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Muscle

By: Samuel Wilson Fussell
Narrated by: L. J. Ganser
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Publisher's summary

A hilarious and harrowing firsthand account of the eccentric world of hardcore bodybuilding.

When blue-blooded, storklike Samuel Wilson Fussell arrived in New York City fresh from the University of Oxford, the ethereal young graduate seemed like the last person on Earth who would be interested in bodybuilding. But he was intimidated by the dangers of the city and decided to do something about it. At 26, Fussell walked into the YMCA gym. Four solid years of intensive training, protein powders, and steroid injections later, he had gained 80 pounds of pure muscle and was competing for bodybuilding titles.

And yet, with forearms like bowling pins and calves like watermelons, Fussell felt weaker than ever before. His punishing regimen of workouts, drugs, and diet had reduced him to near infantlike helplessness and immobility. He was hungry, nauseated, and prone to outbursts of 'roid rage. But he had come to succeed, and there was no backing down now.

Alternately funny and fascinating, Muscle is the true story of one man's obsession with the pursuit of perfection. With insight, wit, and refreshing candor, Fussell ushers listeners into the wild world of juicers and gym rats who sacrifice their lives, minds, bodies, and souls to their dreams of glory in Southern California's so-called iron mecca.

©1991 Samuel Wilson Fussell; This edition published in 2015 by Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. (P)2015 Audible, Inc.
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What listeners say about Muscle

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Great story

I enjoyed this book… dude is funny with his story telling & I love seeing a guy know when is when on letting it go, kudos.

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What a geat story!

This was a great perspective, very well written with excellent narration. I Highly recommend this book.

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Inspiration

A story that grabs hold of you and drags you in to the life of a bodybuilder. From the first step in the gym to all the steps to become a gym rat. And if you want an underdog story this is a great inspiration that it’s never to late to change your fate! Also a great story teller and voice actor.

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So good. So funny.

This book is excellent. It’s somehow inspiring, sad, funny and motivating all at the same time. I will be revisiting this title every few years I have a feeling.

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I am a bodybuilder

has a bodybuilder this takes an in-depth look at some of the things we go through on a day-to-day basis scary thought maybe I relate strongly to Sam in this book although I do not ever want to quit bodybuilding as he does I see the negative effects you can have on the body he calls it a disease I I call it my passion and my will to keep pressing on

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not great

Disappointed in the story and ending. Not what I expected and definately not motivating.

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