On Muscle

“On Muscle” by Bonnie Tsui is a thoughtful, compelling meditation on the meaning and mythology of muscle, both as physical strength and as a symbol of identity, power, and vulnerability. Blending memoir, cultural commentary, and science, Tsui examines how muscle shapes not just our bodies but also our sense of self. She begins with a personal reflection on her own relationship to strength, growing up as a competitive swimmer and grappling with the expectations placed on women’s bodies in both athletic and social settings.

As Tsui explores the broader history of muscle, she weaves in stories of bodybuilders, soldiers, laborers, and athletes across time. She examines how society celebrates certain kinds of strength while often ignoring or undervaluing others, especially emotional, intellectual, or invisible forms of endurance. From ancient statues of Greek warriors to modern-day fitness influencers, On Muscle challenges us to reconsider who gets to define what “strong” means and how those definitions affect everything from gender roles to cultural ideals.

The book also delves into the science behind muscle, the biology of how it’s built, how it breaks down, and how it can heal. Tsui speaks with experts, doctors, and movement specialists to understand muscle not just as a symbol of fitness, but as a living, evolving part of our health and resilience. She also reflects on muscle loss, aging, injury, and the vulnerability that comes with not being able to move the way we once did.

“On Muscle” is about far more than physical power. It’s a meditation on control, transformation, and how we carry the stories of our lives in our bodies. Tsui’s writing is intimate and insightful, encouraging readers to rethink strength as something holistic, nuanced, and deeply personal. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, or someone recovering from physical or emotional strain, this book invites you to see muscle not as a status symbol, but as a quiet, persistent force of survival and expression.