Reviews (2)

Charming Coming of Age Story
Phillip Hoose remembers just about everything about growing up in Speedway, Indiana, during the height of the 1950s.In fact the clarity of his recollection is suspiciously clear, unless he remembers every schoolyard insult with Sony Trinitron transparency.But I think creative nonfiction has reached a point where we give our authors a lot of rope, and let them make up dozens of re-imagined conversations without doubting the substance overmuch.In young Hoose's case, he was a chubby little bespectacled kid with a passion for baseball that didn't cut him much ice when his father's job caused the family to movie to Speedway.But his stock rose dramatically when his dad revealed that Don Larsen, the Yankees pitcher, was a first cousin.
A Remarkable Story Well Told
Perfect, Once Removed, by Phillip Hoose is a delightful book, both because of what it is, and what it's not, and because it far transcends being just another book about baseball.
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Subjects:  1. Baseball - General    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Sports - Baseball    8. Sports - General    9. Sports & Recreation / Baseball / History   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (12)

One of the very best Football books written by articulate ex-Athlete who was a good Coach in the CFL, USFL & NFL
[Four of Four stars] Marv Levy of Chicago
Hey Uncle Marv, Tell Us More Stories About "The Kohawks"
Recent history has been kind to Marv Levy as the magnificence of having won four consecutive AFC Conference championships is now replacing the earlier bitter pill of lost Superbowls. Marv Levy has become the ceremonial uncle of professional football today. He is to pro football what George Foreman is to pro boxing, the friendly enduring face of a brutal sport.
The highest regarded greatest Bills coach to write so well*
Extremely hokey and a tad bit hurried through the end, but a pretty good book covering his life of football.*Mr. Levy really needs to lay off the use of superlatives as almost every player or team he has coached was the greatest at one particular thing or another.Also, I don't think Mr. Levy intended that the descriptions he has written regarding his locker room motivational speeches were to betray the fact that the players most likely considered the gravely serious war metaphors that he was constantly drawing on as a little too serious to be applied to a football game.No wonder why they consistently fell silent as he left them to contemplate his words. I can hear in my mind a player asking another "Like, we're playing a game here, right?" as Marv proudly leaves the locker room.Marv comes off as a classy guy hoping to coach again.I hope he gets his wish. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Coaching    3. Football    4. Football - General    5. Football - Professional    6. Football coaches    7. Levy, Marv    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Sports - General    11. United States    12. Sports & Recreation / Football   

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

Reviews (21)

This is boxing at it's best!
This book is one of the most inspirational and moving books I have ever read because IT IS TRUE!!The name "Teddy Atlas" is synonymous with "Tough" and as you read in the book, you learned how he got the scar on his face.What people don't know about Teddy is that under that tough exterior, is one of the kindest and most generous people walking the earth.He is tough, but he has "walked the walked" and "talked the talk".It's a shame there aren't more people in the world like Teddy because this world would be a MUCH better place to live.The struggles he faced in his life made him the man he is today.I find him to be much more motivational and inspiring than any therapist because his lessons were learned from "The School of Hard Knox."It's so much easier for us to relate to someone "real", who had a rough life making bad decisions, but in the end, it's the hard times that made him a success.This is not like some line out of a Hollywood movie.It took a tremendous amount of guts and heart to expose his vulnerabilities, but we are after all, only human.There is a lesson to be learned from this book and I recommemend this book to the younger generation because I guarantee that there are plenty of kids out there, who could relate to Teddy's story and say "Hey, this sounds just like my life".If Teddy's story can help one person turn his/her life around, then he (Teddy) has served his purpose as not only the best Trainer of our time, but as a great mentor and author!You are the Best!Keep up the great work.

Fairly Decent Bio....
....about someone you never heard of. If you want to know what boxing is relly about, then it's a must. Teddy Atlas has some fascinating things to say about the nature of fear that makes the whole book worthwhile.

Excellent book. Teddy has a big heart and is also crazy!
This is an excellent book for boxing and non-boxing fans alike. It also explains what happened with Mike Tyson. Teddy was Tyson's original trainer. I read this book in a few days. Couldn't put it down. Nice job on the book Teddy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Boxing    4. Boxing trainers    5. History    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports - General    9. United States    10. Sports & Recreation / Boxing   

Reviews (2)

A great read -- more than a sports book
I picked up this book expecting to read a sports biography and discovered alot more.It profiles Anson Dorrance, the most famous women's soccer coach in the world and arguably the originator of the whole women's soccer phenomenon. The book also offers insight into what it takes to be a leader, how leadership is born, how it is developed and maintained over time.The author reveals, through anecdotes and direct quotes, what drives Dorrance and what has made him so successful.The book is a primer and a workbook on how to coach any sport at any level as well as a leadership guide.

Highly recommended
This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to be inspired.In detailed prose, through literary excerpts, game-day speeches, letters, quotes, and humorous anecdotes, Tim Crothers has unlocked the hidden treasures of Anson Dorrance's extraordinary coaching and its force in directing young lives to greatness.More than a simple biography, THE MAN WATCHING brings the dramatic and riveting story of Dorrance building the UNC women's soccer legacy to life.This real-life story reads like a novel but it is all the more compelling because it is true--phenomenal! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography & Autobiography - General    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    7. Coaching - Soccer    8. Soccer    9. Soccer coaches    10. Soccer for women    11. Sports - General    12. United States   

Reviews (12)

The Michael Jordan of Motorcycle Racing....except.
This kid is a moto god!He still has fun and unlike all the pro sports stars I know has no agnet or lawyer.Cares nothing for money.....who would at 29 million a year.He is funny, and focused, crazy and driven.At 50 he'll still be a kid which I think is what we all want too.This book makes you want to ask yourself the question "What if I never tried?"

Straight into the mind and heart of the Valentino Rossi we know and love
This book brings us straight back to his days as a child, a teenager, and a motorcycle racer.. A great read into what goes on in his mind, although some of his life's choices that were mentioned seems a bit too forceful or unreal; perhaps a bit fake.. but again, he is a world champion and world champions have a record of knowing what they want to do from a young age.
Awesome Book
If you're a Rossi fan, this book is just for you. Definitely different version from M. Oxley which is good too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. General    4. Italy    5. Motor Sports    6. Motorcycle racing    7. Motorcycles - General    8. Motorcyclists    9. Sports - General    10. Transportation    11. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. General    5. Medical - General    6. Motor Sports    7. Sports - General    8. Transportation    9. Biography: sport    10. Car racing    11. Sports & Recreation / Motor Sports   

Reviews (44)

It Answers The Question On Why WCW Imploded
Back in the day, the quip during the lean years in the WCW offices went as follows: As long as we have Ted's money, we'll be in business.
A good book on how NOT to run a wrestling promotion
Reynolds and Alvarez have written a very funny book. I was expecting great stuff from the guy who runs wrestlecrap.com and he, and fellow co-conspirator of Figure Four Weekly delivered. Whether it was intentional or not, it was funny nontheless. But then again, they were handling with what was priceless comedy material anyway.
Nothing particular new here
I'd go 2 stars, but this book should probably be required reading for wrestling promoters. Plus, it's WCW and that was something I held near and dear. There's nothing in this book that you couldn't find on the internet. In fact, if you were a spoiler junkie in the 90's, you've probably already read this book. It's a nice, more or less, factual recap of the ratings and PPV buy rates of WCW. The authors then like to thrown in their 2 cents, but they're like every other internet wrestling geek. They all hate Hogan, Nash, and Bischoff. They all think Flair, Benoit, and Jericho are god. And they all think they could start booking tomorrow and run a major promotion. There's nothing truly personal in this book - no stories from wrestlers, crew, or suits that truly relate any sort of real connection to the story of WCW's demise. Kudos for actually getting all this info in one place and making a book out of it, but oddly, better personal stories can be found from DVD's produced by WWE of all places. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports - General    6. Wrestling    7. Sports & Recreation / Wrestling   

Reviews (5)

Good Book but why not do one on someone that came out before they were big
This was a really good book.I really enjoyed the part about Mark's experience with being on the various committees and his speaking career.It was interesting to read something about an athlete who talked about other things he did besides just performing the sport itself.
new low for the Olympics, Gay Games & OutGames
Mark did a fairly good job in destroying any respect I had for the people responsible for putting together the Olympics, GayGames and the newly formed OutGames.His story was quite interesting and for the most part well written.I don't know if it was his intention but I agonized over all the frustrating in-fighting at Olympics/Gay Games/OutGames that was depicted in graphic detail.I was saddened that our gay brothers and sisters could not come together and cause one games series for us.Mark did a great job making me feel the pain we all go through with the anti-gay bigotry.I also enjoyed the way he showed the upward progression of acceptance from the time he was a teen to his 30s.I applaud Mark for this contribution and recommend the book.

