly talks about many of her failed relationships. It gives a glimpse of struggles she has undergone not only professionally, but also in personal life.

The book has lots of preaching. Lauren's personal experiences break the monotony and make the book readable. It does not have many errors, once a sentence was left incomplete. Some commas could be added for clarity enhancement. The book is free from profanity. I rate it 3 out of 4 stars. What I did not like in the book was the author’s too much self-admiration. Apart from that, the author has given many instances where she seems to be proud of jumping into a commitment without giving it much thought, just out of passion. I would call it impractical.

This book would attract Lauren’s fans who want to know more about her personal life. Those readers who are on the path to drug rehabilitation may also find Lauren’s story motivating.

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Beneath the Muscle
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[Raluca_Mihaila]

I enjoyed reading your review, but I am not convinced that this book is for me. Thank you for your effort!

[SamaylaM]

While the idea of this book seems unique, I'm not sure if this is something for me because of the too much self-admiration and impractical decisions you mentioned. Thank you for such an insightful review. It was a nice work!

[Ellylion]

Preachy approach and self-admiration sound pretty discouraging to be honest. But hopefully the book finds its reader Thanks for a honest review!

[AbhyarnaAman]

Preachy approach and self-admiration sound pretty discouraging to be honest. But hopefully the book finds its reader Thanks for a honest review!

My pleasure dear, thanks for stopping by

[AbhyarnaAman]

While the idea of this book seems unique, I'm not sure if this is something for me because of the too much self-admiration and impractical decisions you mentioned. Thank you for such an insightful review. It was a nice work!

I also wondered the purpose of the book, anyways the author has poured her heart out in this book. Thanks for stopping by dear.

[AbhyarnaAman]

I enjoyed reading your review, but I am not convinced that this book is for me. Thank you for your effort!

Thanks dear, I also found it unconvincing. I appreciate your support though

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for your honest review. One of the most outstanding traits of memoirs is that they carry the author's own personality, so it can be egoistic sometimes. Still, I would prefer reading fair-minded memoirs, as I feel those are objective, and I can find myself enjoy their stories.

[Sanju Lali]

A nice initiative by the author to bring up this book which shows her effort to become a body builder in this male dominated world. Thanks for your very much insightful honest review, which I enjoyed reading.

[Eutoc]

I commend Lauren for her outspokenness and for sharing some life altering tools here. Thanks for the review.

[GianKosi77]

Very few people will share their struggles and achievements honestly. Lauren has done a noble thing to this write novel. She reminds me of The Most Unlikely Champion by Vera Koo who also made it in a men-dominated world. Thank you for the great review and analysis.

[AbhyarnaAman]

Thanks for your honest review. One of the most outstanding traits of memoirs is that they carry the author's own personality, so it can be egoistic sometimes. Still, I would prefer reading fair-minded memoirs, as I feel those are objective, and I can find myself enjoy their stories.

I agree with you, this book carries. author's personality, may. be even. ego. Lauren has written incidents. that prove her humbleness as well.

[AbhyarnaAman]

Very few people will share their struggles and achievements honestly. Lauren has done a noble thing to this write novel. She reminds me of The Most Unlikely Champion by Vera Koo who also made it in a men-dominated world. Thank you for the great review and analysis.

In that case I would have to read. the book by Vera Koo. Thanks for suggesting

[AbhyarnaAman]

A nice initiative by the author to bring up this book which shows her effort to become a body builder in this male dominated world. Thanks for your very much insightful honest review, which I enjoyed reading.

Thanks for. your support!!!

[Dee_Robert]

Preachy can be a bit of a turn off for me but it sounds like a nice book. Thanks for your very honest review