With an intriguing blend of deep research, memoir-like passages, and expert interviews/anecdotes/quotes, all around a topic most of us don't often think about, this book definitely made an impact. Tsui covers the body from head to toe, inside (muscle science) to outside (societal expectations), physical to spiritual, and still manages to make it fun to read/listen to.

As someone who came to long distance running in mid-life, and only then really focused on my body and what it could do, I appreciated the multiple perspectives from which muscles are explored. From body building to surfing, yoga to running, and even what muscles mean for someone who is paralyzed, she casts a wide net. The author's personal experiences, as well as those of multiple people she interviewed, really enhanced my appreciation and ability to soak up the knowledge she shares.

I listened to this on audio, but will likely get a physical book because I feel the need to re-read and highlight so many of the passages and specific information.

Please note: I received an advanced listening copy from NetGalley & Hachette Audio in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

Very calm, positive, almost meditatve voice of Bonnie Tsui was an absolute pleasure to listen to. She spoke about very important topics, her personal life and trauma, people’s injuries, diseases and death… But regardless what was the story, she talked about it so peaceful and grounded that you never step on the negative spectrum of emotions. Instead, Bonnie consistently highlighted the opportunities our bodies still present to us, even when the worst possible scenario happens. With that, you come to realise that our bodies are always there for us and we have to nurture and praise them.
The stories of differrent athletes and regular people exploring their bodies and physical limits were inspirational and heart-warming. I especially loved when Bonnie talked about on sports as something that unites people and creates a unique sense of community that’s hard to find elsewhere. She also beatufully reflected on locker room experience, on seeing human bodies as they are and connections that naturally form, while we are the most exposed. It was something I’d never thought about before, but was so true.
I’m very glad I had a chance to experience this book and find the inspiration, while not exactly looking for it.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley.

I love, I mean, LOVE, when authors narrate their own book! Bonnie Tsui's voice is calm and gentle, and it was truly an honour to have her in my head for the whole book, without speeding up the track.

“At every stage of life, I see that muscles matter” © Bonnie Tsui.

This book is very personal as the author reflects on her relationship with her father and narrates on different topics and shifts, like waves of water. I loved it, mostly because I relate so much to the author’s childhood, relationship with her father and death.

I enjoyed this meditation on muscles - what they mean for us, the people we love, and for society as a whole.

I am not a muscly or sporty person, and I've long had a complicated relationship with my body and exercise, but I was drawn to this audiobook from the lovely art in the cover, and convinced to listen to it by the recommendation on it from Ed Yong, whose books I have loved.

Bonnie Tsui is a great narrator, and her passion for the stories she is telling really comes through. The diversity of perspectives keeps you listening for more, even as some sections don't seem to flow together perfectly.

I would have liked a bit more muscle science, but it became more philosophical and with touches of memoir that I didn't really expect from the blurb. All in all, pleasantly different from what I thought it would be

As a person who's been struggling with my sense of my body and its capabilities since my youth, with a concrete diagnosis of the source of my disabilities only in my late 30s, this book was fascinating.

Tsui manages to connect the personal, the scientific, the philosophical, and the physical in illuminating ways. I've been treating myself with yoga for over a decade, so the chapters on the use of yoga were especially intriguing for me, but some of the most inspiring chapters discussed things that I hope never to experience, like extreme distance running.

While listening is my preferred method for nonfiction in general, I will likely acquire a print copy of this book because I want to go back and look at specific portions more closely and apply them as I grow in my own muscle-practice (even if this absolutely isn't a guidebook).

ARC provided by NetGalley.

As a non-fiction reader, I love a well-researched book written with passion. I sensed that was what “On Muscle” would be, and I was right.

Bonnie Tsui has early memories of her father’s obsession with fitness. She spends the chapters investigating different ways bodies move, why, and the role muscle movement has in our lives and society. The content is relatable and accessible.

I am not an athlete, but I do recognize and value of movement and exercise, especially as my body ages. This was a great read for me, and I believe those with athletic backgrounds will appreciate it, too.

The book’s narration by its author, Bonnie Tsui, is straightforward and neutral. When speaking of surfing, yoga, or her father, her voice conveys a livelier tone - it’s evident these are topics very close to her heart.

Thank you to Hachette Audio for an advanced reader copy of the audiobook, which was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

Beautiful narration by the author!

In "On Muscle", author Bonnie Tsui is to physical performance as Malcolm Gladwell is to psychology and Siddhartha Mukherjee is to physiology/medicine.

However, by these comparisons, this book falls short in its research grounding. I wish she went a bit deeper into the science. It's clear that she researches well-- this book took her all over the world to meet with academic and professional experts and her ability to weave narrative into real life studies and experiences is very strong.

I will say that while the author did weave a lot of approaches on muscle (hehe) into this, from micro to macro, from stem cells to martial arts, painting and Highland games-- sometimes the chapters felt a little disjointed. Regardless, all chapters were all well written, compelling and could stand alone for a quick read at any point.

Given the gamut of topics covered, while still being relatively brief, this would make a great book club pick.

Beautiful illustrations on the cover and within! Plus, any book with references/resources at the end is an automatic "need-to-own!"

Tsui's first book Why We Swim is one of my most reread books, and I've been looking forward to On Muscle since I saw the announcement, and I'm so excited to get this ARC. Tsui has a rare ability to weave research, story, and emotion in a way that makes you feel both informed, held and seen. I kept wanting to pause the audiobook just to highlight lines that made me laugh or catch my breath.

Author-narrated audiobooks can be hit or miss, but Tsui’s narration was spot on: clear, warm, and compelling. I didn’t have access to the accompanying PDF through the platform, which makes me even more excited to pick up a physical copy when it’s released.

Huge thanks to the author, publisher, producers, and editors. I can’t wait for more people to read this.

WOW! I’m a fitness fanatic and enjoy a medical/ biology nonfiction book but this book had me tearing up. The way Tsui wrote about the relationship she had with her father and type that into her love and interest in muscles was something that felt so real. I enjoyed learning about all sorts of individuals in the fitness community from someone I knew about and fangirled over like Chloe Brennan to those I’ve never heard of like Jan Todd. This book collectively taught me so much. I would definitely recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Algonquin books for the egalley of this title.
The premise based on the title, cover, and subtitle is a but misleading as this seems more like a set of essays. The writing is beautiful, but the text isn't sure what it wants to be and struggles for continuity. Some books pull of the combo of memoir/narrative nonfiction/science, but unfortunately, this one struggled to find a focus.

Her research and writing skills can't be denied- they are great it just felt like they book found different paths very easily in each chapter.