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Caged: Memoirs of a Cage-Fighting Poet
Accomplished MMA fighter and award-winning writer Cameron Conaway presents in Caged the true story of a young man who overcomes a family background and his own inner torment by learning to channel his frustrations into the physical world of mixed martial arts fighting and the cerebral world of poetry and writing. It teaches the value of personal reflection, how life's most painful moments can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of human nature, and just what is possible when optimism and determination combine to overcome tough odds. Caged shows how the pursuit of two seemingly disparate passions helped a struggling boy blossom into a simple man. The result is a literary and lyrical philosophical journey into the heart and mind of a modern-day warrior.
250 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
26 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Conaway
8 books246 followers
Cameron Conaway
is a faculty member at the Penn State Smeal College of Business, where he teaches ethical leadership, business ethics, and corporate social responsibility. A former global marketing lead at Cisco and award-winning investigative journalist, Cameron researches what he calls employee feedback literacy—how employees seek, give, receive, process, and use feedback—and how these practices support organizational resilience, innovation, and psychological safety.
His latest article at Harvard Business Review explores how to process feedback effectively.
• Cameron's feedback talks and workshops including the following topics, among others:
- The Art & Science of Receiving Feedback
- The Art & Science of Giving Feedback
• Request feedback training services
• Cameron's popular resources include:
- What is Feedback?
- Feedback FAQ
- Customer Feedback FAQ
- Performance Reviews FAQ
- One-on-One Meeting FAQ
• Connect:
- LinkedIn
- Contact page
His latest article at Harvard Business Review explores how to process feedback effectively.
• Cameron's feedback talks and workshops including the following topics, among others:
- The Art & Science of Receiving Feedback
- The Art & Science of Giving Feedback
• Request feedback training services
• Cameron's popular resources include:
- What is Feedback?
- Feedback FAQ
- Customer Feedback FAQ
- Performance Reviews FAQ
- One-on-One Meeting FAQ
• Connect:
- Contact page
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 7, 2011
Accomplished MMA fighter and award-winning writer Cameron Conaway presents in Caged the true story of a young man who overcomes a family background and his own inner torment by learning to channel his frustrations into the physical world of mixed martial arts fighting and the cerebral world of poetry and writing. It teaches the value of personal reflection, how life’s most painful moments can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of human nature, and just what is possible when optimism and determination combine to overcome tough odds.
An Amazing preface to an even more amazing book! Cameron Conaway has written far more than a memoir- Caged: Memoirs of a Cage-Fighting Poet is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page- it is that affecting and well done. One would not normally relate Cage fighting and Poetry- but in the sensitive and very talented hands of Cameron Conaway- the connection is seamless- this is a very special book. The trials and tribulations Cameron Conaway endures are not documented as a typical "tell-all"- rather the words are filled with TRUE feeling and honesty- rare in so many memoirs. It is obvious that so much thought and feeling went into each aspect of this unforgetable book, and it is indeed a cold hearted person who will not be deeply affected by this honest, superbly written and YES! poetic story of a brave and intelligent man dealing with life on life's terms.
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
An Amazing preface to an even more amazing book! Cameron Conaway has written far more than a memoir- Caged: Memoirs of a Cage-Fighting Poet is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page- it is that affecting and well done. One would not normally relate Cage fighting and Poetry- but in the sensitive and very talented hands of Cameron Conaway- the connection is seamless- this is a very special book. The trials and tribulations Cameron Conaway endures are not documented as a typical "tell-all"- rather the words are filled with TRUE feeling and honesty- rare in so many memoirs. It is obvious that so much thought and feeling went into each aspect of this unforgetable book, and it is indeed a cold hearted person who will not be deeply affected by this honest, superbly written and YES! poetic story of a brave and intelligent man dealing with life on life's terms.
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
July 21, 2014
This memoir of Cameron Conaway's life touched me in ways that other books haven't come close to. Setting aside how much of myself I saw in Conaway's life (mainly relationship with the father,) there are just positive things to say about it as a whole.
From the beginning of the book, all the way through to the end, the style of the writing was unique for me. It felt like Conaway wasn't writing an account of his life for others to read later. To me it felt like he was sitting in front of me having a conversation, almost like an interview instead of a prose account. This is was refreshing and very welcoming to me as a reader when many memoirs, while still great in their own right, can merely put the story on paper but not actually touch too deeply.
Something else that aided in the conversational feeling I got was how honest the book felt. I didn't find a section in the book that felt embellished or distorted to make Cameron or anyone else into a "stronger" or "better" human being. When there was a need to show a negative aspect of himself, Conaway included it. When he accomplished something, it was in there, but the reader wasn't forced to praise him excessively in the way it was worded. The reader can read the book without having to feel out where there could be untruths.
I would also like to address the addition of poetry throughout the book. With Conaway being an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter and poet, it was only fitting to show both aspects of himself. Along with the poetry there was a great overview of some history of various forms of MMA, such as a specialty of Conaway's, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
I went into this book knowing next to nothing about MMA and thinking I'd only relate with the book because of the poetry aspect. I was proven wrong in the end. The sport of fighting is shown in a different light from which it has normally been presented to me. There is a beauty and an art in the sport and its various components (training, conditioning, etc.)
If Cameron Conaway is to write another memoir as a continuation of this, I will be one of the first wanting to read it. This is the same for his poetry. I greatly enjoyed both in this book and would suggest everyone in need of a great read to pick up this book.
From the beginning of the book, all the way through to the end, the style of the writing was unique for me. It felt like Conaway wasn't writing an account of his life for others to read later. To me it felt like he was sitting in front of me having a conversation, almost like an interview instead of a prose account. This is was refreshing and very welcoming to me as a reader when many memoirs, while still great in their own right, can merely put the story on paper but not actually touch too deeply.
Something else that aided in the conversational feeling I got was how honest the book felt. I didn't find a section in the book that felt embellished or distorted to make Cameron or anyone else into a "stronger" or "better" human being. When there was a need to show a negative aspect of himself, Conaway included it. When he accomplished something, it was in there, but the reader wasn't forced to praise him excessively in the way it was worded. The reader can read the book without having to feel out where there could be untruths.
I would also like to address the addition of poetry throughout the book. With Conaway being an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter and poet, it was only fitting to show both aspects of himself. Along with the poetry there was a great overview of some history of various forms of MMA, such as a specialty of Conaway's, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
I went into this book knowing next to nothing about MMA and thinking I'd only relate with the book because of the poetry aspect. I was proven wrong in the end. The sport of fighting is shown in a different light from which it has normally been presented to me. There is a beauty and an art in the sport and its various components (training, conditioning, etc.)
If Cameron Conaway is to write another memoir as a continuation of this, I will be one of the first wanting to read it. This is the same for his poetry. I greatly enjoyed both in this book and would suggest everyone in need of a great read to pick up this book.
September 5, 2011
Memoirs of a warrior poet, indeed; it makes me think about my own discipline, and also about my relationships with family. Interested in Poetry? Mixed Martial Arts? Strained Father-Son dynamics? This could be the book for you.
From my full review:
Cameron Conaway is a poet (a book and a chapbook forthcoming in 2012 from Salmon Poetry and Finishing Line Press) and was, for a time, a cage-fighting mixed-martial artist. He is also the sensitive son of an abusive father. And that triple-threat combination has resulted in this suspenseful, inspiring memoir that is partly a guide to health and nutrition and partly encouragement for all who might find solace in literature for the challenges that life presents.
For the full review on my blog: Caged: Memoirs of a Cage-Fighting Poet
From my full review:
Cameron Conaway is a poet (a book and a chapbook forthcoming in 2012 from Salmon Poetry and Finishing Line Press) and was, for a time, a cage-fighting mixed-martial artist. He is also the sensitive son of an abusive father. And that triple-threat combination has resulted in this suspenseful, inspiring memoir that is partly a guide to health and nutrition and partly encouragement for all who might find solace in literature for the challenges that life presents.
