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OPEN HEART : The Transformational Journey of a Doctor Who, After Bypass Surgery at 61, Ran Marathons and Climbed Mountains
“Dr. Taher‘s remarkable journey from doctor to bypass patient to conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is an inspiration, and in this remarkable book he shares everything you need to conquer your own challenges.” —Neal D. Barnard, MD, FACC, Adjunct Professor of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine, and New York Times best-selling author. Angioplasty at fifty-six, open-heart surgery at sixty-one, running his first half marathon less than a year later. This is the remarkable and inspiring story of Dr. Akil Taher, who transformed from a middle-aged couch potato with a dangerously bad diet into a vital, energetic athlete, ever seeking new challenges and adventures. In this book, Dr. Taher relates the journey of his transformation—how even as a physician who knew better, he led an unhealthy lifestyle; how he ignored the warnings of his heart disease and other chronic ailments; and how after his bypass surgery, he set out to radically change his life to heal his body and his spirit. Training for and competing in his first half marathon was only the start. In compelling detail, he recounts his running in the Chicago, Boston, and Mumbai Marathons; his pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro; his first triathlon and 100-mile bike race. More importantly, Dr. Taher also discusses the enormous role diet plays in preventing as well as recovering from heart disease as well as other chronic illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease. Citing reputable sources and using his own diet and health as examples, he guides the reader away from a diet heavy in meat, dairy, eggs, and sugar and proposes healthier eating—and living—that is grounded in a whole-food, plant-based diet. OPEN HEART is an essential read for anyone eager to change unhealthy lifestyle choices and embrace the excitement of a vibrant new life.
- GenresMemoirHealthNonfiction
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
34 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 9, 2021
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
And so, begins the candid and inspiring journey of Dr. Akil Taher, who not only talks about his past, the obstacles he faced but also the steps he took to overcome them and convert them into opportunities.
My first encounter with both this book and the author, Dr. Akil Taher, was in LinkedIn where I came across a very interesting interview where the author described, in brief, his incredible journey from a heart patient to someone who not only overcame it but went onto rise up to heights that very few can dream of achieving. I was curious wanted to read this journey of his and when I was granted that wish, I was elated.
One of the striking elements about this book is the honesty that flows through it, which is both refreshing and quite charming. While writing about such life changing moments, it is quite difficult to be truthful, especially when you are a doctor, but not Dr. Taher, his sincerity can be seen throughout the book. Not only does he talk about his belief that he won’t be affected by any disease, but he also goes about describing his thoughts when he was diagnosed with one.
I could have retired immediately, sat on my rocking chair all day, lived vicariously through my children and grandchild, and resigned myself to the inevitability of eventual death. Instead, I chose to live life to the fullest, turning a setback into an opportunity.
The book describes how Dr. Taher converted a setback into an opportunity by using the diagnosis as a motivator to live a better life. His incredible journey involves running a marathon, climbing mountains, participating in a triathlon and many more such activities which are usually not recommended to patients who have had a by-pass surgery much less to one who is above 60 years of age. Not only does he defy and change the usual outcome of such setbacks but also proves that age is but a number and has no impact on how to live. He also proves that by making small changes to your lifestyle you can live not only a healthy life but a complete one. This book is not only motivating to those who are suffering from illness but also to those who want to live a better life but don’t know how to do so.
While I was devouring this book, I couldn’t help but feel that it was a tad too brief. Even as I was enjoying Dr. Taher’s journey, I kept wanting more, for instance a little bit more detail on his thoughts, his struggle and his feeling of accomplishment on his small victories or even his despair while not being able to get to some in the early days. While he does share some of his experiences I felt that it was too rushed. He jumps from one experience to another without allowing the reader to enjoy the previous one. While brevity is to be appreciated, I felt that a little more description would have suited me better.
Another issue that I had with the book were the two different voices that the author used in writing the book. Almost the entire book is written in first person, but the last chapter was written as a doctor. While this by itself is not an issue as the doctor by wanting to emphasize on the importance whole food, plant-based diet thought it better to use a doctor’s voice rather than a personal one, I felt that a personal touch along with the doctor’s voice would have been better. Not to take away anything from the chapter as I truly feel that it provides some great arguments for adopting the said diet, but I felt that it lacked the personal touch that the other chapters have and is therefore quite clinical in nature. Personally, I would have loved to read more about how the doctor felt while changing his diet and following a completely different routine as that would have made it more relatable. However, despite this, I have to emphasize that it doesn’t take away anything from this book, which is truly fascinating.
