Editorial Review

An intriguing hybrid, Read more

Reviews (7)

The Elway Story
The name of the book is Elway because it is about him. This book is a good book because he tells about his whole life. There are a lot of good pictures in this book. This is a good book because John Elway wrote it. I like when he broke his leg. It shows you how much he loves the game. The only thing they should of had more of is touch down passes. This book is for all ages.

Excellent pictoral history of Elway's life!
If I was going to rate my personal enjoyment of this book, I'd give it 5 stars, easily -- 6, if I could.However, the critic in me did notice some improprieties.The book reports a few minor factual mistakes. For example,the inner jacket flap mistakenly reports that Elway will be entering (in1998) his 15th NFL season, when in fact it was his 16th.Elway himself atone point confuses the sequence of plays when recalling "TheDrive" in the 1987 AFC Championship.He also claims to have beenahead at halftime in his first two Super Bowls, even when, a few lineslater, he recalls that in his 2nd Super Bowl (against the WashingtonRedskins) the opposing team took the lead in the second quarter.Thereason for these indiscretions is more due to the format of the book than aproblem with Elway's or the editor's memories.This book is autobiographyonly in the loosest of senses; the text is very brief, and in it Elwayoffers his views on his own childhood, his career with the Broncos, thecurrent state of the NFL, and a smattering of personal life philosophy aswell.It is not presented as a comprehensive life story, but more like anextended interview/monologue, and no one but the "statisticshounds" (like me) will even notice the rare and incidental factualerrors.Some of the text also appears to have been lifted from earlierinterviews; at one point, while describing how he dodges defensive ends,Elway refers to a game he played "the other day" in Minnesota,yet at the publication date (early 1998) Elway had not played a game inMinnesota for a year and a half.This book is also very expensive,compared to corresponding books of its type.However, the aforementionedcriticisms are very minor, and if you can get past the cover price, and arean Elway fan, you will love this book.Despite being brief, the text iswritten entirely by John Elway himself (making the book unique, in that noother book offers a wholly first-person perspective of Elway), and doescover his entire life up until the publishing date.The paucity of text inthis oversized book also makes the numerous photographs stand out all themore, and the photographs are beautiful -- like the text, they range allthe way from Elway's childhood to his triumph in Super Bowl XXXII.Despitethe criticisms offered above, this is a very fun book to read and glanceover for the Elway fan.As I said in the beginning, the"objective" side of me noticed a few improprieties in the book,but the "fan" side of me didn't care and loved reading it anyway. Highly recommended.

Photographic celebration of John Elway
This book is simply excellent, combining amazing photographs with commentary from the great man himself.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Football    6. Football - General    7. Football players    8. Pictorial works    9. Sports - Football    10. Sports - General    11. United States    12. American football    13. Biography: sport   

Reviews (1)

Tells of a master of reverse psychology
Paul "Bear" Bryant was a football coach rightly beloved by fans of the Alabama Crimson Tide, for his team won six national championships, thirteen Southeastern Conference titles, and twenty-four consecutive appearances in bowl games from 1959 through 1982. Those who knew him best continue to love him, and Al Browning's I Remember Paul "Bear" Bryant is heartfelt testimony to that love. Dozens of his friends and acquaintances, from former football players to childhood friends to family to opponents on the field reminisce in their own words the man they knew. I Remember Paul "Bear" Bryant tells of a master of reverse psychology; a steely disciplinarian; and a truly kind human being beneath the tough-as-nails exterior. Paul Bryant has moved on from this life, but he will not be forgotten. Recommended for anyone who would wish a glimpse into the life of one of the greatest football coaches who ever lived. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Bryant, Paul W    6. Coaching    7. Football    8. Football - College    9. Football - General    10. Football coaches    11. Friends and associates    12. Sports - Football    13. Sports - General    14. United States   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Football - College    3. Sports - Football   

Reviews (1)

toms review

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Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Dallas Cowboys (Football team)    5. Football players    6. Juvenile literature    7. People of Color    8. Smith, Emmitt,    9. Sports    10. Sports - Football    11. United States   

