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   

Editorial Review

Arguably, Ben Hogan was the most technically precise striker ever to hit a golf ball. Revered and feared throughout a marvelous career, he was his sport's most complexly dark personality, as well. This opulent coffee-table homage to the "Wee Ice Mon" combines the Spartan imagery of Alexander's photographs with a trio of perceptive essays by Dave Anderson, Ben Crenshaw, and Dan Jenkins to capture Hogan's rare, imperial essence and the powerful authority of his game with majesty, but without fawning. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Be sure to understand what you are getting
Whether you find this book worth the money will depend on whether you think Ben Hogan was the God of Golf (or at least one member of the Trinity).It is a large-format book, and the quality of the photographs(all black-and white) is excellent.I believe they were all taken on thesame day, when Hogan allowed Jules Alexander to accompany him.They prettymuch just show Hogan at work on the course, and they do capture who he was.The accompanying comments and essays are interesting, but the photographsare the stars of the book.Just make sure you realize that you are gettinga series of photographs taken on one day -- this isn't a retrospective ofHogan's career, and there are no swing sequences or anything like that.Ifyou are a Hogan worshipper, however, this book is a must.

A must-have work for the Hogan fan
This book is appropriately titled.The photos are truly classic and do a wonderful job of portraying the on-course Hogan, particularly his steely focus and gorgeous swing.The accompanying text is solid.I most enjoyed Ken Venturi's comments which accompanied the photos, as well as Dan Jenkin's recounting of the man behind the mystique.I was somewhat disappointed that the photos are all from the late 50s, mostly from the same tournament.Yet, this is only a minor issue.Every true Hogan fan should add this work to his or her collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1912-    2. Biography    3. General    4. Golf    5. Golfers    6. History    7. Hogan, Ben,    8. Pictorial works    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / General    13. Hogan, Ben    14. Photographs: collections   

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   

Subjects:  1. Biography: sport    2. Soccer (Association football)   

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 (12)

O Rei Pele!
I read this book as a kid in Nigeria...Pele's legend cannot be imitated or duplicated...his feats are simply majestic...very humble, classy superstar who never let the accolades get to him..97 goals for Brazil and 1283 club goals is ridiculous! People dont even score 300 goals anymore..You would think that by playing 1300 games, he'd break down at some point...the book was a great read...get his new one "PELE" (autobio)!

The Best Player Ever.
This is an exceptionally detailed biography. The statistical chart at the back of all the games he played in was a very pleasant surprise. The only things missing was some tactical diagrams and a map of Brazil. Every chapter added colorful insight into his life-Ch's-2,6,8-facts of life, 9-Pele in love and 17. He also gave the reader the fine nuances of the "beautiful game." Chapters-1,3-5,10,12,14-1,000 goal,15-16,18,19-20-Cosmos years. I found chapters 7-race relations in Brazil,11-the trainor, and 13-Santos years to be the most interesting. Lastly, I could not agree more with Pele's distaste for defensive Football on 310-11.

REQUIRED READING
This book was required reading back in the day. We were all playing high school soccer, catching Pele and the rest of the superstars of the Cosmos a couple of times a year at RFK (thrashing the Diplomats as usual), and prepping for college soccer. While we all had our heroes on the Cosmos (and the Dips), we all idolized Pele. This book is an excellent introduction to one of the greatest athletes of all time. It follows him from childhood through the Brazilian World Cup championships and beyond. Required reading for any fan of the game or sports in general. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1940-    2. Biography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Nascimento, Edson Arantes do    5. Pele,    6. Pelâe,    7. Soccer    8. Soccer players    9. Pelé   

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   

Subjects:  1. Adventurers & Explorers    2. Aviation - History    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Discovery And Exploration (General)    7. Ballooning    8. Biography: sport    9. Transportation / Aviation / General   

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. Great fast read,but missing some points.
This book is an entertaining fast read.However, certain details in Beardsley's life are strangely glossed over: Alcoholic parents/meeting his wife.The first hand account of the (famous) 82'Boston Marathon is so stunning and awsome, it leaves the rest of the book dangling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Motivational & Inspirational    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports - General    6. Biography: sport    7. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    8. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (9)

I Am Third
I am third Awesome Book!!!
This review is on the book called "I Am Third".In this book it tells mostly about Gale Sayers' football career and some of Brian Piccolo's or Pic.The reason this book is called "I Am Third" is because he says that "God is 1st,my friends are 2nd,and I am 3rd".To understand this book you might have to know a little about football.If you like football stories I would reccomend you read "I Am Third".