For the full review on my blog: Caged: Memoirs of a Cage-Fighting Poet
July 9, 2013
I just finished reading a book that made me turn from page to page as fast as I could. It was a very exciting book, one that I yearned to take it all in, but, also, never wanted it to end. That book is called, “Caged,” and it was written by Cameron Conaway.
Caged is a memoir of a young man who trains to fight in mixed martial artists (MMA) fights as he trains to be a poet/writer. A lot of the writer’s motivation stems from an abrupt ending he put to his relationship with his violent father after enduring beatings until the young man was thirteen years old.
“To achieve anything, I needed an opponent. If there wasn’t one then I stepped in myself,” Cameron states on page 13. And throughout the book we find Cameron facing many, many opponents, in the ring, and out.
Caged is one of the most brutally honest books that I have ever read. “I knew that not all truths in the world come with receipts and documentation,” says the author.
In Caged we see Cameron Conaway lift himself up from the bottom, both emotionally, and from working class status to that of a young man who becomes a college professor. Through fighting, in the ring and out, in his own mind, mostly, Cameron learns to live at peace with the world.
“I don’t have to clean up dog shit in the backyard, worry about the bill collector, or study for an upcoming test when engaged in hand-to-hand combat in front of an audience of close to a thousand. Being in the cage is the closest I get to the mindless primality from which I evolved,” Cameron states.
“Society is like a stew, if you don’t stir it up every now and then, the layer of scum rises to the top.” Cameron quotes Edward Abbey, here, as he quotes other writers, poets, and martial arts personalities throughout the book.
“Caged,” stirred things up in my head and in my heart. The other day, in the pool, I swam ten extra lengths, during my near daily swim, motivated by Cameron Conaway and the extreme work ethic that he demonstrates in this book, in both his writing and his workouts.
If you want to get motivated, in your writing, in your workouts, in your life, I suggest that you get a copy of, “Caged,” and read it. You will become a winner, as Cameron does in his fine, fine book.
Caged is a memoir of a young man who trains to fight in mixed martial artists (MMA) fights as he trains to be a poet/writer. A lot of the writer’s motivation stems from an abrupt ending he put to his relationship with his violent father after enduring beatings until the young man was thirteen years old.
“To achieve anything, I needed an opponent. If there wasn’t one then I stepped in myself,” Cameron states on page 13. And throughout the book we find Cameron facing many, many opponents, in the ring, and out.
Caged is one of the most brutally honest books that I have ever read. “I knew that not all truths in the world come with receipts and documentation,” says the author.
In Caged we see Cameron Conaway lift himself up from the bottom, both emotionally, and from working class status to that of a young man who becomes a college professor. Through fighting, in the ring and out, in his own mind, mostly, Cameron learns to live at peace with the world.
“I don’t have to clean up dog shit in the backyard, worry about the bill collector, or study for an upcoming test when engaged in hand-to-hand combat in front of an audience of close to a thousand. Being in the cage is the closest I get to the mindless primality from which I evolved,” Cameron states.
“Society is like a stew, if you don’t stir it up every now and then, the layer of scum rises to the top.” Cameron quotes Edward Abbey, here, as he quotes other writers, poets, and martial arts personalities throughout the book.
“Caged,” stirred things up in my head and in my heart. The other day, in the pool, I swam ten extra lengths, during my near daily swim, motivated by Cameron Conaway and the extreme work ethic that he demonstrates in this book, in both his writing and his workouts.
If you want to get motivated, in your writing, in your workouts, in your life, I suggest that you get a copy of, “Caged,” and read it. You will become a winner, as Cameron does in his fine, fine book.
