1 comments about Moments.

1. Yesterday I received "Moments", and I must say that it is a great book!!!
   
   I guess the first thing you notice is that it's a big book with all the pages printed on high quality glossy paper, and it's full of fantastic photos.
   
   Ronaldo himself has said that he is too young yet to write a real autobiography, and therefore "Moments" is not just the usual write-up of dates, facts and numbers that many footballers sell as books these days. Instead, he decided to share some of the events that happened in his life so far by writing short stories and adding numerous pictures.
   
   From his early years playing for Sporting Lissabon to winning the Premier Leage with Manchester United, from childhood dreams to his father's death, from being named captain of the Portuguese National Team to everyday routine ... this book provides a very nice glimpse into the life and mind of one of the best footballers in the world today. He certainly seems to have his head (and heart) in the right place!
   
   All of Cristianos fans will also love this book for the countless great (and previously unpublished) photos!!!

5 comments about LT: Over the Edge: Tackling Quarterbacks, Drugs, and a World Beyond Football.

1. I think this is a reminder of how Profesinal Athletes can take a turn for the worst. In the beginning of this Autobiography you can see the reality of the being a pro athlete. You see Lawrence in a situation were he is buying drugs and he is being held up and he is mugged. I thought this is a great way to teach people about how drugs can ruin an image and family life. This book is real it is from the eyes of probably the greatest linebacker of all time.



2. His story is a very honest and hard look at his life written by he. He goes thru this nightmares of this addiction with honesty and detail. This many setbacks and attempts at sobriety are frightening and unknown to this common man. He were a great player for many years. He have finally conquered he demons and he are now a likable and respected person.



3. Don't bother wasting your time on this book. It's difficult to believe that an individual would spend almost the entire book bragging about illegal and immoral behavior.



4. THIS IS A VERY HONEST AND HARD LOOK AT LAWRENCE TAYLOR WRITTEN BY HIMSELF. HE GOES THRU THE NIGHTMARES OF THIS ADDICTIONS WITH HONESTY AND DETAIL. THE MANY SET BACKS AND ATTEMPTS AT SOBRIETY ARE VERY INTERESTING AND FRIGHTENING. HE WAS A GREAT PLAYER FOR MANY YEARS FOR THE GIANTS. LT HAS FINALLY GOTTEN A HANDLE ON HIS DEMONS AND IS NOW SOMEONE TO RESPECT. I FOUND THIS TO A WELL WRITTEN BOOK AND RECOMMEND THIS FOR ANYONE.



5. This book is about a hall of fame football player who drugs at one point took over his life.Lt started using cocaine as a social thing, but then it got to a point that it became a daily thing. The NFL started doing random drug test's Lt would tell people to urine in a cup for him so he can cheat the drug test it wouldn't show that he used drugs. Then Lt got two strikes for failing two drug test's after he heard that if he failed another drug test he would be banned from the NFL. So Lt got serious by going to rehab and cleaning himself up. I would recommend this book to anybody who wants to find out the real truth about Lawrence Taylor. Also because it's a good book to read, and its very interesting. Also to anybody who likes football. And also I would recommend it because it shows you the affects that drugs have on someone's behavior. And it gives you the real facts about Lt's drug habit.

5 comments about Irish Thunder: The Hard Life and Times of Micky Ward.

1. I just finished this and enjoyed it very much. I read it expressly because of the Dropkick Murphys song Warrior's Code, and because Micky Ward was one of their special guests at their 2008 St. Patrick's Day concerts in Lowell.
   I think the book has the right balance between fight details and life outside the ring. In addition to learning about Micky Ward, I learned alot about professional boxers and about the business of boxing. I have a greater understanding of the nature of the warrior, and I have much more insight into the Murphys song, which will make it even more fun to listen to. The author does a good job putting you at ringside with his details, yet I still think it's too bad there weren't any pictures.



