5 comments about Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman.

1. The author tells three stories. One is the story of Pat Tillman and another the systematic failures that led to his death and produced a cover up. The third story, the modern history of Afghanistan, is used to parallel the life of Pat Tillman. The first two stories are the heart of the book. The third story is lengthy and seems to be filler. There are good maps and no photos. Given Tillman's interest in philosophy and literature, the title is appropriate as well as the quotes that introduce the chapters. You come to understand that Tillman is no ordinary jock, but an exceptional person with considerable depth.
   
   Dysfunctions in the prosecution of the GWOT have been described many works. Here, as in Operation Hotel California: The Clandestine War Inside Iraq, personnel at a remote location literally call the shots. Here, the brass at the FOB ordered a Humvee carcass to be towed over and down a mountain and a platoon to be divided. There are rules of engagement which, like the towing and platoon split, give little weight to the front line individual's judgment. Why is it that the communications equipment, which should be state of the art (goodness, what did it cost?) doesn't work in battle? Each of these is an element that factored into the "friendly fire" death of Pat Tillman.
   
   While the dysfunctions are described, the book's most powerful indictment is on how the tragedies of war were distorted and fed to an uncritical press in order to build support for the war. Jim Wilkinson's "perception management" had previously been successful in diverting attention from an incident resulting the 29 US deaths, 11 missing and 6 other captives by creating Jessica Lynch as a hero. The author describes how this was done and how the Tillman tragedy was similarly managed at the highest levels. The Tillman story is more insidious because evidence was destroyed, witnesses ordered to silence (despite the presence of brother Kevin Tillman in their platoon) and reports delayed and otherwise manipulated.
   
   While the book is about other systemic problems, Chapter 19, on boot camp, is worthy of note. The description of the recruits is discouraging. This is not a cross section of Americans and clearly not like the universal commitment to WWII. The general recognition that Tillman is an exception, particularly for making a financial sacrifice, says something about the public's perception of this war. While it's the stuff of lore and jokes, what really is the purpose of "Clean your boots, scuff them up, clean them again because I said so"? Have the goals objectives and methods of boot camp been seriously evaluated in recent years? Tillman, who has had years of top notch athletic training and team work conditioning notes a lot of boot camp is "archaic, bizarre and counterproductive."
   
   In some areas the prose seems forced. Quotes from Abdul Ghani and Reka Cseresnyes strike me as too idiomatic for second language speakers. There is a lot of extraneous content. The final chapter's discussion of Nietzsche and the masculinity of western men struck me as just plain weird. While these flaws exist, there do not seem to be any problems with the research. This is an important work and should be widely read.



2. I was really looking forward to reading this book. When I finally got a copy and started on it not only did I find it slow moving and boring at best; the author puts a lot of energy into working his political opinions into the story. I really did not need a chapter on the 2000 election and how Gore really won; fact is I'm over that argument, it was ten years ago. You would think that the Bush administration personally killed Pat Tillman by reading this book. I have a lot of respect for Pat Tillman and all of our men and women that have died for our great county and I think it in poor taste to try and make a political statement (left or right)with someone else's death. I would not waste your time with this book.



3. As someone who could be described as a centrist, I was quite depressed, though not surprised, to see reviews here reflecting political bias from both sides. The true lesson of Pat Tillman is no side can own him - not the left, not the right. Pat Tillman was a complicated man that cannot be pigeon holed. For those who can get past their own politics, this is a fascinating story and I think everyone should know something about it. Who among us can say we approach his level of following his convictions? Some might say he is a tragic figure, because his own stubborn resolve to do the right thing led to his death, but what I took from this book was if there were more Pat Tillmans there would be less tragedies like that of Pat Tillman.
   
   We get enough politics and spin. Read this story and think about the man. When so many of us jump to knee jerk reactions over every issue, he questioned everything and everybody. His independence, intelligence, commitment and willingness to sacrifice and serve represents the kind of American we can all learn from.



4. Jon Krakauer has made a good living illuminating the lives of compelling madmen who pursue their dreams to fatal extremes. Along the way we've learned some good lessons: 1) Don't climb Mt. Everest in a storm (Into Thin Air), 2) Carry more than a sack of rice if you tackle the Alaskan wilderness (Into the Wild), and 3) the marriage of multiple women is something to be approached in serial, not in parallel (Under the Banner of Heaven). All well and good, and usually told in arresting prose by Krakauer. But in seeking to add one more cautionary lesson to the list --don't be a soldier unless you're willing to get shot-- Krakauer has finally missed his mark in Where Men Win Glory.
   
   For starters, the narrative flow is jarring and disjointed. Alternating between the convoluted twists of Afghan political history and Pat Tillman's suburban childhood in California creates a vertiginous read that never really settles into a coherent pattern. The book is interspersed with long entries from Tillman's journals, and while he seems like a nice enough guy it's a bit like stumbling upon the diary of a hugely self-absorbed, angst-ridden high school kid. You almost expect to see scrawled pictures of naked women in the margins. It doesn't make you want to like Tillman more.
   