Straight Up and Out Talk
Mark Tewksbury is an inspiring person and a well-admired athlete of the Olympics. I'll be honest and say I was approaching this book from a shallow viewpoint. Though he was a swimmer, not a diver, it seemed like his "coming out" story would just be a pale comparison to that of Greg Louganis.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Gay Studies    5. Homosexuality    6. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    7. Sports - General    8. Swimming    9. Swimming And Diving    10. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

No athlete has changed his sport the way Tiger Woods has transformed theworld of golf. The Tiger phenomenon has created a new legion of golfers, seducedby Woods's almost effortless mastery of this most difficult game. In Read more

Reviews (73)

the perfect borther in law gift
Bought this book on Amazon for my borther in law's birthday.He loved it.Five stars.

Good coffee table golf book
Just like the author of it, the book is heavyweight, literally. In fact, this book is so heavy I can't hold them in bed for more than 10 minutes.
excellent
excellent book that not only gives plenty of technical advices but that is also inspirational for the mind attitude to have when you play golf. must have it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Golf    2. Golf - General    3. Golf - Instruction    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - General    7. Sports & Recreation / Golf   

Reviews (15)

Believe in yourself
In one word - inspirational. Alex Spanos, an immigrant's son, lives the American dream. The 2004 Forbes 400 places Spanos at number 260 with an estimated net worth of $1,100,000,000. This book, written a few years ago, is the story of Spanos' life through August 2001.
Truly and Inspiration
From poor baker to multi-millionaire--and all on his own merit--Alex Spanos lays out the blueprint for rags-to-riches success.He was a man who learned to seek out and seize the opportunities to make truly great things happen.Far from a 300 page brag-fest, Spanos comes off as humbled by his successes, and more than willing to share the lessons learned from his failures.
A truly inspiring story...
If you ever feel that you life or career are not where you want them to be, then pick up a copy of "Sharing the Wealth" by Alex Spanos for inspiration!As the charismatic billionaire owner of the San Diego Chargers, Alex's life story reads like a how-to book for calculated risk and the pursuing of one's dreams.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Businessmen    6. Football team owners    7. Humanitarians    8. Rich & Famous    9. Spanos, Alex    10. Sports - General    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

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

Reviews (1)

Todd Crandell is a true inspiration & roll model since his recovery
Racing for Recovery: From Addict to Ironman is an inspirational story. How it conveys that if a dream exists, even the darkest depths of addiction can be overcome once you decide to and make the effort to get help. The way Todd Crandell brought himself from these depths and has dedicated his life to the pursuit of preventing drug and alcohol in children and showing those currently battling addiction that, through a lifestyle of fitness and exercise, proves that you can recover and dreams can come true. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. General    3. Personal Memoirs    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - General    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    8. Sports & Recreation / General   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Specific Groups - Special Needs    7. Sports - General   

Reviews (3)

A GOOD COLLECTION OF STORIES
THIS IS A GREAT COLLECTION OF STORIES COVERING JEWISH ATHLETES. FROM MARK SPITZ TO SANDY KOUFAX, EACH PERSON IS COVERED IN NICE DETAIL TELLING A BIT OF THEIR LIFE AND WHAT THEY CONTRIBUTED TO THEIR SPORT. I REALLY FOUND THIS ENTERTAINING AND INTERESTING. A RECOMMENDED READ.

gift well received
I gave this as a Bat Mitzvah gift to a young woman who is into sports.Her mother reported that she really enjoyed it!

Encyclopedic!
Outside the names of Sandy Koufax and Mark Spitz, it's hard to rattle off a list of great Jewish athletes. For me, this encyclopedia of Jewish athletes (complete with photos) offered encouragement in the field ofathletics, and I think this can be a very empowering book for aspiringJewish athletes in any sport. It's fun to flip each page and learn aboutanother exciting career! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Ethnic Cultures - General    5. Jewish - General    6. Sports - General   

Reviews (11)

An interesting insight into the sport of ultra marathon running...
I enjoyed this book immensely.It offered a great insight into how ultra marathon runners can run to extremes and what truly drives them.It also makes you aware of the sacrifices athletes do make in order to be at the top of their game.Pam has a witty personality and you feel that you really get to know her from reading this book.

