The problem with having the neurosis of being a "completist" is that it can lead the reader far afield from his actual reading interest. Take the example of Robert B. Parker, for example. An author of numerous works of crime fiction, he also penned a few other works on diverse subjects. Among them is this small, brief book on weight training.

Plenty of books on weight training are available, and whether this one ranks better or worse than average is not something I am qualified to judge. It does bear the label of Sports Illustrated, which could mean a lot. What's more Parker himself did engage in weight training, and photos of the author on his works of fiction over the years suggest that his efforts paid off impressively.

As for contents, the book presents a variety of exercises, organized by body region: neck & shoulders; arms; chest; back; waist; and legs. Likewise, a chapter focuses on "training programs for the beginner". Each of the exercises is accompanied with large photographs, in which a young man demonstrates the proper positions involved.

Having read this work, I am no stronger than before, but I have the nearly- unique distinction of having almost completed reading the written works penned by Robert B. Parker. ( )