December 27, 2011
I know the town (was born and raised) and I know the author (we have mutual friends)... It made this book nearly 'touchable' to me. I was addicted to the thoughtfully chosen sections where Cameron stressed the juxtaposition of combat and prose. The paras where he slipped back into a training-journal-style made me want to tap (too simple in word choice, it felt more Men's Health compared to the thoughtful sections). I also read this in one sitting so occasionally, I felt repetition, but this added to the experience for me, since it mimicked repetition of training. it has inspired me to read his poetry book. Love you, Cameron and say hi to Maggie!
January 28, 2012
This fabulous memoir by Cameron Conaway reads as fluidly as poetry. One minute Conaway brings to life his childhood in a small town, the next he discusses poetry as a form of expression, and the next he provides the reader with detailed accounts of MMA fights with the wisdom of a philosopher. This memoir takes bold "leaps" much like Conaway's poetry; he is not afraid to share his truths, whether it be witnessing his father throw his sister against the garage or his childhood obsession with fitness and wrestling.
I found myself relating so much to Conaway's experience, and not just because we share some common experiences (I, too, had a less then perfect father, I grew up in the same town as Conaway, attended the same college, even had some of the same professors.) Conaway's experiences are universal. Whether or not the reader has grown up in a small town with an abusive father, or fought MMA, or written poetry, he or she has struggled in some way to find a sense of "self." That's, ultimately, what Conaway's memoir is about: using past experience, both the negative and positive, to shape the human being you become. And Conaway has proven himself to be an outstanding human being and writer.
I found myself relating so much to Conaway's experience, and not just because we share some common experiences (I, too, had a less then perfect father, I grew up in the same town as Conaway, attended the same college, even had some of the same professors.) Conaway's experiences are universal. Whether or not the reader has grown up in a small town with an abusive father, or fought MMA, or written poetry, he or she has struggled in some way to find a sense of "self." That's, ultimately, what Conaway's memoir is about: using past experience, both the negative and positive, to shape the human being you become. And Conaway has proven himself to be an outstanding human being and writer.
November 23, 2011
A wonderful memoir of how Cameron Conaway became the man he is today. The book is both inspirational and deep; pace is slow and reminiscing. It's as if it was written while the author is thinking it out. Therefore, the book isn't really organized. We'd get anecdotal notes about his childhood then jump to present-day or when he's at work. This makes it a bit difficult for me to keep on track with what's happening.
One thing I liked was how, at the end of every chapter, he would give out tips on working out. I tried some and it really does seem to work. As a "cage-fighting poet", he peppers his narrative with insightful and terse poems. This makes the book relate-able to a wider audience, whether you like martial arts or poetry.
Pro: Gripping and intense writing style, insightful and deep, unique perspective on both martial arts and English
Con: A bit hard to follow at times, slightly disorganized
I would recommend this book to adults and anyone looking for a highly introspective read. Not to our younger readers though. There are plenty of curse words and other naughty things.
Won in a giveaway in return for an honest review
One thing I liked was how, at the end of every chapter, he would give out tips on working out. I tried some and it really does seem to work. As a "cage-fighting poet", he peppers his narrative with insightful and terse poems. This makes the book relate-able to a wider audience, whether you like martial arts or poetry.
Pro: Gripping and intense writing style, insightful and deep, unique perspective on both martial arts and English
Con: A bit hard to follow at times, slightly disorganized
I would recommend this book to adults and anyone looking for a highly introspective read. Not to our younger readers though. There are plenty of curse words and other naughty things.
Won in a giveaway in return for an honest review
April 29, 2012
If you were to sit down and design a memoir from scratch, calculated for me to love, it would probably look an awful lot like Caged by Cameron Conaway. A cagefighting poet, an MMA fighter with an MFA in creative writing, in essence, he had me at “hello.” Proceed accordingly.
(for the rest of my review, check out my book blog post at-)
http://dunceacademy.com/2828/caged/
(for the rest of my review, check out my book blog post at-)
http://dunceacademy.com/2828/caged/
June 13, 2014
Having read the excerpt to this, I cannot wait for its' release. An engaging and honest look at what makes the man...See the excerpt here: http://goodmenproject.com/featured-co...