2. This is a biography like no other. Micky Ward makes Rocky look like Jose Cansaco. A true inspiration. If you are on the fence about this book, just youtube some of Micky's fights. Read it before it is turned into a movie.



3. Not being a huge fan of boxing I wasn't sure what to expect. This book is about so much more than boxing! Irish Thunder really shows the dedication and hard work that Micky Ward used to overcome his surroundings. Just when you thought it was his turn to succeed he had to overcome another obsticle. It really is the Rudy of the boxing world. Great read now I can't wait to read the author's other book Destiny Derailed.



4. Irish Thunder: The Hard Life and Times of Micky Ward is a great biography of the blue collar boxer from Lowell, MA. Bob Halloran does an excellent job chronicling Micky's career and the trials and tribulations he faced to get there. Right from the beginning, Bob illustrates the vision of Lowell, a once proud boxing town that had become a haven for decadence and despair. Although Micky would fall not victim to the drugs that had claimed many before him, the obstacles presented to him were constant whether it was injured hands, his family, bad management, big fights falling through, or his own self confidence. The fact that Micky persevered to become a popular and well respected boxer personifies his character. Halloran gives you a rundown of his fights throughout the book and his vivid recollections of Micky's wars with Arturo Gatti, Emanuel Burton, Reggie Green, and others make you feel like you're watching the fight as it happens. However, what really keeps the reader glued to this book is the behind the scenes drama. And as it often goes with money, the more there is to be made, the more drama comes with it. Most of the fight facts and recaps are accurate with the only obvious mistake being that Pernell Whitaker won a decision over Oscar De La Hoya, when in fact it was the other way around. All told, this is a well written biography and I would recommend this to any boxing fan.



5. This would be one of the more enjoyable boxing books that I have read. The author is top-notch and writes a story that is engrossing and very readable.
   
   One can feel the pressures that Ward was put under in his life in and out of the ring and his toughness and determination to succeed shines throughout the book.

5 comments about Only the Strong Survive: The Odyssey of Allen Iverson.

1. This book is about allen iverson and his life growing up in newport, virgina. It talks about his hardships and his life. Larry Platt describes him as 4 people: a raper, basketball player, a hero, and a father. It also talks about his accomplishments and goals in life. This book surpases any other sports biography I've ever read.



2. This book is about Allen Iverson and his life and how it was like to grow up where he lived. Iverson lived in NYC where people that he hated would try to start a fight with him. His friends would have to keep an eye on him. Allen Iverson then tried out for a team to keep him out of trouble. Then he started to play basketball and that worked because they weren't able to mess with him. Then Iverson grew up to be a professional basketball player. Iverson then played for the Sixers and became MVP. His life was really hard because his mom would stay on top of him but his mom was nice. Iverson then met a girl and she became his girlfriend and then they had a baby. Iverson just kept playing basketball and his wife was proud of him because he played so well and that's all about Allen Iverson.



3. This book on Allen Iverson just came far too soon.
   
   Allen Iverson is my favorite current NBA player partially b/c he shakes up the status quo -- not necessarily because he wants to make that his objective, but quite poetically, he's doing it just by being true to who he is.
   
   This book is a tale about a kid from the wrong side of the tracks, that basically struck it rich but admirably remains "the same" as opposed to "assimilating" just to make his economic & financial counterparts feel comfortable around him.
   
   No true criticism of Larry Platt's writing style. If he wanted to go deep into Allen Iverson's undocumented youth and youth exploits, that's fine too.
   
   Bottom line is this book, while it has several defining moments, just isn't a compelling enough read because it was written still TOO SOON.
   
   A.I., love him or hate him, totally revolutionized the NBA and the image it projected to Middle America.
   
   I'd love to read a book about his life when he's 50, 60 or 85.
   
   I'm sure he'll be on "60 Minutes" doing a "My Life & times" segment.
   
   Whoever writes the book about his life just before that interview will surely have a No. #1 best-seller.



