Legacy of Iron Reviews:
Now that copies of Brooks Kubik's latest book
Legacy of Iron have been shipping
to the four corners of the globe, positive feedback has been rushing in. Here's what people have been
saying and if you want to see your name on this list, send in your review:
BOOK REVIEW: Legacy of Iron
AUTHOR: Brooks Kubik
In the foreword of this book, Bill Hinbern states,
among other things: "No other book in the history
of the Iron Game has ever been written quite like
this one."
That's absolutely accurate.
For one thing, it's a NOVEL. By definition, that
makes it a fictionalized narrative. Yet, like all
best-selling novels people just can't put down or
stop talking about, it also contains at least one,
if not a host, of compelling character(s)
constructed so skillfully he/they just ooze
relatability.
Ironically, in LOI those imaginary characters are
expertly placed in a very real time frame.
While it's atypical for me to assess written works
in "movie-goer" terms, as this book's riveting plot
unfolded, I couldn't help but feel that the main
character was caught in a story line best described
as: the Charles Atlas model encounters the thugs
from Road House and goes on a Forrest Gump-like
odyssey through the wide world of the late 1930s
strength and muscle building culture.
... If you like tales of personal redemption and a
heart-warming super hero comeback, LOI is for you.
...If you want a greater feel for the personalities
of the strength world from that time period, LOI is
for you.
... If you are more utilitarian and want vintage
insights on the training practices of that era, LOI
is for you.
Pardon the hyper-partisanship on my part, but this
book also offers something which hasn't been seen
in the past 20 years: a positive portrayal of the
York Barbell Club, the "gang" which comprised it
in its pioneering period and Bob Hoffman himself,
the initial driving force of that organization.
In many respects, the main character of LOI would
have been described at one time as a "Bob Hoffman
boy grown up."
No one is nominating any of these guys for sainthood,
but it is high time there was reminder of the good
the York bunch did in giving the youth of the 1930s,
'40s, '50s, etc. a sense of being a part of something,
thereby relieving at least some of their isolation
and angst.
In addition to offering a means for improving themselves
physically. Legions of these young York followers matured
and often mentored the upcoming generation of lonely.
at-risk youths.
After having read Kubik's Legacy of Iron, for me it was
no stretch whatsoever picturing George Jowett and Earle
Liederman sitting in an EZ chair reading this book
themselves.
Jan Dellinger |
... I just finished Legacy Of Iron. I sat, started it, and read it in one sitting.
It encompasses, summarizes, and glorifies all that was good, pure, and effective in
weight training! As usual, like your newsletter and Dinosaur Training, it's to the point
and truthful yet written as an enjoyable, fast-paced novel. It's the life in iron almost
all of us from "that era" lived, knew, and loved. Great job, thanks for a useful,
motivational novel."
Dr. Ken Leistner
|
Hi John,
I'm halfway through Legacy of Iron and loving reading about my old heroes. My first hero was
John Davis. After being laughed out of football tryouts in 1951 with the nickname of Georgie
Peanut I looked in the window of a magazine store and on the cover of Strength and Health was a
picture of John Davis dead lifting 600 pounds. I was 13 at the time and told myself I would do this
some day. By age 27 at 210 pounds I did 625 pounds pretty easy and was squatting 500# and benched 295 for 10.
Bouncing it to be truthful. I was also standing pressing the 100 pound dumbbells for 5 reps and power
cleaning 300. Not bad for a peanut.
As a matter of fact, when I went to my 10 year high school reunion no one recognized me.
Now at age 71 I'm setting my come back goals for 2009. Four months ago I tore my quadriceps tendon
off my knee and had surgery two weeks later. I'm hoping to get permission to start squatting with
my powerTek machine and doing high rep partials with my safety bar in my power rack. I have started
dead lifting from the knee and just did an easy 245 pounds for 15 reps. My goals for 2009 are deadlifts 325
for 20, half squats 300 for 20 both done very strictly. I'll also do heavy swings, seated presses,
curls and one arm rows. I promise I will come back.
Brooks' new book has motivated me to give it my best and become one of the strongest 180# 70 plus year
old men in the US. Hey, I may not do this but it's a lot more motivational for me to train with goals
than just go to a gym and workout like most people I see. I record every strength training session and
will be getting a new book today for 2009.
Best of luck for this year and keep up your very good work.
George B. Boedecker Sr.
|
Brooks,
I just finished reading your Legacy of Iron novel and I must say that it is a masterpiece.
The story line quickly transposed me to the world of York during its heyday where I was held
in unyielding suspense. While in this rugged York world, I was mesmerized by the size, power,
and wisdom of many great men, such as Hoffman, Stanko and Grimek. With Hoffman and the Boys
at my side, my thinking was greatly broadened and my knowledge of productive training was
significantly magnified. After "talking" firsthand with Hoffman, I now understand what REAL
training is all about.
I can't thank you enough for writing such an entertaining and informative book. Only a
darned fool would pass up an opportunity to read "Legacy of Iron."
Rob Drucker
|
I'm halfway through Legacy of Iron and I am very happy with what I'm reading. I can see how someone would pick
up this book and read it right through in one sitting. Each chapter tempts you to keep reading.
I prefer to read a little and digest the info, so it may be a few more days until I finish. All
I can say is, the imagery and the flow are outstanding. I wish I could have been on this adventure
myself. Great job! You've got me rooting for the underdog and learning, from York, solid training
info and ideas. Impressive! Can't wait to finish!
Bill Marchese
|
I received Legacy of Iron on New Years Eve and have finished reading it.
This is a great book and it is very readable and appropriate for any age group, particularly
for a younger person who is starting out on training. It is a fun book with a good sense of
humor, a book with many great training programs in it and some very strong scenes which I
could visualize quite clearly, particularly the chapters dealing with young Jim training
with Davis and meeting Travis.
A great deal of research and accumulation of historical fact has gone into it as well.
Having read the book I still maintain that it would make a good movie. Jack reminds me of Brooks.
Congratulations Brooks!
Matt Gilfillan
|
Wow Brooks, I devoured Legacy of Iron in one night!! A true time warp... like being there.
Grimek seemed just as I remember him that awesome day in 65'. Again, just like being there.
Cliff Werner
|
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