In 2024, I read very few books. Mainly because I was busy trying to become a better brown belt at BJJ. And also because I wanted to prove my worth in a new job.
Courtesy of a much-needed two-week in the Dominican Republic, I have started 2025 strong on the reading front. So here are some potted reviews:
The Elephant of Surprise by Joe R Lansdale
Book 12, plus several novellas, in the Hap and Leonard series by the award-winning thriller writer from Texas. Like its whip-smart and hugely entertaining predecessors, unlikely best pals and full-time shit magnets Hap and Leonard again see a good deed land them in all sorts of trouble. This time, it's a gang of hired killers on their tails during one of the worst floods LaBorde and the surrounding area has ever seen. Reading this makes me feel like I'm back with old friends. But old friends who'd probably get me killed...
Medieval Wrestling by Jessica Finley
A beautifully researched and presented book that translates a 15th-century wrestling manual from Germany. One of my favourite foot sweeps and a defence against a rear hold I first learnt in hapkido 20 years ago are both included. Very little is new in martial arts. It's just rediscovered. Although the foot sweep also adds in a throat strike variation. Which is quite nifty...
Origins by Neil Degrasse Tyson
As a novice (like shiny new white belt two classes in) astronomer, I'm still embarrassingly late to the Degrasse Tyson party. But he's a thoroughly captivating guide when it comes to navigating the astonishing world of cosmic discovery. Understanding how the Universe evolved and why we are where we are in it, and discussing the best theories science has to explain this, is mind-blowing at the best of times. Degrasse is the constantly engaging tutor who entertains and informs in equal measure, making the complex seem much more digestible. He's basically the science teacher I needed as a teenager. But probably wouldn't have appreciated at the time.
Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Have loved his previous books and also adored this one. A sequel of sorts to 2000's The Tipping Point, it's a hugely entertaining and thought-provoking read that analyses drug scandals, robberies, teen suicides and many other phenomena as social epidemics. Wonderful stuff.
The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Vale-Tudo to Carlson Gracie to its Democratization by Robert Drysdale
Fascinating and incredibly well researched book on the growth of BJJ from a niche fighting art in Brazil to its global adoption. It makes a hugely convincing argument to reposition Carlson Gracie as the key figure who opened up the practice and drove its development long before Royce Gracie fought in the UFC or the birth of the IBJJF. Loads of interviews with lots of key people, too. Will now read his other book, Opening Closed Guard: The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil. A very worthwhile read if you roll with folk.
