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The History, Science, Philosophy, and Promise of Doing Without
by John Oakes
An engaging exploration of the unique history and biology of fasting—an essential component of many traditional health practices, religions, and philosophies, resurging in popularity today—perfect for readers of Breath by James Nestor and Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker.
We fast all the time, even when we're not conscious of doing so. A fast manifests the idea of holding back, resisting the animal impulse to charge ahead. Its flip side is similarly everywhere: call it splurging, self-indulgence, or a variant of "self-care." Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, The Fast illuminates the numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John Oakes interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice—and embarks on fasts of his own—to deliver a book that supplies readers curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration.
Fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons—from health advocates who see fasting as a method to lose weight or to detox, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as an effective means of peaceful protest. Fasting is central to holy seasons and days such as Lent in Christianity, Ramadan in Islam, and Yom Kippur in Judaism. Advocates for justice who have waged hunger strikes include Gandhi in India, Bobby Sands in Ireland, and the Taxi Workers Alliance in New York City. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine.
Fasting involves doing less but doing less in a radical way, reminding us that a slower, more intentional contemplative experience can be more fulfilling. Ultimately, this book shows us that fasting is about much more than food: it is about reconsidering our place in the world.
"Thought-provoking ... Oakes presents an impressive cultural and historical survey of fasting... . Broad in scope and rich in insight, this provides plenty to ponder."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"In this well-informed, illuminating book, Oakes shows us the value of consuming less in order to know more... . A knowledgeable study of fasting, which has a long history and a layered present."
—Kirkus Reviews
"I couldn't stop reading this book about not eating. And I often had food in my mouth as I read. Like any important book in my life, this one leaves me changed. And I don't know what will happen next."
—Eileen Myles, author of For Now (Why I Write) and Evolution
"John Oakes takes us on an elegant and irresistible journey, all the while engaging us with personal experiences, scientific enlightenment, and the historical context of fasting. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, The Fast will stay with you long after you've read every word."
—Gilbert King, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Devil in the Grove
"This simple yet far-reaching account of a one-week fast shows how any of us can dissolve the constructed boundary between self and universe, experience the awe of undifferentiated existence, and make ourselves available to the greater dance of life. By all means take this inspiring journey with an instantly trustworthy guide."
—Douglas Rushkoff, author of Team Human
This information about The Fast was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
John Oakes has been the publisher of the online magazine The Evergreen Review since 2015. He is also editor-at-large for OR Books, a publishing company he co-founded in 2009. Since his start with Grove Press in 1987, he has edited or published hundreds of books over the years with a number of different independent publishers, with a focus on contemporary affairs, popular science, and unconventional fiction. He launched and directed publishing institutes at The New School and City University of NY Graduate School of Journalism, and has had writing fellowships at Yaddo, Jentel, and Art Omi. He graduated from Princeton, and lives in New York City with his spouse and two elderly but spry turtles. The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and Promise of Doing Without is his first book.
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