1 comments about Bobby Bowden's Tales from the Seminole Sideline.

1. This thin book gathers a good number of stories about Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden, and the team itself.
   
   While not a serious study of the rise of college football in America, or at least Tallahassee, it does focus on the ways in which Bowden lives his life, and the resulting success of the FSU football team in the last 15 years. It focuses strongly on the period after 1990, when the team successfully finished it seasons among college's best year after year.
   
   With stories that last only a few paragraphs or so in most cases, this will entertain a Seminole fan for a short while, but it won't satisfy a desire for an in-depth look into the football program that Bowden has built over his successful, long tenure at FSU.

5 comments about The Extra Mile: One Woman's Personal Journey to Ultra-Running Greatness.

1. This book is interesting and gives you some insight into one successful ultra-runner. It can not be faulted in its honesty... it is a very honest insight. However, in that, some of it can be distasteful to others. I found myself getting bothered at her relaxed attitude to what seems to be an eating disorder, even if it is not quite what it once was (though admittedly I have seen the same in other female ultra-runners I have interacted with)... and what reads to me as selfishness over her family and children. However, those same things make the book very interesting. You do have to step back and not judge another human being for different choices, priorities, etc.... and you area allowed a lot of insight. This is valuable because Pam Reed has been so successful. I much prefer being bothered at times in an autobiographical book like this, because it is a sign of honesty in the writing that is hard to come by these days.



2. I didn't expect a lot from the book based on other reviews. The only thing I didn't like much was her writing style. It pretty much goes like this - "I ran XXX race which was 100 miles and came in ZZZth. I didn't eat much but I drank Red Bull and Ensure. It was really fun!" I would've liked to know more about what's actually going on in her head rather than a dry account of the facts. However, she may not be much more deep than what she portrays in this book, in which case, this is truly her life. The few chapters about goal setting and what it means to run are few and far between but really contain the most interesting information. The rest are fluff.



3. My favorite part of the book was the photo on the front cover. It went downhill after that. I read this book almost a year ago and forgot I had it. That should tell you something.
   
   Forget that the book was choppy and simply dull, what bothered me so much was how dismissive Reed could be when she talked about her eating disorders. Right behind that, I had to wonder how she could be so disconnected from her family, particularly her children.
   
   It seems to me that Pam is running away from something. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone if what they're looking for is motivation or inspiration, or simply a role model.
   
   But it's a helluva read if you're looking for a strong example of a mental disorder that has manifested itself in such a way to look like an athlete.
   
   Good luck, Pam. When your body finally tires of this, I hope your kids are still around.



4. I'll start by saying I enjoyed Dean Karnazes' book immensely. It was self-serving (very), but a quick read and everyone I lent it to really enjoyed it.
   
   I was looking for something similar here, but didn't find it. Maybe that was partly my fault for having such expeectations. However, the book is just not terribly interesting. Maybe the novelty of reading about this wore off after Dean's book, but this book was basically about a fairly banal person (no offense, I'm banal, too) who happens to run long distances.
   
   This book was VERY introspective. She really delves into her thoughts. Partly that was appreciated, but partly it was simply too much and I was not incredibly interested in the minutiae. Pam goes into detail about her anorexia and how her family gets ignored with her races and training.
   
   The book was worth reading (it was a library borrow), but nothing truly fabulous. Certainly I didn't feel as compelled as I did after Dean's book to get my shoes on and put some miles down. After Dean's book, I thought "wow, ultrarunning is actually pretty cool and sounds like it could be fun in a sick way". I never, ever had that impression after reading this book. The way the running was described was more of a grind.



5. I really enjoyed reading this book, as it is an extremely honest account of her life as she sees it. Both good and bad. I didnt expect to read about her marriage for example, but found that her points of view were very interesting and it possible to get a better and more complete understanding of the person. She is not just someone who can run really far...
   Its an easy read and eventhough I do not share a lot of her points of view, the book is very hard to put down and it is fascinating to attempt to understand what drives her extreme performance.

5 comments about Driver #8.

