Review by Browneh -- Beneath the Muscle by Lauren Powers
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Review by Browneh -- Beneath the Muscle by Lauren Powers

3 out of 4 stars
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From firefighting to surfing instructor, author Lauren Powers has tried it all. In her debut novel, Beneath the Muscle: Unleash Your Inner Champion she discusses her journey from “straight A” student, to hardcore partier, to the most publicized female fitness competitor in the world.
As a ten-time, heavyweight bodybuilding champion, she delves into the world of overcoming adversity to achieve your dreams. Lauren never entered her profession craving fortune or international fame; it’s her love and passion that she applies to everything in her life that led to her enormous success. As a recent graduate from the University of Hawaii, she combines her Business degree and her love for surfing; opening up a successful school for the budding surfer, she enjoys the sun, sea, and… a hedonistic lifestyle of a young entrepreneur.
Lauren soon succumbs to the temptations of drugs and alcohol; she talks through the story of how she overcame her addiction, how she found herself under layers of compulsion.
The story is split into two parts. The first shares from her life experiences – the good and bad, the wins and losses, and her transformation into a victor. She introduces the reader to her success formula: enjoy your work, aid others and enable them to enjoy your work too, and everything will work out for you. But most importantly, NEVER give up on your dreams and what you want, otherwise everyone else will. The second part delves into her advice for others; she provides actionable guidance to take a leap into the unknown and transform your life.
I thoroughly enjoyed that Lauren provided a companion guide to go along with the book; in this addition, you could answer the questions posed at the end of each chapter, making the anecdotes and victories apply to your individual life.
The book was relatively well written – but it shines from the care and attention to spelling and grammar. Although it’s not the most advanced use of linguistics, it is well-paced, easy-to-read, and interesting. Therefore, I believe this book deserves 3 out of 4 stars. I couldn’t give this book any more than this as it is very simplistic; I feel it could’ve been a little bit longer, with more descriptive use of the anecdotes (so that it almost becomes a fictional interpretation – but this is just my personal preference when reading these kinds of books).
I also couldn’t give it any less as it truly is an exceptional read; inspirational, person and unashamedly honest, it is truly a fantastic debut book. I would highly recommend this for anyone thinking of a career change, anyone struggling to continue to follow their dreams or anyone who would like to read a story from “rags to riches” by being your authentic self.
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Beneath the Muscle
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