Heart disease is a major cause of death in the US. India and other countries.
Health has always been a very important aspect, but it is more so today given the situation that has gripped the world. And where we talk about health, the heart can never be too far away. The large percentage of this is due to the unhealthy diet and sedentary life that people have adopted in the past several decades. This book reflects on how to overcome these difficulties, convert them into opportunities and live a wholesome life. It motivates us to not only stay healthy but to dream and achieve things that we thought were beyond our reach. In today’s world, this gem of a book is a must read for everyone. So, what are you waiting for, go ahead and pick up this small gem of a book, it is definitely worth it.
This is an honest review in exchange for an author review copy.
April 16, 2021
Goodreads giveaway winner
Inspiring read
Inspiring read
April 25, 2021
This book is easy to read and very personable. The author invites us to join him in a life of healthy living that is very rewarding! I really enjoyed his personal experiences and I finished the book with a lot of motivation to live healthily also. I will be reading this book again. I highly recommend it!
March 4, 2021
Inspirational
Inspiring book with a message that will likely resonate with many of us. Dr. Taher helps us understand that change is possible no matter your age.
Inspiring book with a message that will likely resonate with many of us. Dr. Taher helps us understand that change is possible no matter your age.
June 21, 2021
Dr. Taher’s detailed, no holds barred memoir tells the story of his life after his diagnosis of advanced heart disease and the bypass surgery necessary to save him. Faced with spending his remaining years in a severely curtailed, joyless existence, afraid that any kind of physical exertion would trigger a heart attack, Dr. Taher became depressed: “My open-heart surgery in August 2009 redefined the path of my life. I had hit rock bottom, and I hit it hard,” he writes. “After the surgery, I realized that I had two choices – first, lead a cautious, mediocre, and sedentary life, as I’d seen in most patients after a heart-bypass surgery; or second, change my lifestyle to incorporate healthy eating habits, an exercise regimen, meditation, and regular practice of yoga.”
Dr. Taher, 61, chose the latter, took up running – something he’d never done before – and completed his first half marathon eight months after his surgery. He would later run full marathons, compete in a triathlon, learn to hang glide, jump out of airplanes, and climb mountains. “The story of my life since my bypass surgery was about ignoring the limits that medical science and age had imposed on me.”
Dr. Taher gives some basic advice to readers, such as setting goals and taking small steps to meet them, but his book isn’t a step-by-step program for eradicating heart disease. Instead, it’s a glimpse of what is possible with the right mindset and motivation. His descriptions of running in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon or reaching the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro are breathtaking and inspirational, even as he’s discussing the injuries and physical discomforts he endures. He makes it clear that “[w]e are capable of doing much more than we think we can do. We can safely push ourselves beyond what we believe are our physical limits…” The message is that anyone can do this; you just have to set your mind to it.
Personally, I found Dr. Taher’s story uplifting and inspiring. My description above doesn’t really do justice to his struggle with heart disease or his subsequent transformation. He writes with honesty and authenticity, and I very much enjoyed living vicariously through him for 100+ pages. In fact, I feel motivated to make some big lifestyle changes of my own.
He does include a chapter at the end that details the benefits of a vegan diet, which might put off some readers, but his statements are backed by the scientific studies he cites. In the interests of full disclosure, I should mention that I have been vegan for ethical reasons since 2006, and I can personally attest to the truth of his health claims. I agree with the information he imparts here, and I think he does an excellent job of laying out the facts without being preachy or condescending.
“No matter what life throws at you, you can thrive, not just survive,” writes Dr. Taher, now in his 70s. “I am living a life of purpose and of peace and contentment, doing everything I love.” You too can harness the power of your mind to redefine what's possible in your own life, he insists. He is living proof of that.
Thank you, Dr. Taher and Goodreads, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book for free.
Dr. Taher, 61, chose the latter, took up running – something he’d never done before – and completed his first half marathon eight months after his surgery. He would later run full marathons, compete in a triathlon, learn to hang glide, jump out of airplanes, and climb mountains. “The story of my life since my bypass surgery was about ignoring the limits that medical science and age had imposed on me.”