1. I like the fact that this was written by Dale, Jr not just someone elses words.



2. This book was great. I enjoyed the descriptions of all of the tracks that Jr. raced at and how he talked to his dad and Matt Kenseth about things that were happening at any one moment. I also enjoyed hearing how him and Tony Jr. have such an honest relationship. They may yell at each other during a race on the radio, but after the race is over they are able to go back to being cousins/friends again. They leave it all on the racetrack. Very well written book! A must for any Jr. fan!



3. This book is great! It is just like you are sitting and talking to him. It seems to be word for word what Dale was tring to say.



4. I really enjoyed reading about his experience as a driver. It is well written and not boring. Which it could have been since it is always hard to write about work. I loved watching his father race and now I get to watch him.



5. WAS A GREAT BOOK AND AM GLAD I'VE GOT IT NOW THAT HE IS LEAVING DEI

No comments about Sachin: The Story of the World's Greatest Batsman.

5 comments about Lou Whittaker: Memoirs of a Mountain Guide.

1. As the title says, this is the Memoir of a Mountain Guide. Actually it is the memoir of one of America's first and greatest mountain guides. It is truly a fascinating, well-written story but it is not adventure writing. Do not expect the detail or suspense of John Krakauer, Art Davidson, Heinrich Harrer, or Maurice Herzog. It reads more like sitting down across the table with Lou and having him tell you his story over a couple of beers. This is probably because it is the result of Lou telling his story to Andrea Gabbard who in turn wrote the book.
   
   Lou's story is much different than many of the great mountaineers. While he obviously pushed himself to the top of some of the world's tallest and most difficult peaks, since his near fall on Mount Index in Washington he remained a more conservative climber not willing to trade his life for any mountain summit. In fact, he makes the point of saying the last place he wants to die is on a mountain; he wants to die old sitting in his chair watching TV. Also, as expedition leader, he viewed success as putting team members on the summit and this often did not include himself.
   
   In addition to his story, his climbs, and his life as a mountain climber and guide, he gives a detailed description of Mount Rainier and a historical view of how mountain climbing progressed over the years. Probably the best thing of all though, is the look at a person's life who dedicated themselves to following a passion rather than relegating it to a weekend hobby; it was a long career in the making for him, but it shows that we can make our lives what we want if only we have the courage, persistence, and dedication to try.



2. Reading Lou Whittaker's life story was the best type of introuction to mountain climbing that I could have had. It combined the personal and technical sides of climbing in a way that wasn't overwhelming. I am now eager to read Andrea Gabbard's book, Mountaineering: A Woman's Guide. Because if Lou can climb all those mountains, I can climb a few too.



3. Reading Lou Whittaker's life story was the best type of introuction to mountain climbing that I could have had. It combined the personal and technical sides of climbing in a way that wasn't overwhelming. I am now eager to read Andrea Gabbard's book, Mountaineering: A Woman's Guide. Because if Lou can climb all those mountains, I can climb a few too.



4. I purchased the paperback version of this fine book in the Fall of 1998, and packed it along with me for several nights on a solo backpacking trip through the California Redwoods. The autumn nights in November were long and dark, and Lou Whittaker's book made for some marvelous reading out there, alone in my tent along the trail...read the entire book cover-to-cover by flashlite, and it was a thriller...accompanied by real and imagined sounds that went "thump" in the night! Must admit though, I'm a bit prejudiced, as I had the good fortune of meeting Lou Whittaker in person near the summit of Mount Rainier in 1970, and came to greatly admire the fellow. Reading his new book for the first time was like reuniting with an old friend after a long absence. Definitely a MUST READ for anyone looking for a good book to take with them, along the trail.



5. There's no doubt that Whittaker is one of America's best climbers. Were he only one of America's best writers as well, this book would be more enjoyable. As it is, much of the book is taken up with anecdotes in which the author proves to be smarter, tougher, and/or better prepared than someone else. The text is emotionally flat and sometimes boring, with rather little detail being given on Whittaker's climbing exploits. The author's dismissal of Galen Rowell on K2 is frankly ridiculous. There is some useful information here, but overall, it's not a book I would recommend.

3 comments about Buckeye Dreams: The Tyler "Tank" Whaley Story.

1. This book is one of the best books I have read and is one of the most inspiring.
   I guess it helps that I am a sports fan and participate myself (but at
   a much lower level) so I realize just how hard competitive sports can
   be for the average individual but also how much fun they can be. The
   book is concise, to the point, and absolutely spell binding. I almost
   feel as if I know Tank. In this day of arrogant super athletes, it is
   refreshing to learn about the ups and downs of a very good athlete who
   wasn't super exceptional but had the heart and fortitude to pursue his
   dream,not because it was going to make him rich but because he loved
   the sport and the competition. Thanks to the author.



2. This book is not only a must have for buckeye fans, but for everyone who enjoys reading about a refreshing & inspiring young man who is a great role model for today's youth. This book will have you chanting "Tank, Tank, Tank" & rooting for all the unknown walk-ons in the sports world.



3. Just a wonderful story and easy to read. I've already given three copies as gifts to fellow Ohio State fans.

2 comments about Nat's Nat and That's That : A Surfing Legend.

1. Humble family beginings to world champion, husband to father, party animal to entrepreneur. Through all this Nat Young was destined to be a surfer and one of the best the world would ever see. This book is a fascinating combination of surfing history (Australian in particular) and the history of a man who pushed to get every ounce of enjoyment out of life. This is a very informative, yet light hearted book with more than its share of incredible surfing tales. From surfing the best waves the world has to offer, the early days of the world tour and the unavoidable changes of the 70's. This book is nothing short of the ultimate life style a surfer could wish for. Reading this book inspired me on more than one occassions to get out in the waves and make the most of my life. A must read for all surfers.



2. This book is long overdue. As a surfer and skier who grew up in the 70's and 80's Nat Young was the inspiration to us then and to teenagers today. He was one of the front runners who not only showed us how to do it but he did it with a passionate, laid back style. This read gives you the chance to know Nat as a person and to be inspired by his youthful, adventurous soul.

   NAT YOUNG BRODZIAK - CINCINNATI, OHIO (9/9/99)

No comments about Backseat Quarterback.

5 comments about Dennis Rodman: I Should Be Dead by Now.

1. This is not a book that will fill you with great amounts of unknown knowledge, nor will it require heavy thinking on your part to understand. What you will get out of it is a great deal of amusement. Here are dozens of short, kind of random thoughts, little stories and anecdotes by Dennis Rodman.In summary it is kind of a way to look at his philosophy of life.
   
   It's a life that a lot of us would like to live in a vicarious way, I say vicarious because it appears to be a life that I don't think I could handle. In between the stories of what happened, there's a bit of insight into the way the man thinks. He's lived the life that he says he wanted, yet the desparate urge to get back to the NBA comes through. Born in May of 1961, he's now approaching 45 years old. He has to know that there aren't many players in the NBA that are that old. It will be interested to see what he does in future years.
   
   I found the book a mix of sad, funny, and poignant. All you can say is 'good luck.'



2. This clown said all he could say with his first book, back when it mattered, to some people, because winning basketball teams matter, to some people.
   Note that it wasn't published by one of the big fat publishers. They don't expect it to sell. So don't be one of the few fools who buy it.



3. This is a fairly interesting-ish book about one of the best players to have played the sport. However, I wonder why he wrote another book? Surely he doesn't need the money (unless it all went to alcohol). It's interesting to get inside his mind a little and see what he's all about, but it is all jumbled and mismatched and leads nowhere. I like him, but if I had read this first before buying, maybe I wouldn't have bought it. Only for true Rodman fans. Otherwise, skip it.



4. Dennis Rodman is a Great Basketball Player&truly knows the game inside&out.also a Smarter cat that He often leads on.but this Book is just alot of loose thoughts that never goes anywhere. there are a few interesting moments talking His time in various spots during His Career,but nothing really new.still Dennis Rodman remains one of the most interesting Athletes Ever.



5. What a fun book! Rodman has always been colorful, but this book allows you to step into his mind, and try to understand where he is coming from when he does all his crazy stuff. Very entertaining- you do not have to be a basketball fan to enjoy this book. His "reality checks" are worth the price of the book.

No comments about Rafael Nadal: The Biography.