4. This book delivers the confidence needed to endure any obstacle set before you. Larry Platt digs deep into Iverson's history to give you the experience no else has. Excellent read on the life of Allen Iverson.



5. One of the things I look for in a basketball biography is a person with an interesting story. Allen Iverson certainly qualifies.
   
   This biography is written by Larry Platt, the unofficial hip-hop hoops biographer and author of Keepin' It Real. Platt tells Iverson's story, starting with his mother's upbringing through Iverson's - starting with his life in the rough Newport News, Virginia ghetto, through his 2-year college stint at Georgetown and through first six seasons in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers.
   
   The best part about the book is that it goes into detail on many of the controversial events of Iverson's life: the bowling alley incident in high school, his "practice" rant to the media, his arrest for allegedly throwing his naked wife out of his house, his rap album, his "disrespect" of Michael Jordan, and his relationship with Larry Brown. The media worked overtime to paint him as a 1-dimensional thug, but it never seemed to add up when you saw him dote over his children in interviews: this doesn't jibe for a guy who wants to be a thug at all costs. I mean, seriously, a warm spot for kids? Platt paints a more complete picture of Iverson, adding depth to the media characture. He exposes where the media screwed up by not correcting their own mistakes, and on occasion why they would hold a grudge. He explains Iverson's problems with Larry Brown (as well as Brown's with Iverson, which was mentioned numerously by the press). He also explains Iverson's close relationships with his friends and mentors.
   
   Platt is one of the best authors at explaining the hip hop generation. His writing is quick, easy, and entertaining. He goes into detail about the problems white middle class America has with embracing a hip hop superstar. However, his weakness is, just as it was with Keepin' it Real , is that he goes overboard in rationalizing his subject material. He adds depth to their character, but never paints a complete 3-dimensional picture. It appears he is too attached to his subjects to be objective. Once again, true to form, you find him reaching for straws at points - working a little too hard at canonizing Iverson. He mentions, but doesn't dwell on Iverson's unreliability to meet commitments, such as the aforementioned practice, or his skipping school, tutoring sessions, or even Magic Johnson's charity game. One of the worst sidestepping jobs dealt with Iverson's rap album. One of the excerpts from the song 40 Bars was "Come to me with faggot tendencies, you be sleeping where the maggots be." Platt does explain that rappers tell stories about life in the hood as 3rd person accounts as fictionalized characters and shouldn't be taken any more seriously than an author telling a story. Platt goes on to explain that Iverson was upset to think he offended people by his use of the word "faggot" which he says was a hip-hop synonym for "weak" without regard to sex, and he leaves it at that. I told this to a gay friend I know who likes hip hop and basketball and she said it is offense and if she used the "N" word and told Iverson, "Don't be offended by it. I use it to mean a stupid person, without regard to race" it would be equally as absurd, as Iverson's stereotype-based slurs supposedly surprised him. I believe Platt should have looked at the the gripes people had with the record, rather than just telling Iverson's rationalization and leaving it at that. This type of one-sided reporting pops up on more than one occasion.
   
   The strength of book is Platt explaining how Iverson's rough and hard background shaped him into the player that he became in the NBA. The other strength is his explanation of Iverson's marketing appeal. Since Jordan had broke into the league, the sponsors had been looking for the next Jordan: polite, non-threatening, and photogenic - the kind of African-American athlete who transcends race and makes middle class white America feel comfortable. The search had turned up empty, as Anfernee Hardaway, Grant Hill, and Shaquille O'Neal were unable to completely fill the Jordan mold. Iverson refused to go along with this. He viewed the Nike-type opinion-less and harmless character like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods to be phony people who read what was handed to them and pretended to be somebody else in order to make money. Iverson insisted on "keeping it real." He was who he was and if you didn't like him, he didn't care, because making you happy isn't his priority. Reebok (his shoe sponsor) respected his wishes, and rather than find the next Jordan/Dr. J who would bridge the middle-class white America gap, they burned the bridge, but created a bigger bridge: to the youth of America, who liked the Anti-hero and could relate to Iverson, as their parents and authority figures didn't approve of their friends and their haircuts and/or tattoos. Reebok had done the unthinkable: they threw out the conventional wisdom of sports marketing and re-wrote the laws, and created the next big thing.
   
   If you are a fan of Iverson, definitely read it. If you aren't a big fan of his, but find him interesting or intriguing, and would like to learn more about him - because believe me, everything you thought you knew was wrong - then read it. If you have made up your mind that he is a hooligan and represents all that is wrong in basketball and nothing is going to change your mind, then don't waste your time. I'm not saying you have to think the guy is a pure saint, because he isn't, but there is more to him than meets the eye.

3 comments about The Great Swim.

1. At a time when it was declared that no woman would ever be capable of swimming the English Channel, then the pinnacle challenge of endurance swimming, four American women set out to do just that. Not just the story of incredible and ground-breaking athletes, this is also the story of a time in American history when a woman was arrested for indecency on a New York beach for removing her shoes, and women were barred from the Olympics because it was unladylike to sweat. Gavin Mortimer has written an amazing history that was an absolute pleasure to read.



2. During the summer of 1926 the eyes of the world turned to Europe, specifically the small strip of water that separated the British Isles from France. Four American women had announced their intentions to swim the English Channel. The first swimmer to accomplish that feat would be the first woman to ever complete the channel swim, joining elite group of male athletes who had managed to navagate the channel. Women had been making huge strides in the realm of athletics, steadily setting aside stereotypes and prejudices.
   
   Four women, Gertrude Ederle, Mille Gade, Lillian Cannon and Clarabelle Barrett, completely different but each posessed the desire to be first to complete the swim. Each knew the accomplishment would thrust them into the public spotlight and could better their fortunes and futures. The public interest after their swims was beyond anything anyone could imagine, and changed their lives. The Great Swim captures the giddy optimism of the 1920's and the emergence of women as a force in the world. Using diaries, newspaper archives, and primary sources Gavin Mortimer brings to life the excitement that surrounded the swims, the people supporting the swimmers and the swimmers themselves. It is a unique glimpse into the "roaring twenties" and the way the idea of a lone female swimmer taking on the channel captured the American public's imagination. It is also a cautionary tale of public adolation, the power of the press and greed. An engrossing read.



3. In 1926 Gertrude Ederle, a 19 year old New Yorker, became the first woman to swim the English Channel. She did it in record time, faster than any of the five men who had swum the Channel before her. Although that feat is little more than the answer to a trivia question today, at the time it was an accomplishment that rated a huge parade through Manhattan. She was treated as a heroine, at least until Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic three years later.
   
   The Great Swim by Gavin Mortimer tells Ederle's story and the media frenzy surrounding it. There were three other American women competing to become the first woman to swim the Channel that year, including one who broke Ederle's record only three weeks after Ederle set it. What is most interesting is the role of the press in reporting, in making these historic events. Ederle and another of the swimmers were under contract to write regular newspaper columns about their preparations. Some newspapers sponsored one or more of the swimmers. They reported daily on the swimmers, and included lots of photos of the swimmers in their swimsuits. It had only been a few years since bathing costumes for women had included sleeves and stockings. The new one-piece form-fitting swimsuits of the twenties were the bee's knees. Incidentally, Ederle developed what may have been the first bikini, using men's swimming shorts and a modified bra. Shortly after she started the record-setting swim, she chucked the bra and swam the Channel topless.
   
   Mortimer covers the preparations, the swim itself, which was quite dramatic, and the aftermath. Ederle was treated as a conquering hero, then as an accused cheater, and then as a traveling show curiosity. If anyone thinks the media frenzies of today are new, they need only read The Great Swim to see that they are only carrying on a tradition as old as the press itself.

5 comments about Discovering Donald Ross: The Architect and his Golf Courses.

