... riveting.

... sweeping, vigorous.

Books about exercise are nothing new — especially not at this time of year. But Exercised is different from the usual scrum, in that its objective is not to sell a diet or fitness plan.

... makes important progress in the research topic for which Mr. Lieberman himself has become best known—the physiology of human running.

... brilliant.

No exercise instructions or plans are provided in this natural history of exercise, but Lieberman’s explanations and a disease reference may help convince some non-exercisers to start moving.

... more of a thoughtfully organized natural history than a straightforward how-to guide. In appealing, accessible language, the author tells interesting stories and only seldom slips into the weeds—e.g., overly long discussions of the daily lives of hunter-gatherers. He also addresses relevant topics that regularly generate misinformation.

... smart.