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Reviews (2)

An engaging memoir that deserves a wide audience
This engaging memoir deserves a wide audience.Anyone interested in bodybuilding, weightlifting, sports medicine, the history of the fitness movement, magazine publishing, marketing, motivational thought, Napoleonic history, or diplomacy will find this book worth reading.Schwarzenegger fans may learn a few new things about the Governator, who was Joe "Master Blaster" Weider's star protégé in the early 70's and features prominently in the narrative.
Best book on bodybuilding ever
I've been a collector of bodybuilding memorabilia
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Bodybuilders    5. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    6. Brothers    7. Canada    8. Motivational    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Sports - General    11. Sports & Recreation / Bodybuilding & Weight Training    12. Weider, Ben    13. Weider, Joe   

Reviews (1)

Keep looking.Brunt didn't find him.
This is a reasonably well-written book by somebody who is supposed to be an expert on sports, though some of his hyperbole makes me wonder about that.(He describes a game where Orr got three goals and two assists as the most amazing, incredible, unbelievable performance by a defenceman in the history of the sport, when half a dozen defencemen had had 4 goal games, others had 6+ point games, and Orr himself would do better in subsequent years.)
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Hockey - General    5. Sports - General   

Reviews (7)

Racing Past The Finish Line
Like running a marathon, there are great highs and some steep lows in Duel in the Sun, but it is well worth the read.
duels in the crown
Great race, great story and very well told.
Duel In The Sun
I had previously read Beardsley's book "Staying The Course: A Runner's Toughest Race" so I knew most of the details about the 1984 Boston Marathon but "Duel in the Sun" is an excellent book due to the behind the scenes details of not only the race but the lives of Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley. You don't have to be a marathon runner to truely appreciate what these two men went through in their lives as well as in their running. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1958-    2. Beardsley, Dick    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. History    6. Runners (Sports)    7. Running    8. Running & Jogging    9. Salazar, Alberto,    10. Sports    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Sports - General    13. United States   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Hockey - General    3. Personal Memoirs    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - General    7. Ice hockey    8. Sports & Recreation / Hockey   

Editorial Review

Ultra-marathoner Dean Karnazes claims "There is magic in misery." While it would be easy to write off his habit of running for 100 miles at a time—or longer—as mere masochism, it's impossible to not admire his tenacity in pushing his body to reach one extreme goal after another. Sure, it's gory to read about how he lost one of his big toenails from shoe friction during the Western States Endurance Run. But what registers more is that here's a guy competing in an event that includes 38,000 feet of elevation change--the equivalent of scaling the Empire State Building 30 times.Read more

Reviews (94)

You'll be an all-night reader.
I picked this up on a whim while waiting in line and had finished it by the next evening. If you were ever a long-distance runner, you'll find yourself grinning and nodding because you can relate to everything. This book gave me such a strong desire to run ultras that I would have started training immediately if I wasn't grounded by my knees. As it was, I went out and did 12 miles, then remembered why I can't do that anymore. My marathoning friends are getting this for Christmas.

Ouch! It's gotta hurt!
...reading the book, I mean.At least if you care about things like quality of writing, insightfulness, and some semblance of a balanced view of an intriguing, punishing sport.
Inspirational and motivational
As somebody who is training for a marathon, I picked this book up for some needed motivation. Dean's book does not disappoint. While much of this memoir had me thinking "this guy's crazy!" I enjoyed the anecdotes about the things that he does or happen to him while he's on the run. And I truly do find his boundless willpower inspiring. I am pretty sure I won't keel over now if I do another mile, and eventually that nagging pain in my ------- (insert body part) will subside so I can finish up my scheduled long run.
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Subjects:  1. 1962-    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Karnazes, Dean,    4. Personal Memoirs    5. Running    6. Running & Jogging    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports - General    10. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Editorial Review

Walter Payton's premature passing forced a rethinking of hisautobiography that completely sidesteps the self-importance that dominatessports memoirs in general. Read more

Reviews (33)

Long Live Walter
Walter Payton was a phenomenal football player.He spent all 13 of his years playing for the bears.The Bears drafted him in 1975 from Jackson State University.Walter Payton broke a lot of records in his time; he had 125 career touchdowns which is seventh on the all time scoring list.Walter Payton only missed one game in his entire 13 year career.Overall I thought that this was a great autobiography.I highly recommend this book if you are interested in Walter Payton. He was a great athlete and will be missed very much.