Dr. Taher gives some basic advice to readers, such as setting goals and taking small steps to meet them, but his book isn’t a step-by-step program for eradicating heart disease. Instead, it’s a glimpse of what is possible with the right mindset and motivation. His descriptions of running in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon or reaching the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro are breathtaking and inspirational, even as he’s discussing the injuries and physical discomforts he endures. He makes it clear that “[w]e are capable of doing much more than we think we can do. We can safely push ourselves beyond what we believe are our physical limits…” The message is that anyone can do this; you just have to set your mind to it.
Personally, I found Dr. Taher’s story uplifting and inspiring. My description above doesn’t really do justice to his struggle with heart disease or his subsequent transformation. He writes with honesty and authenticity, and I very much enjoyed living vicariously through him for 100+ pages. In fact, I feel motivated to make some big lifestyle changes of my own.
He does include a chapter at the end that details the benefits of a vegan diet, which might put off some readers, but his statements are backed by the scientific studies he cites. In the interests of full disclosure, I should mention that I have been vegan for ethical reasons since 2006, and I can personally attest to the truth of his health claims. I agree with the information he imparts here, and I think he does an excellent job of laying out the facts without being preachy or condescending.
“No matter what life throws at you, you can thrive, not just survive,” writes Dr. Taher, now in his 70s. “I am living a life of purpose and of peace and contentment, doing everything I love.” You too can harness the power of your mind to redefine what's possible in your own life, he insists. He is living proof of that.
Thank you, Dr. Taher and Goodreads, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book for free.
March 21, 2021
Amazing account of his journey to healthy, happy and fulfilling life style by a Doctor - who went through Bypass Surgery at the age of 61.
Doctor and Motivational speaker Dr. Akil Taher with his in-depth research tells us about the role of diet for healthy lifestyle.
Must Read for couch-potatoes, carnivorous and vegetarian alike.
Doctor and Motivational speaker Dr. Akil Taher with his in-depth research tells us about the role of diet for healthy lifestyle.
Must Read for couch-potatoes, carnivorous and vegetarian alike.
May 14, 2022
Hi, my name is Stacey Chillemi. I am the founder of The Complete Herbal Guide and columnist for Thrive Global. Today I would like to share with you one of the best inspirational read books of 2021 I just finished reading. The book is called “Open Heart: The Transformational Journey of a Doctor Who, After Bypass Surgery at 61, Ran Marathons and Climbed Mountains.”
“Open Heart, Akil Taher, MD has written a must-read book for anyone who has experienced a chronic illness or difficult challenges in their life and needs the motivation and inspiration to get back up on their feet…Read this book – and learn from one of the best. An individual who hit rock bottom got back on his feet and turned his life around.”
– Stacey Chillemi, Founder of The Complete Herbal Guide, Writer, Huff Post and Thrive Global
Akil Taher, MD inspirational read, a memoir, about heart disease and the point of mental and physical health, should be read by anyone with a body.
Throughout “Open Heart,” Taher shares an amazing story about his life as he began his life journey as a know-it-all physician who believed medical science had advanced greatly and had the necessary solutions for chronic diseases, including heart disease.
“Open Heart” is the story of Akil Taher’s fight for competent and compassionate care after he was diagnosed with the beginning of heart disease at age fifty-six which lead to stents angioplasty and at sixty-one culminating in open-heart surgery.
His whole life had been turned upside down. His illness had taken the best of him. He could have become a couch potato, but he was not going to let his illness get the best of him.
Though this is Dr. Taher’s first book, he has already made a name for himself as a physician and athlete. Now, in his memoir, he writes explicitly for fellow chronically ill people, with chapters divided by topic, his story, a guide for practical use, and instructions throughout to advise readers.
If the book at times feels as if its primary function is dispensing information rather than storytelling, that’s because informed care for our bodies is the story Akil Taher is telling.
These accomplishments and his ability to apply mind over matter shine and shows the powerful impact it plays in his life. He writes with precision, conviction, respect, and thoughtfulness about his heart disease as well as the difficulties, and at times unjust, experiences that people face when diagnosed with a chronic illness.
But his storytelling is also shaped by his personal experience — he writes with the frankness and intimate knowledge of someone living with chronic illness. (I, for one, am charmed by Akil Taher's ability to change his life and run marathons and climb mountains later in life.
His ability to change his mentality, fitness and life is truly amazing. His book encourages you. If he can change his life, run marathons and climb mountains why can't I?
