5 comments about Steal My Art: The Life and Times of T'ai Chi Master, T.T. Liang.

1. ... and perhaps plant some crops at the new moon(?).
   I almost met Master Liang, but didn't. Now I feel as if I had. Mr. Olson has brought us a living portrait which one feels can't be flawed.
   This book is entertaining, inspiring and historically interesting -- for Taiji practitioners especially.
   Gee, Prof. Cheng Man-Ching doesn't come off too well ... so I've decided to use Master Liang's example and not judge and accept the greatness that he did or may have had.
   In this book I see the portrait of an old rogue -- like many old people -- having a healthier perspective than most younger ones and understanding the give and take of life (as in push-hands). It would be interesting to know what he was like at a younger age.
   In summation, I think it is a well-written book and contains some jewels for the taiji student at any level.



2. First I wanted to make a brief comment on the one very negative review, which said Olson's book wasn't even well written. Come on, it's perfectly competent writing and well edited. I know because I spent 7 years working as an editor and writer in the publishing field, and the book is just fine as far as the quality of the writing and editing goes. Olson isn't a professional journalist as far as I know, and the book could have been written by a professional. The book is also from a reputable publisher, and they know how to bring the writing up to a professional standard if the original writer himself isn't capable of that. (I know, because I did that kind of writing and editing myself, too).
   
   In fact, I found sifu Olson's bio of Liang quite well written and immensely entertaining, for master Liang often has a wit and sense of humor that is as subtle but irrepressible as his tai chi. The life and times of master Liang, his personality, and his philosophy emerge through numerous anecdotes, personal observations, stories, and notes that Olson took in his many discussions with Liang over the years. There is also a good deal of important tai chi history and lineage here that is worth knowing, discussing the contributions of various other masters, such as Yang Cheng Fu and Chang San Feng, and many others.
   
   If you are already a knowledgeable or senior practitioner there might not be much here in the way of new information on how to do tai chi, but if you're a beginner to intermediate student, there is much good information and material here to further your knowledge. But Liang's life story and his amazing adventures and his inimitable personality are the main attractions of this book. Also, his personal philosophy is worth considering too. If the world followed his principles we would be better off and the world would be a far less violent and more peaceful place. But humans are humans, and so they would rather hate and kill each other than follow tai chi's taoist principles and live in peace.
   
   There was one extremely interesting thing about tai chi in the book that I have to mention, though, about when Liang went to visit a reclusive master on a mountain, who was reluctant to discuss his tai chi. He said that all the aphorisms of the great masters about how to do tai chi are merely tricks to get you to do it correctly. For example, the statement that one must allow all one's weight and energy to sink into the "bubbling well" or kidney point on the bottom of the foot. The master said that it just isn't the upper body that is yin and the lower body yang, but that all power must come from the foot. In other words, it isn't that half of the body is yin and half of the body is yang, it's more like 95% is yin and only 5% is yang. Then he showed Liang the difference between doing "wood" tai chi and "cotton" tai chi. This was a fascinating encounter and perhaps the most telling in the whole book.
   
   One other thing I found intriguing was when Liang had to go into the hospital at age 85 for some tests. The doctor said that his internal organs, unlike most 80 year-olds, had not shrunk or atrophied somewhat as is typical of the elderly. The doctor attributed that to the increased blood flow to the internal organs from his lifelong practice of tai chi. If true, then this is yet one more reason to practice tai chi.



3. This is a fascinating book about the diverse life of T'ai Chi Chu'an Master T.T. Liang. Full of humor, a zest for life, and a deep devotion to this martial art, Master Liang epitomizes the term "Master." Very well written by Stuart Olson, who may well have been closer than anyone to his legendary teacher/father. Details of Master Liang's Tai Chi lineage are very interesting to students, as are his insights into the principles of Tai Chi.



4. Mr. Olsons book was very informative. He gives us a glimps into the private life of one of the modern masters of Tai Chi T.T. Liang. Liang was the personal assistant to Cheng Man Ching the man who brought the pearl of Chinese Culture (Taijichuan) to America. The tremendous respect and admiration Olson had for his instructior truely shines through in the pages of this book.



5. This book seems to have started a few fires.
   For those who believe a T'ai Chi teacher is a God or Icon and not a man at heart (yo' Smith) think again.
   It's Great to read about Master T. T. Liang, a man who lived beyond what most could dream. A Great work, for those of us who loved T.T. first as a wonderful man then a great teacher here's the real deal, like it or not!
   The author Stuart Olson lived with Master Liang for many years and was his closed door student. Thank You Stuart !

5 comments about Running With Champions: A Midlife Journey on the Iditarod Trail.

1. What a wonderful, wonderful book !
   
   This book tells the story of Lisa Frederic who comes to racing relatively late in her life. She volunteers for the Iditarod and gets hooked on the sport. Within 5 years, she is running in the Iditarod herself at the age of 42. Not only is the story inspiring, it is well written and interesting. She spends the first half of the book describing the process she went through to be able to run in the Iditarod (cleaning the dog yard, trainig the dogs, etc.) and the second half of the book talks about the race itself.
   
   Lisa conveys both the thrill and heartbreak of running dogs and you come away understanding just how tough this really is to do. For a 46-year-old mom from Indiana, all I can say is "WOW!". While running in the Iditarod is not something I want to do, I love reading about people who have done it. This book is an absolute must read for anyone who is interested in dogs, the Iditarod or taking chances and doing somethind different with your life.
   
   Other good books on this subject: "Winterdance" by Gary Paulson and "Race Across Alaska" by Libby Riddles.



2. After a tour through Danali National Park in June, 2008, one of the people told us that our driver, Lisa Frederic, had written a book. As we had been totally captivated by her as our tour driver, we bought the book when we returned home. Having met this charming, lovely woman in person it is totally fascinating to read about this amazing phase of her life. This is a book that totally pulls you in right from the beginning and never lets go. You feel the the love, pain, struggle, and the joy that permeates this book. After reading what Lisa went through to achieve her dream, and feeling as if you were in some way experiencing it with her, you truly have a sense of what it means to not give up and to do whatever is necessary to reach your goal. I hope there are more books in her future and that life is very good to her and her husband, David, who must also be a very special person.



3. I really enjoyed reading Lisa's book, "Running With Champions". I thought it gave a great "insiders look" at what it really takes to run the Iditarod. As a reader, it was overwhelming to read about the physical preparations it takes just to get your gear and dogs ready... the endless hours of running the dogs, and of course, learning how "NOT" to do things. That is ALL before you get to the Ceremonial Start in Anchorage!
   
   I thought that her writing style was engaging, and she was more than willing to share the ups and downs of her adventures. I enjoyed her sense of humor about the goof ups, and accidents she had during training. I thought her insights into living with and training with one of the "Big Dogs" of mushing, Jeff King, was fascinating. I have often wondered what makes these mushers tick.
   
   I have read other books by other female mushers, and by far, Lisa's book was the most engaged, and engaging. Very thoughtful, warm and fun... Thanks for writing this book for us middle-aged gals!



4. Lisa was the tour guide on our 9 hour Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali NP in September and did a great job. Great on stories, history, and of course her dogs. The book is just like talking to Lisa. She has a very outgoing personality and a true love of Alaska - this comes through clearly in her book as well. This book also makes a great gift.



5. As others who reviewed this book, I too met the author and her husband, but not in Alaska, but in Belize, Central America of all places! After a sailing trip in a group, my friend and I had breakfast with them one morning. Off-handedly, she mentioned the experience and book. 7 months later after looking at some photos, I was reminded of it, and sent for it.
   What a nice surprise! I Loved it! Not only was it interesting and inspiring, but the girl can write too! I cried several times and cheered her on. I'm passing it on to my neighbor for her trip this weekend. My only regret is that I hadn't known about her or her book before we met briefly. I would have talked her ear off with questions. So, when's the movie coming out!

5 comments about Jimmy Connors Saved My Life: A Personal Biography.

1. Joel's biography of Jimmy Connors is long overdue and is a must for anyone interested in the history of Open Tennis. As Mary Carillo writes in the introduction to the book, Connors was the most important player in the Open Era. Not necessarily the best, but certainly the most important. He made tennis matter to the man in the street.
   
   I defy anyone who remembers watching Connors play, from becoming emotionally involved in what was going on. There have been great players in the Open Era: Laver, Sampras, Borg, Federer, McEnroe. But none I think were quite able to connect with a crowd in the way Connors could.
   And it is this which I will principally remember him for.
   
   I was seven years old when I watched my first tennis match on television: it was the 1974 Wimbledon final between Connors and Rosewall. To this day I still recall that chirpy, pugnacious little left-hander with his mop of straight black hair and that metal Wilson racquet that he wielded in his left hand, pummelling ground strokes to all corners of the court and for which poor Rosewall had no answer. I also seem to recall his pas-de- deux with Chrissie as they celebrated their Wimbledon victories together on centre court.
   
   Above all he was such a contrast with what had gone on before: the Smiths, Lavers, Newcombes and Rosewalls with their short hair and impeccable manners and upright, unshowey 1950's demeanour.
   
   Then came Jimmy. No wonder they described 1974 as a Revolution on Church Road. He did to lawn tennis what the Rolling Stones had done to British society 10 years earlier. He smashed his way through the revered walls of SW18 and turned the place upside down. He grabbed those genteel female spectators with their horn-rimmed specs and rubber-flowered hats and gave them a damn good shake. No wonder they all loathed him!
   
   The tennis was astonishing. Joel is brilliant in his covereage of his US Open exploits. But you could write volumes on his Wimbledon exploits alone - as a Brit I can testify to this, seeing it all at first hand: his precocious victory over Rosewall in '74, the '75 semi against Roscoe Tanner then considered the fiercest server in the business whom Connors reduced to ashes, and for whom Ashe himself rose like a Phoenix to provide sweet revenge by defeating Connors in the final; the epic battles against Borg in '77 and '81, the victory against McEnroe EIGHT years after his first win, the '84 semi against Lendl whom he destroyed with a quite astonishing display of return of serve and a remarkable recovery in the 4th round in '87 against Michael Pernfors from 2 sets to love down and trailing 0-4 in the third to come back and win. I can tell you that even as reserved a place as Wimbledon has never seen scenes like that!
   
   And we haven't even discussed the Open - but buy the book because Joel covers it admirably.
   
   One further tip - his matches (and those of the other great players) are available on-line to purchase, covering all the grand-prix tournaments from the mid-70s onwards. Do try and get them if you can. You'll see what I mean
   
   Meantime, many thanks Joel for this book. Long overdue and a fitting tribute not only to one of the greatest players of the Open Era but one who is a living testament to the adage: Never Give Up!
   
   Now go and buy the book!!



2. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is much more to this book than tennis. Drucker's biographical information about Connors is fascinating; even as a tennis fan I really knew very little about him and mostly had only heard of his late career heroics at the U.S. Open.
   
   What I really enjoyed about this book was Drucker's personal story. Although he wasn't directly involved in the professional tennis world (until later on) his book shows that professional sports, and more than that, idols in general, can directly effect our personal lives. As the title indicates, Jimmy Connors impacted Joel Druckers' life in a very real way. As much as I loved the tennis side of the book, the personal interest slant is what kept me reading.
   
   This book is worth your reading time. Thanks Joel Drucker!



3. I read this book with great interest, as I befriended Jimmy Connors at the local tennis courts in several years ago, shortly before this book came out, and got a chance to talk to him on an almost daily basis about a variety of subjects while practicing strokes against the tennis wall. He was quite humble and that does not quite match the nature of the narcissist described by the author in this book. This book is very well-written and researched, but during the couple of years I knew Connors, I found him to be quite self-effacing when it came to his immensely successful career and persona. He looked back on it like it was a fun and exciting time then, but had clearly moved on and was trying to find a new purpose in his life. He did not appear unhappy, as indicated, just somewhat bored and always coming up with new ideas of what he wanted to do next with his life. He really wanted to do something meaningful for ordinary people who enjoyed playing tennis, but also still clearly enjoys being in the company of top players, as is evident from his coaching of Andy Roddick. He appeared anything but selfish, as he volunteered for the homeless and clearly cares a lot about animals.
   I observed that Jimmy was in a lot of pain sometimes, but he never once complained. In spite of his pain, Jimmy kept coming back to practice his play against two of the best local tennis players (a couple), and from what I observed, he bonded the most with the female, older player, a seasoned tennis pro. Jimmy, by himself on one side of the court, managed to wear out these other two players on the other side completely, which was quite amazing. After all, he was in his early 50s and in pain. While on the courts playing, I did notice, like the author, that he changed into a different persona. He expects everyone to give their best at all times and got frustrated when this did not happen. I find this to be an admirable quality that pushes people to be their best, and I'm sure this part of Jimmy's persona influenced the author's life profoundly and perhaps saved it.
   Jimmy always did appear most comfortable around women, as the author indicates, but in a strictly platonic way. He seemed very devoted to his wife, Patti, and children who occasionally came to the local courts, as well. I observed several times that he was indeed not as friendly or close to other men, but what do you expect from a person who is taught to beat other men at all cost and win no matter what. Call it paranoia, as the author does, but is it really surprising?
   Having met many highly intelligent people throughout my life, I'd say Jimmy Connors is one of the smartest people I've ever met, and he may not hold a Ph.D, but he does not need one either. I can understand the author's fascination with Connors, however, as Connors is a very interesting person.
   They always say it's lonely at the top, and to get there, I think you have to be somewhat of a narcissist, highly competitive, power hungry and have a very positive attitude. It's the survival of the fittest....
   This book focuses mostly on the young Jimmy of the past and, of course, on the author himself. Jimmy has clearly moved on with his life, still has a strong spirit, is very competitive, healthy and focused, but has definitely mellowed. He is an admirable human being, unique in many ways, and if more people would adopt his positive attitude and determination, he could save many people's lives. An interesting book, and especially for those who wish to find direction in their lives.
   
   Written by MV, California



4. Joel Drucker is an indefatigable researcher and an insightful writer. Though tennis writers tend to be at the bottom of the food chain when measured against golf, boxing and baseball writers, Drucker does his profession proud. The biographical information about Connors, based upon meticulous research, is at times, outstanding. He paints a portrait of the tennis great that few have ever seen. Drucker explores Connors' relationship with his mother Gloria and grandmother Bertha in-depth. Indeed, knowing his relationship to them is the foundation of not only his tennis career but also his life.
   My main problem with the book is that Drucker was never the insider he portrays himself to have been with Connors. Perhaps, his infatuation with the charismatic "Jimbo" led him to conjure up a make-believe inner circle relationship where none existed. I can stomach this because I do not believe Drucker believes otherwise. I truly think that he viscerally believes he was thisclose to Connors. But he wasn't. To me, this calls into question other assertions and conclusions he made and arrived at. I've examined them thoroughly and have no problem with their efficacy.
   Simply put, this is a book that Drucker had to write. Undoubtedly it served as a catharsis, ridding his soul of haunting demons that needed exorcising. As he describes his relationship with his brother, its like hearing chalk screech on the blackboard. Yet, it had to be written.
   For the diehard Connors fans, this is a must book. For those who loved tennis in its heyday, you won't find a more compelling book. Most of the other tennis books on the personalities from this period were written, or so they read, solely to capitalize on the subject matter and to make a dollar. This book was written from a soul that is, at times, tormented, yet remains sincere. The result is a one-of-a-kind book that does justice to Connors, tennis and the writer.



5. I coudn't agree more with the Amazon review here by Milacik Najdrahsi - I, too, was very much looking forward to reading this, having idolised Connors as a teenager myself, but this book is one of the worst I have ever read, a horrid, self-regarding author's ego trip, replete with the worst kind of American psycho-babble and pitiful philosophising about personal family difficulties, self improvement and the pursuit of 'success'. There is a prolonged, ghastly, obsequious chronicle of a highly ambiguous and suspect 'friendship' with Connors together with endless, embarrassing accounts of Mr. Drucker's own laughable tennis exploits (or 'career', as he likes to call it), with some atrocious writing to boot. It was extremely painful to cringe my way through to the end. I like to think that if Connors himself has read this he would have found it as loathsome as I did. A zero star rating from me... avoid at all costs, it will make you ill.

4 comments about All My Octobers: My Memories of 12 World Series When the Yankees Ruled Baseball.

1. All My Octobers is a great book, full of great moments and great players in Major League Baseball's greatest classic, The World Series. Told in the first person by the late baseball legend and New York Yankees powerhouse centerfielder Mickey Mantle, these stories of the World Series are natural and authentic. It's up close and personal, right from the dugout at Yankee Stadium. From his first series in 1951, playing with The Yankee Clipper, Joe Dimaggio, right through to his last in 1964 against the St. Louis Cardinals, where Mantle hit three home runs to set a career World Series record at 18. Mantle still holds that record, along with runs scored (42), and runs batted in (40). Of course, he writes about the excitement on the field during the games, but he also gives us some personal tid-bits and his thoughts on the games and players. He tells us that some mistakenly thought he was giving Joe Dimaggio the cold shoulder, but in truth, he just didn't feel it was his place as a young player to be so forward with a legend like Joltin' Joe. He recalls conversations with Casey Stengal and Yogi Berra, the all-night drinking sessions with Whitey Ford and Billy Martin, and how he watched Roger Maris hit his record breaking 61st home run on television from a hospital bed, while sidelined with a hip infection. Each chapter is devoted to a different World Series, and every one is remembered fondly and precisely by Mantle. These were the glorious New York Yankees' dynasty years, back when The Bronx Bombers ruled Major League Baseball, and the world was a different place. All My Octobers is a very interesting and intimate look at the best of baseball during that magical time.



2. I was a Big Mickey Mantle fan back when he first came up to the Yankees as a 19 year old.
   He immediately had an impact on me. As a young boy he was my idol.
   
   I just began reading the book, and am already impressed with all the won- derful memories of the great Mickey Mantle.
   
   The book is great!, and I expect no less, as I continue to read on.



3. Love 'em or hate 'em, the New York Yankees are an integral slice of Americana. The superstars seem to shine brighter there than in other markets. They transcend sports and become a part of American life. From Ruth and Gehrig's dominance of the Roaring 20s to Joltin' Joe Dimaggio's hitting clinics of the 30s, 40s, and 50s, to Mantle and Maris in the 60s, and finally the resurgance of recent days, the baseball world hangs in the balance of what the Yanks ultimate destiny is on a yearly basis.
   
   With the exception of Ruth, it is entirely possible that no one figure captured the baseball world's imagination to the same degree as Mickey Mantle. From his humble beginnings to his majestic homeruns, "The Mick" had something for every baseball fan and he displayed it all while wearing the famed pinstripes in a total of 12 World Series.
   
   Not every World Series was won and Mickey certainly illustrates that he was far from perfect, both on and off the field. It's a wonderful look back to the Golden Era of baseball and an inside perspective of an age of sports that will never be seen again.
   
   Fully recommended!



4. An interviewer asked Yogi Berra to do word association. The interviewer's first words were Mickey Mantle. Yogi's association was - What about him?

   Mickey takes us through his World Series appearances - 1951 when he permanently injured his knee, 1952 when Jackie Robinson told the press that Mantle beat the Dodgers and that the Yankees didn't miss DiMaggio, 1953 with Mickey's tape measure homeruns, 1955 when the long suffering Brooklyn Dodgers won their only World Series, 1956 when the umpire gave Don Larsen that final strike, 1957 when Yankee reject Lew Burdette beat the Yanks, 1958 when Bob Turley returned the favor by beating the Braves, 1960 when Casey failed to use Ford 3 times against the Pirates, causing the most heartbreaking disappointment in Mantle's baseball career, 1961 when Maris outpaced Mantle and substitutes won the World Series, 1962 when McCovey lined out to Richardson, 1963 when they ran into Koufax-Podres-Drysdale-Koufax, and 1964 when Whitey had a sore arm and couldn't pitch to St Louis.

   Mickey blamed himself for failing to do rehab on his legs. He endured constant pain, and it was a miracle that he had a baseball career at all. He rated himself as equal to Mays in fielding, faster than Mays on the bases, but without the longevity.

   If you look at the incredible Yankee dynasty of the 1950s you see a team that wasn't great on paper. The Cleveland Indians were at times as good or better. The Brooklyn Dodgers had much better hitting. It wasn't like the awesome Yankee teams of 1998 and 1999. The Yankees of Mickey's day had no business winning so many pennants and world championships. What they had was Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Gil McDougald, and above all Mickey Mantle.

   Did you ever see him swing a bat? He hit the ball harder than Babe Ruth. He had the best swing in history, combining the grace of Ken Griffey Jr. with the power of ...... of nobody but Mickey Mantle. McGwire is a deep popup artist like Babe Ruth was. Mantle would drive the ball through a brick wall. He was the most powerful hitter who ever lived, and had the Olympic class speed of Rickey Henderson.

5 comments about Blacktop Cowboys: Riders on the Run for Rodeo Gold.

