5 comments about Ali Rap.

1. This is a fun, quick read that is, more than anything else, a collection of memories created by one of Ali's closest friends. By that I mean it feels very much like a scrapbook put together by a loved one.
   
   George Lois went through many of Ali's biggest skirmishes, both in and out of the ring, with him. Because of this, he's able to put together this collection of quotes, pictures, interviews, etc and make it into not only something that I think Ali himself would love to read, but any fan of the Ali will leave on the coffee table in the hopes that everyone who sees it will pick it up.
   
   Ali is easily one of this generation's greatest sports (and world) heroes, and this book highlights an aspect we all knew was there but seldom dwell upon or look too much into. Not only was he a fighter, but he was a poet and a master wordsmith. He had so many great one-liners and sing-song taunts and rants, it's no wonder people couldn't wait to ehar what he said next.
   
   But don't get this book expecting any substantial biographical information on Ali, because that's not the point.



2. I am soo happy I bought this! The quotes are awesome but the layout design and pictures are amazing! You can read it through or just flip to random pages and it is just as interesting. There is a caption explaining the circumstances for each quote so even if you know nothing about Ali you'll understand. This is definitely worth the money. GET IT!



3. This is a compact book with great graphics with a whole slew of Muhammed's sayings contained within. If you are a collector of Ali stuff , this is a great addition to your library.



4. There are scores and scores of books written about the greatest athlete of our time, Muhammad Ali. In fact, Ali is the the most written about athlete ever. He has gone from being the most hated man in America in 1967 to the most revered today. Spanning his glory years, authors literally tripped over themselves to explain and reveal the complex and amazing person that is Muhummad Ali. An Ali book collection can easily consume an entire bookcase, afterall, his life and career have been disected by dozens and dozens of writers, from Norman Mailer to Howard Cosell to George Plimpton.
   
   To celebrate Ali's 65th birthday, comes the release of "Ali Rap". Contrary to what other reviewers have written, I find this to be a completely useless book. (I may have spoken too soon labelling it useless, as it may make a good paperweight as it is relatively small in size but thick). I "read" it in one brief sitting and was completely unimpressed. Don't waste your money on this assortment of Ali poems and sayings.
   
   The "book" is a collection of Ali's poems and sayings with pictures that are mostly appropriate to the meaning of the poem or occasion. The pictures are not that special, there being many other much better done Ali photograph books. And the poems are all ones that the Ali fan has heard before. The only unique quality of this book is that the poems are all brought together in one volume.
   
   The price is outrageous in my opinion for something with so little content. Literally, I went through this book in about 30 minutes. There was nothing that intrigued me about it or make me want to read it again. I am hoping to donate it to the library or sell it at a garage sale.
   
   I am a HUGE Ali fan and have read dozens of Ali books and this is clearly the worst of the worst. Avoid it - it will disappoint you if you are looking for something to understand the heart and soul of M. Ali. Instead, buy the DVD Ali Rap - now that will grab your interest. This book is a mere afterthought.
   
   Save a tree - don't buy this book!
   
   Jim 'Konedog" Koenig



5. I bought this book on impulse and love it from the first page. I was born the year Ali fought the "Rumble in the Jungle" and grew up on old clips my dad had on VCR. I was so engrossed in the book that I read it while trying to drive and I almost ran off the road. I doubt Ali was the originator of rap. As I read, it seemed to me that while it appeared he was able to rap at the drop of the hat, I suddenly realized that Ali probably spent hours trying to write this stuff down before quipping it in front of the media. He wanted it to seem natural. One of my all time favorite books. Strongly recommended.

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 The Best of Frank Deford: I'm Just Getting Started.

1. I love listening to Frank Deford on NPR. He gets to the heart of the matter and uses such great vocabulary. I am not a sports fan but, as a High School teacher and Wife & Mother of 2 sports aficionados, I am interested in the History and modern day controversies that go on in sports, so I can periodically speak with some credibility with my constituents.
   
   I bought this book for my 15 year old son, who had never heard of Deford, but is a fan of Rick O'Reilly. He loved this book and could not put it down. He has added Deford to his list of favorite writers.



2. For anyone who enjoys Deford's witty, literate commentaries on sports and society-or those who haven't had the pleasure of reading his work-this book is a great introduction!
   I have to agree that Deford's best work is found in his longer magazine articles. His work for 'Sports Illustrated' alone could fill a few volumes, and the best pieces in this volume are those 'SI' stories already mentioned by other reviewers. Personally, I would have preferred more articles and fewer NPR essays. The shorter, 'intended for broadcast' commentaries are sort of a 'Reader's Digest Condensed' version of Deford's wit and wisdom-tantalizing glimpses that leave the reader wishing he had more room to elaborate!
   I especially recommend "When There Were Still Elusive Barriers"(about Bannister and Hillary), and "Got to Do Some Coachin'" (the brilliant play that encapsulizes the turbulent personal life of Arkansas basketball coach Nolan Richardson).



3. One of the more boring and ill-thought out books I have read this decade. Deford is somewhat of a moron, yet thinks he is the gift to planet earth. I would not recommend reading this at all. I can't believe I gobbled it up at a used book store.



4. Frank Deford is a most articulate, persuasive, engaging writer---perhaps the finest sports journalist writing today.

   The collection of articles and commentaries contained in "I'm Just Getting Started" are from 1980 to 1999 and touch on every aspect of sports.

   You get insight, irony, humor, commentary, entertainment, nostalgia and optimism as you turn the pages---all delivered in a most literate manner.

   The essay on Bill Russell alone is worth the price of admission. "Frank Deford Goes Bowling" is an intriguing take on a subject seldom written up in sports pages.

   Enjoyable for more than sports fans.




5. Frank Deford is a brilliant writer, not to mention, probably the single greatest sports' writer on the planet. He just takes sports' writing to a higher level. The Best of Frank Deford will prove this.

   This book showcases some of Deford's best work as a journalist. Although some of the articles are a little dated, his style and amazing use of language still shines. The pieces included in this book are easily some of the best writng available. Any inspiring journalist could learn a great deal from this collection of writings.

   Deford never holds anything back, and he is never afraid to speak his mind. I personally enjoyed the in-depth look at Bobby Knight. But, there are many other treasures in this candid book.

   Overall, this is an excellent book and quite a fast read. Deford's witty and extremely articulate writing style allows you to flow right through the book. This is a masterpiece of writing, and a true pleasure for any sports' fan. The Best of Frank Deford is simply the best.

5 comments about Carrie Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies.

1. An excellent blend of history and technical information, perfect for the flytier interested in learning how Stevens tied her patterns. There is a nice series of plates showing examples of confirmed Stevens patterns, along with their recipes. The book contains many excellent photographs of flies tied by Stevens herself and of other items of historical interest. Reading this book is a lot like walking through a museum. The Hilyards have really done their homework.



2. I bought this as a gift. Nice history of Carrie Stevens, The Gray Ghost and Upper Dam. It's a nice history lesson.



3. This is an odd book. Playboy of the month for June, 1997, Carrie Stevens had distinctive flame-red hair and firm, natural breasts. However, in the three years since then, she appears to have gone downhill in the looks department, and moved to an alternative career as a fisherwoman. This is quite odd, as Playmates usually attempt a career in acting or, in the modern era, as 'goddesses of the web'. Carrie's decision to take such a drastic career move is surely evidence of a strong personality, one which separates her from the traditionally airheaded view of Playmates. Nice one, Carrie!



4. This is a superlative book on a par with The Art of the Salmon Fly by J.Bates. It has many beautiful photos of the streamers, well laid out and functionally depicted. The first half of the book tells in detail what was happening in the Rangely Lakes region and is a wonderful vingette of the real history of the lakes. The second half concentrates on the flies and tying. With photos of highest quality and fine desciptions, this is a book that will last. The tie-in to Joe Bates was, for me, a treat as he lived in my town and I visited him on several occassions. This was just the book I was lookng for on streamers. It has a look of substance, great directions, and clear recipies. If you are a serious fly fisherman, or want to be this book belongs on your shelf. There is a lot of junk out there on modern fly fishing, this book is a huge contrast. I am amazed by the amount of research that went into it;it is no wonder that it took fifteen years to compile. If you are like me, and want a book that shows high quality text and graphics and patterns that are legendary and useful , buy this book without hesitation. I read it the first day it came.Good job by this father and son team.