1. I live in North Carolina, where Ross made his home--at least in the fall, winter, and spring. There's almost a holy reverence for the man around here but there's a lot of bluster and phoney-ness too. For example, there are plenty of clubs that say they have a Ross course when they have anything but. I remember a guy at a country club here telling me how fortunate they were to have an original Ross course. At the time, I didn't know any better and so I believed the dafty. I soon discovered that little of the original routing remained. Why? Because Trent Jones came in at some stage and pretty much blew the place to smithereens plus the large oak trees of which members are so fond had changed the original routing beyond recognition. And if you cut down those trees at that club, you're dead. Dead. The original course had a handful of trees.
   
   The beauty of Brad Klein's book is that it demystifies Ross while providing those with Ross courses a blueprint for renovation or restoration. It's a coffee table tome but it's much more than pretty pictures on coated paper. It's a thoroughly-researched thesis from someone with an advanced degree. It's also very well written and even passionate. Klein also resists the temptation to go PC, sensibly preferring to place Ross within the context of his time and place. Ross wasn't the greatest golf course architect (that's HS Colt) but Ross was a brilliant router; he understood the value of a golf course that everyone from the weekend hacker to the scratch man or woman could enjoy. Modern golf course architects need to make their courses easier, not harder. Take a look at one of the few remaining relatively untouched Ross courses. Which living golf course architect could make it better, or, more importantly, more enjoyable? On the 'real' Ross courses I've played, apart from Pinehurst #2, you have to work very hard to bag a lot of big numbers.
   
   Klein's book features details about the man and also discusses several of his courses. There's also a useful directory in the back. The book is also the story of one man's version of The American Dream. Ross arrived here pretty much penniless but managed to build a useful empire through hard work and some smart thinking. The book shows that Ross was a "Canny Scot" who knew how to promote himself and satisfy his clients. Nothing wrong with that. It's a happy story.
   
   It might have been tempting for Klein to get all cuddly with the group that calls itself The Donald Ross Society. I've met some members of said conglomerate, including one of its officers, and they are all a bit full of themselves. Klein mentions the society but it's very much his book, his thoughts, and his ideas. I like books with opinions and character. The book is respectful without being gushy and authoritative without being pompous.
   
   I hope that my buddy at the Donald Ross/Robert Trent Jones golf course that's currently under renovation reads Klein's book. He needs to. So too should anyone who is interested in golf course architecture and wants to know what a real Ross golf course looks like. Hint: it's rarely like Pinehurst #2.



2. Whereas Bahto in the Evangelist of Golf is focused on the National more and how it came to define C.B. MacDonald, Brad Klein produces a broad overview of Donald Ross and is less focused on any one aspect of his life and career as a golf designer.
   
   Donald Ross was the Henry Ford of golf design. Some 400 courses confirmed to his credit with, of course, Pinehurst being his crown achievement.
   
   I think this is a solid overview of Donald Ross in general, but I was hoping to really appreciate "why" his courses were so special. We get to understand that for Donald Ross, his routings and greens were some of his strong points. However, the Ross hole and green diagrams along with the course plans only convey so much about this. Yes, they're great but the text I feel isn't in depth enough to really bring out what's buried in the diagrams, plans and pics. Instead, we are exposed to tid bits of some of the more popular courses he's produced. There's an attempt to explain Ross strategies and golf design philosophy in chapter 7, but it's high level and general. I also don't quite grasp why chapter 7 wasn't placed sooner in this book. Maybe I was expecting too much on this. Indeed, this is not a "Confidential Guide" of Ross courses as John Conley states in his earlier review.
   
   At any rate, I think the strengths of this book lie within the quality production, tremendously thorough research (especially when it comes to how Ross did things), very good photographs (especially when it comes to before and after course pictures), and the historical perspective.
   
   The Pinehurst section is very interesting from a background and historical perspective, but you won't learn much about why the course is great.
   
   The renovation / restoration segment is also very informative. Some great pictures illustrate what can happen when proper care is given to a renovation / restoration effort.
   