1. Author Phillips follows a handful of champion steer wrestlers on a year's round of rodeos, focusing mostly on 23-year-old Luke Branquinho from Los Alamos, California, who in 2004 went to the National Finals and finished first, with over $193,000 in overall earnings. That is the book in a nutshell. Readers follow along as Luke, his brother Casey, best friend Travis Cadwell, and a colleague Marc Jensen crisscross the West to compete at dozens of rodeos. The steer wrestling itself and the competition get almost as much attention as the long-distance rig driving, poker playing, carousing, beer drinking, junk food eating, gambling, pot smoking, cell-phone talking, and the idle conversations, story telling, boredom, practical joking, raillery, tomfoolery, and high jinks that fill the time between rodeos and rides.
   
   The book is an honest effort to recreate the experience of being on the road with this fraternity of men in their twenties and thirties, living out dreams of rodeo glory, pitting skill against luck in the arena, building friendships that qualify as a rough-and-ready kind of male bonding, struggling with disappointments, and dealing with physical ailments that range from colossal hangovers to serious injuries. You won't find much padding - no history of steer wrestling, no side-trips and detours into related subjects, and very little character study or analysis of the sport itself. It's pretty much play-by-play - whether behind the scenes or out in front of the crowd - ending in a 40-page account of the ten-day Finals in Las Vegas. A quick read, with a 16-page section of great action photos and thumbnail portraits of the cowboys featured in the book.



2. I got very interested in the characters, and learned some things about the life of a rodeo cowboy. It's a good summer read.



3. I bought this book as I college rodeoed with some of its characters. Appears they haven't changed much. The author did a great job of showing what it really is like out on the road. Not just the glitzy outlook but the behind the scenes.



4. I had read a glowing review of Blacktop Cowboys that piqued my interest. Though my husband describes me as a neo-aristocratic fashionista, little did he know that up to the age of 11 I rode western saddle and particpated in, albeit very small, local rodeos. There is something about these men (and women) who capture a part of America that holds a seemingly romantic life. Hats off, literally, to Ty Phillips! He wrote a wonderful book on today's steer wrestlers. And thanks to the gentlemen who allowed Mr. Phillips into their life. Without their participation I don't know if Mr. Phillips could have written so honestly about them. Mr. Phillips does not romantize, per se, about the life, but is able to put one there, watching the milesigns go by, feel the dust in one's nose, and the frustration or joy of an event. Whether one has an interest in rodeos or cowboys, buy this book, you won't read anything better. Thank you Mr. Phillips for writing about a subject few of us will ever know as well,than through your words.



5. Phillips takes all those fans of professional rodeo on the road at 85 miles an hour in a 350 pickup, pulling an alumumum trailer loaded with horses and living space.Due to the descriptive skills of the author, the reader becomes a silent witness to the good, the bad, and the ugly side of life with the rodeo cowboy. I couldn't put the book down.

5 comments about The Devil and Sonny Liston.

1. If you rolled your eyes when you read the title of this review, then you'll want to steer clear of Nick Tosches overwrought, insipidly pretentious prose. Here's a snapshot:
   
   "Truman Gibson told me a story, in that way he has of delicately spinning out a web that can be plainly seen only from a distance, the gossamer of a tale that seems to have no meaning in itself, but which, when the moon of understanding waxes, shines softly with the light of meaning that was there all along."
   
   The writing is comical, but the source from which it springs is Tosches meglomania, which is what truly ruins the book, unless you want to read it as comedy, with Tosches as the unintended punchline. Because to Tosches, he is as historically significant as his subject, and for this reason his own ego keeps bumping into everything he tries to write about. Try this:
   
   "Lowell was not in the best of shape. Like Frankie Carbo, like me, like a lot of people, he had diabetes, and the complications were getting the better of him."
   
   There's Nick again, inserting himself into the story. I'm sorry he has diabetes, but he's not asking for sympathy. Oh no. You see, Nick's talkin 'bout diabetes. The big D. Lots of tough guys have it. Guys like Frankie Carbo, lord of the underworld. And guys like him. You know how it is.
   
   And just in case you've come to the end of the book and you still haven't figured out that Nick Tosches is every bit as big and bad as Sonny Liston, don't worry, cuz he's not gonna hold back on you no more. He's just gonna come right out and say it. Try this one on for size:
   
   "I write this on a cold night as one millenium, a dead wisp in that supernal breeze that we call time, becomes another. It is black outside, a little after half past four, when the joints too are dead. In the background--f*** the neighbors--the melancholy violin and viola, the mean self-threnody of Iggy Pop's "No S***," from his brutal, beautiful and courageous "Avenue B." I remember a night a few months back, at Manitoba's, a joint on Avenue B. I was there to read poetry, and Chuck Wepner, one of the last of the stand-up guys--a guy who fought not only both Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali, but also, for charity, a Kodiak bear--had come in to introduce me. 'This guy,' he said, 'writes like Sonny Liston hit.'"
   
   By the end of it all, I realized that I'd just consumed far too many supernal gossamers, filigrees of wisdom, and wispy moons of understanding. More than anything, though, I realized that I'd had enough of Nick Tosches to last me until the Great Self-Threnody in the Sky. Come to think of it, though, Wepner may have been right. Reading Nick Tosches might be just about as pleasant as being hit by Sonny Liston. And you know how hard he hit.



2. I remember, as a mere slip of a lad, tape-recording the Liston-Clay fight on my Wollensak reel-to-reel tape recorder. (I think it weighed more than I did.) I played that tape over and over. ...
   
