5 comments about Don't Flinch - Barry Alvarez: The Autobiography The Story of Wisconsin's All-Time Winningest Coach.

1. This was a really interesting book written by one of the more successful college coaches in recent memory. He takes you from his humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to his triumphs in the Rose Bowl. I found it particularly interesting because I got to see his perspective on a number of football games I had attended. Well written, it was an easy and enoyable read.



2. I like reading coach's books. If you're reading a coach's autobiography you can be sure that he was successful. Reading stories about successful people won't make you successful in itself, but you certainly can learn a lot from them.
   
   Some coach's stories, like Mack Brown's "One Heartbeat II" are smarmy, folksy stories about the coach's life philosophy containing stories about overcoming adversity or getting a team to come together to experience that championship season.
   
   A lot of coach's stories wind up in those business-motivational books, but I don't typically read those. Normally the messages they're delivering gets thinned out to the point that they become a manager's catch phrase. Executives buy them, then put them on the bookshelf in their office. Makes them look well-read. I've worked with a lot of executives. I usually make the point of pulling a book or two off out of their library and open it. 90% of them make that cracking sound a hardcover book makes the first time you open it. But I digress.
   
   Coach's stories tend to fall prey to a fair amount of sugar-coating. Not so with "Don't Flinch - Barry Alvarez: The Autobiography". The book starts (after forewards by Lou Holtz and author James Patterson) with Wisconsin's 2006 Capital One Bowl against Auburn. Going into the game, no one gave Wisconsin a chance to win. Alvarez starts by talking about how he would have rather played Alabama. Alvarez played for Nebraska when Alabama beat the Cornhuskers in the 1966 Orange Bowl, 39-28, and relates how Paul "Bear" Bryant arrogantly humiliated the Huskers later at an awards banquet. Alvarez makes it clear that this isn't how he's spent his career. Beating people is one thing. Rubbing their noses in it is another thing entirely, and something that Alvarez doesn't condone. He then goes on to talk about how he handled his underdog status and coached Wisconsin to a win.
   
   That initial story sets the tone for the book. Author Mike Lucas takes us through Alvarez' life, using his Western Pennsylvania background to set the stage for Barry's brand of football - conservative, hard-nosed, and physical. Alvarez played college football at Nebraska under legendary coach Bob Devaney. His first head coaching position was in Lexington, Nebraska where he chose to move instead of taking a job with the FBI. He later moved to Mason City, Iowa in a head coaching position. After being successful there, he went to the University of Iowa as an assistant under Hayden Fry. Later he joined Lou Holtz' staff at Notre Dame, serving as the defensive coordinator on the 1988 Fighting Irish National Championship team.
   
   Along the journey you're treated to the reasons as to why he was successful in each position, and what he learned from the people around him, particularly coaches. All the while his goal remains clear - to be a head college football coach. There are times he strikes you as incredibly stubborn and/or arrogant but completely capable of listening to other people giving good advice.
   
   He notes that during the 1990 1-10 season, there were times at which he would close his office doors and curl up on his couch in a fetal position. He had gotten so used to winning that his body ached from losing. There aren't a whole lot of big-name coaches that would admit that so freely in their autobiography. His wife Cindy plays a prominent role in the book making it clear, supporting him through rough times and sometimes bringing him back down to earth. As his coaching career is nearing it's end Alvarez makes an honest assessment of himself and concludes that it's time to move on, becoming Wisconsin's athletic director.
   
   I liked Barry Alvarez before I read his story. Now I like him even more. The line "Don't Flinch" remains a constant theme throughout the book as Alvarez points out how to respond when the game (football or life) is on the line. Certainly Wisconsin fans should be interested in this book, but I'd recommend Barry's autobiography to anyone who's interested in reading those water-down business motivational books as well. The stories are much more interesting and just as insightful. On top of that, you'd probably finish this book. How many of those motivational books have you finished?



3. A great read and refreshing to know that hard work, focus and the love and respect of family is still the formula for success.