   The language of the book itself simply isn't as evocative as the Krakauer's past writings. Given the terrain where Tillman fought and died, and given the author's demonstrated ability to capture with words the features and power of nature, I was surprised that the prose was fairly flat and uninspiring.
   
   And finally --and this is the part I hated about the book-- Krakauer's unrelenting anti-Bush bias was distracting and and so strident that it marginalized the author's credibility. Krakauer tries to convince us of the illegitimacy of the Bush presidency (let's all spend several pages reading a conspiracy theorist's retelling of the 2000 election), the illegitimacy of the Iraq war (because apparently Krakauer must have known at the time there were no weapons of mass destruction but neglected to inform the world), and the byzantine cover-up of Pat Tillman's death by his fellow soldiers (that was admitted to within weeks after the death).
   
   We get it, Jon. You don't like George Bush. Hey, I voted for Obama. But, then how do you reconcile your unadulterated admiration for Pat Tillman, who voluntarily chose to take up arms in Bush's war? Square that circle, Jon, and you might have an interesting read after all. Keep spouting your narrow-minded vitriol, and you will keep getting two stars in my reviews.



5. I've loved every book Jon Krakauer has written, so I was waiting for this one with a great deal of anticipation. I'm glad he didn't disappoint me!
   
   Truthfully, I didn't really know that much about Pat Tillman except for the bare essentials: he was a good football player who, in the wake of 9/11, decided to join the military, and was killed by friendly fire a few years later. I certainly made assumptions about him as a person based on those simple facts, which this book proved were completely incorrect. But while this book tells Pat's story, it doesn't present him as a totally infallible or perfect person, which I appreciate. Certainly, reading about the events that led to Tillman's death and the cover-up that followed made me really angry and a bit surprised that none of this really came to public light. But I also know that there probably is some bias on Krakauer's part that factored into the telling of some of the story. This is a tremendously gripping book, although the background into the history of the Afghan/Iraqi conflicts was a little too dry for me. But Krakauer has brought another tragic story to life.

5 comments about Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life.

1. Dungy provides excellent insight into living a life of character. He is a man's man and is able to relate his football experience to the every day living in a world with many heartaches and brokenness. He gives encouragement through his personal faith in God.



2. I was a little skeptical when this book was referred to me, but I'm glad I purchased it. The main precept of the book can be applied to almost any challenges we face in life; whether they be personal or professional. A truly inspirational read based on Christian teachings and values.



3. It reads like a calm, confident conversation with Coach Dungy. I wish that all young men could be tutored by people like this man.



4. I truly enjoyed listening to this book on audio. It was very inspirational. I think it should be required reading for all high school or college aged men. I have shared this with many members of my family already. Don't pass up this book.



5. There's one piece during practice when a player asks Coach why he doesn't yell--Dungy replies that "I'm not a yeller, but watch out if I whisper at you." Dunge has proven that he's more than a football coach; he is a Man of God. His character, persistence, faith, and dedication to the Word and Faith is evident on each page of this book. He definitely has the shield of faith, breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, and sword of the spirit (from Ephesians 6:6-18). This is truly an inspirational book that tells you more about the Coach than the NFL. Dunge's non-profit "All Pro Dads" born in Tampa during his tenure with the Bucs continues to this day and is a testament to his belief that the Christian's husband responsibility is to his wife and children. Most poignant was his "homegoing" homage to his deceased 18-year old son to be a participant on the ultimate eternal playing field.

5 comments about Boys Will Be Boys: The Glory Days and Party Nights of the Dallas Cowboys Dynasty.

1. This is the perfect sequel to Landry's Boys by Peter Golenbock. Together they tell the inside story of the rise and fall, and rise and fall, of America's Team in lurid detail.
   
   At times seamy, at others shocking, Pearlman recounts the characters and events that shaped the NFL's most visible franchise. Perspectives on players, coaches and ownership will change as the story unfolds.
   
   I found this book to be fascinating and highly recommend it.



2. The story begins with Michael Irvin's shocking stabbing of a fellow teammate and ends with his triumphant induction into the Hall of Fame. This book chronicles the history of the Cowboys from the Jones takeover to the end of the amazing Cowboy dynasty of the 1990s. Pearlman gives in-depth details of the ousting of Tom Landry and the events that created the Cowboys of today. He not only gives an excellent history of events, but also gives in-depth details of the off-field activities of the Dallas Cowboys: sex, drugs, partying, and ridiculous behavior.
   
   Pearlman is a brilliant storyteller and reporter, who has obviously done his research prior to writing this book. He describes Jerry Jones' unorthodox firing of Tom Landry in great detail. He then describes the rise and fall of Jimmy Johnson, the dedicated, successful, and often self-centered head coach who built the dynasty of the 90s. He also discusses the mishaps of the Switzer era and the eventual downfall of the team. The story ends with the tearful Hall of Fame induction of Michael Irvin.
   
