Reviews (52)

It was great
This is the best book that I have ever read.His life is just really interesting to me.It might be because im a runner too, but i dont care.All the things that he does.Like how he just starts to run becasue he cant play football with the other kids.Also how he says when he is in high school that he is going to go to the Olympics.He Is an insperation to many runners.With him dying so young just makes his story all the more tragic.His tenacity is what I most like about him.How he says that he doesn't go out to race to win the race, but to see who has the most guts.I always wished that i could be like Pre, but he was just a star beyond me.Every time I race I think of his famous quote, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." That just inspires me to work harder and run faster.It is just a great book to read.

Someday someone will write the Great Book
A good book and overview of Prefontaine's life and the one you will see in quality running stores. Very good capsule on his life and racing competition with a great set of pictures. However, Pre is such a fascinating subject whose rash and bold method of running also ocurred during the peak of the Amnerican running boom that there never seems to be enough information or pictures of him. I keep thinking someone will write another deeper book. Jordan's book is well worth reading and possibly the best book on Pre but the obvious problem was Pre's life was
PRE: story of america's greatest running legend
For five years, no American runner could beat him at any distance over a mile. But at the age of 24, with his best years still ahead, long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine finally lost. Driving alone at night after a party, Prefontaine crashed his sports car, putting a tragic, chocking end to the life and career of one of the most influential, accomplished runners of our time. More than 20 years later, Pre continues to influence the running world. From his humble origins in Coos Bay, Oregon, Pre became the first person to win four NCAA titles in one event. Year after year, he was virtually unbeatable. Instead of becoming one of the new breeds of professional track athletes, Pre chose to stay amateur and fight for the adequate funding he felt American amateur athletes deserved. A man of incredible desire and energy, Pre trained relentlessly. In his drive to be the best, he spurred others to do their best. As one racer said, "He ran every race as if it were his last." But Pre not only touched runners, his exciting racing technique as well as his maverick lifestyle made him a favorite of the fans. A race with Prefontaine in it was automatically an event. His brief but brilliant life is the tale of a true American hero. I really enjoy running so that's why I liked this book a lot, it was very interesting too. It talks about his whole life from when he went to high school to when he went to the Olympics. It also has a lot of pictures of him too. I really recommend this book it's really good, if you want to learn about a person who became a legend you should read this book. If you really like running this is the perfect book to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Health, Exercise & Fitness    6. Prefontaine, Steve    7. Runners (Sports)    8. Running    9. Sports - General    10. Track athletics    11. United States    12. Biography: sport    13. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    14. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (7)

Stirring Art
Etta Clark scores with Growing Old is Not For Sissies II.Her book is filled with beautiful photography and a second look at some of the subjects from her first book.With frank honesty, she captures the essence of her subjects once again.An excellent book of art for any fan of photography.

A Must for Anyone Working in Gerontology
This book is a must for anyone who works with older adults.It is a photographic essay of some very special people....people who embrace the robustness of life, and who are disciplined to maintain their capabilities as long as possible.Our world is steeped in ageism, that is, believing that older people are only capable of doing things that are "appropriate" for their age.This book shatters those beliefs and provides living examples of people who continue doing what they love to do physically.I wish that Etta Clark would revise this book with a new set of photos every year!I have seen some of these photos over and over again in lectures that people give about aging.It is a book to be owned, not borrowed.

So inspiring, I think I'll run a marathon!
Just one look at the photos and all your excuses for being a couch potatogo out the door.This book is filled with inspirational photos of seniorathletes.Helen Zechmeister, age 91, works out 3 days a week, deadlifts200 pounds and can do the full splits.A competitive swimmer, MarieWilcox-Little at 73 has a much better figure than I could ever hope to have(I'm merely 30).My favorite: Ivor Welch,(Volume 1)was never active until83 when his wife his wife passed away.To mourn her death he startedwalking, then running, then running marathons.By the age of 90 he ranfive marathons and 2 half marathons!If Ivor can do it, by golly, so canI!A must have for anyone who wants to enjoy life to its fullest! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aging    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Exercise For Older Adults    5. Gerontology    6. Older athletes    7. Portraits    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Specific Groups - General    11. Sports - General    12. United States    13. Biography: sport    14. The Arts: General Issues   

Reviews (19)

Too much detail about the design of his shoe.
BUT, if you take anything out of this book, it's the fact that Jordan works harder than his peers, whether it was basketball or business.His inner drive and desire to succeed and give it his all is what I took away from the book.I would skim the parts on shoe design and focus mainly on his words and advice, especially on work ethic.
DRIVEN FROM WITHIN
THIS WAS A GIFT.RECEIPIENT WAS SATISFIED.HE IS A 19 YEAR OLD INTO SPORTS AND MICHAEL JORDAN IS SOMEONE WHO HE ADMIRES AND WOULD RECOMMEND TO OTHERS.

