5 comments about Tiki: My Life in the Game and Beyond.

1. I was born and raised in Vinton, VA, just outside Roanoke. I have always followed the careers of both Ronde and Tiki Barber. I am proud that two local guys have done well for themselves--they deserve it! I enjoyed the book, even though I admit to skimming the detailed football games! My problem with Tiki's book is how he made Roanoke, Va seem in the country. He calls it rural and semi-rural a couple of times. He even says at one point that he wasn't sure that Roanoke had a limo service when he graduated from Cave Spring High School in 1993! You've got to be kidding!!! I graduated from smaller William Byrd High in Vinton in 1991 and I am sure we had limos for prom. Please, Tiki, don't act like you came from the sticks. This is Roanoke, not far southwest Virginia!!!



2. Dear Tiki, the reviewers on this site who labeled your book as self-serving could not be more spot-on. All I had to read were a few pages of your book, starting on page 59, where you talk about a dear friend of mine from college (yes, I went to Virginia and was in the class of '97 with you). If you were trying to prove that you've faced adversity in your life, this was not the appropriate way to accomplish this. You exploited a short-lived relationship with my friend and as a result completely disrespected her. If you want anyone to believe that you grieved after her death, you should have first spelled her name correctly. This was one of a few inaccuracies I quickly discovered. I always thought you were a very nice person in college but now, I unfortunately can't look at you on TV without feeling a little ill. Next time, do your homework. Better yet, consider the lives and feelings of others before your own. These few pages in your book were disgraceful.



3. It was an excellent book, but after I finnished reading the book it left me with alot of questions. Which some you just can't bare not to find the answer and you keep searching and searching, but still can't find the answer. That was one of the things that bothered me in this book. One thing that you mite enjoy it as much as I did, at the end of the book there is a section of the book with all of his stats and records. He is one of the best running backs ever to play the game. He is compared to Barry Snders,and alot more of the famous or to be famous running backs. One thing you mite not like is that he criticizes Tom Coughlin because of his practice style that every body should have th same drills as every other player if tour a rokie, bench warmer, star, or hall of famer you have the same practice as every body else.



4. I have been giants fan all my life ...Tiki was self serving on the field .... althouth successful ... he obviously was not a team player ... Tiki is now part of the drive by media ... will say whatever it takes to sell !!!!



5. I picked up this book with mixed feelings. Around the NY area, there are Tiki-lovers and Tiki-haters. I neither loved nor hated Tiki, I am just a Giants fan who wishes he had stayed, but understands why he left. It is his own decision, and I respect it. Sometimes I think fans want to control players lives, like they are some sort of commodity and we are on the board of directors. Life doesn't work like that.
   
   Enough preaching, and on to my review: I loved this book. It is the type where you cannot put it down; you say to yourself, "One more chapter and I'll go to sleep," and the next thing you know it is an hour later and you've read 5 more chapters. So you keep on reading.
   
   I think in this book the reader can really get to know Tiki. The style, pace, is as if Tiki is narrating all of this. I am not sure how much his ghost-writer contributed to this, but of all sports biographies, this seems to me the one most likely to have been penned by the athlete, with minimal editing.
   
   Reading about Tiki's childhood, relationship with his twin Ronde, his wife Ginny, members of the team, his masseuse in the city (strictly therapy) and especially his trip to Israel and meeting Shimon Peres, it was just incredibly engaging.
   
   I recommend this book not only to Giants fans, but to anyone who wants to read a biography of someone who has a positive attitude, isn't scared to speak his mind, and wants to better himself and society. I respect Tiki a lot more, and to me he is no longer #21 hiding under a helmet, or the stud runningback on my fantasy team, he is a real person about whom I really know something.

5 comments about Tony Romo: America's Next Quarterback.

1. If you're looking to learn more about Tony Romo's pre-NFL days, you'll probably be disappointed. While the book does touch on that information, the bulk of the book consists of (a) recaps of the Cowboys' journey to finding its next great quarterback, (b) recaps of the games in Romo's first two seasons as a starter, and (c) full-page color photos (there's one on nearly every spread).
   
   Plus, the typos and grammatical errors are plentiful. Even running spell-check would have caught some of them. No "editor" read this book prior to publishing, that is obvious. Readers deserve better.



2. Good information on Tony Romo's short career. The only downfall was some editing problems, i.e. spelling. Overall a good book.



3. I am not pleased with this product. The description said NEW and I just received it and the cover is scratched up badly. This is not what a NEW product looks like to me.



4. This book is an easy and quick read. It provides both a photographic and descriptive background, with insight into the man behind the helmet.
   
   A must buy for any Tony Romo fan.
   
   Very enjoyable!



5. Very many excellent pictures. General introduction to the Dallas Cowboys. Very easy to read. Paperback cover, but thick. Thick nice paper. Very colorfull, good setting, and well presented. Starts with young high schooler Romo and finishes with his greatest 2007 performance with the Cowboys up to his new contract extension of $67.5 through 2013. As the author states: "Tony Romo, the player that no Division I wanted, and the one I-AA program that did offered only a partial scholarship. Tony Romo, the player 32 NFL teams passed on the draft seven times each. Tony Romo ... America's Next Quaterback." With diligence, working hard and belief, you can reach farther than the stars. Excellent example for young readers. Tony Romo is a leader. Buy it! Enjoy it!

No comments about Call Me Coach: A Life in College Football.

5 comments about No Ordinary Joe: The Biography of Joe Paterno.

1. For most sports fans, the name Joe Paterno is a familiar one. The images conjured up by the name may vary...some see a living god while others see a need for change. Regardless of your views, this book is informative and well balanced. As a loyal Penn State fan, I found this book to be well written and objective. The writing style is not too stuffy or "textbook" like, yet the author is able to remain insightful as well as entertaining. This book focuses on the work of Penn State football coach Joe Paterno during the 2004 season; the bulk of the story is a tale of the ups and downs that took place during that season. However, there is also a great deal of exposition when it comes to the privilige, politics, and power of Division I college football. In some sections of the story, Penn State University and the town of State College, PA become a unique world where attitudes can change like the seasons. What I found to be the most informative was the description of Paterno's interactions with the media.
   
   Joe Paterno's life serves as an interesting character study. Mostly because of his actions and the way that he has oriented his life around the university and the athletic program. This book does not force its hand by telling you how to feel about Joe, instead it describes the situation and leaves you to draw your own conclusions. There is some obvious admiration for Paterno, but it does not reach the point of being one-sided.
   
   I would recommend this book for all college football fans. If nothing else, this story serves as an informative piece about the "hidden" side of commercialization and college sports.



2. I have always said that if I had a son worthy of playing big-time college football, I'd send him to Penn State to play for Joe Paterno. My thoughts haven't changed a whip since reading this book. Michael O'Brien does a wonderful job in detailing the life and philosophy of one of the most colorful and downright good people to ever live.

   O'Brien pulls no punches. Paterno is brash, at times mean and expects a lot out of his players, but he is also a loving father figure to players and the student body. Paterno is no saint though. If you don't produce, you are in trouble... but isn't that the way of the world. His philosophy, richly detailed in a chapter on Patero's coaching style, should be copied by the Spurriers and the Sabans of the world.

   I haven't read any other O'Brien books, but I definitely will be looking for them on my next trip to the book store. This book is a quick read, but it makes you feel good about the world again when you realize that there are still people like Paterno out there that don't compromise themselves for money and fame.

   Now I just wish O'Brien would write a book on Coach K because if I had a son that was good at hoops I'd send him to Duke.




3. If I had bought this book first, I probably would have been happy with the book. But as an owner of four other books relating to Coach Paterno I found this one to be a repeat of the other writings. I really learned nothing new from this book at all. Maybe I expected too much or maybe Paterno's story has already been told.



4. There are a lot of biographies out there written by people who assume that simple fame warrants public interest. This is not one of them, because Joe Paterno is a truly fascinating man. Success and prestige don't often go hand in hand, but somehow Joe has made it work, and is the reason that Penn State isn't just another big-money school trying to win football games on the backs of exploited kids. If how he does that in this day and age isn't intriguing, I don't know what is. For anyone who has ever turned on a Saturday football game and wondered what possesses the guy in the nerdy rolled-up pants and coke-bottle glasses to keep going, then you have a valid question which this book can answer in a way that will captivate you, page after page. For once, we have a book about football that isn't about football at all--it's about what an extraordinary person can do to a little agricultural school to put a tiny college town on the map in the greatest way possible.

   Put a thermometer to the JoePa sentiments in State College and you may be surprised that a fervent admiration that pervades the town, and for good reason. Hey, there has to be some reason we would like a guy enough to make a bean bag doll out of him...give him his own ice cream flavor (Peachy Paterno)...and put his face on mugs...and golf balls. ("Guaranteed to go up the middle three out of four times.") And there has to be something about a guy who would give up a $1.4 million coaching contract with the Boston Patriots to keep a $35,000 job in Happy Valley. The fact is, the guy has integrity that borders on insanity, and that makes him interesting as heck.

   On a final note, this is a dangerous book in that it will feed an obsession born of fandom. Be careful with this book. I have a friend, the daughter of Penn State's president, and every year she obliges me by hand-delivering a batch of Santa Joe cookies to the Paternos at the bowl games. Make sure you don't go as far over the edge as I did.




5. There are a lot of biographies out there written by people who assume that simple fame warrants public interest. This is not one of them, because Joe Paterno is a truly fascinating man. Success and prestige don't often go hand in hand, but somehow Joe has made it work, and is the reason that Penn State isn't just another big-money school trying to win football games on the backs of exploited kids. If how he does that in this day and age isn't intriguing, I don't know what is. For anyone who has ever turned on a Saturday football game and wondered what possesses the guy in the nerdy rolled-up pants and coke-bottle glasses to keep going, then you have a valid question which this book can answer in a way that will captivate you, page after page. For once, we have a book about football that isn't about football at all--it's about what an extraordinary person can do to a little agricultural school to put a tiny college town on the map in the greatest way possible.

   Put a thermometer to the JoePa sentiments in State College and you may be surprised that a fervent admiration that pervades the town, and for good reason. Hey, there has to be some reason we would like a guy enough to make a bean bag doll out of him...give him his own ice cream flavor (Peachy Paterno)...and put his face on mugs...and golf balls. ("Guaranteed to go up the middle three out of four times.") ...The fact is, the guy has integrity that borders on insanity, and that makes him interesting as heck.

   On a final note, this is a dangerous book in that it will feed an obsession born of fandom. Be careful with this book. I have a friend, the daughter of Penn State's president, and every year she obliges me by hand-delivering a batch of Santa Joe cookies to the Paternos at the bowl games. Make sure you don't go as far over the edge as I did.

1 comments about 10 to 4 Brett Favre's Journey From Rotten.

1. The book 10 to 4 was totally awesome. It gave you a great insite as to how close Brett came to not playing football past high school. It shows you there are probably allot of athletic individual who never get a chance at college or pro out of high school. A great book to read whether you are a Brett Farve fan or not.

5 comments about Chad: I Can't Be Stopped.

1. I LOVED THE INSIGHT THAT CHAD'S BOOK OFFERS SPORT FANS. IT'S ALWAYS A PRIVILEDGE TO GET A GLIMPSE INSIDE A CELEBRITY'S LIFE AND CHAD DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. AS FOR CHAD'S BRAND OF TRASH TALK, I'D ADVISE ANY PRO SPORTS FAN TO READ A BOOK CALLED 'TRASH TALK' BY ROBERT GUSSIN. IT'S A SPORTS COMEDY BONANZA. CHAD, HAVE YOU READ IT?



2. Written by "Cincinnati Enquirer" sports columnist Paul Daugherty, Chad: I Can't Be Stopped is the true-life story of National Football League superstar Chad Johnson - well known for his professional prowess, and perhaps also known for his touchdown celebrations that prompted the NFL to tighten their rules on what is considered a permissible expression of victory. Black-and-white photographs illustrate this candid story of Chad the person as well as Chad the expert football player. "Says Hue Jackson, Bengals receiver coach and one of Johnson's few confidantes, 'Chad doesn't drink or smoke. He's not a guy that has to be out among the celebrities. I don't lose sleep on Saturday nights, worrying about Chad Johnson.'" Highly recommended as an upbeat, in-depth portrait of an athlete who happens to be a positive role model.



3. This book is great. It offers a behind the scene look at the life of one of the most successful wide recievers in NFL history. Excellent!



4. Chad I can't be stopped, is and incredible book. I give this peice of work 5 stars. The way the author goes into complete depth and detail is amazing. Also the authors tell many stories which are told in Chad's his prospective about how he plays and performs in the football games. Also how he thinks he played in the steelers game in 2005 and his locker room breakdown in his point of veiw. Many of my favorite parts are when Bessie Mae talks about her grandson Chad and how she straitened him up and made him go to school. Apparently Chad did not like school at all. Chad says he made school harder than it needed to be but thanks to Bessie he made it through. Chad says Bessie Mae is the most important women in his life without her he wouldn't have made it. I also liked how the author included where Bessie grew up and how she wanted a better life for her children and that happened according to her family and Chad. I have to say though my favorite part is when he talks about his tuesdays and how when everyone eles is off work he's trying so hard to get better. Chad is a hero on and off the field and this book really highlights that. It also tells about Chad's journey to get where he is now which a successful star is. Chad is a hero but most importantly he mine and the Greater Cincinnati's too. GO BENGALS!!!!
   
   Chads biggest Fan



5. Chad I can't be stopped, is and incredible book. I give this peice of work 5 stars. The way the author goes into complete depth and detail is amazing. Also the authors tell many stories which are told in Chad's his prospective about how he plays and performs in the football games. Many of my favorite parts are when Bessie Mae talks about her grandson Chad and how she straitened him up and made him go to school. Apparently Chad did not like school at all. Chad says he made school harder than it needed to be. I also liked how the author included where Bessie grew up and how she wanted a better life for her children and that happened according to her family and Chad. Chad is a hero on and off the field and this book really highlights that. It also tells about Chad's journey to get where he is now which a successful star is. Chad is a hero but most importantly he mine and the Greater Cincinnati's too. GO BENGALS!!!!
   
   Chads biggest Fan

5 comments about Barry Sanders Now You See Him: His Story in His Own Words.

1. What a great Back. Rather booring book. Not too interesting at all. Very blah.



2. I was so glad to see this book and DVD come out. The story of Barry Sanders the NFL's legendary running back who played for the Detroit Lions for his entire NFL career. Barry Sanders didn't break the biggest records but, his name is mentioned as a runner up for all of them. This was mainly because Barry didn't play the game to break records. He played the game to the best of his abilities..... and his best, for those of us lucky enough to see him play, was nothing short of jaw-dropping! I know that Sanders could have broke all the records but, his modest and humble personality and upbringing would not permit any showboating. In many games where his team had a good lead he would take himself out of the game rather than pile on the garbage yards like so many others. Sanders also was able to produce a staggering amount of yards behind a mediocre front line. The Superbowl would elude him for his entire career and his sudden retirement was almost brilliant as we will never know what he could have accomplished if he played a few more years. Still if you look at his stats you will see he did break many records and left an impressive mark on the game. I don't think football has been as exciting since he retired. I know that many of today's players could take a lesson from this man in class,loyalty and good sportmanship. Even if you don't agree he was the greatest running back to play the game, he was certainly the most unique! The book is interesting and the DVD is very good but, I would have loved more footage of great runs from old "20 Blue", I'm sure they could fill a hefty DVD box set with just classic Barry runs. If your a fan it's worth picking up.



3. The greatest back of all time writes a pretty boring book. some things are interesting. I wish the DVD was better...but you could make a 10 disc set with his highlights.



4. THIS IS ABOUT FORMER DETROIT LION GREAT BARRY SANDERS. HE WROTE THIS HIMSELF WITH A LITTLE HELP. HIS STORY IS SHORT, SWEET AND VERY WELL WRITTEN. IT ALSO INCLUDES A DVD SHOWING SOME OF HIS RUNS. I THINK ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS IS HIS REASONS FOR RETIRING WHEN HE WAS ON THE VERGE OF BECOMING THE TOP RUSHER OF ALL TIME. BARRY IS A CHRISTIAN AND IS HIS OWN MAN. THE BOOK IS FOR ALL LION AND FOOTBALL FANS. ENJOY.



5. I've been looking for a Barry Sanders highlights DVD for years.... good news - there finally is one, it comes with the book. Bad news? It's only about 20 minutes long, and doesn't show many of his spectacular runs. The book is outstanding, as it's written pretty much by Barry himself, and has great comments from other players in the NFL, giving him the praise he deserves. Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, they have entire 60 minute DVD's (and more) on their lives.... if any player in the history of football should have one, it's Barry Sanders. All in all, if you like football at all, and appreciate magic, this is a must have, from the most talented running back in the history of the game.

1 comments about Vagabond Halfback: The Life and Times of Johnny Blood McNally.

1. Johnny Blood McNally is one of those legendary sports heroes whose story and public image is larger than life, but this carefully researched and well written book presents the background, the context, and the complexity of character that gives a full picture of a real human being. Not only does the reader learn about McNally, but one also gets a sense of the values and social environment that gave such characters a place on the stage of public life. Anyone with an interest in the history of football, or who would like a window into the generation that came of age after World War I and were the sports heros during the depression will enjoy this book. And if you're a fan of the Green Bay Packers - a must read.

5 comments about Dan Marino: My Life in Football with DVD.

1. Probably the most known football player all over the world, a legend also in soccer-addicted old continent. He is the reason why I'm a dolfan, so this book was a great Christmas gift for me. Great pictures, dvd. A must-have book!



2. Bueno desde hace mucho queria comprar el libro de Dan Marino
   
   Soy fan de los Dolphins y de Dan Marino desde hace mucho tiempo
   
   Vivo en El Salvador y estoy muy feliz por la compra
   
   La entrega fue rapida y el producto esta en buenas condiciones...



3. Having been a huge fan of Dan Marino's and the Miami Dolphins since 1983 I can highly recommend this book.
   
   "My Life in Football" details Marino's early days playing football at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, PA to being drafted by the Dolphins in 1983 and follows through to Dan's broadcasting career and charity work. The personal and professional photographs alone are worth the price of this book but add an introduction by one of the greatest NFL coaches in history, Don Shula, and you'll be hard pressed to find a better inside view of professional football.



4. My husband could not have been more pleased.



5. Overall I thought the book was okay (the dvd was great), I would of like to learn more about Dan's thoughts on the nfl and some more personal stories of the locker room and training camp experiences he had. The book has a lot of great photos.

No comments about Captain Crash and the Dallas Cowboys.