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Break the Bar
This is the story of how an alcoholic found his way back to life, with a little bit of help from the gym.
It’s the story of a barbell, a school gym, and the boy who created himself in the midst of all that sweat.
It’s a philosophical inquiry; investigating just what the gym is and should be; a collection of essays that goes here and there, attempting to raise questions, and offer a set of potential answers.
It’s about humanity, and how to keep the human core intact.
It’s the story of a barbell, a school gym, and the boy who created himself in the midst of all that sweat.
It’s a philosophical inquiry; investigating just what the gym is and should be; a collection of essays that goes here and there, attempting to raise questions, and offer a set of potential answers.
It’s about humanity, and how to keep the human core intact.
67 pages, Unknown Binding
Published April 20, 2016
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 5, 2016
In the interest of objectivity, I have to come clear that Rasmus is my friend. Some people might take it that my high rating for this book comes from our friendship, but they actually have it the other way around. I'm friends with Rasmus because of the respect I have for his ideas, writing and life philosophy.
The book is short, a manifesto or pamphlet of sorts (the fun kind, not the kind that people in Union Square force on you and then ask for money). It's part memoir, part philosophy and part workout advice. If that sounds weird, I can assure you that it does work. I'm always stuck by the particular style Rasmus writes in, it's raw and honest, even authentic. The honesty of his writing (regarding his alcoholism, past love, and homesickness) is what, in my eyes, makes Rasmus a great writer.
My personal acquaintance with Rasmus helps confirm that the book is authentic. Reading it from someone else, I might think the style and moral platitudes, are empty or even pretentious. But I hear his voice (with the Swedish accent) and the speeches he tends to launch into when I page through this book. The world is full of people spewing bs, do yourself a favor and pick up something not full of bs. Pick up this book, there's only upside risk.
The book is short, a manifesto or pamphlet of sorts (the fun kind, not the kind that people in Union Square force on you and then ask for money). It's part memoir, part philosophy and part workout advice. If that sounds weird, I can assure you that it does work. I'm always stuck by the particular style Rasmus writes in, it's raw and honest, even authentic. The honesty of his writing (regarding his alcoholism, past love, and homesickness) is what, in my eyes, makes Rasmus a great writer.
My personal acquaintance with Rasmus helps confirm that the book is authentic. Reading it from someone else, I might think the style and moral platitudes, are empty or even pretentious. But I hear his voice (with the Swedish accent) and the speeches he tends to launch into when I page through this book. The world is full of people spewing bs, do yourself a favor and pick up something not full of bs. Pick up this book, there's only upside risk.
June 3, 2016
Whatever you might think of "Break the Bar", one thing is indisputable: there's no other book quite like it. Part philosophy, part memoir, part instruction manual, part love letter and part psychoanalysis, it reads like a series of late night conversations about life between best friends. The book's premise may not seem like everyone's cup of tea - Hammarberg's quasi-theological reverence for strength training brings to mind the worst types of people one sees at fitness clubs. But thankfully, "Break the Bar" is so much better than that. Hammarberg offers genuine wisdom, and what's more he shows you the painful experiences where he learned that wisdom. This is where the book really shines; Hammarberg has a talent for transmitting the raw emotion of his experiences through words. There is a lot of pain here, as well as triumph, and all of it comes through eloquently in the writer's own voice. The trials he has faced, the falls and the getting-back-ups, and the deep love he has for his friends and for life are all on full display. There's something in here that everyone can relate to and can learn from, gym bunny or not.
To put it simply, here is the life and wisdom of a very thoughtful human being, and you should read it.
To put it simply, here is the life and wisdom of a very thoughtful human being, and you should read it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews