5 comments about Chasing the Wind: The Autobiography of Steve Fossett.

1. Our protagonist here makes a a series of Extraordinary Comebacks, the kind we like to log, whether coming back from losing all his trading capital (twice) to build a great fortune (he never says how much, too modest), dousing harrowing propane fires in his hot air balloons, separating fighting dogs while competing in the Iditarod in the wilderness, swimming the English Channel. And much, much more.
   
   The feats are truly stupendous, mind-boggling, almost unbelievable that one individual could do so many, yet as evidence that he was, indeed, human, Fossett occasionally fails (Everest climb, e.g.). We have always wondered about another of his "failures," i.e. why Fossett seemed to fail to capture wider acclaim, at least wider vis-à-vis what we thought his status in the pantheon of pop culture should have been (when a close friend described Fossett as "his hero" we realized we had never heard that kind of acclamation applied to Fossett so we sought out this book to read his whole story). The author provides some insights on that: he says he never chased fame, the high of the accomplishment was enough. His recounting of these achievements, and they are staggering, comes off sometimes a bit like working down the Saturday to-do, he is that matter-of-fact. Maybe that was the "real" Steve...cool, calm, calculating, quiet and modest. No Superman cape. No light shows. Maybe that is the answer to my question, maybe those qualities are not publicizable compared to trials and tribulations of the latest actor or actress going to or coming from rehab?
   
   When he disappeared on a routine flight Labor Day 2007, the mystery of Steve Fossett didn't get any plainer. How could someone who planned his adventures so meticulously (he was a professional risk manager on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, after all), take off without a GPS device, thus making it impossible to track him? We'll never know, but thankfully he was stirred to lay down his account of his remarkable life before that fateful day.
   
   Another good friend, and CBOE trader, (and Mackinaw sail race winner, like the author) knew Fossett personally, and speaks highly of his personal integrity, competitiveness, and personal qualities. We didn't share the experience of knowing him personally, but reading this book is the next best thing. Well worth your time to do the same.



2. A really inspiring look at the greatest adventurer of our time. I bought this just before he went missing....
   The writing is a little amatuerish, which means he probably wrote it all himself rather than some ghost writer.



3. Before his disappearance on 9/4/07 Steve Fossett was a world class adventurer. He's the holder of some 115 world records & many "firsts" in aviation, sailing, and last but not least ballooning. This book takes the reader through the various phases of each major feat the highlight of which is his solo circumnavigation of the globe in a balloon after six attempts. It does become a little bit belabored, but since it's such a unique account of some truly extraordinary feats you can forgive him for some of the "flexing" he does throughout. The actual biographical info on his life is somewhat scant focusing more on his many adventures. It's clear though after reading this that he never did any of this stuff for the publicity. He really wanted to challenge himself and raise the bar for others. You come away from this biography of a hyper-motivated adventurer & successful businessman feeling anything is possible with the right amount of effort and persistance. Perhaps besides his many records that's the real legacy left to the world by Steve Fosset. It's not necessarily what he accomplished so much as what it represents!



4. What a wonderful read! Loved learning about all his records and experiences that the media hasn't covered. As a fellow Fossett, I think it is amazing of Steve to accomplish so much, and be such an inspiration to children with ambition!
   Thanks Steve!
   Mary Beth Fossett Wescott
   Alabama & Maine



5. While "Chasing the Wind" is a somewhat interesting read, Fossett basically comes off as a VERY rich guy who is a "professional record breaker" (115 so far) and has unlimited resources to buy the best equipment and sign on the best in support staff, like weather experts, etc.
   
   (paraphrasing) "While we were waiting for the weather to clear for my round-the-world attempt in the Virgin Atlantic Flyer, I flew my Citation X across Australia, setting a new speed record for that continent."
   
   Further, once he sets a record and it is subsequently surpassed, he has no interest in another shot at the same record. He has moved on...no lasting commitment to any one endeavor.
   
   I am much more impressed with not-as-widely-known guys like Hugo Vihlen who have a real passion for a specific area/objective, use their own (not limitless) resources, ingenuity and sheer will to achieve a tremendous goal. Vihlen set an trans-Atlantic small vessel sailing record in a 6' plywood sailboat. When his record was beaten, he sailed the Atlantic again in a homemade 5'4" sailboat for 105 days. The record still stands. Read "The Stormy Voyage of Father's Day."
   