   "SONNY LISTON'S NOT COMING OUT!" excalimed Howard Cosell. "SONNY LISTON'S NOT COMING OUT! HE'S OUT! I'M NOW GOING UP INTO THE RING!"
   
   Actually, I congratulate Nick Tosches on writing a book about Sonny Liston and not once mentioning Howard Cosell, who I simply *loooooooathe(d).*
   
   As for Nick's book, you have to give him credit for the research he's done, he is thorough. But as a previous reviewer noted, he's a Jimmy Breslin/Damon Runyon wannabe. Of course that's not an unambitious wannabe gene to have, is it? So I can't really criticize Nick for aspiring to such obvious greatness.
   
   The thing is, though, Nick manifests his hipness in an all too obvious way. Alas, there's nothing sadder than a hipster who tries too hard to be too hip.
   
   Still, Nick was raised in Newark, New Jersey, as I was, he's about my age, and he's clearly a good, solid, interesting writer, so whaddya want? fugetaboutit -- da bum's okay!
   
   In Hemingway's short story "A Clean Well-Lighted Place," the old man in the cafe is asked: "What are you thinking about?" To which he replies: "Nothing." Meaning: nothingness.
   
   Indeed, this is the key that unlocks the mystery of Sonny Liston. In considering Sonny Liston, one inevitably looks into the abyss -- comes face-to-face with the personification of nothingness. ("Nada y nada y pues nada.")
   
   Easily the most feared and ferocious of heavyweights, when he wasn't (probably) throwing both Ali fights, Charles Sonny Liston was nihilism to the 12th power. As such, I wish Nick had written a bit more about Liston from an existential point of view. His writing style is perfectly suited to such an approach. Put another way: I don't imagine it's a coincidence that Nick has also written biographies of Dean Martin and Jerry Lee Lewis, both of whom, each in his own unique way, has danced on the precipice of existential dread.
   
   If you don't know Sonny Liston from Adam, or if you consider the only accceptable biography to be that of a famous, notable or "respected" individual (as opposed to a thug like Liston), then you're a square, daddy-o, and you should pass on this book, ex Post Toasties.
   
   (Did you see what I did there? Huh? A little cereael humor -- "ex Post Toasties." ... I gotta million of 'em.)
   
   If, on the other hand, you're consider Sonny Liston to be an important part of our cultural past and therefore worth paying attention to ("Attention, attention must be paid this man!"), then give my paisano Nick Tosches' bio of Sonny Liston a shot.
   
   Meanwhile, there's no question Liston threw the second Ali fight. But what about the first one? Did he throw that one, too? If he did, one has to wonder what would have happened to Ali had he faced the full, "unfixed" fury of Liston.
   
   Before the first, at the weigh-in, Ali went nuts, with most commentators (in hindsight of course) maintaining that this was meant to psyche out Liston. I don't believe it. I think Ali was scared witless of Liston; maybe not necessarily at the weigh-in but in his general psychological preparation for the fight. In fact, he was probably as surprised/shocked ed as anyone that he emerged from the fight victorious -- let alone survived it!
   
   It's interesting how Nick points out that after the Mob's influence over boxing waned, many of the people involved in boxing, including the boxers themselves, longed for the days when they dealt with the Mob, as opposed to the real thieves, the compleat crooks, namely, the lawyers, corporatists and other buttoned-down nouveau riche hustlers we civilians are all now plagued with.
   
   The Mob may have been rough, but as Mario Puzo once put it: at least back in the day you could get a decent bowl of spaghetti & meatballs in Las Vegas. Today? Fugetabout it!



3. All this negativity, wow. I thought this book was fantastic. It made me buy other books by this guy and I liked them as well. He's not my favorite author of all time, but this book was great. 5 stars.



4. It's refreshing to read that so many others here can see through Tosches as the "literary" equivalent of a snakeoil salesman.
   
   I've worked in the industry so I know that copywriters at least attempt to come up with the jacket- or cover-copy that will entice readers into buying the book. But a writer with Tosches' clout usually gets to write his own copy. So, with that in mind--DINO, while allegedly a depiction of how down-and-dirty Dean Martin really was (yes, the man was flawed and he did some bad things--but Frankie Sinatra did a LOT of MUCH worse things) is actually a book about an entertainer, Martin, who was a genuinely, physically and mentally tough man (the type who Sinatra pretended to be--Dino didn't need bodyguards to do his fighting) who was beloved by his female costars, who found him to be genuinely funny, charming, and a true gentleman. One alleged insult to a call girl quoted on the mass market cover--who flattered herself that she could take Dino for a ride--does not contradict this. He was streetwise and when he told Jerry Lewis "you can talk about love all you want, you're just a f**king dollar sign to me," it was in the context of having played second bananna to a narcissitic, juvenile cretin, for year. For example, Lewis was so obnoxious that, in an episode of the old Colgate Comedy Hour, he kept interrupting Martin to upstage Dino was he attempted to seen what was his hit song. Who wouldn't to throttle the little punk?
   
   I see that Tosches' "biography" of Arnold Rothstein--the famous gambler who fixed the 1919 World Series--is subtitled to call this a story that's never been told before. Do an Amazon search. Do a Google search. Okay, Rothstein is not a household name but anyone who has read a few books on American gangsters has heard of Rothstein. "A.R.," as he was known, is NOT an overlooked figure in histories of the era.
   