4. Barry Alvarez grew up in a hard scrabble Western Pa town and learned life's lessons early. It also shows that while it may not have been an easy road, it can be done. This book contains many stories and messages for any young man thinking of taking the road of football beyond high-shcool. More so it holds a story of one mans philosophy of hard nose, stick to it, don't give up mentality as a kid coming up from nothing to make it in big time college football.
   
   Barry Alvarez came from little but had a lot instilled in him by his family, his friends and his coaches as he came up the ladder from Pee Wee Football to College player and then to coaching. Those coaches and family/friends instilled in him that you can do whatever your heart desires if you work hard enough and don't fear sticking to your guns.
   
   Great read for any football fanatic.



5. My husband wanted this book for Christmas so I got it for him. He says it is one of the best books he has ever read. He is a diehard college football fan--but not necessarily a Wisconsin fan.

5 comments about It's Only a Game.

1. I could hardly put this book down. Very interesting stories about his childhood, football career from grade school through the pros and life after the NFL. All the things that went on during his career in the NFL. I found this book very enjoyable. He doesn't hide anything and I admire his honesty.



2. This is one of the funniest autobiographies I have ever read. Several times during the course of my reading, my wife feared for my sanity as I laughed hysterically. Two incidents in particular had me howling: Terry's adventure with the horse, and when his Dad opened the box from the marketing firm.
   Terry has always been one of my football heros and now I have a great deal of respect for him as a person. This account is warm, funny, and honest. By the way, he called his own plays . . .



3. This book covered everything I hoped to hear about - from college QB thru Pittsburgh and into TV's best pre-game show. The book is fast paced, enjoyable throughout and quite informative. All that's missing is a couple of one-on-one hours with Terry to ask more about everything.



4. TERRY BRADSHAW PERSONIFIES HUMOR. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK FOR VARIOUS REASONS. I ENJOYED HIS RETELLING OF HIS STEELERS DAYS AND HIS RELATIONSHIPS WITH VARIOUS TEAMATES. HIS DOWN TO EARTH HONESTY IS ANOTHER FACET I FOUND REFRESHING. AND ABOVE ALL WAS HIS STORY TELLING OF HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE BROADCASTING BUSINESS. I ENJOY THE PREGAME HYPE WITH BRADSHAW AND HIS 3 COHORTS EACH WEEK. HE HAS CERTAILY GROWN OVER THE YEARS, HE CAN POKE FUN AT HIMSELF AND YET BE SERIOUS ABOUT THINGS IN LIFE. VERY RECOMMENDED FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS HUMOR A GREAT STORY TELLER.



5. Growing up in Pittsburgh during Terry Bradshaw's pro career was a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, being a young fan at the time, I could not understand how the actions of fans can affect a player. The Steeler fans loved Bradshaw, yet expected a level of achievement that could never be obtained. It is wonderful that Terry has achieved so much in a variety of careers. This book allows Terry tell what he was thinking then and how he feels about it now. It's a very revealing and funny book.

3 comments about Sweetness: The Courage and Heart of Walter Payton.

1. Walter Payton was the model of what every player should be like, even in today's "me only" generation. Walter was a first class football player amd first class individual as well.

   He is what other players should strive to be like, Walter broke the mold and still stands as the premiere football player of all time. Walter can not and will never be replaced, he represented what all of us should be like no matter what color we are or where we came from or anything!

   A truly remarkable individual that went beyond being a great football player, Walter was a great person as well. If a person couldn't be inspired by what Walter Payton represented, they just couldn't be inspired with anything!

   I named my son after his son, and my family will never forget watching #34 on the field on Sunday's. Walter is my all time hero and inspiration, and always will be.




2. This is a terrific book, especially for parents who want to show their sports-mad kids a real role model. The photos are wonderful, and the text describes the whole man, not just the football player. And he was as good a man as he was player, and there wasn't ever a better player.

   Give this to a football-loving kid for Christmas, and try not to cry when you read it yourself.