Sweetness
An incredible book for a incredible man.Being a fan, I was skeptical before I started.I thought this book would not really come together since Walter died before it was completed.I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to others, fan or not.

Never die easy, but always be humble
The theme of this book could be that while it is important to "Never Die Easy" it is perhaps even more important to be humble about your success.
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Subjects:  1. 1954-1999    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Football - General    7. Football players    8. Payton, Walter,    9. Sports - Football    10. Sports - General    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Reviews (43)

My Losing Season is no loser...
Okay, I admit it, I'm not a big basketball fan. Still,I would read anything Pat Conroy penned--including the owner's manual to my DVD player. My Losing Season shows a more mature author reminicsing about a magical time in a young man's life. Not magical because it was perfect, but because it wasn't. Conroy's writing is not only about college ball, it reflects all that life offers in a clearer, deeper stye and tone than in his previous novels. Conroy's work resonates more than ever.

Wisdom for Writers in My Losing Season
There are many reasons why people write. It's cathartic, for one. You can get off your chest whatever's been eating at you. You can be the hand of justice and dish out rewards and penalties like the gods of ancient Greece. Some people write simply to tell a good story. They have imaginations that cannot stop. There are stories in their heads, relentless, begging to get out. And then others write because they have learned something, and they have something to say. They have wisdom that can only truly be learned the hard way, through painful experience.
My favorite read this year
Maybe even my favorite read ever. This book was a pleasant surprise to me even with my wife's endorsement. She thought I would like it because she did and she couldn't even follow the details of the many basketball games that the author describes. Having played some basketball, I was captivated by Pat Conroy's account of his games and I found myself re-reading some of those passages. This is one of those books that make you feel that you are sharing some of the same feelings that the author is feeling- the joy of winning, the disappointment of losing, and the fear of his father's reactions.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Basketball    3. Basketball - College    4. Basketball players    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Charleston    10. College sports    11. Conroy, Pat - Prose & Criticism    12. Literary    13. Novelists, American    14. Personal Memoirs    15. South Carolina    16. Sports - Basketball    17. Sports - General    18. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (15)

A Book For All Soul Surfers

A hero on many levels
This book is a true story with many messages.Eddie Aikau was a hero many times over, a warrior waterman.He was a hero to the many whose lives he saved.He was a hero to the Hawaiian culture.He was a hero to his crewmates on the Hokuleia.
Great Read (even for us New Englanders)
I had never heard of Eddie Aiku until 2 months ago when I went to Hawaii and read a sidebar about him in a "blue book."At first I thought "Eddie Would Go" was just a macho mentality and I thought I was going to read a story about someone daring and tough.After reading I know the meaning behind "Eddie would go" is so much deeper...
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Subjects:  1. 1946-1978    2. Aikau, Eddie,    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Hawaii    7. Lifeguards    8. Sports - General    9. Surfers    10. Water Sports   

Reviews (1)

A BALANCED PORTRAIT
DORA LIVES is a posthumous biography on Miki Dora, a pioneering surfer from the 1950s and 1960s, and on page 23, it says this about artistic temperament:
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    3. Historical - General    4. Photo Techniques    5. Photography    6. Sports - General    7. Water Sports    8. Photography & Photographs   

Reviews (2)

Unlike John Madden's books
Pat Summerall, a terrific longtime sports broadcaster, writes in a straightforward, easy to read style. It's impossible not to "hear" his enjoyable Southern speaking voice as he tells about his college football days at Arkansas, his NFL and broadcasting careers and his terrible fight with alcohol abuse . His former CBS and Fox broadcast booth partner, John Madden, wrote several funny and opinionated books in the 1980s. On and Off the Air is unlike those in content and style. Summerall reveals much more about himself personally than did Madden and discusses the nuts and bolts of how television covers professional football. Like when the two called games together, John Madden is the frenetic, bombastic commentator while Pat Summerall comes across as the smooth, down to earth pro. An excellent book, I wish it were a bit longer.