   Tosches is a "wannabe," as another post stated, and yet another post(s) commented on his faulty research skills, irrelevant digressions, and affected prose.
   
   But you know what really got me pissed about this Liston book? Tosches states--as though it were an indisputable fact--that the last fight Rocky Marciano had, against the great Archie Moore, was fixed. Archie took a dive to preserve the Great White Champ's record.
   
   Just like that. This is a historically significant allegation and one that has not been made before (at least not in any serious reportage). Does Toshces cite a source for this bombshell? God forbid. He makes this statement without batting an eye or even addressing why this charge has never been revealed by any of the truly great boxing writers who have preceded Tosches. I'm sure Bert Randolph Sugar, for one, would have touched on this years ago, if it had even a grain of truth.
   
   In truth, Archie Moore's gripe was that the ref--after Moore had hit Marciano with a shot so hard it's said to have lifted the Rock several inches off his feet before he hit the canvas--gave the Rock the equivalent of a "long count," allowing the younger and stronger Marciano precious seconds to recover and knock out Moore.
   
   Other boxing writers (Sugar, for one, I believe), some who were present at the fight, others who have seen the B&W film footage, respectfully disagree. Moore was a great champ, a great fighter, and a proud man. NO doubt about that. And he gave the Rock one hell of a fight. He came thisclose to winning the heavyweight title. So did Billy Conn against Joe Lewis. (Was that a fix, too?) It must be difficult to deck an opponent with a punch that would ended the fight against virtually any other opponent in that weight class and then see him, in true Marciano fashion, rise from the canvas, shake off the punch, and come back at you like a wrecking machine.
   
   But Toshces' version? Hell, he just makes a statement out of "punchyland" that suits his biases. Were it true, it would be a helluva revelation, a story that would capture the attention of boxing aficionados--if it were only true.
   
   Toshes is, indeed, a con artist. He tries to dazzle you with his footwork but has little to back it up.
   
   Sonny Liston deserves a better biographer, one that keeps the spotlight on his subject and not on himself.



5. While the negative reviews here hold a certain amount of water, it must be understood that this is certainly not a "traditional" biography, if a biography at all. I came upon this book from the opposite direction as previous commentators, as an fan of literature with a passing interest in boxing. Tosches' entire ouevre reads much the same way as this text: pop cultural riffing, hyperbolic spiritual send-ups, flourishes of bizarrely germane quotes. But it all works.
   
   I can safely admit that this won't serve as an effective biography for anyone hoping for detailed accounts of Liston's fights, but it is a wonderfuly tempered, passionate work. In terms of boxing studies, if you care at all for the style of Oates' "On Boxing," this is certainly worth a paltry $0.19.

4 comments about Going the Distance: One Man's Journey to the End of His Life.

1. I would give this book 10 stars if I could. First, I should mention this is *not* a book about running any more than Moby-Dick is a book about whales. Rather, it is a discourse on how best to live one's life, written by someone near the end of his. I read this every year, and every year I'm amazed at how wise Dr. Sheehan was. Like Shakespeare or the Bible, it opens up to me the more I read it, and every time I learn something new, if only because I've changed and understand it better through experience. It helps me measure my own growth. I can't express what an influence it has been.



2. I bought this book when it first came out in 1996. I have now just gotten around tor reading it (1999). I am bad about putting off things I suspect are going to be very good (Delayed gratification).

   One of the great pioneers of not just running, but healthy living via serious play, George Sheehan, wrote a book that is the final work of his life. Subtitled, One Man's Journey To The End Of His Life," Sheehan has his eyes wide open, avoiding clinging to pure emotionalism and the could-of-should-of-would-of mentality, looking deep into his own felings and observations.

   This book is not for everyone. It is for those that choose to face life and death with their eyes open -- willing to face themselves and what makes them tick.

   Just as you cannot put a bandaid on cancer, George Sheehan doesn't try to cover up his humaness. He fully embraces what he was, what he is now, and acknowledges the similarity between the very young and the very old.

   Unfortunately, this book will hard to find if you have an interest . . . Long overdue for a reprint.

   G.R. Ford




3. This was the first running book I ever read, I am trying to read all of his books. But some are hard to come across. A touching story of a man and such a stong devotion of the meaning "life," god bless him.



4. While George Sheehan is best known for his expertise in running, he may be more accurately described as a philosopher than a runner. Going the Distance is a wonderful journey through a dying man's thoughts and reflections on dealing with the end of his life. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, Sheehan embarks upon a journey to battle the disease, and then come to terms with his own mortality when the battle is lost. As per his usual work, there is the obvious emphasis on running, but even the non-runner will enjoy this book. Not merely a book for "jocks", Sheehan once again displays his artful writing style and philisophical nature. A must read for the runner, walker and couch potato alike!

5 comments about The Horses in My Life.

1. Interesting reading if you're a Monty Roberts fan. Basically short stories
   of horses he has owned or trained. Not much educational content but an
   overview of his life with horses and fun reading.



2. This book is a set of stories about the horses in Mr. Roberts life, not all of them, but a collection of sixty or so. It starts with the first horse in his life and ends with a horse named Johnny Tivio that he road to win numerous championship event. Mr. Roberts stresses in this book that these are the horses that taught him things.
   