Reviews (4)

Can't believe this was published....
Aside from Tatum's whining about every game the Raiders lost, and his incessant bad-mouthing of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 70's, I actually enjoyed Tatum's first book, "They Call Me Assassin".Tatum's second book, "They Still Call Me Assassin", was almost an exact reprint of the first book, except it included a few more of Tatum's self-serving rants that would interest no one outside of Tatum's immediate family.Now, in this third installment, we are given exact reprints of both books.Amazingly, the reprinted portions of "They Call me Assassin" that were in "They Still Call Me Assassin" are left in "Final Confessions", so much of the reprinted material in "Final Confessions" appears twice in the book!The actual `new' material takes up a whole 12 pages in the 348 page fiasco.Don't waste your money now, simply wait until the fourth Tatum book appears on the market, "I Still Have Final Confessions", and has the exact reprints of volumes 1-3.

States again what was said in the original...
Buy "They Call Me Assassin" rather than spend your money on this release.It is simply too dry a read; especially when compared to his first book.

Brutally honest and shockingly factual, the best ever.
Brutally honest, shockingly factual, this book is the best ever written on the REAL world of professional sports.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Football    3. Football - General    4. Football - Professional    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports & Recreation / Football    8. Sports - Football    9. Violence In Sports    10. Oakland Raiders (Football team)   

Editorial Review

After being cut by the Green Bay Packers during training camp in 1994, Kurt Warner found himself working the graveyard shift at the Hy-Vee grocery store in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and living with his girlfriend Brenda and her two children in the basement of her parents' house. Just over five years later, Kurt completed his journey from supermarket to Super Bowl when he led the St. Louis Rams to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. Read more

Reviews (18)

Great book about a great guy. Buy it, read it, give it or recommend it to someone!
Kurtis Eugene Warner first came to my attention
MVB (Most Valuable Book)
In general,I don't review biographies of athletes, because they are what you'd expect them to be, self-serving.So, other than Deion Sander's book, this is the only one I've reviewed.
The Rise of a Star
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Subjects:  1. 1971-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Faith    7. Football - General    8. Football - Professional    9. Football players    10. Religious    11. Sports - Football    12. Sports - General    13. United States    14. Warner, Kurt,    15. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    16. Christian Interest   

Reviews (5)

Inspiring without being Pollyannish!
Two big thumbs up for "The Right Kind of Heroes: Coach Bob Shannon and the East St. Louis Flyers."Although Coach Shannon has apparently moved on, this book is still as -- or perhaps more -- relevant to those facing battles against the odds. A Testament to Hard Work, Determination, and Character
This books paints the picture of a man who worked hard to acheive his goals.His example is good for everyone to follow.I wish he would have been my coach but I'm honored that he is now coaching my son.

Bringing back memories
I read this book 10 years ago and it was just as enjoyable this time around.This book is full of insights not only into the person of Bob Shannon, but offers an informative look into East St. Louis. A very quick and easy read. I had the pleasure of having Shannon as a teacher many years ago. Reading his words brings to mind his most distinctive voice, which always commanded respect. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Coaching    6. Essays    7. Football    8. Football - General    9. Football coaches    10. Shannon, Bob,    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Sports - Football    13. United States    14. Shannon, Bob   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Football    3. Football - General    4. Running backs (Football)    5. Sale Adult - Sports / Recreation / Outdoor Activity    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports - Football    8. United States    9. Sale Books   

Reviews (3)

one of the few Honest REF's
I'm not crazy about most Pro Ref's in any sport but Jerry Markbreit is one of the few that I always respected the way He called a game.nothing out of the ordinarywhen He was ref of a Game or a big game.I enjoyed the way He takes you too the field.

