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An Obese White Gentleman in No Apparent Distress by Riki Moss
Typically, when I'm asked to review books related to the martial arts, I'm asked to review manuals or historic overviews. It's rare that a martial arts novel comes up, but An Obese White Gentleman in No Apparent Distress is just that. The thing about this book, is that although it's a "novel," it's based on actual recordings of deceased Terry Dobson, a beloved Aikido master.
One would think that the book would be almost exclusively about Aikido, and although there are some chapters that talk about the dojo, this isn't what you get. The best way to describe the book would be that it's about an unhealthy Aikido master who loses his mojo and then finds it again through love.
I have to be honest about it. Although Moss is an descriptive writer and she paints a vivid pictures of scenes as she writes them, I'm a bit of a prude when it comes to things related to sex and I wasn't sure how I felt about the main character "Max" (based on Terry Dobson) and his sexual encounters. I can read chick-lit all day long and it doesn't much bother me, but when it's based on an actual person, a person of stature in the martial arts community? I guess I just like to think of highly ranked martial artists with their clothes on.
If you're looking for a glorified portrayal of a martial arts master though, you won't find it here. This book is a very honest look at "Max," his insecurities, his struggles, his mistakes and his demise as he suffers from serious health issues that eventually take his life before his family is really ready to let him go.
There are some accounts, based on recordings of Terry Dobson, about his time training in Japan as the low man on the dojo totem pole, and how he stuck it out regardless of how inhumanely he was treated at times, because he thought eventually he would learn something, really seesomething and come away being a better person and having a deeper understanding of Aikido techniques and something more meaningful as well.
One thing you do get from this book is what seems to be a very honest portrayal of a real person, not some glorified martial artist who does no wrong. Some of the things that "Max" experiences in the novel make you cringe with embarrassment for him, like how his real life master in Japan, uses him as nothing more than a big oaf to attack him and awe an attentive audience with how a small man can take down a much larger American.
I guess when I started reading this book, I expected to be in awe of "Max" and his overall character. But when all is said and done, despite his worst flaws, he still dies being a much-admired Aikido master who has touched the lives of many. This much is true-you can read this about him in many places on the internet.
As you can clearly find on the home page of Terry Dobson's web-page:
"I consider myself a technician. I'm not a guru. I'm not a leader. I have no followers. I want none. I'm a technician. I'm like a mechanic.
I wish you would see me as not a spiritual leader, but rather as a transmission specialist of a sort. I'm working on the transmission of ki, of intention. I'm heir to a legacy that comes down from many generations of Japanese warriors regarding point, or presence, about being centered under fire. I'm not the repository for the entire sum of knowledge on the subject, but I have been close to some good teachers and I do know something about it."
If you are interested in purchasing the book, you can do so through The BBM Review store.
BBM gives An Obese White Gentleman in No Apparent Distress. . .
Mojo Mom
Every new first-time mom quickly realizes that life all of a sudden isn't about her. She spends over nine months being coddled, pampered, questioned, showered with gifts and concern for her well-being. She is, after all, the vessel of life. But once the bouncing bundle of joy appears, it's "mommy who?" It is this realization, that for the next 18+ years of her life she is responsible for the well-being of another dependent being, that pushes new moms into a state of shock.
Amy Tiemann, in her new book, Mojo Mom, attempts to address this dramatic change in the life of a new mom. While we spend those nine months reading every possible pregnancy and parenting book, we rarely prepare for the changes in ourselves post-delivery. Tiemann, experiencing these changes herself, hopes to help other woman navigate these murky, lonely waters.
This is a handbook for new moms about new moms. In this book, you will find honesty and compassion, humor and moments of nostalgia. Tiemann discusses the fundamentals of "coming out of the cocoon" of those early months of motherhood, as well as securing your financial future as an independent person (so incredibly important for women and so often overlooked!). My particular favorite chapter was the one of letting go of the guilt. If you're a mom and you're reading this, I don't have to write another word!
If you know someone who is about to have a baby or who has a new baby already, this book would make a great gift. It reminds us that this whole motherhood is NOT easy and it is NOT natural. Having a little help from Tiemann's book will help make the transition a bit easier.
For it's mostly smooth writing style and honest approach to new motherhood, TKDDaughter gives Mojo Mom a :
Leslie Patricelli Children’s Books
There are few things a Mom likes more than a good children's book. Let's face it. There are some lousy ones out there. Some of our favorite ones in this house are the ones that are the most simple, like "Goodnight Gorilla." Leslie Patricelli's books are simple and fun, just like our favorite gorilla book.