   The amazing thing about this book is not just the brilliant, often explicit writing style, but also the details Pearlman uses to describe off-field shenanigans of NFL greats such as Michael Irvin, Nate Newton, and Charles Haley. He gives detailed and explicit background information on many famous, and not so famous, Cowboys of the past. He uses firsthand accounts from past players, reporters, coaches, and wives to get a behind-the-scene look at the Cowboys in both their strengths and shortcomings.
   
   The best part about Pearlman's writing is that he does not pass judgment on these events or people. Sure there are a few biased sentences, but for the most part, he is impartial. He tells the story like it is. If you are a Cowboys fan, football fan, or anyone who enjoys a good read, I would definitely recommend this amazing book.



3. Pearlman is the most laughable 'sports-
   writer' on the planet. Babe Laufenberg did
   not QB the Cowboys the last two games of
   the '90 season for example. He only got one
   start, Dec. 24th v. Atlanta, a 25-7 loss
   to the Falcons. Laufenberg's last pass of
   the game went 27 yards to TE Jay Novacek
   for a TD with 2:27 left in the game. It
   would be Babe's last NFL pass as he played
   in the WLAF in 1991-'92. Laufenberg was a
   decent and servicable QB who played for
   the following teams: Washington (3x), San
   Diego (2x), New Orlean, Dallas, Kansas City,
   and Ohio of the WLF. If Laufenberg was so
   bad, as the non-athlete Pearlman claims,
   why did he last 10 yrs., in the Pros?



4. Pearlman takes us inside the locker room, strip clubs, and party scenes of one of sports' greatest climbs and crumbles of a dynasty. Often we wonder what transpires, what goes wrong so quickly with a winning team. With this book, the whys and hows are endless. Despite being an avid Cowboys fan, peering behind the sinister curtain of smiles and one-liners it is easy to see the egos, the lies, and the "don't ask, don't tell" philosophies that undo many great teams. With in-depth research and many, many interviews, Pearlman leaves no stone unturned. It's like reading a biography of a legendary rock band who parties itself into splitting up prematurely. The sex, the booze, and the drugs suddenly means more than the music, or in this case winning football games. Best sports non-fiction book I've ever read.



5. Amazing book. Apart from the sordid stuff (and there is lots ) the players contribution is illuminating about how a team is built up and how little the media knows ( or reports) about what goes on behind the scenes .Its also interesting to see how hubris and envy destroy people and relationships. All told, an excellent look at an organisation going mad. I just wish somebody would write a book like this about the Joe Gibbs Redskins-or maybe there weren't many coke snorting, masturbating in public nutters in the Hogs>

5 comments about When Pride Still Mattered : A Life Of Vince Lombardi.

1. 
   I am a huge sports fan, old enough to remember the Packers glory days under Lombardi, and while I spend a lot of my free time reading, I usually try to avoid sports biographies. For the most part, they are puff pieces about men who often don't deserve accolades for anything other than physical prowess. I really picked up this because I was impressed with a more recent work by David Maraniss, especially They Marched Into Sunlight: War and Peace Vietnam and America October 1967
   
   What Maraniss has done here is write a serious biography about an important sports figure, and he presents him warts and all. He shows Lombardi to be not just an effective, charismatic coach, but also a much less than devoted parent and husband.
   
   The actual football sections of the book could have been stronger, fuller, more detailed. Frankly, a lot of the book, particularly the chapters that recap seasons of the Packer dynasty are redundant and pretty lightweight - just rehashing the sports pages of the day.
   
   I enjoyed reading it, as I am sure most football fans will. It is better than the author's book about the Rome 1960 Olympics, but it is far short of his masterful account of the Vietnam war and the anti-war movement in America.



2. I was looking forward to reading this biography on one of my favorite coaches - Vince Lombardi. 'When Pride Still Mattered' is a complete biography of the life of Vince Lombardi. From his humble beginnings as the son of a butcher to one of the all time greatest coaches.
   
   I found the book a bit uneven. There were segments of this book that I couldn't stop reading. While there were other parts that were dry and slow moving. I enjoyed reading about Lombardi' early career and the frustrations of waiting for his chance at a head coaching position.
   
   It was sobering to learn how distant he was from his children. It was sad to see how he loved his players so much, but couldn't find the time or the ability to communicate with his kids. It was clear that he loved his children, bhut had a very difficult time showing that affection.
   
   It was difficult to read the end of the book. It was hard to see the great coach, teacher, and leader being ravaged by cancer. For a fan of football this is a book well worth reading.



3. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Maraniss' book. Maybe there was not enough football commentary for some, but I thought there was enough. After all, the story was about the man's lifetime. I think the best biographers are those who can reveal the strengths as well as the weaknesses of an individual. The author reveals weaknesses and flaws without disrespecting Lombardi. Lombardi was not a superhero; he was a very human person who took opportunities that came his way and dedicated his total self to meeting each challenge and succeeding. He was a fighter to the end, and even cancer did not claim him easily. There is much we can learn from this biography and I would advise spending the hours necessary to carefully perusing it.