The best referee in the history of the game.
At one point in Markbreit's book, he mentions being surprised when someone recognized him on the street.This shocked me.Does he not know he's the best ref in the league? No need to review this call
Jerry Markbreit is not only a veteran NFL official but an insightful author who knows how to make the game (and the rules) a wonderful read. So many "bios" are filled with fluff, but this one tells grat stories, the kind you wish you'd hear from the so-calld expert talking heads on TV. I loved this book as much as his first one, which is now rightfully a collctor's item. Anyone who considers themselves and NFL fan will enjoy this book as well as his feature "Ask Jerry Markbreit" on the Chicago Tribune's web site...Great stuf. Thank you, Mr. Markbreit. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Football - General    5. Football - Professional    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Sports - Football    8. Sports - General    9. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    10. Biography & Autobiography/Personal Memoirs    11. Chronological Period/20th Century    12. Sports & Recreation/Football - General    13. Sports officiating    14. General    15. Sports    16. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (1)

Steve speaks up!!
If you love Steve Spurrier, you'll love this collection of hundreds of his quotes. If you hate Spurrier, you'll still love the book as it gives you ammo to yell back at. If you're not in either of these categories of people, then you might want to check and see if you're still alive. This is Spurrier in a nutshell, and it's a beautiful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. Coaching    3. Football    4. Football - College    5. Football - General    6. Football coaches    7. Quotations    8. Quotations, maxims, etc    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - Football    12. Spurrier, Steve,    13. United States   

Reviews (8)

excellentbook. very open and honest. inspiring, but boring in parts
excellentbook. very open and honest. inspiring, but boring in parts

A Football Superstar
If you are into sports books then The Emmitt Zone is a great sports book to read.It is probably one of the greatest sports books i have ever read.In this book Emmitt talks about football being a contact sport and discribes the sport of football.He tells you some records about some players that play in the NFL.He also tells you about his College Football and National Football career and records.Then finally Emmitt talks about his life style when he was grewing up from a little boy to a Football Star.

A great book, but written a little early
As a Cowboys fan for over 20 years, I really loved this book. It's a great portrait of a great running back and a role model we should all emulate. My only criticism is that it was written a bit early in his career - the book doesn't cover a great deal of events that readers are sure to want to hear about, such as Super Bowl XXX, Michael Irvin's retirement, Troy Aikman's retirement, the rushing title, etc. But, I still recommend the book highly for Cowboy fans who want to smile and remember the early 1990s, when Dallas established itself as one of the most dominant football teams ever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Football    7. Football - Professional    8. Football players    9. General    10. People of Color    11. Smith, Emmitt,    12. Sports - Football    13. United States    14. Smith, Emmitt   

Reviews (16)

Loved this book
I could hardly put this book down.Very interesting stories about his childhood, football career from grade school through the pros and life after the NFL.All the things that went on during his career in the NFL.I found this book very enjoyable.He doesn't hide anything and I admire his honesty.

Laughed Out Loud
This is one of the funniest autobiographies I have ever read.Several times during the course of my reading, my wife feared for my sanity as I laughed hysterically.Two incidents in particular had me howling:Terry's adventure with the horse, and when his Dad opened the box from the marketing firm. The Real Terry - an entertaining ride
This book covered everything I hoped to hear about - from college QB thru Pittsburgh and into TV's best pre-game show. The book is fast paced, enjoyable throughout and quite informative.All that's missing is a couple of one-on-one hours with Terry to ask more about everything. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Bradshaw, Terry    6. Football - Professional    7. Football players    8. Sports - Football    9. Sports - General    10. United States    11. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (1)

Ara: The Man Behind the Era
This book gives the reader an amazing insight into the years that were theEra of Ara. He was given a program that needed help and with the ability toput together a fantastic staff, turned that program around. It gives you asense of the times and the Leadership Ability of the man.Through theGlory and the Pain you can see the scope of college coaching and see someof the great history which is Notre Dame Football.His ability to motivateyoung men at a period of time that was less than condusive to discipline isa story in itself.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1923-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Football    5. Football - College    6. Football - General    7. Football coaches    8. Parseghian, Ara,    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - Football    12. United States    13. University of Notre Dame   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Coaching    4. Football    5. Football - College    6. Football - General    7. Football coaches    8. Harvard University    9. History    10. Reid, Bill,    11. Sports    12. Sports & Recreation    13. Sports - Football    14. United States    15. b. 1878    16. Reid, Bill    17. Sports & Outdoor Recreation   