A good read
I enjoyed ths uplifting story of Pat Summerall's life and successes.There are quite a few good anecdotes about his years in football and broadcasting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Television Personalities    7. General    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Sports (Specific Aspects)    10. Sports - General    11. Sportscasters    12. Summerall, Pat    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Reviews (6)

From the Wreckage
This book makes you want to see MURDERBALL which apparently is a real life story of rugby played by paraplegics and quadriplegics.Zupan is technically a quadriplegic, for all foru limbs have at least some degree of damage, but he can stand up when he has to (say, to pull on a pair of pants) and even walk a few steps--if he's got something to hold onto.He was the victim in a tragic drunken driving accident that occurred when he was only 18, a few weeks into college.He was thrown into a Florida canal and left for dead for nearly fourteen hours, just managing to keep his mouth above water and to squeak out, "H-e-e-e-e-l-l-l-l-p" every now and then.Eventually a good Samaritan heard him and had him hauled out.His father was so upset that when he had to fill out the hospital forms at the ER, he filled in "my son" in the box that said "Name of Patient" when he should of course have written "Mark Zupan."
A great read!!!
Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride with ups and downs, and twists and turns.Gimp exposes the raw feelings and emotions of survival and winning against tremendous odds.But it's more than that, it's about relationships--father and son, family, friends and teammates--the loving and caring, and conflicts and struggles that Mark encounters on his personal journey.It's a great read!

Gritty story
Zupan's story is gritty, inspirational and just a plane good read.Gimp is a wonderful book about things most of have never dealt with, but there are worthwile lessons for each of us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Athletes with disabilities    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Quadriplegics    8. Rugby football players    9. Sociology Of The Mentally And Physically Challenged    10. Sports - General    11. Sports And Games    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Editorial Review

In the opening of Lance Armstrong's memoir, Read more

Reviews (91)

A good reminder to seize the day
I picked this up at the airport looking for an interesting, easy read during a business trip.Since I've recently become a fan of cycling I thought this would fit the bill, and it did.
another cocky bio by the same cocky guy
interesting enough, lance loves to blather on about how its important that one cannot get absorbed in himself, but rather be about the team. i quote lance "if you aren't thinking 'team,' you got left home." ok, sounds alright. then i flip a page and read further: [floyd landis got second place in a race]..."I patted myself on the back for being smart enough to recognize how good he was before he saw it for himself..." ok lance, we get the point, you're awesome at everything, including being 'smart.' but you don't quite understand the 'team' concept

Inspirational Book
Throughout this book Lance Armstrong talks about different aspects of his life. From struggling with cancer, his training for the Tour de France, raising three children, and all the other criticism he faces; this book has not only a factual account of his life, but ideas that are useful to all. "Winning only measures how hard you've worked and how physically talented you are; it doesn't particularly define you beyond those characteristics. Losing, on the other hand, really does say something about who you are."
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Cancer    6. Cyclists    7. Diseases - Cancer    8. Motivational & Inspirational    9. Patients    10. Sports - General    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (12)

For Hardcore Fans Only
Not the most exciting book out there.But if you like minor league baseball, this book's worth a quick read.

Great topic, mediocre writing = a fascinating book
Despite the fact that the book seems quickly written and is organized rather poorly, Jerry Crasnick offers a fascinating study of the sports agent's life."License to Deal" causes one to root for the up-and-coming agents and against the behemoths, like Scott Boras, that control so many of the top free agents in baseball.
Original and works
When looking for good sports books, this is the kind of project that should stop you in your tracks. It is an orginal idea, well-written, and, most importantly, holds the reader's interest throughout the entire package. Well done. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baseball - General    2. Baseball players    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Business    8. Sosnick, Matt    9. Sports - General    10. Sports agents    11. United States    12. Sports & Recreation / Baseball / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (236)

A must read for all Everest fans

The Climb
I like this book alot. I bought it to compare the different accounts of the players involved in the 1996 tragedy on Mt. Everest. I read everywhere that Jon Krakauer's account was the "definitive" one but was curious to see how others who he had mentioned in his version and in the case of Anatoli Boukreev, even vilified, saw the event and their roles in it.
Is there an editor in the house?
First of all, this book really can't stand on its own. It functions primarily as a corrective to Into Thin Air. And as that, it is a valuable document. It shows that there are two or more sides to every story, especially a story in which all the actors are hypoxic and delirious with exhaustion.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Everest, Mount (China and Nepal)    3. Mountaineering    4. Mountaineering accidents    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports - General    8. Climbing & mountaineering    9. Himalayas   

Reviews (65)

Powerful Testimony
I have been following Shawn Michaels' career in pro wrestling since I first saw him in AWA as I believe in 1985, I had no idea how he would became in future. I am very impressed with Shawn's honesty involving his personal problem.I read other reviews some react negative abt his book.I dont care, myself am devoted born again Christian, and I understood how Shawn felt because I was in his same shoe with all kind of screw ups in the view of point.I used to love to hate Shawn when he was in WWF (now WWE).I am thankful about how God is very gracious toward Shawn and I can see how God was gracious to me as same he showed to Shawn.I strongly recommend u check out book by Superstar Billy Graham and Eddie Guerrero because they have similarities problem as Shawn Michaels.I consider it one of most powerful testimony for others who are struggling with their Christian life.