   Sorry Mr. Fossett - you could learn something from Hugo Vihlen and others like him.

No comments about Hockey Stars (High Interest Books).

1 comments about Hockey Now! (Hockey Now).

1. This is a fine book for al fans of the National Hockey League. It's jam-packed with full-color photographs, profiles and stats of the brightest stars in the NHL including Jaromir Jagr, Eric Lindros, Dominik Hasek and Brett Hull. A must for all hockey fans. Up-to-date information too !

5 comments about Never Stop Pushing: My Life from a Wyoming Farm to the Olympic Medals Stand.

1. This book was great, it showed anyone who read this book that if you put your mind to it, and work hard you can do any that you set your mind to. This book taught me to never give up on any of the challenges that lie ahead of me. I was also able to connect to this book with the wrestling standpoint, i wrestle Freestyle which is different then Greco-Roman, but its another Olympic style of wrestling. Rulon Garnder is my favorite athlete, not because he won the Olympic Gold, but because he work harder then anyone else who made it to the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, with injury and everything, he never gave up on anything he did. When he was stranded in the woods of Wyoming, the "middle of nowhere" as he said, he never gave up, waited patiently for someone to rescuse him.
   
   This was the best book i have ever read, not just because of the wrestling, but because of the lessons it teaches the reader.



2. "Never Stop Pushing" is the autobiography of Rulon Gardner, who staged one of the biggest-ever upsets in Olympic history by defeating the long-standing Russian world champion Alexander Karelin in the 2000 Sydney Games Greco-Roman heavyweight wrestling final.
   
   Gardner's story shocked and surprised me since his gold-medal achievement makes up only part of the book. Instead, as Gardner himself states, the most remarkable time of his life was, ironically, his near-fatal accident whilst snow-mobiling near his Wyoming home. The moment-by-moment depiction of his struggle to survive a freezing cold night while waiting to be rescued forms the centerpiece of the narrative. The description of his ordeal is interspersed with details of his wrestling career and is recounted in full later on in the book.
   
   Gardner also describes his childhood, which is something quite apart from the normal experience of most modern-day Americans. Brought up as the youngest of a large Mormon farming family, he spent long periods alone laying irrigation pipes and milking cows and lived quite an isolated life. At school he looked forward to meeting kids his own age but instead his learning disability set him apart and he made few friends.
   
   His struggles to go to college and get a degree, like his brothers and sisters, form another substantial part of the book. You end up rooting for him to succeed.
   
   Rulon comes across as an immensely likeable, soft-hearted guy. A few of his experiences struck a chord with me and I shuddered slightly as I recognised myself a little in the text. I particularly enjoyed his honesty - he describes crying on the way to an out-of-state wrestling meet after his coach tells him off for being late. I can't imagine many celebrities being that truthful.
   
   NSP is by turns sad, joyful, entertaining and exciting. You get to learn about the politics of sport and how hard it can be for minority sports athletes to pursue their dreams. I would have liked a little more detail at times, for example, Gardner tells us he has bought a house in Colorado and you think, When? Why? but overall this is a remarkably well structured and pacy autobiography.
   
   As an afterthought, I'm reminded of something Vince Lombardi said,
   
   "It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever - the one who recognises the challenges and does something about it."
   
   I guess you could say that this book shows that Rulon Gardner is a supreme "doer" and a true champion of sport.



3. This is a great book for all people, especially those who haven't had everything in life given to them on a silver platter. This book, with its uplifting and motivational stories from Rulon's life, inspires the reader to find the positive in life, and work hard to acheive your goals-no matter how difficult. Although this book is written in the framework of olympic wrestling, it's universal themes will appeal to any reader.



4. This is a must read for the wrestling fan. If his story wasn't real it would be almost as if it was written for TV. It is very informing for people who already know Rulon, and for those who don't you get to hear the real story behind Americas greatest Greco Roman wrestler ever. It is a great book to give young athletes to show them anything is possible.



5. The book arrived on shelves 10 or 12 days ago to little or no fanfare, and mores the pity. It is an inspiring story of an improbable hero and the many, MANY tests and challenges he has faced both on and off the wrestling mat. It is also the story of an unassuming, everyday kinda guy who faced adversity in many forms and always came out on top because of his belief in the idea that you never stop trying until you win. For any self-respecting wrestler or wrestling fan, this is a must-have. For the rest of the world, well, the writing style and prose pose no particular threat to Messer Hemingway or Faulkner's standing in the literary world, but that's part of what makes it such a fun and interesting read. It is a great story and great read. Go buy it. A few more Rulon Gardner's and the world would be a much better place.

No comments about Andre the Giant: A Legendary Life (WWE).

5 comments about Adventures in Larryland!: Life in Professional Wrestling.

1. Larry Zbyszko is one of the most well traveled wrestlers of any generation, having worked for nearly ever major promotion during his glorious career.
   
   Larry sheds just enough light on his suburban upbringing, and speaks with awe and affection about his mentor and hero, Bruno Sammartino. Throughout the book Bruno's influence is obvious on Larry, and he applied it to carve out a legendary career of his own.
   
   Larry shares insights on doing business with both Vince McMahon Sr. and Jr., and the chessgame between the McMahons against himself and Bruno that almost led to the dropping of the Sammartino/Zbyszko angle, to this day IMO the best angle ever done.
   
   Larry glosses over his time in the NWA territories, which is understandable since he didn't spend a great deal of time in either area, but does give insight into why his blackmail angle with Dusty Rhodes and Baby Doll never happened.
   
   Larry's stories of dealing with father-in-law Verne Gagne in the AWA are entertaining, as are his stories of the territory in general, such as the story behind his ninjas, and his wrestler vs. boxer feud with Scott LeDoux.
   
   You'll hear Larry talk about the end of his in-ring career and his commentary career in WCW. He talks about business dealings with Jim Herd, Kip Frye, Bill Watts, and Eric Bischoff, why a program with Ric Flair never materialized, how his comeback feud with Lord Steven Regal came about and produces stellar matches, and caps it off with his stand against the New World Order, while talking about backstage dealings with the members, including Hulk Hogan.
   
   You wish he'd have gone into a little more detail, but his writing of his time in the WWWF alone make it well worth the buy.



2. This a must read whether you are a fan of wrestling or not! It may be a short book, but the entertainment value more than makes up for the large font everyone seems to be concerned about. You get an insiders view of the way wrestling used to be instead of the new hyped up matches. Larry takes you on his journey into the world of wrestling from his beginnings. He allows you into his inner circle and shares some very colorful and entertaining experiences through the ups and downs of his career. It is well worth the journey and I would highly recommend this book to anyone!
   The only reason you would not like this book is if you work for Vince McMahon!!



3. This book was a fast read, with much humor, which provided an excellent review of professional wrestling from the 1970s up through the 1990s when World Championship Wrestling was locked in a television rating war against the World Wrestling Federation (later changed to World Wrestling Entertainment)in an attempt to win over the hearts and souls of the fans. This book should be picked up by serious fans of pro wrestling. There are nuggets of solid information into the workings of pro wrestling which can be picked up from Larry's stories. One of the unique stories presented in the book is the relationship between Larry and his mentor, the great Bruno Sammartino, wrestling's original Living Legend. The story of their dealings with the McMahons, Vince Sr. and Jr. is the stuff of legend. Wrestling fans throughout the world will truly enjoy Adventures in Larryland!



4. I read this book in two short sittings...not because I couldn't put it down, but because it was so short. This is more like someone jotting down notes than an autobiography. Years would pass in one sentence. Nothing particularly groundbreaking at all, more like a few interesting anecdotes.
   
   His matches with Eric Bischoff and Scott Hall set records? Uhhhh...maybe that's because the Bischoff match was on the undercard of Hogan/Sting? That's like Koko B. Ware saying his match with Butch Reed at WrestleMania III broke all kinds of records.
   
   Go buy Jericho or Bret Hart's autobiographies instead. Pass on this one.



5. Here's what you will not learn:
   
   -You will not learn anything about Larry Zbyszko's personal life. Although he mentions a crazy girlfriend, three wives, and pictures of children, you will not learn anything about them much less that he is married to Kathy Gagne!
   -You will not learn where he got the name Zbyszko from.
   -You will not learn anything about his professional career from 1981 - 1984 as he goes from WWF to AWA with just a bare mention of Georgia later in the book. The fact that he was rumored to be blackballed for two years and was stuck doing outlaw/indy shows headlining with David Sammartino is never mentioned. This could have been the most interesting part of the book.
   -You will not learn much about his WWF/WWWF tenure except for the feud with Bruno which does make for very entertaining reading.
   
