Monday, January 24, 2011

Taleb, DeVany & Ferris: I have some reading to do


My current reading matter.

7 comments:

Chris G said...

Chris I would be interested in what you think of these books. I read a few reviews of the Ferris book on Amazon US (I think over a hundred were posted on the 1st day of publication!) and a lot seem to think it is a cut and paste job from the website. Let us know if you use any of the ideas in your own training.

Stephen N. Greenleaf said...

Ferris is a potpourri of ideas, some good, some pretty iffy, but I liked his open, experimental attitude. Pick & choose as at a buffet. Think twice before you select any particular item.

DeVany is a full course meal, complete, healthy, nutritious. You won't leave hungry.

Taleb is a desert course. Small morsels that we should savor. Some may have a funny taste, but they're worth trying. With so much to choose from, you'll find plenty to savor, but do not devour.

Add Taubes's "Why We Get Fat" and Sisson's "Primal Blueprint", and you're fully loaded with some great reading. Enjoy!

Chris Sturdy said...

I have 2/3 just arrived to read, too (DeVany, Ferris). So far DeVany is great: cool personal story and straight forward, sensible writing and advice.

Anonymous said...

Read the 4HB in on stretch while flying to south america. Really thought provoking. Interested in hearing what you think about.

Chris said...

Stephen - I've got the New Taubes and Mark Sisson actually sent me a copy of his book for review when it was launched. Sisson's is great - well written and comprehensive. I've not opened Taubes yet - I read Good Calories / Bad Calories when it came out and I've been too busy to do too much reading.

Chris said...

At first look, Ferris appears as the ubergeek! He has taken everything i've ever been interested in and written a chapter! Kettlebells, HIT, Corssfitendurance, low carb etc etc

Simon Whyatt said...

I too am looking forward to reading the 4HB, like you Chris, the fact that the topics it covers that I have experience of - I.e. HIT, Kettlebells, T.I. swimming etc, all seem to work makes me think maybe the other stuff will work too.

That said, some of what I have seen/read does sound a little "pseudo-sciency" and also some of the nutrition info does not sit well.

That said, I think Ferris makes no claims that anything in the book is gospel and encourages self-experimentation which is all good by me. I just wish they'd hurry up and release the kindle version as I've been banned from having any more physical books in the house!

Re: DeVany's book - I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. Though I can appreciate Art wanting to cash in on the paleo explosion, him being one of the pioneers and all, I have to question whether there is really any need for another book on the subject? How much can you write on "eat meat and vegetables and you'll be slim and healthy"?

I'll trust you to give us a thorough write up...

Taleb book looks interesting, may have to add it to my wish list.