Strongman

by Eddie 'The Beast' Hall

Eddie ‘The Beast’ Hall is the first Brit in 24 years to win the World’s Strongest Man competition, beating The Mountain from Game of Thrones .Everything about Eddie is huge. Standing at 6’3 he weighs almost 30 stone, and to make it through his hellish four-hour gym sessions he needs to eat a minimum of 10,000 calories a day. He eats a raw steak during weight sessions. His right eyeball once burst out of its socket under the strain. He put it back in.In his remarkable autobiography, Eddie takes you inside the world of the professional strongman – the nutrition, the training and competitions themselves. This is a visceral story of sporting achievement, an athlete pushing himself to the limits, and the personal journey of a man on the path to becoming being the best of the best.Contains strong language.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography, Audiobook, Biography, Personal Development, Fitness

352 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2018

Reviews

[Jack Bagnall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eddie is the epitome of English machismo, bordering on the arrogant at times Eddie isn't just fantastically strong, he's also pretty intelligent. It was a pleasure to get an insight in to the world of strongman with someone who is blunt, charismatic and amusing (a lot of this is him being a wind up merchant, but does it well). Eddie knows it's okay to be overtly confident or 'cocky' if you can back up your BS.

This book is exactly what you'd expect: Muscles, sheer size and brute strength taking Eddie to the heights of stardom and financial success.

[Rabspur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book if you are into strongman or even CrossFit, Eddie Hall tells it as it is no holds barred, interesting story on his struggles to eventually realize his ambition to win the worlds strongest man as well as holding the worlds heaviest deadlift, which put an immense pressure on his home life. An easy read, and highly recommended.

[Iamreddave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most sporting autobiographies are about as interesting as eating wallpaper paste. This one is really entertaining though because

1. He is a total nutjob

2. He is genuinely funny

3. The physical hardship he describes is really hard to fathom. Not just the training but the effect it has on the human body.

4. He gives enough detail and advise on training that it doesn't just feel like a motivational speaker talk

5. He explains where he got the scar. I never knew chickens could be so dangerous.

I read it in a day which is a good sign

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been a fan of strongman competitions; in particular the World's Strongest Man for many years, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read the autobiography of Britain's own World's Strongest Man 2017, Eddie 'The Beast' Hall.

In Strongman: My Story, Eddie talks openly and honestly about his humble beginnings in Stoke-on-Trent. He freely admits to being a teenage tearaway who, had it not been for his sheer determination, hard graft and ego the size of Mt. Everest, would have ended up with a very different life indeed (most likely involving police custody and the inside of a cell!).

What comes across strongly is Eddie's love of his family and their personal sacrifices. Yes, this guy is totally focused and driven — failure is not in Eddie's vocabulary. But achieving his ultimate goal of becoming the World's Strongest Man was largely due to the love, support and belief of his family.

Eddie tells his story candidly and pulls no punches. He's the real deal. He set a goal to win the World's Strongest Man title and that's exactly what he did. His unswerving self-belief and perseverance are undoubtedly the two major driving forces in his life.

Eddie, if you read this, you're my hero!

Book Source: Purchased copy
Read my review on my blog: https://bit.ly/2FyuQen

[Asia Wojtalik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is Eddie an inspiration through his life story, he's a goddamn good storyteller. Couldn't put this book (or rather, my headphones down, since I listened to it as an audiobook) down. This guy is such a goddamn Beast (pun intended), he breaks every limit humanly possible and everyone could learn from him, no matter whether they lift or not. This guy has so much to say and so much of it is just good content. Well written, well spoken, this book is written exactly the way that Eddie talks, it is written by him after all - but it gives off his vibe so excellently, that for a book written by someone who lifts hundreds of kilos for a living, it's hard to believe. Would re-listen to it, because his story never gets old and I could listen to it over and over again - I hope there will be another book and I couldn't get enough of this one. When the final sentence came 'I kept my promise', I got chills down my spine. 10/10 reccommend reading to ANYONE who is remotely interested in lifting because this guy has so much to say and so much of it is too good to deny. Eddie never dissapoints and writing a book is apparently yet another thing he is incredible at.

[Ben DT Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how you write an autobiography. You don’t get much more REAL than Eddie Hall. There is absolutely no (pardon my french) bullshit with the guy at all. What you seen and hear, is what you bloody get and that’s what made him Eddie ‘THE BEAST’ Hall. I only came across Strongman sport a couple of years ago. I went to my first Giants Live even let in 2018. Unfortunately, Eddie had already retired by that point.