Great Michael Jordan Book!!!
I am a big fan of basketball as well as Michael Jordan and this book is just awesome! It gives a very good description of Michael Jordan's life, and how his life is put into his shoes.
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Subjects:  1. 1963-    2. Basketball    3. Basketball players    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Jordan, Michael,    9. Photoessays & Documentaries    10. Rich & Famous    11. Sports - Basketball    12. Sports - General    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (2)

A Moving Story of Obediance to God
Written with well-known author, Cecil Murphy, "Touchdown Alexander" is a moving story about trusting God and living in true obedience. No one can argue that Shaun Alexander is a great football player. But in the telling of his story, Shaun shows us that life doesn't need to revolve around career. He is a child of God first, a husband and father second, and the MVP for the Seattle Seahawks third. If your young men are looking for a God-honoring role model in NFL football, this would be a good place to start.
Obediance to God Isn't Just for the Little Guys
Written with well-known author, Cecil Murphy, "Touchdown Alexander" is a moving story about trusting God and living in true obedience.
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Subjects:  1. Alexander, Shaun    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Religious    8. Running backs (Football)    9. Sports - Football    10. Sports - General    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

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   

Reviews (7)

Pure Payton ... The Greatest ...My Hero!!
I havewaited soooo long.. Well worth... The book isan extremely goodread.. TheDVD ... WOW!! TheBest!!54min of of WaterPayton, running,throwing, catching , leaping, (singing?!) ... WOW!! Connie, Jarrett, andBrittney Payton... THANK YOU! ( Hey 10 stars) Thank you all soooo much .... Fansoffootball get this ...... Fansofrunningbacks get this, Fanswho placedfooton SoldiersField getthis, ifyou area fanof WALTER PAYTON you should already have it.. Peace&Blessingsto Connie, Jarrett, andBrittney Payton andall thosewho assited in allowing thefansopportunity to meetthegreat WALTER PAYTON through both theDVD/Book.........

Coffee Table Item
The best biography/overview of Payton so far. A lot of personal stuff and insight worth having for the DVD alone.

Sweet as Ever
The DVD is great!A glimpse of Walter Payton from himself and his friends.For the price you can't go wrong. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1954-1999    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Football - General    5. Football players    6. Payton, Walter,    7. People of Color    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Sports - Football    11. United States    12. Sports & Recreation / Football   

Reviews (59)

I agree with another reader
Bill Buford does go analytical about half way into the book, this is a good book, 4 stars imho but not a great book and I would take a few things he says with a grain of salt; so in other words, I don't always believe what Bill says but it may be so. It is a candidate for one of those books that spurs on reading more books on the topic to see, "what in the world is going on here" and truly, when other reviewers mention other books to read, that is helpful.
Fascinating
Whether you are a fan of soccer or not, Among the Thugs is a very interesting insight into the minds and motivations of hooligans. An American now residing in England for years, Bill Buford recounts time spent in an attempt to understand the culture of violence that attracts so many young fans. Less about the game, and more about a seedy and fascinating sub-culture of the more belligerent fans of the sport. An excellent read.

Good read.
Interesting read. I grew up watching the games in England in the 80's and was unaware of quite the extent of violence that went on. This would be an ideal book for someone studying about crowd violence or football thugs. I did however find that the book was difficult to read in parts and did it not seem to flow. I thought some of the detailed analysis of crowds was un-necessary and would have preferred more detail on the thugs and violence. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Great Britain - General    2. Great Britain    3. Hoodlums    4. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    5. Soccer    6. Soccer fans    7. Social aspects    8. Sociology    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Biography: general    11. Soccer (Association football)    12. Sports & Recreation / Soccer    13. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

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   

Editorial Review

As a player, former hurler Jim Bouton did nothing half-way; he threw so hard he'd lose his cap on almost every pitch. In the early '70s, he tossed off one of the funniest, most revealing, insider's takes on baseball life in Read more

Reviews (82)

Fun for fans
This book had me laughing out loud several times.Even though it was written about 30 years ago, the baseball experiences still ring true.Bouton has a great sense of humor, and the anecdotes about both stars and players you never heard of are a treat.I used this book to get me through the last off-season, and it was a lot of fun to read.

Ted Williams says: "BALL F*$#ING FOUR IS THE GREATEST BOOK ABOUT BASEBALL!"
The seminal book on the humanistic side of baseball, "Ball Four" exposes truths previously unseen.
A revealing book -- but not always as the author intends
Ball Four is a good and important book to own.If one mark of a good book is its ability to provoke reactions, and often contradictory reactions, then Ball Four is a fine book.
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Subjects:  1. Baseball    2. Baseball - General    3. Baseball players    4. Biography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Bouton, Jim    7. Coaching - Baseball    8. General    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Sports & Recreation    11. United States    12. Biography: sport    13. Sports & Recreation / Baseball / Essays & Writings    14. USA   

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