An accessible work on the history of science that not only recounts a story about the evolution of strength training but also emphasizes how contested it has been over time - the book is at its most interesting when it engages the many meanings historically attached to strength and muscle. I should note that the book is also framed prescriptively (particularly in the intro), and is intended to encourage readers to engage in strength training themselves.

The best thing about this book for me was that it was very motivating to keep up with strength training, aka weight lifting. The author makes a strong case as to why we all need to perform strength training in our daily lives. Age is irrelevant. Young or in a nursing home, we all need to lift weights. This isn't about being a body builder. Instead it's about building health through muscle.

The author starts with Greek times and then goes into more current events with the focus on a particular individuals weight training journey. This back and forth repeats for the entirety of the book. Initially, I was okay with this, but it became frustrating rather quickly. I would have much rather the author started in the past, then moved the reader through to the present. Save the silly jumping around for the fiction writers.

Adding to this frustration was that there wasn't a chapter showing or at least describing in great detail the various movements that were so beneficial in the various studies that were done.

Due to how dense of a read it is, I think this is one of those books I'd like to have on audio as well or maybe instead of in print. Normally, I like to have physical copies of non fiction books so that I can bookmark, take notes, flip through the pages at will, etc. But with this book not providing any actual guidelines, a printed copy doesn't really seem necessary. It's just a story. Not so much a guide or how-to. Granted, it is not promoted as such, but I cannot help but think the book would have been greatly improved had this been added.

If you are a powerlifter or a kinesiology student, this might be super interesting for you! If you are not, then it probably won’t hold your attention for long. Tells the story of muscle throughout history: at the Greek Olympics, 20th century American circuses, and modern-day nursing homes. The research is thorough and the thesis is strong (pun intended), but it is a bit academic for an everyday reader. However if you enjoy nonfiction and educational material, then this tells a compelling story while taking the time to prove each point with science and statistics. Its subject matter is important for all, and I truly feel like I walked away with the knowledge I need to make healthy changes in my life.

An important look at the importance of strength training.a fascinating read.I learned so much about my bones aging and keeping myself healthy and strong.A read full of important facts and information.#NetGalley #doubleday

💪📖 STRONGER 📖💪

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (A powerhouse of knowledge!)

If you’ve ever doubted the transformative power of strength training, Stronger will absolutely change your mind! Michael Joseph Gross takes us on a fascinating journey through history, science, and culture, uncovering the hidden legacy of muscle—from the battlefields of ancient Greece to Victorian-era women lifting weights in forgotten gyms, all the way to groundbreaking research proving that even 90 year olds can gain strength through lifting! 🏋️‍♂️✨

What makes this book stand out is its blend of history, science, and real-world application—all delivered with warmth, wit, and compelling storytelling. It challenges the outdated brain vs. brawn stereotype and sheds light on how weight training is not just for athletes, but for everyone looking to improve longevity, combat chronic diseases, and reclaim control over their bodies. While some of it could feel really lengthy and dense at times, I appreciated all of the information I was able to take in because of this book. It really changed my outlook on muscle strength and its importance, and how to get stronger to live my best life.

If you love:
🏛 Deep dives into historical & cultural perspectives on strength
📚 Science backed insights on muscle & longevity
💪 Practical, empowering takeaways on strength training
🔥 A book that will make you WANT to hit the gym

Then Stronger is a must read! Whether you're a seasoned lifter or someone who's never picked up a dumbbell, this book will change the way you think about strength—both physical and mental. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Joseph Gross, and Penguin Group Dutton for the eARC of this book.

As someone who studied muscle development during my PhD, I was intrigued by the concept of this book and the story it would tell about muscle. Gross takes the reader on a journey through muscle beginning in ancient Greece, then in the earlier days of weightlifting/powerlifting, and to more modern day. He does this by focusing each section on a person and following their love of muscle and how they value strength training.

This book was long. I felt that the stories of the people could be more tightly wound together instead of hopping back and forth between describing what was going on in a certain time period and what the person was learning in their life. The book shone in the second and third section and especially when Gross discussed exercise as medicine and highlighted that exercise should be prescribed like we prescribe medications.

The latest "buzz" in workout culture is strength training and the benefits of strength training. As more and more people start lifting weights for their health this book hammers home the science behind why muscle is so important for healthy aging.

This book provides a fascinating look into the history and science of weight lifting, emphasizing the often-overlooked importance of muscles in our everyday lives. The research is compelling, showcasing how incorporating regular muscle work into our routines can aid in preventing and managing various diseases, as well as reducing the risk of injuries. Although I appreciated the thoroughness of the author’s research, certain parts felt too dense, which made me skim through them at times.