He’s right with what he writes in this book, once you go to one, you get a feel for the sport and just how spectacular the guys are. It’s incredible. You come away from it thinking you can do anything. Eddie had that mentality all his life. And with that comes many ups and of course the downs too. I love how honest and brutal he is on himself in this book, so refreshing.

It’s a great story on Eddie’s life from start to winning World’s Strongest Man in 2017, and finally fulfilling his promise to himself, family and friends. He’s such a great guy and one who can inspire the smallest person to become the biggest. I’d recommend this to anyone out there, it’s a fantastic read and one I could not put down. Brilliant.

[Angela Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised I enjoyed this quite so much. I wasn’t really expecting to like Eddie - he has some unattractive character traits associated with excessive ego, but then what do you expect from the World’s Strongest Man, if not ego? He proved to be surprisingly honest in his description of himself and his behaviour while growing up, and that made him rather endearing.

He is a totally impressive bloke and his description of his deadlifting feats are “edge of the seat” exciting. I just wish he’d waited to publish so we could have read his WSM diaries.

I have a much better appreciation for the sacrifices required to reach this level in Strongman and can totally forgive him for retiring (just as we get a Brit on the podium). I’m really intrigued to see where he decides to stick his focus and commitment next but first maybe a long awaited holiday with his family.

[Muna Villez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a read! Didnt expect to enjoy this book quite this much or didnt expect to finish my read with a quite big amount of fondness that has grown in me toward him.

Even though i am no one near being a dead lift or strong man watcher or/and fan, I have to admit that i found this book very fascinating, entertaining and as a fuel to drive me to get nearer to my goal too. Very, out of any expectations, inspiring!,
and oh Eddie sounds very pure (evil) and real (of a cursing talker) which makes this book the least irritating when he goes all about how great he is and could be as for it mostly is because it does show more of a belief he has for himself in himself then just a boasting words he boasts around like a prat.
Definitely hats off to him for all his achievements as well.

Oh and he is a genuine nutjob too. Lol

[Ethan Savage · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great insight into the successes of someone who's been a big inspiration to me.

I do have a few issues with Eddie's wording at times though. While he did break the all-time deadlift world record, he keeps stating that no one else has ever lifted that much off the ground. Of course this isn't true, and there are many examples proving him wrong (most recently JF Caron at the aShaw Classic in 2020), but I just with Eddie would be proud of his achievement and leave it at that. Don't make it out to be more than it is, mate; it's enough on its own.

Elsewhere, there's a bit more ego than most people might be used to, and when you compare that to other paragon-esque figures of strongman, it just doesn't fit. Eddie is Eddie, though; at least he's not hiding himself away.

Still a massive sense of respect for the man. Big love.

[Mats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m usually not a stickler for biographies.
Especially sports biographies. So even though Eddie is a sportsperson I admire, I was skeptical. But when I read the prologue to this book, I knew I had to have it.
It is easy to read, brutally honest and incredibly fascinating.
If you are wondering why strongman is one of (maybe the?) toughest sports out there, look no further than this book.
In the process of becoming world’s strongest man, Eddie risked his health and family (several times), his finances, his vanity, his sanity and more.
Not only that, but he wasn’t even supposed to be a strongman in the first place.
If you’re even remotely fascinated by the sport of strongman, PLEASE read this book!

[Rik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit boring to be honest. Was hoping on some insight into the training and such into what it takes to achieve what Hall has but there's not much, instead it's just a big 'I am'. Couple of hundred pages of ego, everything he ever does or tries he's the best at, he's smarter than everybody he meets, he openly embraces his narcissism and he's also the toughest bastard in any given room. I reckon a lot of his early life here is made up; him and his brother fighting 20 coppers aged 17, him running his own security firm again at 17 etc. He actually comes across as a bit of a thug and seems to have convinced himself that being loud and obnoxious is genius level mind games purposefully designed to win situations. Shame, i was a casual fan until reading this.

[M Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddie Hall is younger than me and has achieved so much in his life. I adore this biography. There is an endearing sense of arrogance to him, fitting that he became the world's strongest man. It was fascinating to read Eddie's perspective of being one of the outliers in competitive strongman in the late 2000s with the greats like Savikcas and Pudzianowski. Eddie Hall of course, became a top level strongman in his own right.

I wonder how people unfamiliar with the sport would receive this. I'm a meathead so I'm already sold before I started this book. All the same, I quite recommend it. Hall is all heart.

