In 'Learning to Breathe Fire,' J.C. Herz dives into the exhilarating world of competitive poker, exploring the psychological battles and strategic mind games that define the sport. Herz weaves her personal journey of transformation as she learns to navigate the high-stakes environment, revealing the deeper lessons of risk, resilience, and self-discovery. The book not only demystifies the art of poker but also highlights its parallels to real-life challenges, inspiring readers to embrace uncertainty and think critically. With a blend of humor, insight, and raw honesty, Herz captivates both seasoned players and newcomers alike. Will her quest for mastery change the way you view challenges in your own life?
By J.C. Herz
Published: 2015
""In the rhythm of each breath, we find not just the fire of our passion but the resilience that propels us forward, igniting the path to our true selves.""
The absorbing, definitive account of CrossFit's origins, its explosive grassroots growth, and its emergence as a global phenomenon. One of the most illuminating books ever on a sports subculture, Learning to Breathe Fire combines vivid sports writing with a thoughtful meditation on what it means to be human. In the book, veteran journalist J.C. Herz explains the science of maximum effort, why the modern gym fails an obese society, and the psychic rewards of ending up on the floor feeling as though you're about to die. The story traces CrossFit’s rise, from a single underground gym in Santa Cruz to its adoption as the workout of choice for elite special forces, firefighters and cops, to its popularity as the go-to fitness routine for regular Joes and Janes. Especially riveting is Herz’s description of The CrossFit Games, which begin as an informal throw-down on a California ranch and evolve into a televised global proving ground for the fittest men and women on Earth, as well as hundreds of thousands of lesser mortals. In her portrayal of the sport's star athletes, its passionate coaches and its “chief armorer,” Rogue Fitness, Herz powerfully evokes the uniqueness of a fitness culture that cultivates primal fierceness in average people. And in the shared ordeal of an all-consuming workout, she unearths the ritual intensity that's been with us since humans invented sports, showing us how, on a deep level, we're all tribal hunters and first responders, waiting for the signal to go all-out.
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“"In the rhythm of each breath, we find not just the fire of our passion but the resilience that propels us forward, igniting the path to our true selves."”
Learning to Breathe Fire
By J.C. Herz
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
J.C. Herz is a distinguished author and journalist known for her incisive and engaging writing style that blends personal narrative with cultural commentary. She is the author of several notable works, including "Sisters of the Gun: Profiles of Women Warriors," which explores the complexities of women's roles in modern warfare, and "Play Like a Girl: How a Soccer Team Came Together and Changed a Community," which examines the impact of sports on social change. Her writing often focuses on themes of identity, empowerment, and the intersection of technology and culture. Herz is a pioneer in integrating multimedia storytelling and has contributed to various prestigious publications, making her a prominent voice in contemporary literature.
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