2 comments about Ty Cobb: Safe at Home.

1. The author takes up the defense of Ty Cobb, probably the most disliked man to ever play major league baseball. What motivates this defense is hard to tell - only a few minor references to Cobb's bad reputation sneak into the book. If you're looking for stories about baseball in the golden age, this isn't going to please you. If you want minute details about Ty Cobb's life at home and his activities outside baseball, this is what you want. I doubt that very many people actually want that.



2. Great book. I cannot put it down. Has a lot of facts of Cobb's life which I never read in any other book on the great baseball player.

5 comments about Metal Cowboy: Tales from the Road Less Pedaled.

1. A "born again bicyclist" who thinks bicycles will save the world, I went to the library to get books about cycling & bicycles. I discovered The Metal Cowboy and hung on to it even though it wasn't "technical". I tried to read a funny bit aloud to my family but I was giggling too hard.
   The almost-romantic chapter is my favorite.
   Reading this book makes you feel like there is hope for America's privileged middle class kids. By getting lost on a bike we can find ourselves.
   Joe's most recent book (Momentum is Your Friend) is equally excellent.



2. From my blog: [...]
   I started reading Metal Cowboy, a collection of stories by Joe Kurmaskie, a few weeks ago at my Dad's suggestion and have had a hard time putting it down. I finished it on Thanksgiving day and knew I had to get a review up in short order. Metal Cowboy is a collection of some of Kurmaskie's stories from his long distance bike tours but I promise you that you don't need to be a cyclist to appreciate this book.
   
   Kurmaskie is a top notch storyteller who writes in a way that is relatable to anyone who would come across his material. He also has a knack for showcasing what is good among people. Joe's optimism shines through even when he is in the worst of situations while on the road. He manages to make you feel as if you are right there with him experiencing everything he does.
   
   One of my favorite stories in the book is called "The Tree Huggers versus the Tree Cutters as Told by the Fence-Sitter" and it begins with this quote from Theodore Roosevelt:
   
   "Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory, nor defeat."
   
   The quote is a powerful one and it foreshadows the rest of the story nicely. In a nutshell, Joe runs across a logger while at a campsite who he becomes friends with. The logger then offers to let Joe stay with him when Joe makes his way towards his house in the coming days of his trip. Joe ends up at the loggers house but he is not home so Joe decides to camp in the woods where he meets a number of the "tree huggers" who are protesting the company that Joe's logger friend works for. Joe, trying to be friends with both the loggers and the tree huggers, ends up having to explain himself to both the logger and the tree huggers and everyone ends up not caring for Joe too much since he wasn't really up front about his true beliefs.
   
   The story reminds us to not be afraid to talk about what we believe in and to be up front. It also urges us to step out of the gray twilight and take some chances. As entrepreneurs and VCs we are all taking our shot at changing the world. Yes, a lot of us will fail at some point in our lives but I, for one, would rather fail while taking a chance on something I believe in than to have never taken a chance at all and I think a lot of you probably feel the same way.
   
   That said, I highly recommend picking up Metal Cowboy. You won't regret it. My only warning is the book may cause an overwhelming urge to grab your bike, load it up and head out on an extended bike tour of your own!



3. This is the first book that I read about long distance and adventure bicycle touring. I loved the stories about the people Joe meets and the situations he got into. I liked it so much that I immediately read the second book and ordered "Momentum is Your Best Friend". I would recommend the same to anyone! This was a great book.



4. I have just completed Metal Cowboy and have ordered a couple of copies for riding and non-riding friends. Joe reminds me of Bill Bryson or an early Peter Egan.



5. As I live my life, going from one task to another, there is a part of my brain that yearns for more, something a little closer to the edge of my comfort zone. I received "Metal Cowboy" as a gift a few years ago and there it was, the life less ordinary that always seemed to escape me! Joe Kurmaskie tells wonderful stories about true humanity and the good that exists in this world. Sure, I only get to experience a slice of this life on long weekend rides and the last full week in July on RAGBRAI, but the Metal Cowboy makes me hopeful for the future.

3 comments about Nine Ten and Out! The Two Worlds of Emile Griffith.

1. Very well written. A great true story that is stanger than fiction. Most of the time one greatly admires Emile while reading the book and at other times you want to grab him by the ears and tell him to stop allowing all the free loaders to use him, especially some of his family.
   a fun, easy read.



2. "Nine... Ten... and Out!" is a book full of drama, comic touches, sadness and joy. What goodness, strength, and innocence that is the man Emile Griffith.
   
   And then tragedy... as in the documentary (Ring of Fire), so in the book: when Emile meets Benny, Jr., 40+ years later, it is hard not to be moved.
   
   I have to confess that prior to "The Ring of Fire," Emile Griffith's sexuality never occurred to me, one way or the other. I was also unaware of his later career as a trainer, and knew nothing of the mugging, nor the matter of being generous to a fault, to his very own detriment. What is shown is that Emile seems very capable of making the most of what he has, with a smile, and that ain't a bad thing (forget what any of the so-called Elitists would say).
   
   While it's sad to read about the mental deterioration, and everything that can be inferred therein (boxing, mugging, age), it's clear the last thing Emile would want is to be pitied. All said and done, I have nothing but affection and admiration for this truly great warrior who, as Ron Ross shows, also happens to be a very good guy.
   
   The drama is delineated with strong narrative, sound judgement, moments endearingly comic, and with Ross's always very human touch. Who can ask for more?



3. This is a unique story of a remarable man--Emile Griffith, the Middleweight & Welterweight Champion of the World. Emile's story has been sitting there, waiting...waiting, just waiting to be told for years. I have always wondered who was going to be the one to tell it. I'm happy it is Ron Ross, a sensitive and knowlegeable writer and soul.

5 comments about A Test of Will: One Man's Extraordinary Story of Survival.

1. I had the opportunity to meet Warren at an open house for a climbing facility in our area. After listening to him speak, I just had to have his book! Warren MacDonald's "A Test Of Will" is one of those rare books that was difficult for me to put down. One day, I was almost late to work, because I became so immersed in it, and lost track of time! I 'm left wanting to read more of his stories. Warren's "can do" attitude is one that we all should strive for. It's his attitude, not his body, that enables him to do what ever he pleases. He may have no legs, but there is no "dis" in his ability. This book is a must read for anyone working with ,and helping people whose bodies fit different molds .
   
   Diana Hanks, Volunteer for Vermont Adaptive Sports



2. Survival stories are a 'guilty pleasure' of mine and over the years I've gobbled up quite a few. Although I have yet to find a story that gets even close to Krakauer's 'Into Thin Air' this is definitely one of the better books of the genre.
   
   As opposed to plenty of other author's of survival books Warren Macdonald stays refreshingly human in his outlook and he quite openly describes also his not so positive and politically correct feelings. I was very impressed particularly by the second half of the book describing how he works to get his life back on track in a self-determined manner. His attitude could certainly serve as an example for a lot of people out there.
   
   As for the contributions of his travel companion, I could have very well done without them.
   
   Certainly a good read!



3. Very inspiring. I did see Warren MacDonald in an interview and he had so much Charisma that I wanted to read the book. An amazing story how a person can evolve through crisis, this goes for the victim as well as for the savior. Warren shows that the sky can be the limit and it is possible to put mind over matter. It is a very intense story and the way it is written, it feels like being part of it. It's remarkable how candid he describes his feelings and conclusions regarding the amputation. It gave me very important insights as I never knew anyone dealing with amputation, but it completely changed my view.



4. I approached this book with some trepidation. Having just read two similar accounts of persons severely injured in the wilderness, I was in no mood to endure yet another awfully written book.
   
   Apparently, Warren MacDonald has some writing experience or perhaps a very good editor. In either case, readers are treated to an exceptionally interesting book chronically the course of Warren's maverick life.
   
   As expected, Warren first immerses his readers in the gripping tale of his entrapment beneath a one-ton rock as fellow hiker Geert van Keulen frantically goes for help. An added feature of the book are the Geert van Keulen written sections covering his side of the experience.
   
   In interspersed chapters, reader's learn of Warren's introduction to the wilderness, his doomed efforts to save a portion of it, and his eventual and emotional efforts with friends and family to overcome the loss of his legs. Showing his maturity, Warren is wise enough to thank all those folks responsible for his rescue and long recovery.
   
   This is truly a well written and inspiring take on the age old ideal of never giving up.



5. For Warren, things went from bad to worse, to worst. Wow! I knew how it ended and I still couldn't put it down. It's a great message in an even better book.

4 comments about Mark Spitz: The Extraordinary Life of an Olympic Champion.

1. I totally agree with the previous reviewers. As a middle-of-the-road recreational swimmer, I heard of Spitz for the first time only last month and never thought that this biography would keep me busy, not least because the genre itself isn't a great favourite of mine (I own just a handful of biographies). All I can say is that, despite Phelps' success in surpassing Spitz by winning 8 gold medals, I hardly think he can ever equal his predecessor's charismatic personality and (to quote the subtitle) 'extraordinary life'. Though it's a pity the photos are reproduced in b/w, I recommend this book without hesitation. You don't have to have an interest in swimming or sports in general to own it: if 'story' is what interests you, Spitz's story won't fail to move you.



