Down To The Bone: A Leukemia Story by Catherine Pioli - Book Recommendation

Non-fiction books are usually solemn and tempered, especially those themed around illness and death. Down to the Bone by Catherine Pioli is an exception to this. Yes, there are touching moments... but it also celebrates life in humorous and uplifting ways.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK
The art of Down to the Bone is understatedly beautiful; enchanting even. The simplicity and the use of colour are something I have never seen before (as a concept). Most importantly, the style is fitting for the book and its theme.

I also love the humour on display. It feels odd to laugh when reading a book like this, but some of the situations and reactions of the author to her predicament touched me and brought out a myriad of emotions in me.

DISLIKES
None.

WHO IS IT FOR
Any adult who loves non-fiction ought to try reading Down to the Bone.

Many thanks to Graphic Mundi - PSU Press for providing a review copy.

Breath: A Life In Flow by Rickson Gracie & Peter Maguire - Book Recommendation

 Breathe is an autobiography of Rickson Gracie, a former jiu-jitsu champion and one of the best martial arts practitioners in the world today. Breathe details his upbringing in Brazil, his training, and his ethos in jiu-jitsu and life.

WHAT I LOVE IN THIS BOOK
What is striking about this book is the in-depth examination of the art of jiu-jitsu and its importance outside of the ring to personal development. Lovers of the sport would love the tips, the tricks, and the philosophies of Rickson as he lays them out in the book. Even those who are not into the sport will come to appreciate the level of candour displayed by the author and the lessons jiu-Jitsu provides for all.

WHAT I DISLIKE
The first few chapters delve into the Gracie family and how Rickson came to be born. It looks at the family dynamics and idiosyncrasies of the Gracies. The author presents how it shaped him and made him who he is today.

I feel this section of the book could have been made shorter as it was a tad too long. Having said that, the earlier chapters do provide a solid background and good insights into the rest of the narrative.

WHO THIS IS FOR
Breathe is for practitioners and non-practitioners of jiu-jitsu. Everyone should be able to take one or two lessons from the strange and incredible life of Rickson Gracie.

Many thanks to Dey Street Books for providing a review copy.