Drop Dead Healthy

One Man's Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection

By: A. J. Jacobs

Narrated by: A. J. Jacobs

A New York Times bestseller in hardcover, a chronicle of A.J. Jacob’s mission to radically improve every element of his body and mind—from his brain to his fingertips to his abs.

From the bestselling author of The Year of Living Biblically and The Know-It-All comes the truly hilarious story of one person’s quest to become the healthiest man in the world.

Hospitalized with a freak case of tropical pneumonia and ashamed of a middle-aged body best described as “a python that swallowed a goat,” A.J. Jacobs felt compelled to change his ways and get healthy. To accomplish this epic task, he consulted an army of experts and subjected himself to dozens of different workouts, diets, and devices—from Finger Fitness to Strollercize sessions, veganism to extreme chewing.

The story of his transformation is not only brilliantly entertaining, but it just may be the healthiest book ever written. It will make you laugh until your sides split and endorphins flood your bloodstream. It will move you emotionally and get you moving physically in surprising ways. It will serve you up today’s best health advice. And it will give you occasion to reflect on the body’s many mysteries and the ultimate pursuit of health: a well-lived life.

Funny, perhaps even motivational

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

The idea of the walking desk is genius, and to know that he walked more than 1,000 miles literally while writing the book is fantastic.

Any additional comments?

This book was far more amusing than anticipated, although I should have expected it would be with how entertaining Jabobs' other books have been. Overall, I learned some things about what it was like to transition to a healthy lifestyle. I won't be instituting all of the changes he made (caveman, laughing room, etc) to my life, but I might actually do some of the things he did.

Very enjoyable, particularly if you're looking for amusing storytelling and not emotional, life-changing literature.

Entertaining but also enlightening

A. J. Jacobs spent two years trying out virtually every health fad. Some were offbeat while others made sense. I could almost see him getting healthier as the months clicked by. He also is the narrator and an engaging one at that. Highly recommended.

Great, but one tiny flaw

I love this book and Jacobs' narration. However, the beginning of many words is cut off. Is it him or the recorder or my car stereo? Instead of "mystery" it might sound like "istory". This was about 1/10th of the words. Otherwise, fabulous book and narration.

I Read, I Learned, I Laughed

Would you listen to Drop Dead Healthy again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to Drop Dead Healthy again. I already have. There is so much information, good information, in this book. I wouldn't feel like I got my moneys worth if I didn't.

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

The author is scared of "all things germ ". So, when one of his sons drops his ice cream cone on the ground, and then gets down on his knees and begins to lick up his ice cream straight from the floor. It is great to listen to the author 's reaction (he is horrified) . All the while his wife is cheering him on.

The author is also the narrator, so you can hear his dismay and his pride as he tells his story.

What does A. J. Jacobs bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He makes his stories come to life. It is like a 3D movie, compared to a standard movie.

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

Read my headline.

Any additional comments?

This is the second book that I have read by A.J. Jacobs. It was his first book. I would recommend that book too.

Well worth it!

An enjoyable one time listen. Good balance of humor and human interest. Touching ending - you gotta hang in til the end.