   I got through this book in a couple of hours as it is less than 200 pages although Amazon is saying 240. Just not true even with pictures.
   
   Some stories are definitely entertaining but so much was left out it was ridiculous and a slap in the face to any reader. His exaggerations were ridiculous too. While he has every claim to the Shea Stadium gate with Bruno, he also claims that he and Saito sold out the Tokyo Dome and that his 2 PPV matches in 1997/1998 for WCW set PPV buy-rate records. He even tried to say he wrestled in front of a sold out crowd when he won the title. He didn't even say he won it in a battle royal in the Minneapolis Auditorium in front of less than 2,000 fans.
   
   I was really looking forward to this as I thought he would fill in the blanks but this was a very lazy effort with large print and small margins to boot.
   
   His timelines are also all over the place as he says that WCW brought in Hulk Hogan for purposes of Nitro.
   
   Really poor effort overall.
   
   Just like his wrestling technique, he stalled right through this effort and I fell for it hook, line, and sinker with my wallet.

3 comments about Paula: My Story So Far.

1. This book starts off a little slow in that Paula's initial thoughts seem to jump around a bit in the first chapter. She seems compelled to defend herself right off the bat regarding her 2004 Olympics performance, which is a shame, because she is truly the world's best female marathoner. Once past the introduction, the book progresses in a more organized fashion that is easier to follow. I loved reading Paula's insights into her performances. She lays it all out there and her determination and grit are pure and uncensored. Paula is an incredible athlete and her talent and will to win are amazing. I was very inspired as a runner myself and admire Paula all the more after reading her story. Looking forward to more from her in the future.



2. Being a runner, I love reading about runners, and their stories. Paula Radcliffe comes across in this book with frank honesty. She doesn't sugarcoat it, and tells it straight. She comes across confident, but human, like just another person. Granted, she is an elite athlete that has accomplished much in her life, but unlike some autobiographies, she doesn't sit there and tell you how great she is.
   
   I learned a lot about Radcliffe herself in the book, along with a lot of interesting things about running, injuries, dealing with injuries, the triumph of her victories, the agony of her defeats, her drive to always give it her all, and that she is quite funny at times throughout the book.
   
   Also, for those of you that don't know, she is asthmatic and if you know someone that has asthma and struggles with it, get them a copy of this book. It will inspire them.



3. This book really starts in Chapter 4 for the running enthusiast. The first three chapters provide an insight into Paula Radcliffe's childhood. The final 17 chapters provide indepth descriptions of the motivation, injury, pain, perseverance and acheivement of a deicated runner. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the emotional, psychological and physical characteristics of a serious and successful athlete.

5 comments about The Game of My Life: A True Story Of Challenge, Triumph, and Growing Up Autistic.

1. This book was awesome, I could not put it down. You can really tell that he wrote it. It makes you understand what goes on in his head.



2. Jason McElwain's autobiography is well written and informative.
   It describes the essential details of his life. The book presents
   interviews with the most important people who have interacted with
   Jason. It is highly recommended reading.
   Jason's coping with his autism is relieved by his pleasure of
   playing basketball. Jason in one basketball game colossally surmounts
   being autistic by being artistic with his incredible three point shooting
   accuracy. He sinks a total of twenty points with six three point shots and a two point field goal( where he mistakenly was standing on the three point line ) within the last three minutes and nine seconds of
   his team's game. This performance was so incredibly phenomenal Jason's
   life story is currently being developed into a national movie release.
   One facet of Jason ( "J-Mac's" ) personal basketball practice
   ( "shootarounds" ) was never revealed in his autobiography that might
   potentially be interesting to the public is his personal "best" basketball
   shooting statistics and records. What percentage of three point shots
   and free throws did Jason sink in practice? What were the most consecutive
   three point shots or most consecutive free throws Jason ever sank in practice? What was the longest practice session shot Jason ever sank? Did Jason ever sink or perfect any practice "trick shots" or any other trick basketball handling or dribbling skills such as spinning the basketball upon his finger? I am an internationally famous basketball trick shooter and inspirational and motivational speaker named JIM "TRICK SHOT" LISTER.
   I sink many of the most unusual and most difficult basketball trick
   shots in basketball history with an astonishingly high degree of accuracy
   despite shooting the basketball with a crippled right shooting hand.
   My own personal basketball triumph over adversity is considered
   by some basketball experts to be one of the greatest true basketball stories of all time.
   I personally rate Jason McElwain's heart-wrenchingly and tear-jerkingly basketball triumph-over-an-obstacle accomplishment as the
   single greatest true basketball story of all time!!!