2. I'm not an athlete, but I really enjoyed reading this book. Mark Spitz' extraordinary career is great on its own, but the fabulous references to historical events of the time made this a very interesting read. I read it in three sittings and wished there was more.



3. Fascinating read not just for swimmers but anyone who loves sports. Foster chronicles Spitz's life with verve and accuracy.



4. Great book on this Olympic icon. Very timely with the Olympics coming up. Don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this book. Spitz was an amazing athlete and person and this book presents a lot of previously unkown stories about him.

5 comments about Hollywood Hulk Hogan.

1. Hulk Hogan, the modern icon of pro wrestling, admits right away the supposed "sport" is rigged, the outcomes of matches predetermined. For that he should be commended. Otherwise, this book isn't that great, it's Hulk Hogan's autobiography telling people he wanted to see how much money they could make off this. Hogan was making like a million dollars a show and when WCW peaked it was a hundred million dollar a year industry. Vince Russo ruined wrestling for good, making Hogan job to people like Billy Kidman, which ended up in Vince McMahon buying WCW for a mere 3 million dollars. His only halfway believable angle with was Zeus in 1989. Brutus Beefcake was blown way out of proportion; he doesn't even mention the near fatal face accident and current blindness. It's marketed at families with no sense of humor. He comes clean on his steroids abuse, which we've all known for years. Hulk Hogan strikes me as someone who took his real life persona too seriously, as a redneck body builder. He admits finally although he's really part French, he is otherwise of descent from a third world country- the blonde Irishman wasn't believable. They should've made Roddy Piper the main guy, inflation wouldn't be so high. Commend Hogan for picking up the ball that was dropped by: Bob Backland, Ultimate Warrior, Lex Luger, Sting, The Giant, Batista...



2. I could go into long detail on his "rationalization" of controversial fixes Hogan was caught up in like steroids, Vince and holding back younger wrestlers through his backstage politics.
   However, this one important timepiece Hogan makes pretty much no mention of whatsoever was Starcade 1997 and Sting. He never once admits to having too big of an ego to cleanly lose to Sting/Steve Borden at all in this book. Skirting a well known wrestling feud where his ego was put ahead of "what was best for business" in WCW at the time with Sting automatically negates this book as a TRUE AND HONEST AUTOBIOGRAPHY.



3. Despite the two Star Rating that I gave to this book, This book did have it's good points. I liked how Hogan told the story of how he was a fat little kid who would eventually become the person that put Wrestling on the map. According to Hogan, he was a fat kid. Also his rise through the Wrestling ranks, and how he had to pay his dues before he became the Hulk Hogan we all know today. He seriously thought about giving up Wrestling altogether. Thank god he didnt, otherwise we wouldnt of had such Wrestling Master Pieces like Starcade 1997.
   
   
   I'm a huge fan of Hulk Hogan, but this book left a lot to be desired.
   I know others touched on this, but he says the word "brother" an awful lot, it was like he was cutting a 400 page promo.
   
   I have two main critcisms with this book. The first one is, this isnt a biography really, its more like Hogan trying to protect his massive ego.
   Like how he said Warrior wasnt worthy of being the new champion and he was right, He also defended his plan to Win the belt at Wrestlemania 9, 10 seconds after Bret Hart already lost to Yokozuna. Bret Hart couldnt beat Yokozuna in a 15 minute match, but Hogan beat Yoko in like 10 seconds. I dont know how you can defend that but Hogan managed to do it.
   
   
   My other criticism of this book is, he touched on things nobody cared about. Like his role in Rocky 3, he wrote a lot about that. *yawn*
   or his matches with Dennis Rodman as his tag team partner, against Karl Malone and DDP *yawn*
   
   I wanted to hear more about his last years in the WWF/E the creation of NWO and his take on it. And more about the bad blood between him and Savage. But all that is skipped over. All the interesting points in his career are glossed over real quick, or barely mentioned at all.
   
   If you're a fan of Hogan, I reccomend reading it, but if you're not a fan of his Massive Titanic sized Ego, dont read it.



4. HULK HOGAN ABOY BORN IN VENICE BEACH CALIFORNIA HE STARTED PLAYING BASEBALL IN FLORIDA THEN AFTER A FEW YEARS LATERS HE MET MUTSADA AND BECAME A REALLY GREAT WRESTLER AND HE BECAME THE FIRST THREE TIME CHAMPION THIS BOOK REALLY ENSPIRED ME TO GO FOR MY GOALS AND NEVER QUIT.