4. The title says it all! Grew up in Wisconsin during the Lombardi era so I probably had a bit more interest in the man. Excellent price, quick shipping, great read. This one will stay on my shelf.



5. I bought this book for my husband as a Father's Day Gift and he loves it. He is a sports fan and loves to read/study anything about sports, so this was the perfect gift.

5 comments about Boots on the Ground by Dusk: My Tribute to Pat Tillman.

1. Having just read Jon Krakauer's "Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman", I felt like I learned more about this man than just what the media presented --- from a distance. That biography was insightful and did a fine job of paralleling the on-going middle east conflict with Pat Tillman's life --- and the infamous decision he made to leave a multi-million-dollar NFL career to serve his country in the Rangers following the events of 9/11. A nice job --- but did not have that "personal" touch.
   
   When reading, "Boots On the Ground By Dusk: My Tribute To Pat Tillman", you see the man not just through the eyes of his mother but through an entire family that grieved for his senseless death while continuing to battle for vindication of his name over the suspicious circumstances surrounding his being killed in action. Instead of reading like a straight-narrative of Pat Tillman's life, Mary Tillman jumps right into the adult Pat not long before the decision that would ultimately cost him his life. The better part of the novel focuses on the effects Pat's death initially had on those who loved him --- including a heartbreaking chapter covering his wake with all eulogies printed in their entirety. The family does not have long to grieve before their emotions shift right through anger and into action. This action is spurred by the disgraceful military cover-up over the circumstances of Pat Tillman's death at the hands of his own troops. Not only did the military (and ultimately the government) capatalize on his death for the purpose of propogandizing the war, but evidence may have surfaced that point towards the fact that Pat may actually have been murdered in an effort to become a martyred face of the U.S. conflict in Iraq & Afghanistan.
   
   While not all is proven cleanly --- the battle still wages on for the truth --- the chapters breeze along neatly, angering the reader with each passing page. I applaud Mary Tillman for adding the appropriate "personal" touch needed for this book while remaining neutral enough to present the entire picture and allow the reader to sit right beside her as she deals with the horror of losing her heroic son.
   
   Long live the memory of Pat Tillman!



2. I loved this book as well as Jon Krakauer's "Where Men Win Glory". It seems interesting that Pat's legacy is growing stronger five years after his death then when it initally happened. I for one solely hope he lives on eternally. What a stud both physically, mentally and emotionally. The consumate in everything he did. Mary Tillman's tribute to Pat Tillman is a very touching and moving piece about a Mother's love for her Son. In this case, a wonderful human being. The entire Tillman family is in my view the epitome of the American way. I would still love being able to see Pat Tillman knock the snot out of people on the gridiron, but he has certainly left an indelible mark and as much as it pains his family as well as pepole like me not to see him anymore, his passing is affecting many more people in positive ways than imaginable.



3. Unlike many other reviewers, I was not aware of Patrick Tillman until his death and its subsequent coverup were reported in the Australian media. I was immediately struck by this extraordinary man's story.
   
   Boots on the Ground by Dusk is one of the most difficult books I have ever read. Written by his mother, Mary, the book intersperses the story of the family's search for the truth with stories of Patrick's life before the army. Although I felt a great deal of admiration for him before reading the book, my grief at his loss is now even more profound.
   
   It is often said that only the good die young. In the case of Patrick Tillman, this is certainly true. He had a strong desire to live a meaningful life. His death at the hands of lessor men is tragic and unjust. The government's attempt to coverup the circumstances surrounding his death is simply outrageous. Patrick Tillman and his family deserve better.



4. The most intriguing and troubling part of Mary Tillman's book about Pat Tillman is found at the back of the book. It seems that journalists had used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain from the Pentagon, no less, a copy of the Army doctor's autopsy report on Pat. While the Army doctors state that they virtually never before questioned the official versions of events given to them, this time they did. They said that after Pat had been shot in the legs by three or four of his own men, and fell to a crouching position, he received three bullet holes to the forehead. The doctor's said the spray pattern was so close together, that the machine gunner had to be very, very close. 60 to 120 feet away, not the much greater distance that the official version stated. The doctors said the gunmen were so close, they may have known who they were shooting, or should have - so they asked for a homicide investigation - and were turned down by Army brass. Pat's younger brother, Richard, states in the book that he believed Pat had been murdered.
   
   While the official version is that three of the snipers were shooting from a moving vehicle, Bryan O'Neil, the 18 year old Ranger by Pat's side, clearly stated that he was sure all four, including the driver, were on the ground, firing at Pat.
   
   When the sniper that shot Pat with the S.A.W. machine gun was asked why he shot Pat when he was waving his arms over his head, he said he saw Pat waving his arms, but decided to shoot him anyway. When a sniper was asked how he could not see who it was, or his Ranger uniform, he claimed he had laser eye surgery the week before, and could only see "shadows and silouettes". Most if not all of the Rangers with Pat were waving their arms and yelling "cease fire!". The men shooting at Pat all claimed they had "tunnel vision", and did not see all the Rangers waving their arms or the Ranger vehicles nearby. Bryan O'Neal, the Ranger next to Pat, and another Ranger just behind him, both stated that the men that killed Pat were no more than 120 feet from him, or less - in broad daylight.
   
