Drop Dead Healthy

One Man's Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection

By: A. J. Jacobs

Narrated by: A. J. Jacobs

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author and king of "immersion journalism" A.J. Jacobs tackles his most challenging experiment yet: a yearlong mission to radically improve every element of his body and mind - from his brain to his fingertips to his abs.

Having lifted his spirit in The Year of Living Biblically and sharpened his mind in The Know-It-All, A. J. Jacobs had one feat left in the self-improvement trinity: to become the healthiest man in the world. He doesn't just want to lose a couple of pounds, or finish a triathlon, or lower his cholesterol.

First, he had to tackle a complicated web of diet and exercise advice, most which is nonsensical, unproven, and contradictory. Second, he had to consult a team of medical advisers. And finally, he had to subject himself, over the course of two years, to a grueling regimen of exercises, a range of diets and nutritional plans, and a brutal array of techniques and practices to improve everything from his hearing to his sleep - all the while testing the patience of his wife.

This latest work bursts with hilarity and warmth, all the while testing our culture's assumptions and obsessions with what makes good health and allowing the listener to reflect on his or her own health, body, and eventual mortality.

©2012 A. J. Jacobs (P)2012 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

“We can become healthier by learning from AJ's discomfort in this very funny book. He moves us from theory to practice by dragging his body through all the longevity practices. (Dr. Mehmet Oz)

"Can one man go from a 'python that ate agoat' physique to perfect specimen? From Roman soldier workouts to Areca palm plants, fromthe sublime to the absurd, AJ has tried it all. I laughed my ass off the wholeway and learned a ton ... including about my ass." (Timothy Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek)

"Who wouldn't want to be fitter, happier, more productive? In this riotous, madcap book, AJ Jacobs sets himself an ambitious goal: to become the person we all wish we could be. It's vintage AJ. Do your future self a favor and read this book." (Joshua Foer, author of Moonwalking with Einstein)

Packed with detail. Peppered with laughs.

As a 50-year-old in search of better health and longer life, I purchased this book as a reference and found myself enjoying it as a well told story. A.J. Jacobs is a crafty writer who delivers thoughtful pearls like he's handing out candy. I found myself laughing often. And learning much.

A Giggling, Investigative Journey to Better Health

Would you consider the audio edition of Drop Dead Healthy to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, so it would be unfair to compare. However, I love a book read by an author when they convey their tone, voice and meaning so well. A. J. Jacobs does all that.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Drop Dead Healthy?

"I want it, I want it, I really, really want it!" I still laugh when recalling this section.

What about A. J. Jacobs’s performance did you like?

He has a self effacing, wry sense of humor while still conveying his interest in the world and willingness to give new things a try.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I love that the author.'s wife and kids, and friends and family, are willing to "play along" when he thrusts new experiences upon them. Funny as it is, it also shows how much they care about him and the things he tries or embraces. And in doing so, he broadens their horizons, too. Not always for the best, but definitely broader!

Any additional comments?

More, please, A.J.!

Funny and informative. Very entertaining

This book was suggested to me by my physical therapist. The information about all different types of health related issues is fascinating and a real eye opener. A.J. Jacobs is a man you can relate to as the author and the narrator. His wife should get an award for going along with all of his somewhat crazy ideas. But he sticks with his plan long term, commits to the project and you can see how some small changes can make a big difference. I plan to read his other book - the Year of Living Biblically - as well. Read it. It is a smart and humorous book.

I have never enjoyed an audio book more

Woody Allen explores the health craze. That is how I am describing this book to my friends who I am encouraging to read this book. He combines common sense, a sense of adventure, and good humor in exploring the misconceptions, fads and good advice we are bombarded with in the media about good health. You will learn a lot, even if you read the nutrition and fitness press regularly.

You know you have enjoyed an audio book when at the end you wish you could invite the author to lunch. I hated to see this book end.

Not A.J's best book but entertaining.

Good narrating and funny stories. A very easy reading. love his animated nasal voice. Once you start is hard to put the book down. You are looking for a healthy tips, this is not the book for you, but if you are looking for a good 5 hours of funny wholehearted stories...this is the one.

Enjoyable listen

Good advice as well as debunking some science-in-it’s-infancy advice … over all, making good sense.

It was ok

What did you like best about Drop Dead Healthy? What did you like least?

I liked it ok BUT I still thing his other book year of living biblical was more fresh funny

Love this book - laughed and learnt.

Would you listen to Drop Dead Healthy again? Why?

I loved the relaxed conversational style of the author and narrator. There is something special when an author reads his/her own work. AJ Jacobs has a natural delivery and easy going style. I learnt so much - however I will definitely listen again for the gems I missed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Drop Dead Healthy?

AJ's account of the conversations with his grandfather, and also the triathlon event.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the account of the 'cave man' work out in Central Park, and the odd characters mentioned throughout the book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Dont knock it till you've tried it? Check!

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to the authors next work.

Love this guy's work

Hear about AJ's adventures from the man himself is a treat. There is something about his matter of fact way of speaking that is both humorous and informative.

Also after listening to his escapades, I really have a growing appreciation for his wife. She is a trooper!

Work on that speaking voice ......

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was a reasonably good listen. I like the whole concept of participatory journalism and, being susceptible to health and fitness fads myself, the core idea of the book was attractive. In the end, it was a little bit too light-weight and insubstantial for me. I know he was not attempting a truly "serious" book on the subject but it ended up feeling like not being one thing or another - not truly satirising the whole health and fitness obsession but not really fully committing to it either. I did like the descriptions of his grandfather and aunt.

Would you recommend Drop Dead Healthy to your friends? Why or why not?

I would be slow to recommend it because I did have to force myself to finish it.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I did not like the narrator's voice at all. Ironically it was not strong or punchy enough in delivering the material. I suspect I would have given a higher rating to the book if someone else had narrated it. I sometimes listen to audiobooks on a cheap docking station and his voice was barely intelligible.

What else would you have wanted to know about A. J. Jacobs’s life?

His book is quite personal so I don't think there was much lacking with regard to insights into his personal life.

Any additional comments?

Wanted to like it more than I did ....