3. "Sweetness: The Courage and Heart of Walter Payton" is a wonderful collection of quotes, stats, stories, and pictures illustrating the complete Payton. He was indeed one of the greatest running-backs of all time. What this book gives, that many don't, is a review of Walter's off-field perfomances. He was kind, caring, and loving to all. This book clearly shows that Walter was in all aspects.....a hero. This title is a must for all those who miss the headbands, the dives over the goal lines, the amazing runs, the jumping high fives, and a great man----SWEETNESS!

3 comments about Rockne of Notre Dame: The Making of a Football Legend.

1. My ole man went to Notre Dame... so I've been steeped in the rich legacy of Fightin' Irish Football. This book is by far one of the better books on Notre Dame football in its heyday under Knute Rockne who forged that legacy. The team that brought us the forward pass left a rich history worth examing. This book captures the essence of Rockne, his leadership style, his character and his ambition to excel.



2. While acknowleging the legends surrounding one of the greatest coaches in any sport anywhere, but not attempting to pass them off as fact, Ray Robinson does not stoke the inspirational fires of the mythological demigod Knute Rockne. Still and all, we see Rockne as he developed from a boy growing up in Chicago to the young man at Notre Dame eventually becoming the coach who, in turn, became larger than life.

   Mostly, the reader is invited to visit a time when Knute Rockne was arguably the brightest star among the numerous sports heroes of the '20's. While Irish, Catholics and especially Irish-Catholics were almost universally reviled and the power of the Klan was at its height, the immigrant from Voss, Norway lead Notre Dame to the forefront of college football's national stage.

   There are occasional glimpses of Rockne off the football field and I, personally, would have liked to have gotten to know more about Rockne the man. However, this is, first and foremost, a story about Knute's lifelong relationship with football.

   This book is designed for college football fans, especially fans of Notre Dame. Notre Dame detractors may also get something out of the book, if for no other reason than it makes it a little easier to understand why Notre Dame football is what it is today.




3. The most enjoyable sports book I've read since, well, "Stirring Football Stories", this book gives the reader not only such favorite moments in the history of the game as the winning forward pass (Dorais to Rockne, against Army), the Gipper, the Four Horsemen, and back-to-back undefeated seasons, but insights into the life and times of Notre Dame's legendary coach. Rockne championed & embodied the immigrant struggle for a place in the sun - the "fighting Irish" being a moniker bestowed on a polyglot group of newcomers to the American dream. On the gridiron it was possible to prove yourself - and show your talents - on an equal footing with older, more established schools and traditions. This conscious inclusion of the larger story gives this book an important place on the shelf, alongside Rockne's own unfinished autobiography, "We Remember Rockne", "Knute Rockne, All American", and other memoirs and studies.

5 comments about All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and The Miracle Season.

1. I had read this book after INSIGHT FOR LIVING promoted it. And I did enjoy it since after the Atlanta Olympics the games had whetted my need for seeing exciting competition on TV and I started watching por football again for a few years. It also gave me and my therapist Lisa something to talk about besides movies.
   I am reminded of a Vince Lombardi training film we had to watch in Army Basic Training at Ft. Dix, NJ on the subject on Second Effort, and how persistance pays off. That and how my Drill Sergeant had once told me "Stick to Your Guns when you know you are right".
   I liked how the rich sucessful Kurt had shared with us that his wife and he got food stamps at one time. And like he said, people give you hate even over using them-not to mention little harassment by food Stamp cashiers like trying to deny your stamps because they thought your signature did not perfectly match the one of your ID card!
   I know after I had read his book I used to joke to myself that if ol' Kurt has a bad season or two, he will find himself on food stamps again! And after that thought, he did injure a finger on his throwing hand, ended up a second stringer and then was traded to the Arizona Cardinals-a bad break!
   I did feel bad for Kurt when Gordon Robertson had grilled him on THE 700 CLUB about him "living in sin" with his fiance Brenda. And how he met her in a bar. You can see that this man does not put on an air of pretend spirutality. I thought of a chapter from an INSIGHT FOR LIVING study guide "Portrait of a saint, warts and all!
   When I wrote a Christian Witness for my first attempt at writing as was recommended in a John Irving novel, Word publisher was honest with me and said that Christian Witnesses do not sell very well unless the author is a celebrity or media minister. I am sure it is his pro football career that got his book in the door.
   I was sort of propehetically thinking about the words of Solomon from Ecclesiastes "The race is not to the swift, the battle is not to the strong, but time and chance overtake them all!"
   This is a good illustration of that as well because Kurt went to a small college, did not make it into the NFL right away,and had to gain experience in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe. If I remeber right he even said he sat the bench in college as well!
   I thought maybe God was showing me from my hard times that anyone can find themselves on welfare, no matter how smart or educated they were. You might even just be somone suffering from some sort of discrimination-like you don't fit inb with the crowd! I had seen on a news magazine how a man from Europe with a PhD in Psychology had found himself on welfare for five years after a patient falsely accused him of sexually mollesting him! During the Clinton Administration even the News Radio station WCBS had a public service commerical FOOD STAMPS; CHECK IT OUT. And this was an all news radio station in New York City which professionals listen to.