The boyhood dream has come true...
Yes, I am a 41 year old fan of the WWE, but most especially, a fan of Shawn Michaels from the beginning of his career until now, and probably for as long as he remains in the ring.
Sick of people bashing HBK,
Listen to all you morons especially the one two reviews under me,stop bashing HBK and his book.He is an good wrestler who has been in the WWE since the late 80's longer than anyone on the current WWE roster.He is a tremendous person w/an great passion for wrestling who has done more for the business from just about anyone.So if you dont like him or his book then fine but stop bashing and putting negative comments under this section. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Michaels, Shawn    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Sports - General    8. United States    9. Wrestlers    10. Wrestling    11. Biography & Autobiography / General    12. Biography: sport   

Reviews (19)

Cinderella Man:James Braddock, Max Baer, and the Greatest Upset in Boxing History
I haven't had time to read the book yet but it arrived very quickly, wich pleased me.

Great book!
If you liked the movie you will love the book. The book goes into much greater detail about the man and the time period. Also, if you want to know more about Max B. you will not be disappointed. He was unfairly shown in the movie as a one dimensional bad guy.
Admiring tribute to a great comeback fighter
James J. Braddock wasn't a great Heavyweight Champ; he lost the title in his first defense bout after he'd won it. But his is, perhaps, the greatest comeback story of 20th century pugilism. The CINDERELLA MAN had heart.
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Subjects:  1. 1906-    2. 1909-1959    3. Baer, Max,    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography And Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Boxers (Sports)    10. Boxing    11. Braddock, James J.,    12. General    13. History    14. Sports    15. Sports & Recreation    16. Sports - General    17. Sports rivalries    18. United States    19. Sports & Recreation / Boxing   

Editorial Review

Like his no-nonsense tenure as one of the dominating linebackers in NFL history, Dick Butkus's no-nonsense autobiography covers plenty of ground, offers no excuses, scares the hell out of you (you will never look at your knees--or your doctors--in quite the same way again), and, in the end, entertains with his candor and verve. Butkus has axes to grind, and he grinds them wonderfully, but he also is capable of examining his own behavior. What emerges is a portrait of an athlete willing to explore--roots, warts, and all--the aggression and rage he rode to glory on the field, and the challenges he faced trying to harness those same emotions off the field. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Butkus is #1
My first word as a child was: Butkus. There was a football game on TV at the hospital where I was born. The Bears were playing the Lions. Butkus had five sacks and an interception. I like cookies and milk.

Butkus Rules
This book is the best book I ever read. Dick Butkus is the greatest human being who ever bit of a refs ear. I would recommend anyone thinking of becoming a serial killer read this book. I like cookies and , milk.

Dissapointing
A very comprehensive study of each and every season Butkus played with the Bears. But I was hoping for much more about Butkus's life off the football field. I would have liked to have heard more anecdotes about players he played with and against. Also would have been interesting to hear personal insights from Dick regarding what he felt about the awe-like reputation he inspired on the field from fans and players alike.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Butkus, Dick    5. Chicago Bears (Football team)    6. Football    7. Football players    8. Sports    9. Sports - Football    10. Sports - General    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    13. Horror & ghost stories   

Reviews (10)

Run Tall and Stay Strong
This book is about the life of a runner named Dick Beardsley. It talks about his life goals in running and how he got into a bad habbit of using pain killers. The book takes place in the mainland, and not in a certain place because he traveled a lot to race. See i am a runner so i like the book because it gave me the motivation to go on when the going gets tough. If i compare this book to other book i would say it is not the best running book i have read but, it is better than the other types of books i have read. I think if you are a runner you will really like the book cause it teaches you to be tough in a race and some pointers on how to run marathons. If you do not run i dont think you will have a strong liking with this book. It can get kind of boring a some parts, but the parts that tell about his races really made me want to read on, so if you are a runner i think this book is better for you than if you are not a runner. So be a runner!

A wonderful read!
I started running ~ 2 yrs ago.My wife got me the book, but I hadn't heard of Dick so the book sat.One evening I picked it up to see what it was all about and I was instantly and uncontrollably sucked in.Dick's story starts in HS where he went out for the football team, which lasted a few minutes.Then a friend suggested XC, and Dick fell in love with what turned out to be his calling -- running.