5. There is no denying Hulk Hogan's place in pop culture; the charismatic character, along with Vince McMahon then being on top of his game in marketing, made pro wrestling a major entertainment vehicle.
   
   I saw it in the Cleveland, OH, which once had weekly TV tapings and shows, but fell apart literally overnight when popular wrestler Johnny Powers fled the city in the midnight hour, leaving behind unpaid bills and unpaid employees from a series of closed health clubs.
   
   Periodic shows were being run by a number of companies - including the WWF - at the Cleveland Convention Center. But the area caught fire with the WWF's second show at the Richfield Coliseum with the first appearance of Hogan, defending the world title against Jesse Ventura. The show sold out, which became common during Hogan's peak years as the champion face who would pin the bad guy or avenge the "loss" - those Dusty finishes - at the next show.
   
   Like all the books in the WWE catalog, it follows a standard script of bringing the character to real life. I found particularly interesting his dealings with Mr. T and how he got the part in Rocky III (and why Hollywood contracts need to be read and re-read and read some more before signing).
   
   The book may not change the minds of critics who have ravaged him over the years for a lack of technical wrestling ability and for the oftentimes embarrassingly bad movies. But his story is as important as any pro wrestler's from the 1980s to today.

No comments about The Extra Mile: One Woman's Personal Journey to Ultrarunning Greatness.

5 comments about Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of a Horse and a Man Who Changed the World.

1. Great story !! An amazing story of a Great horse and a really great horse "teacher" !! Very informative I had never heard of Jim Key and I'm very glad the story finally got told, I just wish I could have seen him do his "thing"



2. This is not your ordinary horse story. You will be asked to believe some pretty surprising things, and my guess is that you will believe them - even if you're as hard-boiled as my Aunt Idena's Easter eggs.
   This is a horse story, in the same way that the film "Seabiscuit" is a horse story. But it is also a fascinating snapshotof the life of a man of color. It describes the situations, attitudes and dangers that he had to contend with from his beginnings as a slave in the pre-Civil War South, to his rise to celebrityhood alongside his famous horse in post-Civil War America.
   It is a look at an astonishing bond between a man and a horse, and the far-reaching changes they brought about in thousands who experienced in person the wonder of their special relationship. How Dr. Key and the titular horse brought about, in large measure, the rise of the animal-rights movement, and helped thousands of African Americans to achieve fair and equal treatment in education and other areas make for fascinating reading.
   This book is an eye-opening delight. It is a must-read for anyone interested in horses, animal intelligence, the struggle for equality by African Americans in this country, and anyone interested in the history of America.



3. This story of a good man who made a good life for himself, his family and his animals, built from circumstances that were to say the least, less than the best, is a case study in human nature.
   
   I cannot help but contrast Dr. Key with Michael Vic. Key was a man born into slavery and from that experience, chose to treat all life with respect. He and his horse became a catalyst for the change in public sentiment that came as a result of his goodness toward animals and activity the American Humane Movement. Michael Vic who, when also given a life of plenty, choose the opposite path. It seems to be a sad commentary.
   
   I must heartily endorse the book. It is a good story and a good read.



4. I found this story an interesting story about race relations and progress in teaching society about kindness to animals at the turn of the 19-20th century -- after I got through the heavy emphasis on commercialsim. However, the heavy thread of commercialism that ran throughout was very off-putting to me -- probably it was a big thread in the author's source materials. She tried to present the story with the exploitation of Jim Key's talents as a key to acceptance of kindness of animals in our society as a main theme -- but I saw that as more of a side benefit of the humans' desire to become wealthy -- a "gimmick" used to further the commercialization of Jim Key. To me altruism truly exists only where the primaries are not attempting to gain anything for themselves, whether that be money, reputation, or praise. Hence this story is about commercialization, not altruism. Now it is true that Bill Key highly valued kindness to animals and that he was uncompromising about the right of Jim Key to enjoy the wealth too -- and that was a great and unusual characteristic at that time (and probably still is today) -- but it does not change the fact that commercialization seems to me to be the main theme of the story. In fact the author seems to make more points about the promoter's innovative commercializations than she does about the progress of teaching kindness to animals.



5. Both Jim Key and Dr. Key were beautiful! What a lovely story...even better because it's true. Mim Rivas' research is extensive and detailed. It's good that a documentary is in the works...so that others will know the story...and perhaps read the book.

1 comments about Memories of The Bear: A biography of Denny Hulme.

1. A very interesting biography of the 1967 Formula 1 champion, New Zealander, Denny Hulme. I was a kiwi boy growing up during Hulme's glory days and he was obviously among my greatest heroes. As well as chronicling his successes, this book also opens one's eyes to Denny's weaknesses. I would recommend the book to anyone interested in motor racing in the days before Bernie and his ilk ruined it.

5 comments about King James: Believe the Hype---The LeBron James Story.

1. This book is a very interesting one. The book describes how a young basketball star goes through his career from 8th grade to senior year in high school. The book shows Lebron's stuggles and accomplishments. It explains major deals with shoe companies. The book gives highlights from his most hyped high school games. The book shows all aspects of how Lebron made everyone believe the hype. Overall it was a good book and it is for anyone who loves reading about sports and athletes accomplishments.



2. Ryan Jones is a great basketball writer. In King James: The LeBron James Story he does a great job of trying to show the reader how amazingly good LeBron James is at basketball. Coach Bob Gibbons said about LeBron's performance in the Olympic trials, "I don't want to blow too much smoke and distort the kid's thinking, but I saw Kobe Bryant in tenth and eleventh grades, and I think this kid is more advanced than Kobe was." Like LeBron, Kobe Bryant was drafted out of high school and has led the Los Angeles Lakers to multiple NBA Championships.
   Ryan Jones is editor-in-chief at SLAM, the monthly basketball magazine that combined the sport with hip hop culture at a time when the genre was becoming increasingly popular. The magazine carries advertising for basketball-related products, street-wear clothing and hip hop music, and it has been credited with helping to market hip hop culture and basketball as one. It is only fitting that Ryan Jones wrote his first national magazine feature on LeBron James. He thoroughly explains LeBron's involvement with SLAM magazine throughout the book. He lives in New York with his wife and son.
   Although Jones seems a bit repetitive at times, his knowledge of basketball and great style shines though and creates an easy to read biography. In Chaper Four, he talks about the potential LeBron possessed in football as well as basketball: even though "there wasn't much national buzz on LeBron the football player, area football coaches knew better." Jones even compares him to the New England Patriots Pro-Bowl wideout, Randy Moss. While he mainly focuses on LeBron's basketball ability, his information about LeBron's high school football career is refreshing.
   With all the hype about LeBron and his constant coverage on ESPN, this book reveals the truth about LeBron and his journey from moving in with his friend's family to his 90 million dollar sneaker deal with Nike. While the vocabulary can be a bit easy at times, the book a joy to read, especially if you are a total sports nut like myself. A stong strength of Jones is to tell the complete story of every little event in Lebron's life. His very descriptive writing explains aspects of basketball that makes this book a good pick for sports lovers and non sports lovers alike. I give this book an eight out of ten and recommend it highly.



3. This was quite an enjoyable read. I was fascinated by the rise and rise of this basketball prodigy due to all the hype surrounding him. There is no doubt that Lebron James is one hell of a talent after seeing many of his highlight plays on T.V, and on the net. This book details his performances in school for ST Vincent-ST Mary and other events, the frenzied interest from fans and media wanting to see him perform, sport commentators and coaches raving about him being the best thing in the sport of basketball, hummergate, speculation about his future career plans, and the fight for his feet between Adidas and Nike in which the latter won because the former could not offer huge amounts of money in the bidding war with its major rival. Great stuff.



4. This was a AWESOME book. It really looks into the real life of LEBRON JAMES and shows you his trip into stardom. This book is great if you like watching basketball careers grow because is probably the most popular young basketball players in the world today and this book did a really good job of showing how LEBRON is always improving his game. I have read a ton of sports autiobiographies and this one was probably the most inspiring because it took an indept look at the personal and also basketball part of LEBRON JAMES life.



5. King James: Believe the Hype, The LeBron James Story by Ryan Jones was a great book
   to read it tells you about LeBron James early life and about his high school games and
   when he goes into the NBA . He was born in Akron, Ohio on December 30, 1984.
   He was mostly raised by his mother, LeBron went to school at St. Vincent-St. Mary
   High School . He was the starting point guard . James averaged 18.2 points and 6
   rebounds per game.Lebron James was also a star football player in addition to
   basketball, LeBron was also First-Team All-Stateas a wide receiver for his high school
   team. But, he didn't want to get hurt so he quit football and concentrated on playing
   Basketball . In his junior year, he appeared on the cover of SLAM Magazine which
   show everybody in the world who he was.In the NBA LeBron join the Cleveland
   Cavaliers they made many changes to there lineup , adding Larry Hughes ,
   Damon Jones and Donyell Marshall and many more . Now LeBrons James is Standing at
   6 feet,8 inches and is 21 years old. That some information about what the book tells you
   about. This was a great book and if you love basketball you should get this book.