Book Report – The Professor in the Cage by Jonathan Gottschall

Subtitled “Why Men Fight and Why We Like to Watch”, this book is the story of an English professor who began training at a local MMA gym and ultimately competed in an amateur fight. Never having fought before, nor having much inclination to, the author joined the gym when it opened across the street from his job. The story is unique and identifiable to anyone who ever felt they needed to test themselves in an unfamiliar environment.

I purchased this book cold, having never heard of it nor read anything about it. It turned out to be a wonderfully pleasant surprise. Having dabbled in jiu jitsu and boxing, I could relate to the emotions that drove him into the gym. The search for adventure and the need for validation combined with the urge to compete physically is something most males have experienced in their life (I can’t speak on behalf of women on this point). The author does a fantastic job of detailing his journey as well as relaying his thoughts on his personal and professional life at the time.

At 304 pages, or 7 hours and 34 minutes, it’s a mid-length book that is well worth the read and definitely gives the reader something to think about afterwards.