Vroege Recensenten
An engaging exploration of the unique history and biology of fasting--an essential component of many traditional health practices, religions, and philosophies, resurging in popularity today--perfect for readers of Breath by James Nestor and Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker.
We fast all the time, even when we're not conscious of doing so. A fast manifests the idea of holding back, resisting the animal impulse to charge ahead. Its flip side is similarly everywhere: call it splurging, self-indulgence, or a variant of "self-care." Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, The Fast illuminates the numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John Oakes interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice--and embarks on fasts of his own—to deliver a book that supplies readers curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration.
Fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons--from health advocates who see fasting as a method to lose weight or to detox, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as an effective means of peaceful protest. Fasting is central to holy seasons and days such as Lent in Christianity, Ramadan in Islam, and Yom Kippur in Judaism. Advocates for justice who have waged hunger strikes include Gandhi in India, Bobby Sands in Ireland, and the Taxi Workers Alliance in New York City. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine.
Fasting involves doing less but doing less in a radical way, reminding us that a slower, more intentional contemplative experience can be more fulfilling. Ultimately, this book shows us that fasting is about much more than food: it is about reconsidering our place in the world.
- Media
- Papier
- Genres
- History, Religion & Spirituality, General Nonfiction, Health & Wellness, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Literature Studies and Criticism
- Aangeboden door
- johnoakes (Auteur)
- Uitgegeven door
- Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster
- Partij
- maart 2024 Begint op: 2024-03-01Uitgelezen: 2024-03-25
- In de uitverkoop
- 2024-02-13
- Landen
- Australië, Canada, Verenigd Koninkrijk, Verenigde Staten
- Links
- Boek informatie
LibraryThing Werkpagina - Receipt
- 2 marked received
Hi, LT! The Fast is my first book, and I'm thrilled to announce this giveaway. A word to the wise: if you're looking for a book that tells you how to fast, or even about how good fasting is for you and the zillions of things it will cure, this is not that book. There are plenty of books out there on the subject. I do talk a bit about fasting from food, but in the main my book is about fasting's incredible history, including everyone from Achilles to Catherine of Siena to Mark Twain to Cesar Chavez to Bobby Sands to many many others—I discuss religion, "hunger artists," hunger strikes, and yes, anorexia. And also a bit of the science—because it turns out that fasting, when done in moderation, can be good for you. But for me, principally it is an empowering practice. I hope you enjoy the book.