Official Review: Unleash the Beast by Mark D. Rucker

Post by **bookowlie** » 09 Jun 2016, 12:49

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Unleash the Beast" by Mark D. Rucker.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Unleash the Beast by Mark D. Rucker is a non-fiction book about the author’s weight loss and fitness journey and subsequent training for the Ironman Triathlon. Like many people who are overweight, he had fallen off the dieting wagon many times over the years. Weighing a hefty 385 pounds at age 42, Mr. Rucker gets serious about losing weight after he can’t close the safety bar on a rollercoaster. He shares his experiences within the framework of a six-point system he calls the Six Building Blocks for Success.

In the initial stages, the author eats healthy foods and walks thirty minutes three times per week. As he loses weight and gets into shape, he embarks on a running program. This leads to training for several races, including the Ironman Triathlon, a day-long race by water, bicycle, and foot.

I enjoyed this well-written story. It felt as if the author was a motivational speaker conducting a series of classes and speaking directly to me. Written in a conversational style, the book is structured well to emphasize the Six Building Blocks for Success. The author points out the importance of being part of a support group of people with similar goals, whether in person or on the internet. He also mentions the use of various apps and free online training plans. I particularly liked the author’s method of adding small changes to his eating habits each week. He then applied this philosophy to his exercise routine.

The photos at the end of the book add a nice, personalized touch to the author’s recollections. There are also vivid descriptions of how other people’s experiences inspired him – for example, reading Facebook posts about an old friend’s extreme weight loss and seeing the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

I had initially expected this book to be primarily about the author’s weight loss journey. Mr. Rucker begins by explaining that he weighed 385 pounds and had related health issues. He mentions that the impetus to make serious changes in his life came from not fitting securely in a rollercoaster seat. Then the book switches to the building blocks a person can utilize to achieve any sort of goal. Most of the book is formatted like a self-help book, with each chapter devoted to one of the Six Building Blocks for Success in accomplishing your goals. Although the information is interesting, the narrative sometimes felt out of order as descriptions of competing in marathons came before the sections about the author’s changes in eating habits.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy motivational books about losing weight and getting into shape. The author should be commended for sharing his incredible story in order to inspire others to achieve their dreams.

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Unleash the Beast
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gali · Post by **gali** » 09 Jun 2016, 13:24

Great review! I am glad you found it inspiring!

Congratulations to the author on the great review!

Post by **bookowlie** » 09 Jun 2016, 13:27

Thanks Gali! It was one of those books that kept getting better as it went along. There are so many pieces of useful information, no matter what goals you are pursing.

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 10 Jun 2016, 09:09

Great review! This sounds like a great mix of self help and memoir.

Post by **bookowlie** » 10 Jun 2016, 09:29

Thanks! Your comment is so true. I like the way the author used his experiences to craft a system that would help others pursue any type of goal.

vigabo · Post by **vigabo** » 11 Jun 2016, 10:43

Excellent review. Thanks for enlightening us.

Post by **bookowlie** » 11 Jun 2016, 22:49

Thanks Vigabo for taking the time to leave feedback. Welcome to the forums.

Rachaelamb1 · Post by **Rachaelamb1** » 12 Jun 2016, 02:19

Sounds like the author did a great job!

Post by **bookowlie** » 12 Jun 2016, 09:28

Rachaelamb1 wrote:Sounds like the author did a great job!

The author gives such an honest account of his ups and down that you can't help but cheer him on every step of the way.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 23 Jul 2016, 22:10

I love the book already! It is very inspiring and encouraging. I wish I had the author's determination, patience and self-discipline

Great job on the review.

Post by **bookowlie** » 24 Jul 2016, 08:41

kimmyschemy06 wrote:I love the book already! It is very inspiring and encouraging. I wish I had the author's determination, patience and self-discipline Great job on the review.

Thanks Kimmyschemy! I also wish I had the author's self-discipline. I try to eat healthy, but a bag of potato chips often seems to magically appear in my grocery cart.