Review by AbhyarnaAman -- Dolphins Don’t Run Marat...

AbhyarnaAman · Post by **AbhyarnaAman** » 22 Oct 2020, 06:39

[Following is a volunteer review of "Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons" by Sam Brand.]

1 out of 4 stars

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Sam Brand, in his book Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons, gives 26 ideas on why one should not invest themselves in a goal that hinders in joyful living, through the analogy of a marathon. A marathon is 26.2 miles long race. With each passing mile, the author gives a reason why running a marathon is not the best choice of sport in the long run. The reasons include physiological side effects, like increased level of the stress hormone, and social side effects like missing out on family and friends due to rigorous preparations.

The highlight of the book was the comparisons of human-beings with some animals, based on their behaviors or attitudes towards life. I could relate my way of living to one of the animals. The author observed the behavior of different people while participating in the prestigious New York marathon. He underwent training for a year, restricting his diet and social interactions. When he finished the marathon at the central park he was able to see a whole new world out there, which he had been ignoring in his pursuit of winning a medal at the New York marathon. He felt lost and realized that the demanding nature of sport and the associated satisfaction is not worth the sacrifices made in personal life.

Advantages of sports like swimming, walking, or kayaking over marathon have been discussed. Again analogy of these sports has been used to depict easygoing jobs that offer time for fun as well. Those activities are claimed to be not only of low impact but also to boost the secretion of happy hormone endorphin instead of the stress hormone cortisol. In the absence of any references, the scientific claims fail to back up the author’s views affecting his overall credibility.

The author compares animals to discuss human behavior. How ants work hard throughout their lives without apparently having any fun, whereas, dolphins achieve a balance of work and enjoyment. Dolphins apparently find ways to incorporate activities into their lives, not the other way around. The author has superimposed human behavior on another species without any empirical evidence, which I did not find convincing.

I rate this book 1 out of 4 stars. The book started on a good note and quickly drifted in the wrong direction. Had the author emphasized the fact that it is not important to excel at everything but to enjoy the engagement, the book would have come out as a wonderful piece. Instead, the author kept talking about changing the engagement altogether. Although he gave a hint towards the end that aspiring for a medal made his journey unworthy, he could elaborate this point further.

The book needs another round of editing to remove typological errors. Sam has used figurative speech, especially pun, throughout the book. It gives a slightly humorous touch to the book. He has given some advice about enjoying sex, not in any detail; still, the reader’s discretion is advised. It is a short book and can be read in one sitting.

This book can be read to find out what might go wrong if someone prioritizes winning instead of performing.

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Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons
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Eutoc · Post by **Eutoc** » 17 Nov 2020, 11:11

I didn't expect that the book would end up not conveying the intended message. Thanks for the review and also for the heads-up on the kind of book.

Mariana Figueira · Post by **Mariana Figueira** » 17 Nov 2020, 20:25

Wow, I feel like your review gave a turn as sudden as the book's, I thought this was going to be a good one! What a shame

AbhyarnaAman · Post by **AbhyarnaAman** » 01 Dec 2020, 21:16

Eutoc wrote: ↑17 Nov 2020, 11:11 I didn't expect that the book would end up not conveying the intended message. Thanks for the review and also for the heads-up on the kind of book.

My pleasure dear, Thanks for your support

AbhyarnaAman · Post by **AbhyarnaAman** » 01 Dec 2020, 21:17

MarianaFigueira wrote: ↑17 Nov 2020, 20:25 Wow, I feel like your review gave a turn as sudden as the book's, I thought this was going to be a good one! What a shame

I had similar thoughts initially. As the book progressed my feelings changed. Thanks for stopping by

shamayelnur · Post by **shamayelnur** » 02 Dec 2020, 07:09

I'm not sure but the book seems somehow messed up to me. I really wish the writer would have taken care in delivering the message he intended to. Anyway, your review was helpful.

aby johnson · Post by **aby johnson** » 04 Dec 2020, 09:37

Even though you have rated the book 1 out of 4, i would like to read this book someday to see what's it about. Looks like an interesting read.

anaplasticCerebrum · Post by **anaplasticCerebrum** » 07 Dec 2020, 13:12

Sad to see this isn't a very scientific book! Thanks for the review.

AbhyarnaAman · Post by **AbhyarnaAman** » 09 Dec 2020, 05:31

anaplasticCerebrum wrote: ↑07 Dec 2020, 13:12 Sad to see this isn't a very scientific book! Thanks for the review.

. true, the author seemed to have underestimated the importance of reference for scientific data.

AbhyarnaAman · Post by **AbhyarnaAman** » 09 Dec 2020, 05:46

aby johnson wrote: ↑04 Dec 2020, 09:37 Even though you have rated the book 1 out of 4, i would like to read this book someday to see what's it about. Looks like an interesting read.

Sure, this is my personal opinion. I would respect it if you read the book and come up with an entirely different rating. Thanks for commenting