The two books that we sampled were simple but delightful. The books Higher! Higher! and Baby Happy Baby Sad are enjoyable for any age.
Baby Happy Baby Sad takes you through the typical life of a typical baby. Pages that are exceptionally humorous are the ones that proclaim "Baby Happy" with a naked little baby running around, followed by "Baby Sad" where only baby's face is visible from inside a very restrictive snow suit. I had to laugh because I've always had kids who enjoyed lacking clothing at that age.
The images are simple but funny and this book in particular is one that older children might enjoy reading to their younger siblings. Also, little ones like my 3 year old adore books like this because they can actually "read" them.
Higher! Higher! is just hitting book shelves now and is sure to become a fast favorite. The main character in this book spends the entire time on a swing at the park where she demands to go "higher! higher!" At first, she's able to see the tops of buildings and then things get a little crazy! Before you know it she's giving a "high" five to an alien in outer space.
Patricelli is the author and illustrator of these enjoyable children's books and they would make a great healthy alternative to candy in this weekend's Easter baskets.
For the simplistic but enjoyable and humorous style of Patricelli and her books, BBM gives these books. . .
Both of these books can be purchased through The BBM Review store, here and here. Stay tuned because we have some cool giveaways coming soon!
In the Dojo, by Dave Lowry
I have over 15 post it notes sticking out of In the Dojo, reminding me of important things I need to reread.
That's a hint about how I feel about this book.
Dave Lowry is easily one of the most accomplished martial arts writers of our time, and he adds another highly valuable text to his resume with In the Dojo. Focusing on rituals and etiquette surrounding Japanese martial arts, Lowry touches upon points that could very easily fade away into the ether as martial arts become more about business rather than culture.
Many students of modern arts don't realize it, but etiquette (or reishiki) surround every aspect of classical martial training. From concepts as varying as dojo design to proper bowing, reishiki embodies what it means to be a classical warrior. Lowry tries to grant us a peak into the different methods of manner that he has discovered over his years of koryu training.
As jonesed as I am about In the Dojo, I have one important caveat – it's not for everyone. Lowry really digs into the minutiae of etiquette and does not dole out a lot of training advice. People looking for Samurai Secrets or Ninja Techniques have definitely come to the wrong place.
This book is more suited for those unfortunate individuals who find themselves captivated by the arts and all the history, culture, and quirks behind it. For these budo nerds, In the Dojo is a playground of 'did you know?' and 'ahh ha' moments.
A young Dave Lowry
In the Dojo is separated by concept as opposed to having a story arc like Autumn Lightning or Persimmon Wind. Should the reader be so inclined, he/she could jump around to different topics, including: proper behavior for a teacher, proper behavior for a student, the origins of the hakama, the involvement of Shinto in martial arts, and more.
As tends to happen with Mr. Lowry's books, if you buy In the Dojo, have a highlighter and post it notes nearby. There is about 10 pounds of information here crammed into a 5 pound bag and you'll need to come back from time to time to refresh.
Overall, Ikigai108 gives this book:
Would you like to give this book a shot? Buy it from the bbm store.
School of Essential Ingredients
Very rarely does a book come along that renews my faith in the written word. I am a fast reader, one who skims hungrily to find out what happens instead of reading each and every word. This is unusual since I teach literature. I teach students to read every single word, sentence, and paragraph. But I find that so much of contemporary literature isn't worth reading so closely. And then, I was asked to read The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister.
Here is what I discovered…I had to slow down to read this book. Not because it was structured grammatically difficult, not because the message was far too intricately woven into the plot, and not because the language required a dictionary and an advanced degree in linguistics. No. This book commanded that I slow down. At times, I felt compelled to make myself a cup of tea, a ritual I use to calm my spirits and help me savor experiences. I wanted to explore each word and sentence. My heart rate calmed and I felt light. All this from a book? Yep!
The book explores a group of students who have all committed to taking a weekly cooking class. Their teacher, Lillian, restaurant owner, developed an appreciation for cooking and a respect for food at an early age, discovering the power of a well-made meal. She imparts this love of food with each class and each class is a small lesson in life and love. As these students navigate the kitchen, they are uncover truths about themselves and face difficult memories.
Each class, Lillian presents ways of making food, not recipes. I have learned a multitude of cooking lessons myself as I read this. And I will read it again and again. It is most definitely a book to which I will turn when I am stressed and overwhelmed to remember the importance of slowing down and savoring what is in front of you.
Thank you, MotherTalk, for introducing me to this book. Hands down, TKDDaughter gives this book a
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