"Crushing your enemies, driving them before you, and hearing the lamentations of their women? It doesn't get any better than this." –Eugene Robinson.Ah, a man after The Famous Author's heart. Although he could best be described as a bespectacled scribe, TFA likes to think of himself as a fearless viking, so Robinson's book sounds perfect for his Christmas stocking.
I mean, how's this for a title: Fight: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Ass-Kicking but Were Afraid You'd Get Your Ass Kicked for Asking
Some of you out there might think this book doesn't actually fit in the crime fiction category. Well, you haven't been seated next to its author, Eugene S. Robinson, and had Eugene explain what he would do if his book failed to appear on your crime fiction blog.
TFA had the experience at his son's wedding not long ago, and my boss described it as "life-changing." In fact, TFA says it is clear to him now that Eugene's book is a must for all crime fiction writers, maybe everyone living.
A former body–builder, one–time bouncer, and lifelong fight connoisseur, Eugene is apparently very convincing. So is his book. FIGHT takes readers on a no–holds–barred plunge into what fighting is all about, and what fighters live for.
When Robinson and his fellow fighters mix it up, they live completely for the moment--absorbed in the feel of muscles slippery with sweat; the metallic tang of blood mingling with saliva in the mouth; the sweet, firm thud of taped knuckles impacting flesh. They fight because it feels good. They fight because they want to win. And even if they get their asses kicked, they fight because they love fighting.
Personally, I'd rather be taking out the garbage than experience that little scene. But for guys who secretly want to be vikings, maybe sweat and bloody spit are more appealing.
FIGHT is part encyclopedia and part a personal tour of fighting in all its forms. Robinson's tough–guy narrative covers everything from wrestling, jiu–jitsu, boxing and muay thai to bar fighting, hand–to–hand combat, prison fighting and hockey fights. An illustrated book as edgy and interesting as it is gorgeous.
Eugene has written for GQ, The Wire, Grappling Magazine, LA Weekly, Vice Magazine, Hustler, and Decibel, among many others. He's studied boxing, Kenpo karate, muay thai (mixed martial arts), wrestling, and Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Robinson is also the vocalist and front man for Oxbow, a rock group-cum-fight club whose most recent album, The Narcotic Story, will be released very shortly. He lives in the San Francisco area.
Ok, Eugene, I hope this gets TFA off the hook. Please don't hurt him. He really needs to work on my third adventure.
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