3. RECEIVED THIS BOOK VERY QUICKLY. GREAT CONDITION. REAL BARGAIN. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SELLER!



4. Many people probably remember hearing about Jason McElwain on the news back in 2006. He scored a record six three-point shots for his high school basketball team. That might not have been outstanding for a superior high school player, but Jason was the team manager, not a first string player. And, in addition to that, he was a young man diagnosed as autistic.
   
   In THE GAME OF MY LIFE, Jason McElwain tells his story. He shares what he recalls from family stories about his early childhood years, unable to communicate or even tolerate his mother's loving touch. Extensive medical testing resulted in a diagnosis of severe autism. With the help of dedicated parents, Jason was able to learn coping skills and manage many of his autistic outbursts. Sports provided a focus point and an outlet for his energy, and ultimately earned Jason his moments of fame.
   
   Jason's unique voice can be clearly heard as he tells his memories of early treatments thought to reduce the symptoms of autism. He explains the frustration of moving from one school to the next as school administrators searched for the best programs to help him. As Jason became interested and involved in a variety of sports, he found not only friends, but also a way to achieve success. Always in touch with reality, Jason knew his skills were adequate but not exceptional, and his success came as a chance to just be part of a team. But with the care and concern of his coach and teammates, his part on the team gave him the chance of his life and memories that have changed him forever.
   
   THE GAME OF MY LIFE is an inspiring story about living with an increasingly common condition. It is an excellent book for teens suffering with autism or connected to someone with the condition. Jason's positive, up-beat personality is refreshing, as well as direct and realistic.
   
   Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"



5. After seeing the tail end of Jason's recent appearance on "Larry King Live", I immediately went on line to buy "The Game of My Life". Jason's compelling story kept me up past 2:00 a.m. last night because I couldn't get enough of his unique ponderings on the importance of "focus" and his astonishing feat [20 points in just over 4 minutes of playing time!] on the basketball court.
   
   Many parts of his narrative made me smile while others moved me to tears. I was even reminded of the brilliant screenplay penned by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for their 1997 breakout film, "Good Will Hunting".
   
   I can't wait to see the movie based on Jason "J-Mac" McElwain's life and to see who plays the lead role. If I were directing, I would cast J-Mac to star as himself!

5 comments about An Act of State: The Execution of Martin Luther King.

1. This reviewer is an avowed conspiracy/cover-up supporter regarding the 1960s assassinations of JKK, RFK and Martin Luther King. He welcomed the opportunity to learn more of the MLK murder. Author Pepper's voice rings loud and clear: "James Earl Ray did not shoot Dr. King!" Unfortunately, in buttressing that statement, author Pepper over examines the evidence and overstates his case. Pepper tries to be thorough but succeeds only in being repetitive to the point of confusion. MLK's opposition to the Vietnam War and proposal of a Poor People's Campaign had angered too many powerful people who wanted him eliminated. It is totally unclear who those individuals might have been. Mysteriously one name that does emerge is that of New Orleans Mafia Boss Carlos Marcello, just as it also does, on the fringe of the JFK hit. The bottom line is that while Mr. Pepper may be a superior lawyer, he has failings as a writer of long and detailed prose. To his credit, Chapter 9 does attempt to marshal the supporting facts in one place-one ray of sunshine where more light is needed. An interesting sidebar to "An Act of State" is Pepper's unabashed skewering of Gerald Posner. GP is the Establishment's point guard in debunking any conspiracy theories, be they related to MLK or JFK. Pepper goes after Posner with a vengeance that can only emerge from the deepest sincerity. The final word here is that "An Act of State" is too important to NOT rate 5 stars. Potential readers are urged to focus on Pepper's efforts and not his results. Mainstream media (what a great term!) has ignored the MLK hit. We should be grateful that the William Peppers of the world have the intestinal fortitude to investigate and publicize periods of our history that many would just as soon ignore.