Stylistically, the experience of reading “Open Heart” can feel a bit unrealistic. Many people would give up before they even tried, however, his story is amazing and his guide on how he did it is easy to implement in your life.
The next day after reading “Open Heart", I was changing my diet and lifestyle according to his guide. “Open Heart” is an inspirational read for anyone. Dr. Taher’s book is undeniably smart and encouraging, but more than that, it is humane and offers reliable information to chronically ill people and their friends and family.
“Open Heart, Akil Taher, MD has written a must-read book for anyone who has experienced a chronic illness or difficult challenges in their life and needs the motivation and inspiration to get back up on their feet…Read this book – and learn from one of the best. An individual who hit rock bottom got back on his feet and turned his life around.”
– Stacey Chillemi, Founder of The Complete Herbal Guide, Writer, Huff Post and Thrive Global
Akil Taher, MD inspirational read, a memoir, about heart disease and the point of mental and physical health, should be read by anyone with a body.
Throughout “Open Heart,” Taher shares an amazing story about his life as he began his life journey as a know-it-all physician who believed medical science had advanced greatly and had the necessary solutions for chronic diseases, including heart disease.
“Open Heart” is the story of Akil Taher’s fight for competent and compassionate care after he was diagnosed with the beginning of heart disease at age fifty-six which lead to stents angioplasty and at sixty-one culminating in open-heart surgery.
His whole life had been turned upside down. His illness had taken the best of him. He could have become a couch potato, but he was not going to let his illness get the best of him.
Though this is Dr. Taher’s first book, he has already made a name for himself as a physician and athlete. Now, in his memoir, he writes explicitly for fellow chronically ill people, with chapters divided by topic, his story, a guide for practical use, and instructions throughout to advise readers.
If the book at times feels as if its primary function is dispensing information rather than storytelling, that’s because informed care for our bodies is the story Akil Taher is telling.
These accomplishments and his ability to apply mind over matter shine and shows the powerful impact it plays in his life. He writes with precision, conviction, respect, and thoughtfulness about his heart disease as well as the difficulties, and at times unjust, experiences that people face when diagnosed with a chronic illness.
But his storytelling is also shaped by his personal experience — he writes with the frankness and intimate knowledge of someone living with chronic illness. (I, for one, am charmed by Akil Taher's ability to change his life and run marathons and climb mountains later in life.
His ability to change his mentality, fitness and life is truly amazing. His book encourages you. If he can change his life, run marathons and climb mountains why can't I?
Stylistically, the experience of reading “Open Heart” can feel a bit unrealistic. Many people would give up before they even tried, however, his story is amazing and his guide on how he did it is easy to implement in your life.
The next day after reading “Open Heart", I was changing my diet and lifestyle according to his guide. “Open Heart” is an inspirational read for anyone. Dr. Taher’s book is undeniably smart and encouraging, but more than that, it is humane and offers reliable information to chronically ill people and their friends and family.
March 21, 2021
When I read the introduction of this book, I was dumbfounded! The author had the same thing happen to his heart that happened to me. And the first instance was in London too, just like me. I’m just a few years younger than him and I’m also from India, a little south from the author’s place of Mumbai. I’m also living in the US for the past 40 years. The physical match was great!
This led me to read his book very carefully. I really enjoyed the first half of the book where he details how he overcame impediments with courage and grit. Enjoyed his exploits. In the second part of the book, in my opinion, he goes off analyzing yoga, vegan and mentoring with nature. All of which I found a bit boring, especially yoga that I hate. (Although my wife loves it). The acknowledgement section is also a bit long. Overall, a great book to read!
This led me to read his book very carefully. I really enjoyed the first half of the book where he details how he overcame impediments with courage and grit. Enjoyed his exploits. In the second part of the book, in my opinion, he goes off analyzing yoga, vegan and mentoring with nature. All of which I found a bit boring, especially yoga that I hate. (Although my wife loves it). The acknowledgement section is also a bit long. Overall, a great book to read!
May 6, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this book as part of GoodRead's First Reads story.
This book tells the story of a doctor who started to experience health problems while in his fifties. At 61, he needed bypass surgery, and vowed to change his life around. 8 months later he ran his first half marathon, followed by others and finally ran full marathons. He also climbed mountains, including Mt. Kilimanjaro, did triathlons and various other athletic feats. In addition, he changed to a whole food, plant based diet, cutting out all animal products. This is an excellent story, and very inspirational. I highly recommend reading it to everyone, especially those who believe after a certain age it's too old to do anything about your health.