   Mr. Roberts, the author of the best selling 'The Man who Listens to Horses,' clearly loves horses. In this book, that love comes through. Each horse is treated with respect and understanding, perhaps more than you would normally think goes to an animal. Perhaps, but it makes it easy to see why Mr. Roberts has chosen to spend a lifetime with horses.
   
   Knowing that the horses are long lived, there is a bit of trajedy here as each horse goes to his own ending. But that too is part of life.
   
   This is not a book on how to train horses, not even about how to ride horses. This is a life of loving horses.



3. It was fascinating to follow how the different experiences with horses led Monty to become the person he is today. I have seen him work in person and it is truly amazing to watch what he can do. Learning more about what the horses have taught him gave me even more insight.



4. This is a great bunch of stories and such a marvelous perspective on a rich life involved with animals - pure love!



5. Monty says these horses made him the amazing trainer that he is and it is a fascinating journey through the decades of his life. He created a movement that will forever change the way we treat animals - not just horses.
   I read a review by the American Library Association touting this book and they are right on!

5 comments about Babe: The Life and Legend of Babe Didrikson Zaharias (Sport and Society).

1. THis is one of the best sports biographies I have read.Its very well written, very unbiased,sensitive and portrays an accurate picture of this amazing human being. Its also a fun read and reveals a side of the Babe,her pranks,egocentric often annoying style, that few knew.In my mind she surely was the greatest woman,s athlete and this book truly does her justice.You won,t be disappointed



2. Amazing champion this lady was. Her accomplishments in a short life are dazzling. Like many others naturally gifted with athleticism and a burning desire to compete and win, Babe did just that.

   This is well written, but suffers from my own perspective with an underlying desire to document how cruel and unmodern Babe's cultural times were to not allow lesbian relationships to be openly exposed and women to be subjected to conformity.

   We live in just the reversal, where abnormality shines brightly as acceptable or even desirable, and where has this sexual revolution gotten our society?

   Babe loved the game of golf, and my interest was primarily in this achievement area of her career. She should deserve more recognition as one of the game's truly greats!




3. Since I am from Beaumont, Texas (South Park) and a fan of the BABE, I found the book a very interesting read. I was unaware of the Babe's relationship with Betty Dodd; however, I feel that an individual's sexual life is their own business. I can't help but wonder how the author could have been sure of their special relationship without ever being in the same bedroom with them??? Changing her colostomy bag is hardly a sexual act, but the type of action from a nurse, close relative or friend.



4. As a former student of Dr. Susan Cayleff, I found the book to be a wonderful and informative read. Knowing Dr. Cayleff and her constant search for truth and knowledge of women and their accomplishments, this book is one more testament to her thoroughness, her brilliance as an academic, and the passions that she imbues in her students - - the fire of wanting to know more about women,who and what they are, who and what they have been, and who and what they can become. Anything that Dr. Cayleff writes stands as witness to her intellect, her love of the written word, and her desire to spread the joyous news of women's feats and accomplishments. Is it any wonder that this book was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize? Keep them coming Susan. The next one will be terrific too, after all, I had the opportunity to be one of your research assistants for the next book. Thank you for all of it, the books, the awareness that you instilled and inspired in so many of your students and readers, for your caring about humanity in general, and women in particular.



5. Cayleff has thoroughly researched and documented Babe's life and times. She conducted extensive interviews with surviving members of Babe's family, friends, and partner (Betty Dodd). Cayleff also incorporated massive amounts of journalistic accounts--sports writers, magazines accounts, etc. This is not a fluff biography--the book will teach you about what it meant to be a woman in Babe's time, what it meant to be a female athlete, and how Babe managed--and manipulated--these things. Babe fans will learn more about her, and scholars will be able to follow up on Cayleff's work through her extensive endnotes. This is the first book to tell of Babe's relationship with Betty Dodd, but Cayleff does not label it "lesbian." That is because Babe herself never did. Remember that this was the 1950s. They were life partners, spouses. The loved each other. Cayleff's book is important for bringing this relationship to light, as well as many other hidden realities of Didrikson's life--her heroism as an "out" cancer patient (when it was taboo to talk about it), as well as how Babe manipulated the press. As dozens of published book review has stated (see quotes above at this cite), this is absolutely THE most extensive research ever done on Babe. I've seen rave reviews of the book in SOJOURNER, WEST COAST WOMAN, WOMEN'S REVIEW OF BOOKS, and SPORTS HISTORY REVIEW, among many others.

4 comments about Tiger Woods: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies).

1. Tiger is probably the greatest golfer of all time. He's has great poise and dignity on and off the greens. If only we could all live up to his exceptional qualities. This is a magnificent biography. I cherish it.



2. I was looking more for the values and principles Tiger Woods used to build his gaem. It covered some of this.



3. this Book is very well documented&put together. Tiger Woods is the Baddest Golfer Ever. He is a Standard in sports with his Dominance,but as a Person He is a ground-breaker in the World of Golf. this Book speaks on His Impact as a Golf Player&also the Social Impact his pressence has had on the sport. Tiger is unstoppable. His Father gave him the edge&Tiger ran with it. RIP to His Pops.



4. TIGER WOODS: A BIOGRAPHY brings the world of golf in general and the achievements of Tiger Woods in particular to life, providing a biographical which examines his participation in the sport, its particular demands, and how he lived up to his potential. A timeline of events highlights the high points, while discussions of Afro-American rights and PGA requirements provide the well-rounded background.