Great Book and movie, very Moving
I really never liked sports, but this book really moved me because it was a story of two men very different yet very alike. They were both very talented, over the past few months i've been doing so much research and Gale and Brian. I also am planning to do a important report on them, the frienship that they had was great. BUY THIS BOOK!! and the movie Brians song!I loved both. I love Ya Gale and Brian GOD BLESS! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1943-    2. African Americans    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Fiction    6. Football - General    7. Football players    8. Movie-TV Tie-In - General    9. Movie/Tv Tie-Ins    10. Sayers, Gale,    11. Sports - Football    12. United States    13. Fiction / Movie or Television Tie-In    14. Sayers, Gale   

Reviews (5)

A True Forrest Gump
What a story! Born one of 17 children in a poor, black, Kentucky farm, Jimmy Winkfield won the Kentucky Derby twice. He tried again in 1903 but failed and his career was over. Except that by moving to Europe and Russia he continued as a top rider in the Sport of Kings.
Great book, well written - Much about Russian Revolution, WWI
Mr. Drape! What a wonderful writer. A fascinating account of
The Amazing Life of an American Jockey
This book is a fascinating account of the life of a extraordinary American.The book isn't just for turf fanciers or horse people; on the contrary, it is at once the biography of a remarkable man and riveting social history. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American jockeys    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Blacks And Sports    7. History    8. Horse Racing    9. Jockeys    10. People of Color    11. Sports - General    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Reviews (5)

Worth The Wait
I patiently waited out many Amazon "order delays" figuring the book had a high order rate after the movie was released.Finally arrived about a week ago. The book is very well written and gives a great amount of detail on this slightly "odd" but determined fellow.I have not seen the movie yet as it came and went in our town in about one week.The one character flaw that shows up for Mr. Munro is that in the pursuit of his goal he seemed to forget he had a family.Worth the read.Could use some more pictures......

A great book
I saw the movie first and absolutely loved it. Got the book from Europe after two failed attempts to order in the US.
Get the Book from the UK - Quicker that Amazon in the US!!
The book is great.I ordered it here back in early February, and eventually cancelled my Amazon order.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. General    5. Motor Sports    6. Sports - General    7. Biography: general    8. Cooking / Reference    9. Motorcycle racing    10. New Zealand   

Reviews (17)

Another Season
I live in alabama and even kind of like alabama football so when we had to read it for summer reading i thought i would like it...i absolutly hated it!!! You could so tell it wasn't written by a pro writer i mean it jumped around from different dates and although i loved how inspirational it was with johnny gene stallings seemed kind of self centered and every time the family was happy moved. i hated how there was no time line and years would pass and then he would go every minute of the next day. i thought it was good how they were so religous and i liked reading it but it is not a book i would really reccomend to anybody just because there are more inspirational books and just better books!! Luv Ya!!

Rich, moving, honest...a life-changing read
There are a lot of great books out there you can read and be entertained in the process.A few of those books will even linger in your memory for awhile after you've finished them.It's more rare to read a book that really touches your heart and mind and provokes a change in your life.
A solid -- if difficult -- story, told by a solid man
I received this book unexpectedly after making a donation to my alma mater, from which Coach Stallings' daughters also graduated. Until then, I didn't even know the story had been written. The book fascinated me from many angles -- as a teacher, as the sister of someone born with a congenital handicap (whose parents were likewise advised to put him in an institution), as a reader of this genre of literature, and most of all, as someone who as a kid knew and adored John Mark Stallings. Read more

Subjects:  1. 1962-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Down syndrome    7. Family relationships    8. General    9. Health    10. Patients    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Specific Groups - Special Needs    13. Sports - Football    14. Stallings, John Mark,    15. United States    16. Biography & Autobiography-Personal Memoirs    17. Biography & Autobiography-Specific Groups - Special Needs    18. Sports & Recreation / General    19. Stallings, John Mark   

Reviews (1)

Amazing........
What Bill Snyder did at Kansas State is easily, the greatest coaching job, in any sport, at any time, EVER......
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Football - General    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports - Football    6. Sports - General   

Reviews (6)

In His Own Words, The Man Who Made Mediocrity Famous
Bob Uecker was not a great baseball player, but he is an entertaining man.Still doing play by play for his hometown Brewers, Uecker is still a recognizable member of the baseball landscape.He is recognizable for his sense of self-deprecating humor, not his baseball talent.
Hilarious
Hilarious.Uecker the practical joker.Even non-baseball fanatics will enjoy this book.I don't think his on the field antics would be tolerated today.Granted, many of the actions by him and his teammates were over the top, but maybe we need a little more of that individuality in baseball today.(That does not include steroids.Hank Aaron was not a large man by any means.)Along with the spirit they had, with less emphasis on how many millions I need, maybe I would have a different outlook on what the game has become.

Funniest Book I've Ever Read
I recently heard Bob Uecker speak with Vin Scully in the booth during a ball game.He told his signing bonus story and I determined then and there to find out if he'd written a book and if so, to read it.I'm very glad I did.I don't think I've ever had so much fun just reading a book.Uecker talks about his life in baseball and broadcasting.Pictures are included.You don't want to read this book when you are alone.You are going to need another person close by to whom you can read passages aloud.A book for sharing. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

The Bible is no longer in print!
For anyone who is interested in golf course architecture, this book is a must for your library.Contains a complete index (a continuous work-in-process) of architects and their courses. Essentially every course in the world (including those which are no longer in existance), is listed including its location, date of orgin and the architects who created it also the provider of any known substantial (professional) renovation work.It must take a tremendous effort for the authors to keep this book up to date. I hope the fact that this book is no longer in print indicates that the authors are hard at work.If you do not have a copy find one, if you have to go the the library and photocopy theirs (but bring a stack of dimes its very long). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography/Autobiography    2. Design and construction    3. Golf    4. Golf - General    5. Golf courses    6. Great Britain    7. History    8. Landscape    9. Landscape Architecture And Design    10. Sports & Recreation    11. United States    12. Reference works    13. United Kingdom, Great Britain