   The driver of the vehicle, Kellet Sayre, claimed he knew "within a split second" of coming out of the canyon that there were Rangers and Ranger vehicles ahead of him, yet he failed, in the two lulls in firing at Pat, to tell his three passengers firing at Pat - or to turn the vehicle around and drive away, rather than to keep advancing.
   
   Kevin Tillman, Pat's brother, who was in a vehicle behind the vehicle load of Rangers that shot up Pat, was not told what happened and quickly shipped out.
   
   Mary Tillman and family were also told by Army brass that there were no bullet fragments left in Pat. The Army doctor's report said there were fragments in Pat.
   
   Later, Ranger Kevin Tillman, was told he would be assigned to the same squad as three of the snipers that shot his brother, and sent to Iraq. He told his superior that he refused to serve with them. Bryan O'Neal, the Ranger with Pat, was sent back to Ranger school, then to the same squad as the driver of the vehicle. This driver tried to convince Bryan that it was Pat's own fault that he got shot. Strange set of circumstances, to say the least.
   
   It is interesting to note, that Pat was not shot during just one rapid targeting sequence. He was shot at, then the shooting stopped, supposedly to reload, as stated by one of the gunmen, Sgt. Baker. He was again shot at, and he threw a smoke grenade. In addition, a sergeant on the ridgeline shot a signal flare. The firing stopped again. Pat assumed the smoke grenade signaled that they were Rangers, and again stood waving his arms, yelling, " It's Pat F... Tillman, Frinedlies! Cease fire!", when he was shot first in the legs. When he fell to a crouching position, he was then shot in the chest and three shots to the forehead,by Stephen Ashpole, actually destroying his head. Nevertheless, they claimed he had CPR twice, so they could burn his body armor and clothes. Army regs require you to be alive in order to destroy the clothes as a biohazard. If it was acknowledged he was dead, the evidence, by regulation, could not be destroyed. The first person assigned to an investigation, which was later "lost", saw the body armor shot up. The four gunners also shot the platoon leader and the radio operator. All bullets found in anyone or any vehicle were "green tipped" - meaning U.S. issue.
   
   When Mary Tillman questioned the Army brass on why the Ranger snipers fired a third time at Pat, after he threw a purple smoke grenade, they stated they were wrong about telling her it was purple, that it was actually white, and the snipers thought the massive amount of billowing smoke was just "dust be kicked up by the bullets". Mary Tillman said she was at the Ranger graduation ceremonies, where smoke grenades were used for theatrical effect, and found that hard to believe.
   
   It doesn't help that Pat, with his enlistment almost up, had made an appointment with an M.I.T. professor, Noam Chomsky, a highly regarded intellectual who was against the Iraq invasion, to talk. In the minds of many, this adds cynical overtones to the story. You also have to ask why Pat was given more psychological evaluations than any other Ranger he knew.
   
   What is all the more shocking and amazing is that people like Glenn Beck and O'Reilly never seem to read or look into things like this, and report to the American public. Is it simply incompetence, or calculated omission on their part?
   
   The question at hand is, you must ask yourself if this was unintentional homicidal negligence - or was it intentional homicide? The homicide investigation requested by the Army doctors who did the autopsy report, and did not know it was "friendly fire", was refused by higher ups, so we may never know.
   
   My heartfelt condolences to Pat's wife and family. Mary Tillman is a courageous woman who somehow managed to write this book and have the names of the people responsible brought out into the court of public opinion, including those who know them well, such as relatives, friends and others in their social circle. They must live with what they have done, whether they were active in the shooting or the coverup. There is a certain justice to that.



5. This book is incredibly heart wrenching. A great read. Wish I could have known Pat after reading this book.

5 comments about First Things First: The Rules of Being a Warner.

1. Thia is a wonderful book, about a good Christain Family. I would recommend this
   book to anyone



2. This is a story about much more than a famous and talented athlete -- this is a story about an amazing family that purposes to raise their kids in a Godly fashion and share their blessings with needy children. You will laugh and cry but mostly, be inspired to follow Kurt and Brenda Warner's lead.



3. I read this book in three sittings -- it's THAT good!
   
   Brenda and Kurt are delightful and I actually laughed out loud several times while reading this book.
   
   Brenda has been through so much in her life already and I just admire her. I'm going through a rough time right now in my life and this couldn't have come at a better time for me.
   
   I will be using many of the parenting techniques I learned in this book and I will also be on the lookout for any other books Brenda and or Kurt write.
   
   Kurt is just as special as I thought. It's so nice to have a celebrity like him to look up to.
   
   Love this book. I might just read it again for the heck of it.



4. This book was the most enjoyable
   reading I have experienced in
   a long time. What an inspiration!
   Thank you. CJO



5. I did not buy this book, a friend asked me to read it and quite frankly I was relieved that I didn't spend any money on it. The Warners seem like a nice enough family, I was raised in a very large family myself (11 sisters and 1 brother)and although my parents didn't have all the "Warner Rules", we all grew up to be great adults. I think parenting is basically using alot of common sense and love. I was just frankly bored with this book. I got to the point where I just read Kurt's chapters because Brenda was reminding me to much of Kate Gosselin. I also am a mother of a special needs daughter and I appreciate that the Warners have formed their foundation First Things First, there are so many kids out there that need programs that have loving, caring people helping them achieve more in life.

5 comments about Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton.

1. I am not a sports fan but Walter Payton's behavior on and off the field had caught my attention. How many people would earn the nickname "sweetness" especially in sports. I remember his illness and the day his death was announced and I called my daughter at work to let her know. She was a huge fan. My cousin recomended this book; I had never heard of it. He had said he was not a reader but this book was so inspiring he said I should read it. It was no longer in print so I tried Amazon.
   
   Everything about this man and his family just screamed character and loyalty. Not only was he a fantastic athlete, he was also an honorable man who did not let his abilities and fame turn his head. The books detail on his training was inspiring in that it spoke of his self motivation in detail and how he did not take time off between seasons. Training was too important to him. He also never got tired of his fans and always made time for them. The book is an easy read, it is well laid out and detailed about a man who had very little and made the most of it and never tried to take the spotlight from anyone else.



2. This has to be one of the most powerfull books I have ever read. The story of how Walter Payton lived is a great reminder that we all have more in us.
   This biography explained how Walter played and why he beleived that he should. This book will be read again.



3. NEVER DIE EASY is the story of Walter Payton the NFL Superstar, and more importantly, what he was as a man.
   
   The book starts out with Walter's last days fighting cancer. The circumstances leading to his announcement of his illness were brought to light.
   
   Walter, his brother Eddy, and sister Pam shared what it was like attending school before and during integration. Walter's football talent and personality made the process easier in Columbia,MS. On Walter's high school and college career there is a lot of contributions from teammates that played with him.
   
   Walter explained how he approached playing the game of football- "You can't work towards two different goals - individual and team. You have to play for the team goal."
   
   The book has shared insights from Bear backfield mates- Roland Harper, Matt Suhey, and Jim McMahon.
   
   Walter's view of his retirement, and the failed bid for ownership of an NFL franchise were some things that probably aren't common knowledge among fans. The two issues were directly related. That was a big disappointment to Walter Payton - not being part owner of an NFL expansion franchise. He came very close in St. Louis. If he had different partners, he might have fulfilled another of his dreams.
   
   Transcripts of the eulogies were included in the book. His son Jarrett, brother Eddy, Mike Singletary, John Madden, and Mike Ditka all spoke.
   
   This book focused more on the man than the player. There are a lot perspectives from his family members and close friends. "Never Die Easy" described Walter's running style. As great as he was on the field, he was even greater as a private citizen, contributing to charitable causes, often anonymously.
   In the days where contract size and celebrity reign in the NFL, Walter Payton was more like the Bears of old who played for the love of the game.
   If you want to read about a modern football hero with an "old school" work ethic, this is the book.



4. The title of this book says it all! Walter Payton lived life the best way anyone should, doing your very best at whatever you do! Walter Payton was extraordinary both off and on the football field. He is a true hero who touched many lives and leaves a great legacy behind; Walter you are still missed by all! I never met Walter and I was too young to see witness his amazing football skills but I am inspired by his personal story. Everyone should read this; it's inspirational!



5. Excellent book, very well written, and quite moving.
   
   This is NOT a book about football, but rather, a book about an amazing individual, and the impact he had on so many people.
   
   It's very easy to read, as it's more like a collection of short stories, so you don't have to read-it at one sitting.

5 comments about Dixieland Delight: A Football Season on the Road in the Southeastern Conference.

1. I'm in the middle of reading it, but it is well written and hilarious at times. I often find myself laughing out loud, making for awkward moments on the morning metro ride. The section about Jefferson Pilot is perfection.



2. Hilarious and insightfull look at the teams, fans and structure of SEC Football. Once you read this, you'll be a fan forever.



3. Clay offers a glimpse of what SEC football is like from a fan's perspective. There's nothing groundbreaking especially if you are already an SEC fan. He simply visits every campus, offers a few opinions about the places, throws out a few tired jokes that SEC fans have heard countless times and lets us know he went to Vandy Law School. It was boring to me, but for someone completely unfamiliar with southern college football culture, it might be somewhat entertaining.



4. Just a fun read for SEC fans (I love his ranking of schools by parties, women, etc). Well written and just a fun book to read and pass on to another SEC fan. We take ourselves too seriously and this is just a light hearted look at "our conference". Roll Tide!



5. This was a great book with interesting stories of how football is done right. No football in the country beats SEC Football! Great job telling it like it really is. I only wish I could have come along.
   
   Gary,
   Zionsville, IN

4 comments about Beyond the Final Score: There's More to Life Than the Game.

1. The book came quickly and in perfect condition. I just didn't like it as much as I thought I would. However, I haven't finished it. Maybe the second half will be more interesting to me.



2. This is a tricky title - like Faith in the Game - it has a double meaning. You might think it means "What is important in football besides the final score" and that would be partially right. But more importantly it means (I think) "What I have been doing since the last (final) time that an Osborne-coached team scored." In some sense, it is an update or extension of Dr. Osborne's previous books - More Than Winning, On Solid Ground, and Faith In The Game.
   The book is divided into short (one to four page) essays. At times the essays are closely related to develop an integrated story, and sometimes they are more stand-alone.
   The first two chapters are a review of his principles of integrity, honesty, doing things the right way, selflessness, the need to have a purpose in life, the importance of process, his spiritual journey as a Christian, and the Christian world view in contrast to other world views.
   The remaining chapters deal with Dr Osborne's service as a U. S. Congressman, his unsuccessful run for governor, leadership, his mentoring organization, his hobbies, and serving. Most of these chapters left me wanting more depth and breadth on the topic. Dr. Osborne has taught college courses in leadership, and I think he could write a book on leadership. Such a book could have wide appeal to anyone who wants to be a better leader. As it is, Beyond the Final Score has somewhat limited appeal to people who are not fans of either the Cornhuskers or Dr. Osborne.
   You might think it is egotistical to conclude the chapter on leadership with 13 pages containing 18 testimonies, from football players, coaches, and congressional staffers on Dr. Osborne's leadership. But the purpose of these testimonies is to show that the transformational leadership style that Dr. Osborne advocates can be highly effective and to encourage others to adopt this style.



3. Tom Osborne is a "class act". I would expect nothing less with a Book written by him.



4. Former Nebraska football coach and one of the few useful Congressmen in the last 15 years has written a book that should provide spiritual and professional direction to all who care to read it. I have read each and every book Dr. Tom has written and never come away disappointed.

5 comments about Education of a Coach, The.

1. Reading David Halberstam's acknowledgements in the book "The Education of A Coach" before acutally reading the book, will give the reader a good idea of what he's in for; Bill Belichick hero-worship. I was looking for a book on Belichick because I know he was a student of the game, with no real playing experience, and he became tremendously successful in his industry. I was looking for something tangible to take from the book; an opportunity to learn from Belichick's methods and his way of creating and running a winning organization. Instead, Halberstam, who admittedly idolized Belichick before writing the book (before even meeting him personally), offers only a brief summary of Bill Belichick's life from birth until the latest Pats Super Bowl. Bill Belichick's flaws and mistakes are excused away, or blamed on others, and his successes are credited to him unconditionally. Two examples of this are Halberstam's excusing away Belichick's failure in Cleveland by blaming the media, the fans, and the ownership, and not by fully examining the way Belichick dealt with LT as a defensive coordinator with the Giants.
   
   The second case, with LT, has a few pages of text devoted to it, but it reads like a Dick and Jane book. The problem is explained, but the solution is not, as a reader this bothers me to no end. In summary the author only states that if a similar problem with a player arose in the future, Belichick would address it immediately, how is not explained.
   
   Unfortunately, a good author misses a chance to write a great book on a very interesting man. Dissappointing at best. Why David Halberstam? Why!?!



2. David Halberstam is best known for his award-winning history narratives on the Viet Nam war
   (Best and the Brightest) and Korean War (The Coldest Winter). However, Halberstam
   has written some eminently readable books on sports. His writing is characterized by in depth
   analyses of the key personalities of his topic be it history, politics, or sports.
   
   Education of a Coach is only 270 pages. It is about Bill Belichik and pro football.
   And, in the Halberstam style of writing, it starts with an engrossing story about Belichik's
   grandfather, an impoverished, illiterate Croatian immigrant who leaves his wife and
   family to find work in America. The immigrant becomes a coal miner and his son
   becomes a respected college football scout. The grandson, Bill, is a good football player,
   high on intelligence and passion for the game, but low on talent and speed. Football
   injuries at a small college (Wesleyan) prevent him from going any further as a player.
   But he loves football, and persuades Ted Marchibroda to take him on as an unpaid
   assistant to review football film for the Baltimore Colts.
   .
   This book is really about the football coaching fraternity and Bill Belichik's extraordinary
   persistence in learning the game. Low pay, humiliation, failures are an essential part of his
   education as he slowly ascends each level of the football hierarchy. You see how hard he works
   and you are silently rooting for him to succeed. The core of this book is Halberstam's depiction
   of Belichik's uncanny ability to analyze the opponent's offensive weakness. His patient
   absorption of football knowledge comes from established coaches and teachers. He learns what
   set George Allen and Paul Brown apart from their contemporaries - their exceptional attention
   to detail. And then he is shaped by his own experiences and failures. These insights would be
   overlooked by most sports writers. After all, Belichik is a colorless, low-key and unlikeable
   introvert and any book about him alone would be boring. But Halberstam's book is far from boring.
   
   Personal glimpses of his stormy relation with Bill Parcells, Lawrence Taylor's impact on football
   strategy, and the rise of an unheralded Tom Brady are well-known to most pro football fans.
   Football junkies are attracted by the glitz and glamor of pro football. However, there is little
   glitz and no glamor either in this book or in Bill Belichik. Yet it remains an absorbing book for
   those who want to understand why some football teams are consistent winners. The average fan is
   fascinated by the outrageous personalities of the player celebrities and the intoxicating elixir
   of following a winning team. The complex mechanics of the game, the arduous preparation in game
   strategy,and the system that is devised that leads to a winning team will be too deep for
   impatient fans. The missing ingredient that I wish Halberstam would have discussed in more detail
   is the chemistry between Belichik and his players.
   
   When Belichik finally gets his chance as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, he fails, and he fails
   badly. He returns to the New York Jets under his last previous head coach, the volatile Bill Parcells.
   Parcells became furious when Belichick, his defensive assistant, overrules him andcalls a blitz that
   Parcells opposes. When the blitz works, Parcells lets go. He yells at Belichik over an open microphone,
   shocking everyone who hears it. "You're a genius -everyone knows it, a goddamned genius. But, that's
   why you failed as a head coach - that's why you'll never be a head coach --- some genius."
   
   But, Belichik gets one last chance when the New England Patriots give the head coaching
   job to him in 2000.. At age 47, he hand-builds a team with no obvious stars, but whose players
   are intelligent, teachable, and can function in the Belichik system in which the individual
   is subservient to the team. The under-appreciated part of the book are the young assistants that he
   grooms (and who are now emerging into the upper echelon of coaches and general managers
   in pro football.) Two years later, to everyone's surprise including Belichik's, the New England Patriots
   win the Super Bowl - their first ever - by upsetting the St Louis Rams who were heavily favored by 2
   touchdowns. And he knows and his coaches know that his team wasn't that good.
   As the game ends, Belichik hugs his longtime friend and assistant coach Ernie Adams and blurts
   "Can you believe that we won the Super Bowl with this team?"
   Ron Jaworski who analyzed the film after the game, called it the greatest coaching job that he had ever seen.
   By 2007, after 3 Super Bowls and one 16-0 season, Belichik's reign in New England has been labeled a Dynasty
   You have a front row seat as Halberstam lays out the Education of a Coach.



3. Books talks more about his life and not so much as how he breaks down X's and O's.



4. As a biography of Belichick this book is a decent read. As a vehicle for showing the often unseen world of NFL coaching and its pressures is what I believe sets this book apart from a simple biography of the man.
   
   Halberstam shows how critical it is for aspiring coaches to build and keep relationships with others in the football business. Jobs are often gotten, perhaps most often, due to connections made early in ones career. Belichick had a huge advantage over many in that his father was already a successful coach well thought of by football insiders. This inside connection to the game allowed Bill to be given a chance when many others would not have gotten the opportunity.
   
   Bill made the most of his chance with hard work and intelligence but his rise faced many obstacles, especially spending several years working for Bill Parcells and enduring that mans immense ego and sarcastic and often insulting and bullying behavior.
   
   Belichicks rise to the pinnacle of his profession is a wonderful study of an intelligent mans rise to the top. Halberstam exposes, warts and all, a coaches nomadic and pressure filled life.



5. Like an all-star game, The Education of a Coach is replete with famous names and high priced talent, but fails to completely satisfy.
   
   Perhaps baseball is a sport better given over to prose than football. Perhaps the funny bounces on the diamond and in the outfield, the lack of a clock, and the infield fly rule simply make baseball a less linear game, but Halberstam's baseball books are simply better.
   
   The Belichick saga is straightforward. Dad is a great coach with superior understanding of the Xs and Os. He passes his love for football systems and schemes to his son. He passes his many football industry connections to his son. The son executes with a passion for detail. He stumbles in unfortunate circumstances in Cleveland, tries again briefly in New York, and finds success in New England. A son of a working class, immigrant family prospers in the end.
   
   It's an okay tale, but might have been far better were more locker room stories, more plane trip stories, more anecdotes served. The single best story, that of a summer camp bet between Belichick and Matt Light (could the offensive lineman field a punt in a high pressure situation?) is brilliant and illustrates precisely what drives a coach. We are left wanting more.
   
   As a catalog of old-time football names (Paul Brown, Roger Staubach, Ted Marchibroda, Al Davis, Vince Lombardi, and even West Point's Tom Cahill) Halberstam shows off his research. He also interviews a wide swath of notable footballers, sportscasters, and analysts...Ron Jaworski has spot-on commentary...but the results are boringly consistent. Belichick as intrepid disciple. Belichick as hard worker. Belichick as genius coach and mentor. Admirable certainly, but there is not a lot of spice or sizzle. A book about George Allen, or Hank Stram might have been far more entertaining.
   
   Nevertheless, it filled the void for this Patriots fan whose team was knocked out in Round 1 this year.