[Big Satan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddie Hall is a fucking treat. He's the only one ever to have deadlifted 500 kg. World's Strongest Man 2017. Record-breaking swimmer in his teens. And an absolute delight to listen to, or like here, read. An honest showman and prankster who backs up his bullshit, Eddie's done some incredibly fucking stupid things, some absolutely hilarious stuff, and some mindblowingly awesome feats. Big words, big deeds, big fucking muscle. You don't have to be a strongman fan like me to enjoy this book, as it's bloody entertaining from the first page to the last. Thanks for sharing, Eddie, and good luck with your future endeavours!

[Simon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watching World's Strongest Man on TV at Christmas has been a tradition of mine since I was a child. As Eddie illustrates in this book, the sport has changed a lot since the early days of Capes and Kazmaier. This then, is a frank, moving and sometimes amusing story of one man's grit, bravado and sheer determination to be the strongest man in the world (and be the first one ever to lift half a tonne!) In fact, it's that feat that remains the self-confessed big mouth from Stoke's crowning achievement. It's a fascinating window into just how much it takes to be a professional strongman and the huge sacrifices that have to be made to achieve your goals.

[Tom Davitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book. Eddie has got to be the most hard-working and determined man in the history of the planet. The lengths and depths that he goes to to achieve his goals is simply mesmerising.

What was unexpected, was to get an insight into a very funny, frank and intelligent man who came from a very tough background. This book frequently made me laugh aloud and Eddie is undeniably a gigantic character.

A great read for anyone, but a massive treat for anyone who is a fan of strongman or weightlifting.

[Owen Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audio book.

Story of human triumph told passionately and honesty. Some people will dislike Eddie's character, others will appreciate it, but no one can doubt what physical feats this man achieved and what he went through to get there. First person ever to lift half a ton on a bar off the floor, Eddie will go down in history.

Production quality sometimes feels a bit cheap, and poorly edited.

[Paul Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although an entertaining book, I am not entirely sure it accomplished what it set out to do. Because if the intent was show Hall in a good light, it didn’t. In fact, it made him come across as a complete helmet (especially the part where he admits to kidnapping a teenager kid for knocking on his front door).

Part interesting insight, parts eye rolling and parts that make you say ‘Really?’ out loud, it’s probably worth your time to read

[gareth morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

If you have any interest in strongman or just want to see what it takes to be the best then this book is a must read. Keeps you hooked from start to finish and will hopefully give a sport that deserves more coverage a boost. Eddie hall is obviously a madman but also a genius. I take my hat off to him for everything he accomplished

[Mike Geraghty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun/quick read. The writing isn’t great but Eddie Hall is not a writer, so, one shouldn’t expect great prose. It is written in his voice which is funny because he curses a lot and is very arrogant. But the main takeaway is this guy is a beast and has done many beast like things. If you like strong boys this is a goodread.

[Tracy Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book

I thought this book was very insightful. It does however have some very strong language. I read through. It was a very easy read and it told us a lot about Edde's early life.

[Bernhard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Open and frank, uncompromising look at what kind of sacrifice and mindset it takes to win the world's most renowned Strongman competitions.
Unbelievable strain on body, family, and mental wellbeing.
Fun to read but could have done with less 4-letter words...

[Gareth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Humorous, informative and humbling. Getting a real insight into the day to day tortures these larger than life athletes endure was truly eye opening. The sacrifices they and their families have to make for them to reach levels of godlike strength are unbelievable.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great start and insight into a lot of things you wouldn't know through YouTube or his documentary but the later half is more of a recap if things you would have already seen if you also saw the Doc.

Great insight either way into the The Beast

[Russel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The no holds barred story of Eddie's rise to World's Strongest Man in 2017.

A frank and revelatory look inside his life and what made him the WSM.

Not always an easy read but certainly knew that let's you understand how his mind works

[Chloe Donnan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good insight into Eddie’s background and his lead up to winning WSM! It’s written exactly how I expected nothing fancy no thrills lots of swearing. Insane how much these guys give up and the dedication it takes.

Not sure how much i’m into autobiographies anymore?

[Peter Tressel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great easy read. You feel like you just went out for a pint with Eddie and he’s telling you a great story. Cause he is. Even if you’re not into powerlifting (I am) you’d enjoy the book.

[Claire Hackeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rude, inspirational and laugh out loud funny. His achievements are astounding and his determination and passion and the lengths he has gone to succeed are amazing.

[Niko Hyppönen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mitä vaatii maailman parhaaksi tuleminen? Kaiken ja vielä vähän enemmän. Mielenkiintoinen kasvutarina, jossa ollaan välillä aika syvissä vesissä.

[Rachel Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice light read. Eddies humour made me laugh whilst reading this book.

[Martin Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great journey, really interesting to see how Eddie's talent in swimming really helped him become the Worlds Strongest Man. The statistics at the end clearly demonstrate this progress too.