August 9, 2013
Cameron Conaway's courageous memoir CAGED captures the fire and struggle of a young man working to overcome his abusive childhood by empowering himself in all aspects of mind, body and spirit. From harrowing accounts of psychological and physical mistreatment suffered at the hands of his unyielding father, through scenes of self-discovery in the mixed-martial arts cage, and onward to moments of transcendence as he finds his calling in writing and education, Conaway is as willing to reveal his anxieties and self-doubts as he is to explain the meticulous ways in which he fought to conquer them. It's a powerful journey, effectively told in alternating narrative segments and clips of his poetry, peppered with excerpts from his training journal. Even more impressive than his attention to detail and the engaging way in which he shares his experiences is his openness to exploring his challenges while never allowing them to define him. All of these elements combine to create a finely-balanced, highly personal portrait of someone unwilling to accept his past as a harbinger of his future, and who intelligently and effectively - and sometimes brutally - works his way beyond it all to become a better man. And if the poetry pieces included in CAGED are an indication of what more might lie ahead, he's sure to have a tremendous literary career in that genre as well. Warrior poet, indeed.
March 24, 2015
"Because like every other human I've asked myself how I am here and why I am here and I've felt the pull to simply make sh** up."
The above quote is the first of many that wrote in my journal from Mr. Conaway's memoir. His way with words is eloquent, beautiful, and flows so nicely, both from the page but also through your thoughts.
Cage fighting takes on so many metaphors within this book from hate to love to self actualization. But, it is Mr. Conaway's willingness to share not only his story, but his deepest thoughts, fears and feelings, without filter, that drew me further and further into this book. My only regret is that I did not have an instructor like him when I was in school. Had I, my love of words and willingness to try may have been developed many years prior to now.
Beautifully written, stark and brutally honest, Caged is a book I would highly recommend anyone read. Whether you are trying to understand others or yourself, there is something in this story for you.
The above quote is the first of many that wrote in my journal from Mr. Conaway's memoir. His way with words is eloquent, beautiful, and flows so nicely, both from the page but also through your thoughts.
Cage fighting takes on so many metaphors within this book from hate to love to self actualization. But, it is Mr. Conaway's willingness to share not only his story, but his deepest thoughts, fears and feelings, without filter, that drew me further and further into this book. My only regret is that I did not have an instructor like him when I was in school. Had I, my love of words and willingness to try may have been developed many years prior to now.
Beautifully written, stark and brutally honest, Caged is a book I would highly recommend anyone read. Whether you are trying to understand others or yourself, there is something in this story for you.
April 8, 2012
Simply put this is a terrific book. Conaway's style is heartfelt, livid. The fight scenes are pulse-pounding. The complexity of the father-son relationship is deftly-handled. This is an amazing book about fighting and writing. But when all is said and done, this is a book about courage and fear, about knowing yourself and about knowing your limits. This is a book about living your life "all the way up," about cutting though all the BS you have been told (and perhaps have believed) all of your life. This is a very powerful book that can change your life and in turn may help you change someone else's. Congratulations, Mr. Conaway, on a fantastic piece of work.
March 20, 2012
I have to say this book was great. So much struggle and anguish to keep you hooked and cheering for the author to make it through. A great story of triumph and making no matter what. I definitely recommend this book to all.
March 31, 2012
Highly enjoyable. This book tells the story of Cameron Conway, a writer with a past in MMA fighting (BJJ to be more precise). Apart from an interesting story, the book is well-written, combining narrative with poetry.
June 5, 2012
i found this book to be really good i really enjoyed reading about cameron's life. my favorite parts were when their would be poems among the rest of the text reflecting on something that had happened in his life.
future-reads
January 25, 2012I won this book on Good Reads. I cannot WAIT to recieve and read it!! It looks so good!