Great book!
I read the reviews before buying and was a little reluctant; however, I decided a while ago I wanted to read it.I bought it anyway.Pam writes on a very personal level and tells of things many people would never have the courage to reveal to others.I thought this was a great book and am so glad I bought it.Be your own judge and don't let other people decide whether or not you will like something or someone.You might miss out on a lot of good things and people if you let someone else make the choice.I would recommend Dean K's book as well rather than compare this book to it.They both are great reads and very motivational!Any book that makes you want to get outside and take to the street, trail, etc. is a plus.

pass on it
This is the first time I've felt compelled to leave a review.I'm planning to try my first ultra event next spring and myquest for inspiration, motivation and information hit the wall by chapter two in this book.I found her writing to be flat, with a selfish edge that was most unappealing.I found the added quotes from her boys and others to be a feeble attempt to add a rosy hue to a womans story that is less than inspiring. Finally, I'd like to say that while Pam's many accompishments are impressive, and I do appreciate her efforts to level the playing field among women and men, by making herself appear "ok" with anorexia and so much talk about herself as what appears to be less than nurturing mother she doesn't do the female athlete justice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Runners (Sports)    8. Sports - General    9. United States    10. Women runners    11. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    12. Cross-country running    13. True stories of endurance & survival   

Reviews (29)

No Excuses:The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life
Awe-inspiring!

Inspirational
Watching a second feature about Kyle Maynard, the congenital amputee (born without arms and legs), on the Oprah show spurred me to buy this book. As expected Kyle adeptly chronicles his journey through the course of his 19-year life via his experiences growing up, especially through his participation in organized football and wrestling. In his autobiography Kyle spreads the inspirational message of his "No Excuses" attitude and philosophy towards life- an attitude that has helped him to reach a sense of normalcy in life as an amputee with obvious physical challenges. Through Kyle's eyes we get a glimpse of how one person overcomes challenges, like learning to eat with silverware, putting on clothes, making friends, or striving to make the high school varsity wrestling team. Kyle says over and over again that it was the love of his family and the love of his God and savior Jesus Christ who have helped him become a "champion in wrestling and in life".
Wow!!
Truely inspiring! I can't put the book down!This is a must read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amputees    2. Athletes with disabilities    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Handicapped    9. Specific Groups - Special Needs    10. Sports - General    11. United States    12. Wrestlers    13. Wrestling    14. Non-Classifiable   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Football - College    5. Football - General    6. Football players    7. History    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports - General    10. United States    11. Virginia Tech Hokies (Football team)    12. Cultural Region/South Atlantic    13. Cultural Region/Southeast U.S.    14. Geographic Orientation/Virginia    15. Sports & Recreation / Football    16. Sports & Recreation/History   

Reviews (10)

A Shy Man With Inner Strength of Iron
I have seen Chuck Norris interviewed on several TV shows and he comes across as a very soft spoken shy man, yet you can tell he has a very powerful inner strength.In his career he has helped countless young people who doubted themselves to pick themselves up from despair and a feeling of uselessness and to believe in themselves and to do something great with their lives.He cares for his fellow man and has given of himself when he didn't have to.This book allows you to see inside his heart and to see and feel the struggles he has gone through and conquered.Chuck Norris is a Winner and so is this book.It is definitely a must read.Someone should do a movie on his life!He started at the bottom (he failed his first black belt test) and came out on top.

I came away with More Respect for the man...
I like action movies, and TV. Chuck Norris is reliable and delivers in his films. But this book reveals a depth of character that seems to be depressiongly rare in the entertainment business.
A "Not-So-Common" Common Man's Journey!
Martial arts and film buffs will enjoy this book, which is a straightforward autobiography (written with the assistance of Joe Hyams).Be forwarned that this book was published in 1988 (at least my hardcover version), so the filmography doesn't cover his more recent works. Read more

Subjects:  1. 1940-    2. Actors    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Martial artists    7. Norris, Chuck,    8. Sports - General    9. United States   

Reviews (20)

Not Personal, Only Professional
The best way to destroy sales is for the "author" to blast portions of the book.
Sounds like the rantings of a confused teenager
The man is 30 and still acts like he is in high school.

T.O. Review
Recently I read the book TO by Terrell Owens with Jason Rosenhaus. The book is written by Terrell Owens, otherwise known as "TO", to tell the media his side of the conflict between him and the Philadelphia Eagles organization. It all starts when Terrell and the team's quarterback Donovan McNab get in a minor dispute, but the two strong personalities go at it for the remainder of the season and manage to drag the head coach Andy Reid into it. The trouble only gets bigger when the media continues to accuse Terrell of different things like faking an injury, and starting a fight with a teammate. Things continue to plummet down when Terrell feels he deserves more money than he is making and the Eagles management disagree.
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Subjects:  1. 1973-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Blacks And Sports    6. Football    7. Football - General    8. Football players    9. History    10. Owens, Terrell,    11. People of Color    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Philadelphia Eagles (Football team)    14. Sports & Recreation    15. Sports - Football    16. Sports - General    17. United States    18. Sports & Recreation / Football