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steeperthandeep's review
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
I finished reading Go Wild by Richard Manning and John J. Ratey. The principle concept discussed throughout the book is “rewilding”. The ideas behind rewilding involve restoring ecosystems by reintroducing native species, and allowing natural processes to occur. The authors take that concept and apply it to ourselves; identifying the many detrimental impacts of modern civilization on human health and well-being. The book also explores the relationship between humans and the natural world; specifically, evolutionary biology and its implications for human behavior. Critique is abundant of our modern lifestyle and its effects on physical and mental health. I especially enjoyed the discussion of the benefits of reconnecting with nature and adopting a more “wild” lifestyle. The concepts discussed here are supported by scientific evidence and fleshed out by the analysis of anecdotes, case studies, and personal experiences shared by the authors. For me, the most gratifying experience of reading this work was how it added legitimacy to changes I have made in my life over the past two years. I give it all the stars!
brentwilliamj's review against another edition
3.0
Despite being a big fan of Spark (also by Ratey), this one didn’t quite hit the same. There were a few things that seemed like “out-there” prescriptions to issues, like running barefoot through the mountains. Most of the advice here seems sound as well, but it’s not anything you couldn’t read in any other health and fitness self-help book.
wolfdreamer's review against another edition
5.0
Very informative and inspiring. A lot of other "paleo" books leave readers feeling like such a lifestyle just isn't possible. Go Wild is an exception.
sxtwo's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this - and would like to ask the authors some additional questions about some of their blind spots. But overall, good juice and well written.
jcm196's review against another edition
4.0
If you are reading this book and are about 3/4 of the way through, doubting it all, not buying any of it, pissed at the "bullshit" and wanting to stop, I encourage you to just push through it and keep reading. Coming from a strong science background, I was extremely skeptical about the evidence proposed by Ratey. It goes against most things I learned as a child about nutrition, and talks about concepts I've only read in passing. The evidence proposed is very situational and relies heavily on case studies as supporting argument. But what I didn't realize, was that's the whole point. That's the point that is made at the end of the book that I wish was made a little sooner.
There are all these tenants to live by that are proposed in the first 75% of the book. It sounds preachy and sometimes unreasonable. But by the end, you realize that these truly are just strong recommendations that have been proven to work with other people. The best way to live that is argued toward the end of the book is one by self assessment and exploration of what works for you and you specifically. It's a philosophy I have grown to accept and hope to continue to live by. While I will say that these case study examples are perfect pieces of supporting evidence for personalized action plans to conquer your own life, it does break down the credibility of the hard science that is presented. Personally, I wish the sections that attempted to address the hard science behind these tenants to live by were a little more technical, however, it's understandable that in order to make this information readily available for the public, it does need to be put into Leyman's terms.
Overall, a great read that was also super easy to understand. Would highly recommend it for someone who is looking to find ways to live a healthier lifestyle.
There are all these tenants to live by that are proposed in the first 75% of the book. It sounds preachy and sometimes unreasonable. But by the end, you realize that these truly are just strong recommendations that have been proven to work with other people. The best way to live that is argued toward the end of the book is one by self assessment and exploration of what works for you and you specifically. It's a philosophy I have grown to accept and hope to continue to live by. While I will say that these case study examples are perfect pieces of supporting evidence for personalized action plans to conquer your own life, it does break down the credibility of the hard science that is presented. Personally, I wish the sections that attempted to address the hard science behind these tenants to live by were a little more technical, however, it's understandable that in order to make this information readily available for the public, it does need to be put into Leyman's terms.
Overall, a great read that was also super easy to understand. Would highly recommend it for someone who is looking to find ways to live a healthier lifestyle.
tanyarobinson's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm, iIve got mixed feelings about this one. I enjoyed the sections about exercise/movement and sleep, maybe because I'm actually doing something right when it comes to those two areas of my health. The first section on food was so extreme that I just felt hopeless. They basically say to give up all processed foods, all trans fats, all sugars, and all grains. I'm not willing to go that far! I also got bored in the last third of the book and just pushed through to finish.
jessplanninglife's review against another edition
3.0
I was super interested in the beginning of this book, I listened to the Audible version and couldn't get enough. My interest sort of wained though, like after they initially set the scene and you get the gist, it was sort of more of the same. Still a valuable and interesting book though, I am still keen to read Spark by John J. Ratey even after listening to this.
sanch's review against another edition
5.0
John Ratey's previous book "Spark" is one of my favorite books and one of the main reasons I run, so I went into this one biased and expecting to like it a lot. A lot of what they cover is common sense, but the value of the book isn't in the recommendations: it lies in explaining why and how running/sleep/nutrition/nature/etc. is good for us. I've been trying to read about all these subjects recently, so this book was a nice compilation. The authors covered their main points in these topics well and the book doesn't come across as overly preachy or too scientific. Instead, it's motivating.
I need to re-read this to better absorb the info and decide how to make changes in my own life. As an example, I was sad at the recommendation to lower carb and sugar consumption, but I'm looking to learn more about this and am considering implementing this because I value Ratey's writings and recommendations. This says a lot, as anyone who knows me can attest.
So check back with me in a few months to see what changes I've made and how I feel. Until then, I would still recommend it. You'll get something different out of it than I did.
I need to re-read this to better absorb the info and decide how to make changes in my own life. As an example, I was sad at the recommendation to lower carb and sugar consumption, but I'm looking to learn more about this and am considering implementing this because I value Ratey's writings and recommendations. This says a lot, as anyone who knows me can attest.
So check back with me in a few months to see what changes I've made and how I feel. Until then, I would still recommend it. You'll get something different out of it than I did.
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