5. I was unable to put this book down until I had read the entire contents. It is a historical treasure, rich in information and photographs that will be greatly appreciated by any fly fisherman. The color photographic and printing quality is excellent. A significant portion of the book is filled with details on the Stevens streamer fly patterns and the specific information for a fly tyer to create them. A great combination of fly fishing history and a fly tying "cook book". I plan to buy a number of additional copies for gifts to fishing friends.

5 comments about Just a Range Ball in a Box of Titleists.

1. McCord's story about the annual ex-wives' golf day at his home course is, by itself, worth the price of admission. It is the funniest, most wicked thing I have ever read.
   I don't make a habit of reading Pro golfers' memoirs (except Jack's,big John's and, of course, our Greg's), but I am glad i made this book another exception to the rule. It is a collection of very short stories about his life on the Tour and his golfing adventures with his club mates. You couldn't invent the profiles of some of his mates. Birds of a feather....?
   Gary throws a lot of adjectives and adverbs into some of his sentences and sometimes get tangled up amongst them. As you would expect he doesn't take himself too seriously and is often the butt of his own jokes. No doubt this is why we don't get his account of his famous conversation with Hogan, and the low down on his eviction from Augusta.
   Buy, Buy, Buy.



2. As someone who has read a lot of inane sports book (if you took out all the f-words in Lenny Dykstra's book, it wouldn't even make for a pamphlet) but this clearly is the worst book ever published by someone who can seems to be able to speak English.
   
   He is entertaining and witty holding a microphone and in the forward, he pretty much admits he just took the money but clearly so did the "editor" and publisher - nothing wrong with that - we don't expect most sport bios or sport commentary books to be very substantial in tone or language but to be pointless, dull and pointless and dull - yes, it's that's pointless and dull.
   
   The premise seems pretty simple - basically give us a rundown on the year on the PGA Tour - give us insights or take us there? Doesn't sound too difficult. Can't write - not a problem - why not just talk into a recorder and someone can type it up, an editor can move things and so forth but to fail on every level?
   
   Nearly every sentence starts out with one idea and wanders off to another completely.
   
   After being a golfer and a commentator for nearly 20 years, you'd think he'd offer some insights - any insights? Except that golf is hard and sometimes unfair ... really? Is it saving it all for the TV?
   
   Funny stories? Nope. Says some stories are funny but can't them to us or writes it in such a manner, it's not funny.
   
   He's infamous as an announcer for being banned from the Masters Tournament - how about setting the record straight? Nope. Gives us some general info everyone knows and then goes into another subject IN THE SAME CHAPTER.
   
   On TV, he is a raconteur and witty but gives ZERO evidence here. Unless you just want it on your shelf to own every golf book or if you intend to hollow it out and store valuables, there's no real point to owning this book as reading material.
   
   For golf fans, this this clear a whiff, the grip slips off, the driver goes flying and knocks us loopy. Even in that condition, we could've written two coherent sentences that McCord is clearly incapable of ...
   
   In contention for the worst book ever published.



3. If you are familiar with Gary McCord then you should know that he is a little off the wall. Therefore, it wasn't a surprise that this book was off the wall. As a golfer, reading this book helped me to relax and enjoy the game more. It also helped in putting a smile on my face. This is not a book that should be taken seriously. Rather, it is a book that can help you find joy in the little things you do.



4. This is an entertaining and somewhat peculiar collection of essays from Gary McCord. I say somewhat peculiar, because I'm never sure whether they are truthful or tall tales. Probably somewhere in between. But what does it matter whether they're literally true or not--it's not as if I have some kind of personal reference what life on the PGA TOUR is like.

   McCord has been funnier and is funnier when he's speaking. This book has a weird, atmospheric style. More deadpan than you'd expect. It's as if he's speaking parables to you and you're never quite sure which parts are supposed to be funny. There's something else about the style ... as if he is trying to stay one notion ahead of the reader, which he accomplishes by leaving out a thought or two from time to time. I can't say it's bad, but it's not what one would expect.

   I'd rate this 3-1/2 stars but I'm stuck with whole numbers. It's definitely better than average ... but not great. If you want side-splitting, colorful tales, you'll want to check out Peter Dobereiner's work. This book provides a stranger, more meditative experience.




5. I have always enjoyed the light humor and spontaneous comments that McCord brings to television commentary. However, this is a boring, and disappointing book. Gary would do well to have someone else edit his transcripts for literary flow. The choppy sentences and introduction of too many characters in each chapter, makes the book difficult to read. I got through the first two chapters then tossed it back on the shelf to collect all the dust it deserves.

5 comments about Center Field on Fire: An Umpire's Life With Pine Tar Bats, Spitballs, and Corked Personalities.

1. I struggled throught this book. I would recommend almost any other book by any other umpire over this one.If I had not have read Ron Luciano's book beforehand I would have been lost a couple times in the stories Mr. Phillips attempted to tell.Really nothing in here but whining.Save your time and read "You're out and yer ugly too".It is much more entertaining.



2. Dave Phillips is a funny man, and he has many amusing stories, but Rob Rains, the person who should have been helping him write this, doesn't seem to have had any luck in shaping them into a book.
   The chapters are almost organized chronologically and are almost organized thematically. Instead the anecdotes, comments, and history of Phillips's life are left splayed across the margins of meandering transcription that appears not to have been edited at all.
   I remember Dave Phillips as an excellent umpire- one of the few AL umpires whose name a fan can easily recall who wasn't 'known' to be overly pitcher friendly, overly hitter friendly, or just plain 'on fire' to show-up a player or manager. He brings forth many names and images from one of Baseball's past, and it is clear that he loves the game and the people who have made it. His stories are not "kiss-and-tell" violations of trust, nor are they bland retellings of stale legend, but the lack of organizing principle makes the book painful to read. That is a shame because the great stories seem to be there, just trapped in a melange of unedited recollections, and the missing background and flawed structure of this book really hamper the reader's quest to share them.



3. if u love baseball this book is for u, from laughter to seriousness this book has all the greatness of baseball in a different perspective, the umpires, i recommend this book to all baseball fans or anyone interested in reading about baseball.



4. I had so much hope for this book. There are so many problems with this book, I can not possibly recommend it. It is riddled with errors and omissions. How can a publishing company produce something so flawed. There is a reason this book has a low review score, it is bad.
   
   I do not know where to start with the inaccuracies in this book. Phillips says Reggie Jackson's last game was in Boston, when I distinctly remember it being in Chicago. If Phillips thinks he is the greatest clutch hitter he ever saw, you would think he would remember seeing that. He only devoted four pages to "Disco Demolition Night". I know he could have devoted a whole chapter to it. It is just irresponsible to say "the stands were empty" and "center field was literally on fire" when neither is true about the infamous game. It makes me wonder if umpires are blind. Other exaggerations exist, but there is a word limit in these reviews.
   
   The good points of the book include an inside look at the life of an umpire and a number of humorous antidotes. Although I enjoyed this part, I felt many of his stories were very self serving and told to project him in a good light. I do not question whether Phillips is a good man for baseball, but I question his ability to write an accurate book. That being said, I wish I never would have bought this book.



5. Many books have been written on sports, some by the players, some by those who watch and some by the people whose job it is to write about them. However, the people who officiate the games have the most unique perspective on the game, how it is played and how it is managed, in the sense of the on-field manager up to the level of the executive. Dave Phillips was an umpire in the major leagues for 32 years and has witnessed many changes in the game.
   Two points really stand out in the book. The first is how the umpires get along between themselves, which in many cases, is not very well at all. The stories about members of a crew hating each other so much that they refuse to even speak to each other or making bad calls and blaming others for it were disturbing. The idea that the umpires often do not work well together is a disturbing one, for even-handed officiating is the one thing that no sport can lack.
   The second is that baseball really has some serious problems that must be corrected. As Phillips notes, there has been a serious drug problem in baseball for over a decade, with an adverse affect on many careers. The focus has now shifted from cocaine to steroids, but there still appears to be no stomach for tackling the issue. Which is silly, because allowing the players to continue using drugs damages their careers and ultimately their health.
   Phillips recounts many of the most memorable events in the last three decades, from Gaylord Perry finally being kicked out of a game for using grease on a ball to George Brett being called out on a home run because there was too much pine tar on his bat. All are presented from the perspective of the umpire, which is an interesting one.
   The most disturbing point in the book is when Phillips discusses George Steinbrenner and an incident where Steinbrenner was asking for "special consideration" from the umpires. I found the description disgusting, I have never been a fan of Steinbrenner, but now I loathe him, a position all who care about the game should have.
   At the end of the book, Phillips goes over what he considers the fundamental problems baseball now has, from high ticket prices, to the lack of a commissioner tasked with "acting in the best interests of baseball." Clearly, the powerful owners seem unable to learn from other sports. Basketball and football have salary caps with revenue sharing and the popularity of both has soared in the last two decades. In this time, baseball has entered into a state where two players on the Yankees earn more than all the players on some of the other teams. In this environment, some teams simply cannot be competitive, and that destroys a sport.

5 comments about The Pro: Lessons About Golf and Life from My Father, Claude Harmon, Sr..

1. I have two sons so I was very interested in hearing how Claude Harmon raised his four boys. It seemed he was very harsh with them, encouraging competition between them and at times belittling them. I've worried sometimes about being too demanding with my sons. But after reading this book I began to feel that, in the long run, it is a good thing. Some of the Harmon boys went through intense periods of rebellion but they all seemed to honor family above all else.
   
   Now, about golf. A book like this made me realize all I have to learn in playing golf. I'm a 9 handicap but this showed me that there is a world of knowledge to learn about this sport. And yet, Claude Harmon would also continually return to the basics of grip, allignment and balance. I think I will play better golf and enjoy it more after reading this.
   
   One note: this is Butch Harmon's point of view and, as such, many might claim it leaves out a lot. That's to be expected. I'm sure that Butch is no saint, and he's made a bundle playing and teaching golf. But it's still a good book that you'll enjoy.



2. There is way too much information about Tiger Woods in this book and not enough about Claude Harmon. Who cares whether Tiger did his first long TV interview on Oprah? So what if people clapped for Tiger in a restaurant in Vegas? Most people who haven't been living in a cave for the last ten years are aware of how great Tiger is and what a record he has amassed. I understand that a teacher is proud of his student, but I can read that stuff in Tiger's book. And Butch goes on far too long about how important it is for people to learn from as many sources as possible. It really sounds like Butch is mad or insecure about Tiger leaving him.
   On the positive side, there are a few good stories about Claude Harmon and some of the greats from his era.



3. You don't need to be a golfer to enjoy this book. I'd been playing golf all of three weeks when this book was loaned to me. The title of the book is apt. The lessons indeed apply both to life and golf. A thoroughly enjoyable read!



4. Excellent copy arrived in a timely fashion. A pleasure to do business with.



5. The Pro; I though it was a very good read, It;s nice to know about others, and how they were able to get started.
   
   Playing lessons ;I did not carefor at all.

5 comments about Jackie Robinson: A Biography.

1. After reading several excellent reviews of this book, I purchased it for
   my nepbew's birthday. I have not read the book myself since I lived through that period.



2. It was a year of Fire and also the year of Grace for Jackie Robinson!! It is an amazing book to read about a great person who changed history and loves baseball!! It is more than just baseball and it has so many things to show that shaped Jackie's life so much. It is also spiritual and emotional book that leaves you to become a stronger person to make a great difference in the world.



3. I really liked this book and normally I dont like reading. Ijust wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. I think Jackie Robinson is a vary good romodel because no matter what, you should never give up. Because Jackie never gave up he ended up being one of the best baseball players to ever play the game. But most of all he broke the color code for all professional sports.



4. This biography does an outstanding job of giving an overview of Robinson's life and times, from his early, awnry but talented years in Pasadena, through UCLA, then the military, and then the Brooklyn Dodgers and beyond. It paints a picture of a strong willed gentleman with enormous pride, dedicated to his family, and dedicated to the idea of racial integration and equality. The influences of his mother on his early, somewhat (understandably) confrontational character, that allowed him to ultimately be the individual who paired with Branch Rickey to integrate "America's Pastime" are clearly laid out.

   Some reviewers have faulted the author for not being more interpretive of Robinson's politics - specifically, that he was a Nixon supporter in 1960 and a Rockefeller supporter in 1968 (while also being a strong supporter of Civil Rights, active in almost every civil rights organization) and Humphrey supporter as well. I think the book lays out all the facts for the reader to see for themselves. Robinson's coming of age - in an era when a Dixiecrat from a Jim Crow state (LBJ) led the passage of the Civil Rights Act - was a time of a shifting political landscape that didn't settle out until near his death (he also broke badly with Nixon later in Nixon's career). The Republican party's mantra of self-reliance, and Robinson's determination to succeed in business in the same way he did in sports, made his attraction to the party not a big leap; the alienation of this country's African American establishment from big business was not a pre-ordained fact in the time Robinson lived.

   Finally, Robinson's own family struggles were also a reflection of the confusing and troubling times in which he lived.

   Robinson died too young for us all. This is a great book and I would highly recommend it..




5. i'm not particularly interested in baseball, but i am particularly interested in American history from the human perspective. i could have read a much more dry account of the turmoils that dominated American race relations throughout the middle of the 20th century, but instead i've read this fascinating account of those terrible, backward days from the perspective of a true pioneer, Mr. Jackie Robinson.

   of course he is looked back on now as a symbol, a mythological figure. i always knew peripherally of Jackie as the same thing most people do: the first black man to play major league baseball, a step forward & up in the painful struggle of the times. but this book presents him as a human being, a fallible man who lived most of his life not on the baseball field, but in a relentless pursuit of his ideals and desire for a better life for himself and everyone around him.

   the reviewer before me questions the biographer's lack of judgement of Robinson. i am curious as to why he feels Rampersad should insert his own analysis; the biography presents analyses of Robinson by many of Robinson's contemporaries, and then presents the recorded facts available to clarify incidents & statements. yes, this is an intensely personal biography, perhaps too personal in places. it is very much centered on Jackie's private correspondences. it is absolutely told from Robinson's persepctive, as best can be reconstructed from his widow Rachel & the papers he left behind, but it feels very honest, not at all like an airbrushed bit of hero-polishing. it is in places very blunt about Jackie's shortcomings as observed by his peers & contemporaries.

   before i stretch this out any longer, i'll just say that this is the most engrossing biography i can ever recall having read. it's an account of a fascinating life in an amazingly recent time, in an America that seems so long ago but is still discouragingly recent. readers will learn not just about Jackie Robinson, but about two American eras as well.

2 comments about The Ageless Warrior: The Life of Boxing Legend Archie Moore.

1. This is simply but a great book on Moore.
   The best one out there on this great champ.



2. "Ageless Warrior" is a definitive account on the life of boxing legend Archie Moore. Author Mike Fitzgerald masterfully weaves Moore's 200-plus fights and his personal life into an engaging and evenly-tempered biography. Until now, most books written on Moore tended not to let the facts get in the way of a good story. Fitzgerald, with the cooperation of Archie Moore and his immediately family, finally tells the true story of the "Old Mongoose" with pleasing results. If you're an Archie Moore or boxing fan, this book's for you.

1 comments about Fearlessness: The Story of Lisa Andersen.

1. Lisa's story is interesting and the photos are fun to look at but the writing is down right awful. Would have liked it better if she wrote it herself!