Editorial Review

The day Walter Payton died, Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey tearfully said, "After Brian Piccolo died, my husband Ed and I promised ourselves we wouldn't be so personally involved with any of the players. We were able to follow that resolve until Walter Payton came into our lives." Payton was magical to watch, playing with a toughness that never failed to impress opponents, teammates, and fans alike. Alternately graceful and bruising, Payton ran, leapt, and battered his way to eight NFL records in his 13-year career--including the most rushing yards in a single game (275), most career rushing yards (16,726), and most career total yards (21,803), in addition to having 10 1,000-yard rushing seasons, five 1,500-yard rushing seasons, and 77 100-yard rushing games. Read more

Reviews (3)

AWESOME SWEETNESS
Walter Payton was the model of what every player should be like, even in today's "me only" generation. Walter was a first class football player amd first class individual as well. A good book about a good man
This is a terrific book, especially for parents who want to show theirsports-mad kids a real role model.The photos are wonderful, and the textdescribes the whole man, not just the football player.And he was as gooda man as he was player, and there wasn't ever a better player. A GREAT REMINDER OF A GREAT MAN.
"Sweetness: The Courage and Heart of Walter Payton" is a wonderful collection of quotes, stats, stories, and pictures illustrating the complete Payton.He was indeed one of the greatest running-backs ofall time.What this book gives, that many don't, is a review of Walter'soff-field perfomances.He was kind, caring, and loving to all.This bookclearly shows that Walter was in all aspects.....a hero.This title is amust for all those who miss the headbands, the dives over the goal lines,the amazing runs, the jumping high fives, and a great man----SWEETNESS! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1954-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Football - Professional    7. Football players    8. Payton, Walter,    9. People of Color    10. Sports - Football    11. Sports - General    12. United States   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Football - General    2. General    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports - Football    6. Sports - General    7. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    8. Sports & Recreation/General   

Subjects:  1. 1942-    2. Anecdotes    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Football - General    6. Football - Professional    7. Football players    8. Friends and associates    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - Football    12. Staubach, Roger,    13. United States    14. Staubach, Roger   

Reviews (9)

Dupree a Phenomenon
This is a must read-especially for the young athletes of today. This man was a legend!Hands down the best running back in the country during his era!
Excellent story line
I recently read "The Courting of Marcus Dupree" and found it to be exciting and spell binding.My entire family was caught up in it.The book is an excellent tale of the birth of a young Black male in a troubling time for the South.The way Willie Morris related Marcus' birth and powerful strength to the struggle of his town and state was awesome, he should be the Mayor of Philadelphia or the Governor of Mississippi.I expected the book to be totally about football but it proved to be much more.It made you laugh and cry at times because of the tremendous pressure on Marcus Dupree, the 17 year old athlete that was blessed with such miraculous skills.The book made you feel like you were at the games when he made some of the beautiful plays.It was so intense that you wanted to get to the next page, but never wanted the book to end.I wish it was reprinted.

An Interesting Tale of Football and the South
I read this book again recently and it was better than I remembered. It was so interesting to see how one 17 year old boy could dominate one small town's conversations. I expected this book to be a tale of a high school football star and his recruitment, but I got more, much more. Willie Morris examines the importance of football in Mississippi and how Marcus brought blacks and whites together with his play. He had insight in to Marcus that nobody outside of his family and high school coach could have had. Overall, a great read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Dupree, Marcus    4. Football - General    5. Football players    6. People of Color    7. Social conditions    8. Southern States    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - Football    12. Tennis    13. United States   

Reviews (2)

Very informative but...
This book seems to dish as much dirt on Nicole and her "inner circle" friends as it does on O.J. himself--at times, Weller seems to simultaneously praise and criticize many of the key players in the O.J. Simpson saga. The fact that she particularly criticizes and talks badly about Faye Resnick (and indirectly accuses her of having led Nicole into a lifestyle that angered and enraged Simpson) is very unfroffessional and done in poor taste. The fact that the Brown family had a well-publicized dispute with Weller because of the things she wrote here comes as no surprise (as does the fact that the Goldman family refused to be interviewed by her).