2. Kurtis Eugene Warner first came to my attention
   when I saw him play in two ArenaBowls. I knew
   right then that some brave NFL Coach (turned
   out to be Dick Vermeil) would pick him up and
   Warner would lead that team to the Super Bowl!
   
   Rank this book up there with Roger Staubach's
   First Down and Lifetime to go! Great shots of
   Kurt during his Arena Football days, as well.
   
   Brenda and Kurt are a fine couple which show
   how good MOST ALL AMER-I-CAN couples used to
   be before the Femininst-Facsist cabal & Playboy
   mentality in Men took over the minds of a goodly
   portion of the Americans of the last few genera-
   tions.



3. In general,I don't review biographies of athletes, because they are what you'd expect them to be, self-serving. So, other than Deion Sander's book, this is the only one I've reviewed.
   The reason for this review is simple...I highly respect Kurt Warner, and his book is actually pretty darn good. Is the fact that I respect and admire him the reason I rate this book so highly? Perhaps, but I'd like to think it's more to do with the actual story than the man.
   This book isn't self-serving to the degree that one would anticipate, largely because I think Kurt was a little overwhelmed with what he accomplished in the miracle season (this book was written just after the Ram's Super Bowl victory, so I believe Kurt was still under the afterglow). Having said that, however, I do believe if the book was written now that it would be quite similar, due to the fact that Kurt's faith has kept him humble.
   The background on his life and his days in the Arena League were surprisngly interesting, but the highlight of the book is his time with the Rams during the 1999 season. If you are a Rams fan, it's a great way to re-live a monumental moment in St. Louis history that, at the time of this writting, looks more and more like it will not be duplicated.
   I would, in light of the last few seasons which have seen Kurt hurt, benched, waived, and in a new uniform in New York, like to see Kurt write ANOTHER book, detailing how his faith has helped him through those ordeals that took him from the King of the Hill in St. Louis to baby-sitter for Eli Manning in New York. THAT would be a hard read, because as I mentioned before my fondness for the man, but it would be MUCH more interesting, and I think would have a larger impact in terms of people looking for faith inspiration in the midst of turmoil.




4. All Things Possible is the autobiography of football star Kurt Warner. Though in the media his story is often related as a meteoric rise to stardom, we learn that it was only through time, perseverance and God's grace that Warner ever got a chance to live out his dream.
   

   I was drawn to Kurt Warner's story for several reasons. First, I am a fan of the St Louis Rams, the team with which Warner has had his success. Second, I love stories about underdogs, and Warner's story is just that. Third, I love to read about other Christians and the experiences that shaped them.
   