November 17, 2012
I didn't even make it through the first page before the f-bomb and an orgy was mentioned. No thanks.
Want to read
July 5, 2013kindle cloud
April 19, 2022
I was disappointed in this book. It was often redundant and repetitious. Also some of this author's life events were not only told out of order but disjointed and hard to follow. I loked how this author utilized martial arts and other self healing therapies in discovering who he was
March 14, 2014
Like Hemingway, Conaway's descriptions of fighting benefit from his poetic and pugilistic discipline: taut, sharp, rhythmic. They are also honest. After his second victory in the cage, he notes the ambivalence of physical combat. "Stay down, bitch. Whimper," he thinks, as his downed opponent gasps on the mat. Then he snaps out of it: "Please get up. God damnit, I hope you're OK." Exultant pride becomes fraternal concern, as is common in competitive sports.
Caged meanders at times and Conaway's philosophical speculations occasionally read like self-help slogans. Nonetheless, Caged is an intelligent, brave, intimate memoir, one that rebuts many falsehoods about writers and fighters, minds and bodies. Nietzsche's motto is alive and well in Conaway's hands (and fists): "Become what you are."
Read the full review here: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/...#
Caged meanders at times and Conaway's philosophical speculations occasionally read like self-help slogans. Nonetheless, Caged is an intelligent, brave, intimate memoir, one that rebuts many falsehoods about writers and fighters, minds and bodies. Nietzsche's motto is alive and well in Conaway's hands (and fists): "Become what you are."
Read the full review here: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/...#
February 18, 2013
I recieved this book as a giveaway on Goodreads first reads.
I was excited about recieving this book. I am a huge fan of MMA and was looking forward to reading a book written by a former fighter.
There were parts of this book that had me completely interested and other parts where I asked myself why certain things seemed to keep repeating. I guess I expected something completely different than what it was.
The way he jumped from present to past threw me off everytime. I felt like I couldn't really get in touch with the author. For me the last chapter gave me more insight and connection with him than the entire book did. He has a lot of accomplishments....didn't feel like he needed to repeat them in just about every chapter.
Overall it was a goodread. If you planned on reading it, read it, you may feel diffently about it.
Happy reading!
I was excited about recieving this book. I am a huge fan of MMA and was looking forward to reading a book written by a former fighter.
There were parts of this book that had me completely interested and other parts where I asked myself why certain things seemed to keep repeating. I guess I expected something completely different than what it was.
The way he jumped from present to past threw me off everytime. I felt like I couldn't really get in touch with the author. For me the last chapter gave me more insight and connection with him than the entire book did. He has a lot of accomplishments....didn't feel like he needed to repeat them in just about every chapter.
Overall it was a goodread. If you planned on reading it, read it, you may feel diffently about it.
Happy reading!
June 2, 2015
Caged is an usual read, a collage of very intimate child hood memories, captivating fight descriptions and semi-philosophical passages. While I enjoyed the book, I wished that the pieces of the collage would blend a bit more seamlessly. Also I think it should be possible to get the necessary introductions across without Wikipedia references. Anyway, anyone who is into MMA and Martial Arts should pretty much enjoy Caged.
September 25, 2015
In CAGED, Cameron Conaway brags about himself. A lot.
Lots of MMA fighters have written a poem. It's hardly unique.
Fighters hated him for being sensitive...poets hated him for being a jock...none of this happened...
This book has the tone of someone who thinks it more important to build a persona rather than a genuine personality. Or of someone who does humanitarian work just for the accolades. That tone is yucky.
Lots of MMA fighters have written a poem. It's hardly unique.
Fighters hated him for being sensitive...poets hated him for being a jock...none of this happened...
This book has the tone of someone who thinks it more important to build a persona rather than a genuine personality. Or of someone who does humanitarian work just for the accolades. That tone is yucky.
February 21, 2015
two words: pretentious fuu-reeek!
November 2, 2015
I find all of Conaway's work to be exacting, touching, and revealing. A recommended read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews