2 comments about Abramovich.

1. it is sad what has happened to the average russian as far as their living standards and the difficulties...but a select few(the oligarchs) like Abramovich have learned how to exploit the situation...although one oligarch(the richest one) did end up in a russian prison...this book details how abramovich achieved and how he has managed to keep the wealth by being apolitical and staying on good terms with Putin. A very good read.



2. This book is the only bio on the mysterious russian Abramovich. It gives the best glimpse you can get into the man and how he built his empire(although you never exactly get told how). Great read on an impressive figure. I strongly recommend to this read for the ambitious.

5 comments about Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas.

1. SINGIN' & SWINGIN', the third installment in Angelou's autobiographical series of books, pleased me more than did the first two, or perhaps I should say that it is less uncomfortable to read than are its predecessors. I must confess that, by the time I finished Angelou's second book, her nearly constant expression of prejudice against Caucasian Americans was becoming tedious.
   
   One finds a very thick thread of bias and racial distrust in both CAGED BIRD and in GATHER TOGETHER, and that thread is made even more annoying by the fact that the many instances of abuse and betrayal that Angelou relates in those first two books are all perpetrated not by Whites but by her fellow Blacks, yet that race receives none of her blanket condemnation. Granted, I suppose that, had I lived as a Black in Stamps, Arkansas in the 1930s and '40s, I too would have copious reasons to distrust and dislike the entire White population of the United States, yet the barrage of vituperation directed against that population does become repetitive and predictable, two traits that an author should normally avoid in a book, the justification behind them notwithstanding. SINGIN' & SWINGIN' is not devoid of Angelou's racial prejudices by any means, but it is not so heavily laden with them, and they are not so intrusive as to overwhelm the reader.
   
   Two other targets of criticism arise in Angelou's first three books: her veracity and her own culpability for some of the blows she has described. As to the first, the historical accuracy of these books, I have mentioned in another review that I find most unusual the fact that Angelou, a dropout from the formal educational system, habitue of bars and sometime prostitute and brothel owner, actually plunged into books by authors such as Jane Eyre and Dostoevski for pleasure. Nonetheless, the fact that she writes of having done so tells us something of her self concept and desire for fulfillment and meaning in her life. In SINGIN' & SWINGIN', she writes of her success as a professional singer and dancer, of touring Europe as a cast member of the musical "Porgy and Bess," and of interacting with many "big name" performers. Did she actually "rub shoulders" with all the notables mentioned in her book?
   
   She is re-creating events from years past, and it may be that we are seeing some of her dreams as well as her actions, but what of that? Are not our dreams as much a part of our history as are our recordable acts? And are not all history books, written as they are by victors rather than by the vanquished, slanted by the world view of their authors? Besides, a good story usually benefits from some judicious embellishment. I find no quibble with Angelou's veracity, for I do not expect a word-for-word recollection of some conversation with a colleague decades ago but rather a retelling of that conversation that gives the reader a feel for the way it sounded in Angelou's ears.
   
   The third target, her own culpability for her treatment by others and for the guilt that she herself generates, is purely and simply inapplicable to a review of the book. The reader may feel strongly that Angelou had no right or privilege to seek freedom by touring Europe when she left her young son to the care of others and that she fully deserves the feeling of guilt that she describes. Another reader may feel that she was stupidly careless in her relationships with the Greek purser on her ship and with the ship's doctor. Indeed, even though the Angelou we find in this book is more mature than are her younger incarnations in the previous books, she can still be seen as incredibly naive and even foolish in numerous situations. There will be those who criticize the book because of these self-depictions. However, we must believe that this is the way Angelou saw herself at that stage of her life, and, while the reader may at times want to shake some sense into her, he must not allow this to affect his judgement of the book. Indeed, Angelou paints a very clear picture of herself--as she remembers herself--so, while we may be occasionally annoyed with the picture, we cannot fault the skill of the artist, for the picture is quite clear and unambiguous.
   
   I do not find SINGIN' & SWINGIN' to be a "stand-alone" book. For the reader to understand and appreciate Angelou's situation in this book, he needs to have read I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS and GATHER TOGETHER IN MY NAME first. We should consider her autobiographical books mere chapters from a larger tome, and we need to read those chapters in order. Of course, having once begun this imaginary book, the reader will want to finish it, and I am looking forward to beginning the next "chapter" in short order.
   
   Oh, one final thought: Ever wonder where Angelou's last name originated and how she "morphed" from Marguerite Johnson into Maya Angelou? The earlier books explained the "Maya," but this one explains the "Angelou." It's a neat revelation.



2. Maya Angelou tells us without restraint how she crawled out of the hell of her youth years to become a star dancer.
   Vivid decription of the situation of the African Americans and their mentality in the middle of last century.
   Evocative language, sharp, intelligent and fluent.
   A book to recommend.



3. I think that the book was very interesting in the beginning and the end, because I like the way it started out like she was shy about her entertainment career. And at the end it was very dramatic about how she was about to kill herself and her son as well because her life wasn't going the way she wanted it to go. Also, how the white community despised her and didn't accept the person that she was. This book really caught my eye, even though I am a young adult. I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults of all ages because it really is an excellent book.



4. this third installment of angelou's sutobiography is just as well written and interesting as her first two. however, i have become completely baffled with ine aspect of the novel. in the first two books, her son's name was guy. suddenly, in "singin and swingin..." her son is referred to as clyde! if anyone knows why this is so, please share your explanation. it would be highly appreciated! and whatever his name is, still a good read.



5. A very pleasant read. There's nothing like traveling Europe and Africa by way of Angelou's memory and experience (if you can't get there personally). This autobiography covers the time Maya spent with the Porgy and Bess opera. I'm always amazed at the elegant, graceful and poetic way the author tells her life story. I'm even more amazed at how those same characteristics are exhibited in her speech, her stature, and her aura. This is a quick read that is sure to inspire. Angelou has a way of sharing wisdom and experience in a manner that connects with most any reader. Add this one to your list and be sure to check out some of her audiotapes as well. The only thing better than reading Maya's work, is listening to Maya read her work.

No comments about The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw: The Robin Friday Story (Mainstream Sport).

5 comments about Game and the Glory, The.

1. Michelle Akers is the example of what persitence can do for you in any area of your life. We are taken into her world and shown what the career of an athlete entails. I was presently surprise to not be hit over the head with a sermon of why I should be Christian. In this book metaphors can be drawn and you can take her inspiriation to apply it to your daily life. An easy read and you don't have to believe in Jesus to love this book!!
   I reccommend this book!!!



2. I play select and I alway enjoy reading books on awsome soccer players. When my friend told me about this book I jumped at the oppertunity to read yet another soccer book. I read it and couldnt put it down. As a Catholic I diffently could relate and found it pretty cool we share the same faith.
   It was a very good and inspiring book! IM GONNA BE THE NEXT MICHELLE AKERS SO WATCH OUT AMERICA CUZ HERE I COME!!!



3. Michelle Akers writes a truly inspirational story. As you read The Game and the Glory you feel as if you know Michelle personally. The book is easy to relate to because she tells her story on such a personal level. We see Michelle grow through her relationships, her spirituality, her CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome), and of course soccer.
   Michelle is honest about the carefree wonders of childhood. She tells about two of her childhood dreams: One of being the next Mean Joe Green of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the other dream of being an Olympian. Although, for Michelle, childhood is not always carefree dreams. When she is only in the sixth grade, she struggles to understand the reason behind her parents' divorce. Ironically, even Michelle herself cannot believe when she goes through her own divorce. Michelle, with the guidance of a few friends and through her struggles, finds a relationship that will help her cope with all of her problems.
   As a child Michelle always found mass to be boring and going to church on Sunday was never something to look forward to. It is not until Michelle is in high school, with the guidance of a teacher, that she truly finds a relationship with God. However, she gets distracted from this newfound relationship quite soon. After her divorce, Michelle realizes that there is something missing from her life: God. She turns to God at this point in her life, and this time she holds on to what she has found. Michelle promotes her Christianity in a way that no one else has ever done. She founds an organization called the Soccer Outreach International. An organization to promote Christianity in sports especially soccer. Michelle did not only turn to God for answers about relationships and soccer, but also about her CFIDS.
   Not long after her World Cup experience in 1991, Michelle begins to suffer from CFIDS. However, Michelle is not diagnosed with CFIDS until 1994. From 1991 to 1994 she did not know exactly what was causing her to feel always fatigued and never well. Michelle has done what no other athlete that competes at the level she competes at has done. She played while suffering with CFIDS. This truly shows her unstoppable compassion for the game.
   Michelle played many sports as a child, but soccer was her first true love. When she was only nine years old she attended a soccer camp. During the soccer camp she competed in a juggling contest to see who could juggle for the longest. Michelle stayed out at the field juggling for hours without once loosing control of her ball. The camp director stayed and counted her 5,392 touches, which shattered the previous record set by boy who went on to play collegiate soccer at Duke. This is only one of the amazing stories about Michelle and soccer. Through soccer Michelle has traveled to many countries around the world and established lifelong friendships. She is an original member of the first United States Women's National Soccer Team of 1985. With the National Team she has won many individual awards and is a 1991 World Cup Champion, a 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist, and 1999 World Cup Champion. Michelle admits that God has carried her through it all and without Him she would have never accomplished everything that she has.
   It is amazing to think of how great a person she is and how truly human she is. Michelle has accomplished so much for women's soccer. She opened up a new door for girls around the U.S. by using her position as the best women's soccer player to promote the sport. She is one of the reasons that women's soccer become an official Olympic sport. Michelle is a role model to many not only as a world class soccer player but also through her display of Christianity in her every action. In reading her story I have learned that sometimes you just have to "show up" and let God take care of the rest.



4. I know I would love this book even if the writing sucked, which it doesn't...it's beatiful. Still, I'm bias. Michelle has been my role model as a soccer player for years, and I've always her respected her deep faith in Jesus Christ. I'm Catholic. I think Michelle's faith is wonderful, after all she has been through. And the fact that she is grateful for her suffering makes her, in my eyes, a true follower of Jesus.

   You will enjoy the thoughts of this excellent (tough as nails) soccer player, and Christian who inspires many others who share her faith. Go USA!

   PS. Since this book was written, Michelle has retired.




5. This is a great book for a young girl because it feels like Michelle is talking to you. I felt like I was her best friend, because I could relate to her family situation, and like her, I'm a tomboy. I don't care for soccer, but now I have a giant Michelle Akers poster hanging in my room, and I feel like I know her well even though I've never seen her play. I recommend this to any girl, ages 8-15.

1 comments about Arsene Wenger: The Biography.

1. A look behind the man who transformed Arsenal! I especially liked the way the author was able to skillfully weave Wenger's personality into the biography - to a fan, it gave me a dimension that I never knew from watching the games or reading the newspaper articles.
   
   The biography gave me a good insight to Wenger's approach to the game and his quest for football perfection - each 'chapter' encapsulates the essence of what makes Arsenal such a joy to watch.
   
   Read this if you want a broad overview of the Arsene Years!

No comments about Soccer Stars (High Interest Books).

No comments about ADDICTED.

No comments about Soccer: From Beckham to Zidane.

No comments about David and Victoria : An Invitation to the Wedding.

5 comments about The Game of Their Lives: The Untold Story of the World Cup's Biggest Upset.

1. i thought it was fantastic. it's not as much about soccer as i thought it would be, and it's not the most well written book i've seen, but the long stretches where it seems like the author transcribed a recorded conversation with one of the players are amazing. some of the stories the players recall provide an insight to a time in American history that i never knew. really did give a unique view of an unforgettable moment in US Soccer history. also, very quick read.



2. Rather than investigating the events surrounding the team from an academic or even journalistic perspective, Douglas basically records the recollections of the surviving members, with more emphasis on their idyllic childhoods than anything that happened at or after the World Cup. There was much more material to be had here had the book had a wider scope or more comprehensive research. As an example, Walter Bahr is one of the seminal figures of American soccer, but the descriptions of him in the book are limited to sepia-toned recollections of his youth in "simpler times." Still and all, it is nice to read about a team that history has not accorded its due, and if one can accept the book for what it is rather than wishing it were something more, the short time it takes to read it is worthwhile.



3. Although the movie may be missing pieces here and there or not go deep enough into character development, it's still a good heartwarming story. Any person with a true love for the sport will connect with it in some way.



4. I would recommend this book a US soccer fan that may only know the final score for this historic game. This book does describe the state of US soccer in the 50's. For example, some people may not be aware that there is a national club championship open to all US teams (the National Challenge Cup, today this cup tournament is called the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup). This team was made up of players that came from some of the teams that won the cup such as Simpkins-Ford (1948 & 1950 with Gino Pariano, Charlie Colombo, Frank Borghi, and Frank Wallace) or New York Brookhattan (1945 Joe Gaetjens team). For the die hard soccer fan this book needs more details on how this team won its spot in the World Cup. Also, there really is not enough detail on the game itself, which may be a result of the dearth of information even at the time (still there is enough there to get your hear pounding and help the reader imagine the excitement of the game). Considering how the English team felt humiliated by result they sure did not want to discuss the game and the US press could hardly care any less. Also, it would be nice to have the perspective of the English players; however, that was not the writer's purpose. This is a story about the men who played the game because they loved it. There needs to be a more detailed treatment of these men and specifically Joseph "Joe" Gaetjens. That being said there is not much out there on the subject and this is still an enjoyable story of perseverance. I hope this book and the upcoming movie bring more people to examine this



5. I can understand those who want more about the soccer than the team members. But consider that this book isn't just about the upset, it's about the people who made it happen. It's as much about the social history of the team as anything else. Could the author have spent more time following up reserves and scouring the globe for accounts of the game? Probably.

   But I think the story would suffer for that. Could someone write a focused, technical account of the game and the 1950 World Cup? Probably. But the social and personal contexts enrich the story. It could stand to be a little longer, and perhaps fleshing out the other team members would help in that regard. But what there is of this book is more interesting because we're given background.