   Kurt Warner was an underdog and no stranger to rejection. For years he faced rejection as he tried to live out his dream of playing professional football. He was turned down by the major colleges, eventually ending up at the University of Northern Iowa where he spent three years being a backup and only one year leading the team. When he graduated he went undrafted in the NFL entry draft and was passed up by every professional league. This went on for several years until finally he accepted a position as quarterback in the lowly Arena League. After two seasons of leading the Iowa Barnstormers, he was given a chance to play in NFL Europe and finally, at the age of twenty seven, was picked up by the St Louis Rams. He spent his first season in the big leagues as a third string quarterback and saw action in only one game. By the 1999 season he had moved up to the position of backup quarterback, and after an injury to the primary quarterback, found himself right where he wanted to be. He was untested, unproven and no one believed he would make an impact.
   

   Who could have foreseen the season Warner would have? Warner's 1999 season was one of the most successful seasons ever for a quarterback and the most successful for the Rams as Warner led the team to a Superbowl victory while picking up the league's Most Valuable Player award.
   

   Kurt Warner is a Christian and credits his faith for his success. He never misses an opportunity to tell others about his faith and is probably the most vocal Christian professional athlete.
   

   Though I enjoyed the story, I found the book poorly written. It used many colloquialisms and it is not unusual to read sentences such as, "They were like, `Yeah right.'" He also speaks about being "totally bummed out." Warner also comes across as a tad pretentious and proud. I believe he is a humble man who is well aware of Who is responsible for his success, but does not always convey that as accurately as he might like.
   

   All-in-all this is an enjoyable book and represents what is hopefully only the first chapter of Warner's career. He is a man who has faced countless hardships and has persevered in faith. If sports figures are to be role models in our society, I am glad that there are men like Warner who proudly proclaim their faith.
   

   Note. The book ends at the end of the 1999 season. The next season Warner was very good, but missed several games due to injuries. In 2001 he again led his team to the Superbowl but lost the big game when New England scored a last-second field goal. In 2002 he missed more than half the season to injuries and looked very bad when he was playing. In 2003 he won the starter's job, but played terribly and was benched after the first game. It is expected that 2004 will find him on a new team where he will have the change to be a starter once again.




5. I generally dislike autobiographies in general, and athletic autobiographies in particular. I just believe it takes a really unique individual to convey their story as objectively as possible. But, my wife's best friend, Sarah, gave this book to me about a year ago (she loves Warner and the Rams) and I've finally gotten around to reviewing it.

   To his credit, Warner is very upfront about a lot of things, notably his religion. He is a very devote Christian and it is nice to see someone stand up for their beliefs in an age where a lot of people literally hide their beliefs. And his story is rather compelling; a quarterback who came from nowhere to lead his team to an NFL championship.

   But, there's a recurring problem with these books. They always seem very rushed and it seems that either the winning coach or the winning quarterback from the Super Bowl each year is expected to hurry their life story onto the market. The problem is, these guys generally still have a lot of life left to live, so why not wait until they are retired (as in retirement age, not just retired from their sport) to tell us their life story? I know, I know, in fifty years no one may even rember Kurt Warner, so I guess you strick while the iron is hot. But I would almost much rather read about how he is dealing with his current struggles in the NFL, rather than culminating with his crowning moment.

   Like most of these type books, it's relatively short on intropestion. But it is a bit above average for an athlete's autobiography, made more interesting by the struggles Warner and his wife faced before he finally made it in the NFL. If you are a fan of Warner, you'll love it. Otherwise, its an okay read on a day at the beach.

5 comments about Miracle in the Making: The Adam Taliaferro Story.

1. The book "Miracle in the Making" is an inspirational story about Adam Taliaferro, a former Penn State football player who was paralyzed in a game. He was told he would never walk again and this books lets you travel with Adam in his personal story of his road back after being completely paralyzed. This boo is a truly motivational book in which i recommend anyone, not just Penn State fans, to read.



2. This truley is an excellent book. I grew up in the same neighborhood with Adam, attended the same HS (graduate a year after) and every bit of information (names, dates, etc) are all correct. All the information about his character is completely true, he really is an inspirational person. Growing up in a huge suburban high school with him, it really was a very competitive atmosphere. Everyone seemed to love him because he was one of the brightest (one of the highest GPAs of his class, scholar athlete and best athlete in the school) along with being one of the most modest, down to early people ever. If someone had the will to succeed it is him. I recommend this book to anyone overcoming obstacles, down on their luck,athletes and basically anyone because it is the type of book that you can not put down.



3. After finding out that Adam Taliaferro couldnt walk again ever. His father and mother urged him to push on. His spirits were high always no matter what. This is a triumphant story about courage and self-determination and a little help from some up above



4. This book is good for anyone whether you are a football fan or not. I personally am a football fan, and I would especially recommend this book for those football fans out there. This book is inspirational and well documented. It is also at a good price now, and it is a quick read.



5. All too often in today's world of youth sports; parents, coaches and players miss the meaning of sportsmanship. Having been involved in youth sports for 14 years, I have witnessed over bearing parents and tenacious coaches. I suggest they keep a copy of "Miracle in the Making" in their equipment bags. This book highlights the true meaning of a parent/child relationship and a coach/player relationship. Adam is the definition of courage, kindness and strength. His family's support during his recovery is awe-inspiring. The writers did a terrific job of bringing me along on Adam's journey to recovery. I will be on the sidelines cheering; watching as Adam wins the biggest game of his life!

4 comments about Parcells: A Biography.

1. The book is a pretty good account of his very successful years with the NY Giants and some of his earlier experiences. How he interacts with various other players and coaches and his family experiences are all brought to light in this book. Overall a good read. If you're looking for a leadership book by Parcells, there are other better ones out there but if you're looking at an introspective into his life and who he is, I'd say this is a good book.



2. Unlike the previous reviewer who wrote his opinion twice, I enjoyed the book (I read the hardcover edition 2000). I've read 2 or 3 books on Parcells and this is the best. Yes, there's too much review of games, but I skipped over that.
   
   The book tells a lot of interesting things about Parcells that I didn't know, and I've followed his career very closely the last 16 years because I lived in the NE when he coached the Pats & Jets. The books tells how he got his nickname the "Tuna" and his name Bill (not his birthname). It tells a lot about his early years in HS, college, and as a vagabond assistant coach. I never knew that he took a year off from coaching at 38 to sell real estate for a land development company and actually made more money that being the head coach at the Air Force Academy the previous year. The book tells how BP never liked college coaching.



3. The same for the paperback edition of "Parcells"...This book, by and large, is nothing more then a rehash of old football games coached by Parcells. Gutman should be ashamed of himself for delivering yesterday's cup of coffee to football fans. Giving ad nasuem blow-by-blow accounts of games that took place 5-10 years ago is not my idea of a biography. About 25% represents Parcels' philosophies on life, football, family, and friends, etc., and I would rate that at best a C-. Overall the book is a major flop. Don't waste your money on this one. Of course, I shouldn't complain, I picked it up for a buck at a used bookstore...I paid 99 cents too much!



4. This book, by and large, is nothing more then a rehash of old football games coached by Parcells. Gutman should be ashamed of himself for delivering yesterday's cup of coffee--especially so to knowledgeable football fans. Giving ad nauseam blow-by-blow accounts of games that took place 5-10 years ago is not my idea of biography. About 25% represents Parcels' philosophies on life, football, family, and friends, etc., and I would rate that at best a C-. Overall the book is a major flop. Don't waste your money on this one. Of course, I shouldn't complain, I picked it up for a buck at a used bookstore...I paid 99 cents too much!

No comments about UCLA FOOTBALL - 1954 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: To Know A Man - Know His Memories.

No comments about Captain Crash and the Dallas Cowboys.

1 comments about A View from the Bench: The Story of an Ordinary Player on a Big-Time Football Team (Sport and Society).

1. Interesting insight into " big time " college athletics. Parents can learn to guide their children into the " best option" for college athletics by being realistic. The book confirms what we all know.