2. I rode once in a pickup truck associated with a black college professor running for a city council seat, which was soot blackened because it had been fire bombed. That was in the early 1980s in a progressive university town. The threat of violence in reaction to political activism is not academic. It is out there and it is real.
   
   It is chilling that one of Peppers' interviewees matter of factly states that he thinks the book will be buried, so his testimony can just be part of a record without his drawing consequence from providing it. The mainstream media certainly does bury stories that don't fit an establishment narrative. That they have done so in this case shall be a stain on the Fourth Estate for all time.
   
   This is an important work. Every citizen should read this, and it should be taught in all the schools along with material on who King was. One of the things that Pepper does best, in addition to show a lot of persistence in seeking evidence, is reflect on King's value as one of America's leading thinkers of all time.
   
   Given the state of the world, King's moral force is no less and his call to action to bring America back to its original vision still rings out like the echoing of the Liberty Bell.
   
   I think that Pepper's work brings a lot of implications that need to be seriously addressed, especially since there might be some sort of connections or parallels to the JFK and RFK assassinations. What does this mean for any attempt to gain power for a more progressive vision of America in the future? What can we do to make sure our civil processes are not to be trumped by those with a will to do violence in response?



3. William Pepper's exhaustive research could be better served-- An Act of State meanders in and out of consciousness with a loose structure and story line--it's confuing. There are seemingly several relevant and compelling theories layed out on King's murder but the book is so convoluted it is sometimes difficult to follow Pepper's aruguments or thesis if there is one. Lloyed Jowers, the centeral figure at the heart of the conspiracy surrounding King's murder (According to Pepper) is presented as a relativley one dimensional character? With so much riding on Jower's involvement the reader begs to know more about the credibility and character of the man who came out of the shadows and pronounced to the world a mass conspiracy of murder involving the New Orleans Mob (they always get blamed--think JFK) the FBI & Hoover, and the local MPD. One missing componenet in all Pepper's research is Hoover's motive--Hoover no doubt despised King, spied on him and thought him a hypocrite but why would he want to Marytr him by having him killed?? These are not stupid people, Hoover must of known King would be canonized if he was murdered and naturally Hoover would be subject of hate as being such a public adversary--Pepper brings forth the theory of "Raul" the gun runner and hired assasin--perhaps the most intriguing charcter...Overall worth reading--labor intensive--Something happened down in Memphis on April 4th in the shadows of the Lorraine and downtown but by reading this book-- Pepper and everyone else are none the wiser.



4. An excellent book, William Pepper's An Act of State can be read alongside Waldron and Hartmann's Ultimate Sacrifice, the best available book on the murder of JFK. The links between these two "hits" are particularly intriguing.



5. This book is written by an English lawyer, who comes to these events with an analytical eye. He compiles evidence, and draws conclusions based on the evidence. The resulting portrait is not flattering to the US government. The evidence he cites points to apparantly rogue elements of the FBI and intelligence services actively involved in plotting and cover-up of the assasination attempt. This book deserves a film or investigation of its own, as it reverses the commonly-held view that a lone gunman succeeded in the assasination attempt. Taken in context with later relevations of J.Edgar Hoover's abuses of power, spying on US citizens, the Nixon Enemies list, The Pentagon Papers, the growing power of the mob over political figures, and the insidious intersection of the drug trade with the arms trade and politics, this book shows a way that institutionalized violence by elements of the US government can undercut the democratic process.
   Students of English repression of the Irish, Indian colonies, double-dealing in Egypt and the Middle-East, and so on, will recognize the symptoms of absolute power corrupting absolutely. If the evidence in this book were demonstrated with the modern techniques of 3-dimensional (3-D) animation used in modern courtroom investigation, it would be even more convincing. As a sidenote, fans of the distinguished journalist Earl Caldwell will note how his eyewitness testimony (along with that of others) was ignored or contorted to the detriment of the evidence. If DNA analysis were available at the time this book was written, it is quite possible that the level of proof would be even more conclusive. This book, even at this late date, argues convincingly that the MLK investigation was absolutely inadequate. A potential remedy would be independent investigating commissions, perhaps under the aegis of the UN's Human Rights Commission. Modern investigations are failing to protect democracy and human rights; indeed, they are becoming part of the problem. An issue for schools of science to advance seriously, for the common good.

5 comments about Namath: A Biography.