   There's a nice comprehensive compilation list of Ross's courses, but unfortunately it won't help you figure out which one's you can play. Maybe in the next revision, Klein can indicate which courses are public vs. private. Even tracking back some of the courses within the book won't help either, as you're never too sure which one's are public or private.
   
   Overall, I'd recommend this volume in a heartbeat. Just don't have grand expectations about understanding what makes such and such a Ross course so great. Rather, view this work as a very good and thorough review of what was involved in being Ross the person, family man, hard working course designer, and creator of many great golf courses.



3. Brad Klein has done a superb job in this lavishly illustrarted story of Donald Ross,long recognized as one the original "founding fathers" of the golden era of golf architecture. While it shows dozens of courses in detail,it is much more than a picture book, since it tells the story of Ross right from his earliest days in Scotland. Klein weaves a very readable and interesting picture of the life and accomplishments of Donald Ross.

   The book is well named since it a wonderful journey of discovery. There are all kinds of new insights for even the Ross fans who thought they read everything about DJR. But it will hold the interest of any reader who loves to read about a rich, full life told well. About a man who left Scotland for America without enough money to buy his second meal but who worked so hard he became one of the best paid individuals in all of sports.

   And it is about a man who never forgot the meaning of family and his employees.

   Brad Klein's book is throughly researched, well written and shows a genuine love for golf and for one of the men who made it great. Mr Klein is on his way to join that list.

   John Purcell




4. There is little doubt of the time and effort it took to reasearch this phenominal book on one of Golf's Great Heroes.

   Author Brad Klein gives the reader a inside view of not only who Donald Ross was, what he represents to the game of Golf today, as well as a revealing throwback to an age gone by.

   Aerial photos, course diagrams, and other pertinent data show the reader just how much the game's playing grounds have changed, and the effort to hold on to their design critieria as was intended by this soft spoken man from the North of Scotland.

   I would highly suggest this book to all who love the game of Golf itself, as well as the courses of Donald Ross; and for those who love golf courses, in general.




5. In "Discovering Donald Ross," Bradley S. Klein has written a book which can be thumbed through and enjoyed as visual entertainment by the casual golfer/reader or closely studied by the ardent student of the old game. Left on the coffee table or the night stand to be used to fill precious spare minutes with golf-related dreaming, the photos and captions alone will captivate and enlighten the reader. Dr. Klein has revealed himself as a talented photo-journalist, equally comfortable telling the story of Donald Ross with pictures or with words. Be prepared to be educated while being entertained. Using wise delineation of chapter headings, Klein walks us through Ross' childhood, family life, and career to the ultimate reason for the book: the author's knowledge of and desire for preservation of classical, especially Donald Ross, golf courses. Anyone who has the blessing of playing one of Klein's cited courses will understand his devotion. Lovers of biography will be fascinated by Klein's stories of Ross' background and personality. History buffs will learn through clearly written text and old black-and-white photos the problems encountered in golf course constuction as well as the societal and economic limitations that Ross faced. Those who get caught up in beautifully photographed golf landscapes will be captivated by the visual journey from windswept Scottish links where Ross was weaned to America's varying terrain where Ross was to be so successful. Klein's book, like a Ross course, represents a value and pleasure for the user, whether casually approached or closely scrutinized.

2 comments about Amazing Pace.

1. Michael Phelps has always been generous with reporters, so many scattered profiles of him exist. This book nicely brings the information together. And perhaps it can be revised after the 2008 Olympics.
   
   McMullen covered Phelps for the "Baltimore Sun" and seems to have developed good relationships with Phelps and his people. McMullen adopts an upbeat tone: he enjoys Phelps' accomplshments and values the perspectives of Phelps' family and coach. As a local man who was on the story almost fulltime, McMullen knows things that other writers do not, such as Phelps' probable income, the content of arguments between Phelps and his father, the impact of Phelps' sister's swimming career on his own.
   
   McMullen's book complements rather than competes with Phelps' own autobiography, "Beneath the Surface," written with Brian Cazeneuve. Indeed, McMullen strives to fill in background and perspective that the informally told biography leaves out.
   
   Those good things said, the book offers some frustrations. The chief one is McMullen's refusal to narrate chronologically. Each chapter, until the 2004 Olympics, starts with a competition, then circles back to discuss some issue, such as family, professionalism in the Olympics, dietary suuplements (he actually makes supplements almost interesting). The effect is that twice when I resumed reading after a break, I forgot where I was in Phelps' career. Within chapters, I also felt unstuck in time. Chapter 1 starts with a meet in 2003, cycles back to discuss Phelps' parents, then lingers for over a page on the 2000 Olympics. What happened to narrative order?
   
   Two other complaints. McMullen does not demystify the sport. Unlike, for example, John Feinstein who embeds illuminating information in his basketball books without impeding the narrative flow, McMullen leaves complex issues undiscussed. Why do swimmers train as they do? What made Coach Bowman's methods with Phelps successful? How do race strategies differ in various events? Further, McMullen is not very dramatic at describing races, which is sad because Phelps often comes from behind to win.
   
   The book is a fun and fast read. Yet we still need a book that does for Olympic level swimming what Feinstein's "A Season on the Brink" does for college basketball and what H. G. Bissinger's "Friday Night Lights" does for football.



2. This book is a really interesting read. I suspect most people who pick this book up will be swimming fans, though that really isn't a prerequisate. Paul McMullen gives you tons of background and the best history lesson on the sport you can find. I found the details in the history terrific. I liked reading about all of the past and present swimmers. Some are stars, others are unfamiliar names. I loved how meets and races were dissected. I found the information about doping particularly interesting because that was all new to me. There was so much information in this book and it was conveyed in a captivating way.
   
   Having read the other Phelps book, Beneath the Surface, I finished this book much more satisfied. Amazing Pace delved much deeper below the surface and gave a lot of insight into Michael Phelps's life and swim career. Honestly, it probably isn't fair to compare the two books since the other one seemed geared to a different audience. Amazing Pace seemed written for sports lovers, not just Michael Phelps lovers.
   
   I loved how the author organized the book, sometimes jumping around. I liked the anecdotes about Phelps's family, even though they were sometimes painful to read. The swimmer's relationship with his father was especially hard to digest. Thankfully he has strong bonds with his mother and sisters. There's a part in the book that describes a scene with the women in his life after Phelps has won his first Olympic gold medal. I was brought to tears by it, though I also felt a little guilty about spying on such a personal moment.
   
   Other aspects of Phelps's life were sometimes difficult to read about. The pressure put on him to top Spitz's achievements seemed unfair for a kid of just 19 to handle. It's surprising he was so cool and poised during the 2004 games given the heat of the media and fans. It wasn't easy to read about the period post-Olympics when things fell apart a bit. I don't just mean the DUI. That was a mistake to be sure, but the touring and the injury were harder to read about.
   
   The book is not a downer, as one might think from what I've said so far. There are many funny tales and the relationship between Phelps and his coach, Bob Bowman, is endlessly fascinating. There's also the actual swimming. Paul McMullen breaks down each day of the 2004 Athens Olympics and I was on the edge of my seat reading about the races, even though I knew the outcomes. I had to go back and watch some races because the book inspired me so much.
   
   I think there are a lot of lessons to be learned from this book. First and foremost, it shows that in order to achieve things like Michael Phelps has, you have to work really really hard. Few people in this world have it in them to work that hard. Phelps is to be admired for the effort he's put into his swimming, moreso than the medals he's won.

2 comments about What It Means to Be a Husky: Don James and Washington's Greatest Players (What It Means to Be ...).

1. This is a fantastic book about Huskies football history. I am a big husky fan and I learned a ton about former players from Greg's book. It gave a lot of really neat insight into their opinions of the program and their personal experiences. This is a MUST READ for any Washington Huskies fan! Thanks for writing a great book, Greg !!!



2. If you are a bonafide Husky football fan, you must read this book. Tells the players inner thoughts and what motivated them. His players are unanimous in describing Coach Don James as a man of integrity, loyalty and are proud to be part of his legacy.
   K. Wong, M.D.

5 comments about A Blistered Kind of Love: One Couple's Trial by Trail (Barbara Savage Award Winner).

1. There are many guidebooks on the trail itself. As someone planning this trip, the emotions from both the male and female perspective displayed in this book is also a very important aspect to be informed about also. I loved this book.



2. I picked this book because it won the Barbara Savage memorial award, and it did not disappoint. This was a great account of adventure travel told from two points of view. The two perspectives made it humorous and insightful to hear about their adventures from two perspectives.



3. I like the chapters in the "he said, she said" point of view. I could really feel what each was going through. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.



4. A Blistered Kind of Love is a terrific account of one couple as they trek the Pacific Crest Trail. The narrative alternates between authors Angela and Duffy Ballard, and that sets the book apart from other hiking memoirs. Seeing the hike from both perspectives invites the reader to share the experience with greater depth than most single-perspective narratives. It's almost as if we get to alternate sharing the trail with each author, hearing ones view of the trail tale before we hang back and join the other, listening to the same story with that author's particular way of looking at the adventure. Very quickly, the reader gets the sense of being on a hike with good friends. It helps that both writers do a terrific job of letting us see through their eyes. This book is strongly recommended for hikers, adventurers, and people interested in the way relationships develop in extreme situations.



5. 
   For anyone with a sense of adventure and the urge to find it inside themselves. Both fun and inspirational - this is what good travel writing is all about - and it comes with an added twist. Duffy and Angela alternate writing chapters and their distinct styles (and perspectives) are what really make this book fresh and original.

5 comments about Committed: Confessions of a Fantasy Football Junkie.

1. Very funny combination of history, investigation, and how-to book about fantasy football. St. Amant captures the intensity and comradery of fantasy football.
   
   More vulgar than it needs to be, funnier than it should be. Made me laugh out loud and nod knowingly when he touched on the emotions of fantasy (football, that is).



2. As someone who started playing Fantasy Football in 1992 and has not missed a season since, I have lived through many of the same things as the writer. My first question is how did he get his wife to let him take a year off jsut to play fantasy football? He is one lucky guy. I have also learned that it doesn't matter how much research. etc. you do sometimes it's just plain luck.
   If you play or want to play fantast football this book will give you an idea of what it's like.



3. Mark St. Amant is the Bill Cosby of Fantasy Football. He captivates you with his passion for the game and then makes you wet your pants with his spot on humor about this addictive hobby we all love so much. He is part story teller, part Bill Bryson sarcastic explorer and part average fantasy football owner. This book is a must for anyone even remotely interested in fantasy football. It will explain to our loved ones why they are widowed to FF for 6 months of the year and help them to understand why we wake up screaming "Throw T.O the ball!!!"
   It is a funny, poignant, heart-felt and realistic look into the world of Fantasy Football from someone who has been there and done that. His most recent success in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF) in 2007 is just one more reason why this is a book that should be on every Fantasy Footballers book shelf.
   Fantasy Football Guidebook



4. I liked this book but at times it dwelled to much on the authors own FF team from 2004. The stories about the FFL's he visited was interesting and there was some good technical information here and there, all with a humorous twist.
   
   You know how it is when someone insists on telling you about their Fantasy Football team? What if it was their Fantasy Team from three years ago? That's where this book gets a bit cumbersome for me but if you are interested in what it's like to be insane about Fantasy Football this is a good read.



5. I received this as an XMas gift and can't get through it. The book feels forced and manufactured. There are points that are relatable but are painfully obvious, if you are a fantasy football player you are better off reading your league message board. Everyone can relate to the overzealous owner in their league, most overzealous owners don't try to write a book.