True story of a doomed union
This great book is a warts and all expose of the tragic, twisted relationship that began in 1977 and ended in June 1994 when Simpson slit his ex-wife's throat on the steps of her townhouse.You feel as if you area part of the couple's inner circle, watching the events that led up to thetragic, brutal murders of Ron and Nicole unfold, and you want to jump intothe book and yank Nicole away from her pig of a husband who did not deserveto be married to the fine, beautiful, and caring woman that she obviouslywas.Although Sheila Weller offers no physical evidence of Simpson'sguilt, her description of the unhealthy, obsessive bond between thisegomaniacal man and this poor, sweet, unfortunate woman leads the reader tobelieve that OJ Simpson was the only person on earth who had the motive andthe reason to commit these murders, and we all know that OJ Simpson ISguilty of these heinous crimes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. California    4. Case studies    5. Conjugal violence    6. General    7. Homicide    8. Infamous Crimes And Criminals    9. Los Angeles    10. Murder    11. Sports - Football    12. Biography: general    13. Crime & criminology   

Reviews (2)

Touchdown Tommie
The biography I read for my second book of the semester was "Touchdown Tommie".The name Tommie referred to Tommis Frazier of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.The author of this interesting biography wasBob Schaller.It portrayed Tommie growing up in Florida to him as a starat Nebraska.This book was published in 1998."TouchdownTommie" is probably not located in the Valley Library but can be foundin your local book store. The beginning of this book started withTommie Frazier's childhood.Then the story went on to the recruting thatall the top colleges did to try and get Tommie to play for them.The mostinteresting parts are the stories of the tough times that Tommie wentthrough at Nebraska and then later on in the CFL (Canadian FootballLeague). This biography was similar to one that I read about MichaelJordan.In that book, it talked about his life and then his hard times. Michael's most difficult time was when he was not very good at basketballin high school.Tommie's greatest struggle was a little more serious.Hehad blood clots in his legs in college.Those clots seriously jeopardizedhis athletic career at Nebraska and the NFL(National Football League). This biography was written in a very straight-forward manner and was easyto understand.That was important for me.I thought that the author usedgood facts about Tommie's career at Nebraska and also the dynasty ofNebraska over the years.Also, the topic of the book, that was obviouslyfootball, was one of my interests. I think this book was a good modelfor writing because in each chapter it really explained the main point ofthe chapter clearly.It also got the point across without confusing thereader.It also was good because there were some metaphors that were easyto identify and essential for living your life.The metaphor I learned waswhen you face an obstacle you must work hard to overcome it.Anotherlesson I learned was to not get big-headed like many college players do. Tommie Frazier did not.Maybe that was part of the reason he had successin life and on the football field. Although I thought this book wasoutstanding, I could see some things that not all readers would like.Forexample, if people do not like the Nebraska Cornhuskers, they would beinterested in reading this book.I think that even if you did not like theteam, it was still good to read.You could learn some things about liferegardless of who you were. On the same note, the football theme isthroughout the book.If you dislike football, it could be difficult toread the book.However, in my opinion, I give this book an 8 out 10.

brief but very descriptive of his life at Lincoln
This book was very good. Bob Schaller does a very good job portraying Tommie.Bob tells of tommies recruiting decisions between the colleges that wanted to recruit him and his troubles with the media.My favorite part ofthe book was the last part when tommie gives his top 15 things that willmake you a better person. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Football - College    3. Football - General    4. General    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports - Football