1. I thought this book was going to be all about Namath, but there is way too much football history.Wished the history would have been edited and and the book had stuck to Namath.



2. It was OK - the Super Bowl season and the seasons leading up to it were well written and really kept you interested. The years afterwards, there was too much unrelated material making it difficult to stay foucsed on the real story. Namath was an incredibly, lucky guy who seemed to always be in the right place at the right time and the story paints this picture. A bit too long though.



3. Kriegel does a masterful job at covering Namath for the reader. That said, I found the book way too long for the subject matter. Definitely mainline skimming after Namath retires from the Jets. The author really covers Namath's flaws. He appears to have always been an industrial strength drinker with little regard for most of his teammates and others. Not an easy person to like. Consequently, I found myself asking why am I reading all of these words about such a person. The football parts are really good, especially I would think for old line Jets fans. However, other parts are less intriguing. I've noticed that authors who are also journalists tend to think we care as much about all the details as do they. I found Kriegel's book, Pistol, about Pete Maravich is a better read.



4. Namath, through his legal mouthpiece, refused to cooperate with the author of "Namath: A Biography." A terrific researcher and writer, Mark Kriegel didn't need him. Joe left enough bitter friends, teammates, and business partners who were willing to share the lowdown on Broadway Joe. Ain't a pretty picture, but neither is pro football.
   
   This was one of the most talented and courageous players ever to step onto a football field. The author pays due homage to Joe Namath, QB. Plenty of fascinating stuff on Beaver Falls, Alabama, and Jets heroics. His athleticism was a great gift; his grit in making the most of it was unyielding. If you utterly idolized him as #12, leave that as your only memory.
   
   What this book presents is Namath as man in full; which is to say, a user without peer, a smalltown pool hustler who brought that ethos to all that touched his life. There's me, and there are the suckers. When he was finished with you, you learned it this way: your phone calls were not returned. Out. Finis. A buddy for twenty years now dying? A teammate for a dozen years? Sorry. Your services in the lifelong promotion that remains Joe Willie "White Shoes" are no longer required. Perhaps the best example cited by the author of the crassness of Namath the man was when he wanted 60G to attend a charity golf tournament organized by his Jets teammates. Unfortunately that sum would drain the total funds earned by the event. So no Joe. Not that he wanted to go; that was the point of the exhorbitant fee--he didn't need them.
   
   When the primetime hustle that was Broadway Joe finally petered out, Namath decided it was family that mattered. He had always tried to take care of his natural family, which was a broken one. But he had no practice at real life. He waited too long. He soon married a user half his age who hustled him: she left him because she wanted to be a "serious actress" and "find herself," as Kriegel painfully quotes her. This she did by ditching Broadway Joe for her own personal Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. She took the two Namath daughters with her, leaving her husband shellshocked as to how such a thing could happen to The Man Himself. He quickly returned to that which best sustained him through his desultory off-field existence: booze.
   
   Kriegel throughout makes the point that the Namath con is all part of the Big Con: The Enteraintment and Sports Sell. The original power behind Namath as Broadway Joe was Sonny Werblin, New York TV superagent and hustler extraordinnaire when he became a minority Jets owner. At the time, pro football was bringing up the rear in the American sports pantheon. Its owners still labored under the delusion they were in the football business. Namath-Werblin changed that. It was the perfect marriage in Joe's life. Joe and Sonny, Football and Show Biz.
   
   Namath's latest promotion has been his autobiography, surprisingly titled, "Namath." This was the reason Joe risked an interview late last year with Sixty Minutes, notorious for slapping the self-satisfied smiles off its subjects. No problem: his attorney likely made sure he got what he wanted, a puff-piece where he charmingly skates Oprahesque across the wreckage of his life while walking a Florida beach. Trying to stay booze-free once again, moving on metal knees and arthritic hips, the man's hustle hasn't lost a step. And he may be alone, still devoted to his daughters, but he's certainly not lonely (wink, wink). Broadway Joe lives.
   
   If you want a well-written take on Namath that is as gritty as the man and his world, read the Kriegel book. It's all about Joe William Namath, who remains one of the most extraordinary football players I ever watched. And wish I could pay good U.S. money to go back and watch again in the autumn dust of Shea Stadium, New York.



5. Great book. I feel sad for a man who peaked at 25.
   
   J!E!T!S! Jets Jets Jets