This book tells the story of a doctor who started to experience health problems while in his fifties. At 61, he needed bypass surgery, and vowed to change his life around. 8 months later he ran his first half marathon, followed by others and finally ran full marathons. He also climbed mountains, including Mt. Kilimanjaro, did triathlons and various other athletic feats. In addition, he changed to a whole food, plant based diet, cutting out all animal products. This is an excellent story, and very inspirational. I highly recommend reading it to everyone, especially those who believe after a certain age it's too old to do anything about your health.
June 5, 2021
The details of Dr Taher's experiences were very interesting, especially climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and trekking to Mount Kailash in Tibet. He experienced running in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, triathlons, mud race, 100-mile biking and more. Dr Taher went from being mostly sedentary and extremely stressed at work to having a heart attack and open heart surgery and then decided to live. His credo: Adventure may hurt you but monotony will kill you. The last chapter had details of his journey to health through following a plant-based diet.
September 11, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this phenomenal book. I have used the stories in it as examples to inspire my patients. Some had cardiac issues, mental health issues, neurological issues, obesity, and some had given up on themselves. I would talk to my patients about my couch potato family member who changed his perspective to achieve extraordinary dreams. This book was used as a tool for motivation to become more independent and to pursue their occupational therapy goals so they could achieve dreams of their own.
January 15, 2026
i didnt expect to really like this (i just picked it up cause i had nothing else) and tbh i was quite pleasantly surprised.
akil’s recovery story is extremely inspiring and i loved learning about everything he has gotten up to since his surgeries. bonus points cause a lot of it was set in mumbai and i do love reading abt india <3
that said, his mindset re exercise and vegetarianism was a bit too extreme for my personal liking cause wdym you shouldn’t eat meat eggs or dairy like be so fr💀
akil’s recovery story is extremely inspiring and i loved learning about everything he has gotten up to since his surgeries. bonus points cause a lot of it was set in mumbai and i do love reading abt india <3
that said, his mindset re exercise and vegetarianism was a bit too extreme for my personal liking cause wdym you shouldn’t eat meat eggs or dairy like be so fr💀
March 19, 2021
Great Read
An inspirational narration of a doctors 🥼 amazing journey from being a ‘couch potato ‘ to an active marathoner after a triple bypass at age 61. All this with a lifestyle change of exercise, diet, and spirituality. Even if you have slight inclination to make a change... it will steer you into action.
An inspirational narration of a doctors 🥼 amazing journey from being a ‘couch potato ‘ to an active marathoner after a triple bypass at age 61. All this with a lifestyle change of exercise, diet, and spirituality. Even if you have slight inclination to make a change... it will steer you into action.
November 3, 2022
Thank you so very much
A very inspirational story told right from his heart. He tells his story with honesty and sincerity. Very helpful to all of us.
A very inspirational story told right from his heart. He tells his story with honesty and sincerity. Very helpful to all of us.
December 17, 2021
A Journey towards WFPB from Bypass Surgery to Health
Dr. Akil and his journey of his health are both very inspiring. He’s proof that it’s never too late to take your health in your own hands and it’s so very possible to reverse many medical conditions! I loved that he took us on his personal journey and stories of his marathons and mountain climbs. I could easily visualize the locations and experiences he was having as I was reading his words and reflections. If he can do it, a (once was) couch potato with bypass surgery, so can you! Thank you for writing this inspiring and informational book on a WFPB journey.
Dr. Akil and his journey of his health are both very inspiring. He’s proof that it’s never too late to take your health in your own hands and it’s so very possible to reverse many medical conditions! I loved that he took us on his personal journey and stories of his marathons and mountain climbs. I could easily visualize the locations and experiences he was having as I was reading his words and reflections. If he can do it, a (once was) couch potato with bypass surgery, so can you! Thank you for writing this inspiring and informational book on a WFPB journey.
October 19, 2024
A book that didn't need to be written and doesn't need to be read.
Taher's journey is commendable but he focuses too much on the marathons he ran and offers little practical insights.
Taher's journey is commendable but he focuses too much on the marathons he ran and offers little practical insights.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews