5 comments about Larry McReynolds: The Big Picture: My Life From Pit Road to the Broadcast Booth.

1. The book provides good insight into the trials and rewards of auto racing. You get the feeling that Mr. McReynolds is right beside you recalling his life in racing. He comes across as genuine guy and you will have a greater appreciation of what it takes to compete in this sport.



2. I must admit that I was not a Larry McReynolds fan when I bought this book. I am also not a fan of the race broadcasts on FOX, on which Larry McReynolds now broadcasts. I bought this book because I am always trying to see all sides to any story. And I wanted to hear Larry's story.
   I found this book to be informative, honest, and it has really changed my view of Larry McReynolds. I found myself almost crying right along with him as he told about the deaths of Davey Allison and Dale Earnhardt, and the near death of Ernie Irvan.
   I have gained a world of respect for Larry McReynolds and, while I am still not a FOX fan, I have become a Larry McReynolds fan. It's nice to know that a good, hard working man can succeed, excel and have a great story to tell.
   I recommend this book to any racing fan.



3. I read books at the gym while getting my cardio in, and this book was an awesome read! I'd start, and the next thing I'd know it would be an hour later, and couldn't wait to get back to the gym to keep reading it.

   Larry Mac is why you love NASCAR- Hard working, tell-it-like-it-is. I loved his stories about "visiting" the NASCAR trailer, finding that extra edge, the drivers he raced with, and his account of his career and history with racing from the beginning to the broadcast booth. I have great appreciation for someone who worked that hard, with that much dedication, intensity and passion.

   Larry Mac tells it like it is, and like the other reviews, he does it with professionalism and dings the people needing dinged, even himself without being malicious. That is what I liked most about the book-Larry's way of telling the story how it should be told, not censored. It reads like Larry is sitting next to you, telling you the stories.

   Ironically, we heard at the Winston Cup preview after meeting some crew members of various teams, how some people in NASCAR's negative attitude is towards Benny Parsons, only to come home and read what he said to Larry Mac. Well Larry, it's the passionate and colorful people like you and DW that makes the Fox broadcasts so awesome and fun to watch. You "done good"




4. I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting, fun, and full of anecdotes about NASCAR. His "Big Picture" includes the 18 months he spent with my favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt. Part of the book is what we see on TV, but the better part is how NASCAR and broadcasting work behind the scenes, and what it does to family and friend relationships. A really great read. I didn't want to put it down.



5. Larry Mac's story of his decades in NASCAR is a true joy to read. He doesn't hold back but is not also out to flame everyone.

   He tells it like it is with everything from drivers to owners to how he bent or broke the rules.

   All in all, its a great insiders perspective of the sport.

4 comments about In the Land of Giants: My Life in Basketball.

1. This is a really good book about a basketball player who overcame his great height disadvantage to become an NBA superstar. This book takes you through the basketball career of Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues. All his life he was shorter than everone on the basketball court. Can you imagine how it's like playing in the NBA when you are on average about 1.5 feet shorter than every one else? That's how Muggsy Bogues has played for his whole life.

   Yet he persevered and overcame his height. His basketball career was by no means all easy and problem-free, and many people doubted that someone who was 5'3 could play basketball with guys who were 7 foot tall. But in this book Muggsy shows that height doesn't determine whether or not you can play basketball. Heart and skill are what determine how well you play. From his wonderful high school basketball days to his terrible rookie year days in the NBA, the reader sees how Muggsy overcame his height to become a great point guard. His assist and stealing ability proved vital to the success or the Hornets. You have to admire the little fella'.




2. i thougt that this was a great book for any fan of muggsy bogues, or basketball itsself. if you are a fan of muggsy and do not already have this book, you should definately but it. it all the facts you need to know and great up-to-date pictures. this is a great atleast 5 star book. The main reason i liked this book so much is because i am a long time fan and it told me things, or facts that i had never known about the great muggsy bogues. all the information is great, and correct. also, the chapters have very catchy titles, and you will never get bored of this book. i would like to give mad props to muggsy, of course, and the author for making such a great book.



3. It had a good story behind it and it explained his life very well but it just kept going on and going on. It made me tired to read that book.



4. inspiring story. Entertaining and captivating. Muggsy tells a riveting story of challenges and triumphs! Great for adults and a must read for youths!

5 comments about Lita: A Less Traveled R.O.A.D.--The Reality of Amy Dumas (WWE) (WWE).

1. The story of Amy Dumas' life so far is a good read. She is someone who has done a fair bit of living and is prepared to follow her dreams whether it is travelling to Mexico to watch the lucha libre to being a role model on WWE.
   
   There is a great deal of anger in certain sections of this book, I think she wrote it while she was rehabbing the neck injury and at times, the pain from the injury became pain in words.
   
   This is one of the better wrestling books out there, it is not a classic read like Mick Foley's first two books or The Dynamite Kid's book, but Lita's book is very much worth a read.



2. SOME OF THIS BOOK BY AMY DUMAS IS QUITE INTERESTING. THE PROBLEM IS THAT MOST OF IT IS NOT. AMY SPENDS MOST OF THE BEGINNING OF THIS BOOK TELLING US ABOUT HER IDIOT BROTHER WHO CONSTANLY BEATS HER UP, BUT MOM SAYS IT'S HER FAULT. THEN WE ARE FURTHER ENLIGHTENED TO FIND OUT ABOUT HER INTERST IN PUNK BANDS. SHE GOES ON AND ON ABOUT HOW GREAT ALL THESE BANDS ARE. (WHO CARES) THEN WE GET TO READ ABOUT HER PET CODY, THE GREATEST DOG IN THE UNIVERSE. (TOO BAD HE DIES) FROM THERE THE BOOK STARTS TO MOVE ALONG TO WHERE SHE GOT HER FIRST TASTE OF WRESTLING IN MEXICO. WHEN AMY STICKS TO WRESTLING OR HER FEELINGS IS WHEN THIS BOOK IS INTERESTING. ALONG THE WAY SHE MEETS, WRESTLES WITH THEN BECOMES GIRLFRIEND TO MATT HARDY. LITA POPULARITY GROWS AND GROWS. BUT AN UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT ON THE STAGE OF TV SHOW DARK ANGEL LEAVES AMY WITH A VERY SERIOUS NECK INJURY. HER FEELINGS AND THE CONTENT DEALING WITH OPERATION AND REHAB ARE THE MOST INTERESTING. ALONG THE WAY SHE APPEARS TV SHOWS WEAKEST LINK AND FEAR FACTOR, BOTH OF WHICH SHE DID NOT ENJOY. IF THIS CHICK EVER USED HER BRAIN AND NOT ACTED SO SPONTANEOUSLY SHE WOULDN'T HAVE GONE THRU ALOT OF THIS DRAMA. SHE SAYS THAT SHE STRIPPED JUST FOR THE MONEY AND THAT SHE FEELS SO UNCOMFORTABLE TAKING HER CLOTHES OFF. GIVE ME A BREAK, SHE LOVES ALL THE ATTENTION. WHY DIDN'T SHE GET A REGULAR JOB? PROBABLY SHE MIGHT OF HAD TO THINK ABOUT IT WHICH SHE HAS A PROBLEM DOING. STILL IF YOU LIKE LITA YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK. IF YOU ARE A CASUAL FAN THEN IT IS FAIRLY ENTERTAINING.



3. This is probably one of the better biographies, that is written by a pro wrestler, I have read. Unlike Edge, she actually went into more depth about her personal life; unlike Kurt Angle, she didn't constantly remind everyone about how great she is. Also, unlike Edge or Kurt Angle, she actually had a lot to say, and gave the reader a very wide variety. So, unlike Edge's book, this could be classified as a biography.



4. As soon as I saw Lita on WWF (I was 15 years old at the time) I knew I was seeing something fresh and exciting. Lita was just so effortlessly cool and natural - nothing like most of the other female wrestlers who I felt were forced into being Barbie doll types. Lita is exactly the type of female wrestler I would have wanted to be...that is if I had even an ounce of athletic ability, which I just don't! I'll never forget watching those incredible moonsaults and hurricanranas and being blown away by her skills. Lita really showed that female wrestlers can be athletic, exciting, tough and sexy AND appeal to both male and female fans. As well as her fabulous partnership with the Hardy Boyz in Team Extreme, I also enjoyed watching her get involved in matches with the 'big boys' such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock and Triple H.
   
   I was pleasantly surprised then to find that Lita's biography is actually a really, really good read. The co-writer did a great job in making the book flow and sound true to Lita's voice. The book is a good length too - it's not the type of thing that seems really superficial and you can read in 2 hours. I actually stayed up into the early hours to finish it because I just couldn't put it down.
   
   The most impressive thing about Amy is just how far she went to fulfill her dream of becoming a wrestler. Most people (certainly including me!) might have dreams of one kind or another, but would never actually get around to taking any positive action to make it a reality. But when Amy decided she wanted to be a wrestler, she started judo classes and even managed to get backstage at a wrestling event. She then went to Mexico, not knowing anybody, on the off-chance that she would be able to get some wrestling training. She ended up training with some future big names and then worked her butt off on the independent circuit and at ECW because joining WWF. Amy's success as Lita is truly deserved and reading her story inspired me to think that if I put more effort into fulfilling some of my dreams then there is a good chance I can do well in my chosen area.
   
   The second thing that I really admire about Amy is the voluntary work she has done with animals. Even when she broke her neck and was recuperating at home, she went to animal shelters and helped out with the most menial of tasks, which is even more impressive considering she was a very successful wrestler at this point and could have become detached from that way of life.
   
   Obviously, this book was written in 2003 so it doesn't include any of the things that have happened to Amy since, such as working with Edge, the reaction of some of the fans and eventually leaving WWE and forming a band. It does include Amy's background, how she got to WWF and also follows some of my all-time favourite storylines, which took place around 2000 / 2001.
   
   Amy is very honest about the wrestling business and talks alot about the behind the scenes stuff regarding how storylines are put together and matches are worked out and just how little time wrestlers are given to prepare before they have to go out and put on the show. I was shocked sometimes by how little support or common sense the managers at WWE seem to have in terms of storylines or working out what to do with wrestlers, but I suppose it must be hard to run such a huge and complex enterprise.
   
   Overall, this is a great book and I highly recommend it. If you enjoyed watching Lita in the early 2000s then I'm sure you'll love this book too!



5. I'll be perfectly honest I breezed through the first 1/2 to 2/3 of the book. The rest was a slow read. The first and interesting part of the book highlighted her journey to get to the WWE. Her start and journey into the business were highly entertaining. However once she made it to the WWE it seemed like all it was was a night by night account of her happenings for a year. Pretty dull. I struggled to finish it and then gave it to one of my students. I have read almost every wrestling book and all I can say is that it wasn't the worst.

5 comments about Dean's Domain: The Inside Story of Dean Smith and His College Basketball Empire.

1. Nice companion piece to Smith's own memoirs ("A Coach's Life"). A less complete portrait of Smith's inner life and interests off the court than the autobiography, but a more complete, and in many ways a more compelling, account of his public life as coach/power broker of what amounts to a multimillion dollar franchise. In this sense it is more entertaining than Smith's book -- a more open treatment of the recruiting process (including the ones that got away), the management of the Nike contract, the rivalry with Duke etc.

   Like the Smith book, it at times gets bogged down in season by season recapitulations of win-loss records. It also includes some material (such as a few paragraphs on the murder of Michael Jordan's father) which presumably are worth mentioning, but don't really fit into the thematic or narrative flow, and seem to be inserted in a kind of obligatory fashion. But these are quibbles.

   Unfortunately, the book ends with Smith's retirement and the installation of his hand-picked successor, Bill Guthridge, and, as a consequence, misses the surely interesting story of Guthridge's resignation two years later, and Smith and Guthridge's apparent inability to again stage manage the selection of the next long-run leader of the Carolina men's basketball program. Nevertheless an interesting and worthwhile read.




2. I have been a tarheel fan for my whole life, I met "THE MAN" as a kid. He is just as portrayed in the book. This was a book that I could not put down. The best book I've read. Great work Art.



3. I recommend this book to true, long-time dedicated UNC fans. Probably no one else could read the whole thing. You will remember each game from your own perspective but Chansky gives you the details from behind the scenes. Many tid-bits and juicy morsals to satisfy your curiosity about the program and about the man. If you like Smith, this book will affirm your respect for him. If you don't like him, this book will not change your mind. Smith is presented mostly sympathetically, but his flaws are too numerous to hide, yet for the true fan, they are expected and when seen within the contaxt of his life, they are forgivable. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. Also, I recently read "Playing for Keeps" about Jordan. There is no redundancy here.



4. Art Chansky has been a close associatr of the Carolina Basketball program for yaers. He gives in depth background about many situations I had always wondered about. This in no way a book which sugar coats UNC. I love Carolina, but it shows a that Coach Smith is human like the rest of us. Reccomended reading for any TRUE basketball fan.This book gives you a sense of what it took to become a long term success and what were some of the events that defined the program.



5. Inside look on the greates basketball programs eve

5 comments about Fatal Mountaineer: The High-Altitude Life and Death of Willi Unsoeld, American Himalayan Legend.

1. This book was recommended by an acquaintence and climber. After reading the previous reviews, I had second thoughts. Was the prevalence of outrage, disappointment and desire for a simpler narrative warranted? Were the reviewers who praised the revelation, complexity, and literary quality of the book perceptive or delusional? I proceeded prodded by curiosity.
   
   After all, I'd been raised in John Roskelley's hometown, Spokane; had moved to Willi Unsoeld's home base, near The Evergreen State College campus in Olympia; had worked at the Washington State Department of Ecology with Willi's son, Krag, and had been represented in Congress by his widow, Jolene. Willi's legend hung in the foggy air here. We attended the Willi Unsoeld Seminars established in his memory, to hear talks by poets, writers and activists: Gary Snyder, Terry Tempest Williams, and others. In his role as Spokane County Commissioner, John Roskelley once engaged me in an edgy call about some environmental controversy now blurred by the fogs of time - I simply recall the provocative and aggressive tone of his call.
   
   So, the verdict?
   
   From my perspective this is an excellent, thought-provoking work - one of those books that lodges in the memory where it continues to burn long after the reading's done.
   
   But this is a qualified recommendation. The Fatal Mountaineer (look up all the meanings of `fatal') may well aggravate the reader looking for simple confirmation of his/her opinion regarding Unsoeld, Roskelley, the culture of mountain climbing, or the nature of life. This is a complex drama and tragedy. It covers a lot of territory - from evocative climbing narrative to explication of native Himalayan religious precepts and perceptions, from CIA maneuvers that may have contaminated the Ganges with plutonium to subsequent decisions to protect the high, sacred ground near Nanda Devi; from discussions of transcendental philosophers to explorations of the psychic and medical struggles of these Himalayan climbers. You will need to keep many thoughts in motion and suspension simultaneously.
   
   There are no easy answers here, but stick with this book and you will learn and grow.



2. Having admired Roskelley's accout of the '76 Nanda Devi expedition, I was curious when I found Roper's book on Willi Unsoeld at the Albuquerque library.
   Unlike other reviewers, I felt that Roper's "digressions"--on Bergson, Muir, and on the CIA's attempt to place a tracking device atop Nanda Devi in order to spy on Chinese nuclear testing--were all fascinating, and essential to Unsoeld's (and Devi's) story.
   Roper is a fine writer, capable of vivid, even poetic prose, in an era when we seem to demand nothing but spare, no-frills accounts. Indeed, few books can match Joe Simpson's TOUCHING THE VOID or Herzog's ANNAPURNA in mountaineering lit, but I found this book riveting, both for its accounts of the three central climbs that informed Unsoeld's life and death (Everest, Nanda Devi, Rainier) and for the philosophy that informed his life.
   I would have liked a bit more on Unsoeld's experiences as a guide in the Tetons and on his pre-Everest climbs, but overall, I found this book extremely well-written.



3. Yes, we are all human, and have egos. Mr Roper did more to erode the human Mr Unsoeld with his speculation, grandiose words and tangential philosophy, than to give us insight into the great man himself. I recommend this book to only those who want more 'fluff' and less 'stuff'.



4. Well, what can I say about this book? Not too much. This book read like an opinion column in your local Sunday newspaper or, better yet, like a trash tabloid. The author seemed hell bent on destoying John Roskelley every chance he got. It seemed un-ending, low-brow and ultimately childish, hence, the title to my review.
   At times this book was irritating , other times it made me yawn. Roskelley's book on the Nanda Devi tragedy is a much more engrossing read and hard to put down. Now I'm not comparing this books section on the Nanda Devi tragedy to Roskelley's book but, I do find it interesting that a person who wasn't even remotely associated with the climb can so easily pick it apart and smear the good names of some of its members all the while effectively cannonizing others.
   Which leads me to my next point: This book is supposed to be an homage to a great mountaineer, Willi Unsoeld, but the author doesn't even do his books subject honor. The author re-hashes the American Everest climb from 1963, but this has all been done before, there is no new insight, no new offerings.The author talks about Unseold's untimely death but, again, nothing new. This book, is in effect, boring. It is also aggravating. I found myself getting quite irritated as the author continued to take his perpetual pot shots at Roskelley and Jim States.
   The author wasn't on Devi, he wasn't on Everest in '63 and he wasn't on Ranier with Unsoeld when he died.The author had no first hand experience and I found his biased slop a let down and boring.



5. The writter forgot that this was a book about a mountaineer. This could have been an exciting, inspiring book about a great climber and instead its a book about someone's ramblings since other more interesting books were apparently already written

4 comments about Off Base: Confessions of a Thief.

1. If you love Rickey, you have to buy this book! A great look at Rickey as a person and a ball player! It makes for an interesting read, and an exciting look at one of the greatest careers of all time.
   
   This is a great read for Rickey fans, or for young baseball fans everywhere!



2. RICKEY HENDERSON IS PROBABLY THE BEST LEADOFF HITTER EVER IN BASEBALL. IN THIS BOOK HE LET'S US KNOW THIS AND MANY OTHER THINGS HE IS GREAT AT. AS A PLAYER RICKEY REALLY WAS A THREAT ON BASE AND AT BAT. IN THIS BOOK WE FIND OUT ALOT MORE ABOUT RICKEY AND HIS OPINIONS ON MANY THINGS. I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE BOTH INTERESTING AND ENTERTAINING. RICKEY HAS A VERY LARGE EGO BUT HE CAN BACK IT UP. I REALLY DON'T THINK ALOT OF HIS TEAMATES CARED FOR HIS ARROGANCE AND SELF CENTEREDNESS BUT RICKEY HELPED MAKE HIS TEAMS A WINNER. I RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL RICKEY HENDERSON AND BASEBALL FANS WHO APPRECIATE HIS UNIQUE TALENT OF SPEED AND POWER.



3. This book is a must for all Rickey fans. Henderson holds little back in his autobiography. He's a touch arrogant, but he's earned that right; with the single season set (and likely not to be broken in today's baseball) and the career mark out of reach. If you like Rickey, then you'll like this book.



4. This book simply shows how good Rickey Henderson is, both on the field and off. He takes you behind the scenes of his 20 year career in the major leagues and what it took for him to get there. From the early little league games in Oakland to his 939th Stolen Base...Rickey Henderson is truly a living legend in what he does....BEING THE GREATEST LEADOFF HITTER OF ALL TIME!!

5 comments about The Rivals: Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova Their Epic Duels and Extraordinary Friendship.

1. A wonderful read. In depth of chris and martina throughout their rivalry of twenty years. I admired both players and hardly ever missed a match. If you want more insight into these two women's lives purchase it. I highly recommend this read for any tennis fan. It is fabulous!



2. There's no question that the Evert-Navratilova (or, more properly, the Navratilova-Evert) rivalry was one of the most compelling in sports. Howard's book was/is chock-full of superb details about almost EVERY aspect of this on-court saga, which started in the early '70s and lasted until 1987, with Navratilova edging Evert by an almost freakishly slim margin in terms of matches won/lost, yet both women ended-up equal at a mind-boggling 18 Grand Slams apiece. This was an era of grandeur & greatness that will never be duplicated, in terms of two potent rivals competing at the same time.
   
   It was a constant, exciting drama, and Howard covers all of the "baselines." Evert, the little "Princess" against Navratilova, who was the...um...TOUGH-girl.
   
   These women were extraordinary foils for each other, and sport will never see the like of it again. Evert (despite being utterly confused and uncertain in her early days) had minimal athletic "gifts," but consistency, coordination, strategy, and the inner-aggression of a venegeful demon.
   
   Navratilova was erratic and confused for most of *her* early career, but she also had raw potency that gave her rivals nightmares. When she eventually slimmed her body (and mind) to a razor's edge, she started beating Evert like a bongo drum from 1983-1985 (13 humiliating wins in a row).
   
   Howard explores the mindsets of both champions in their prime, and how they dealt with each other, but she failed to really capture the magnificence with which Evert finally overcame her massive slump against the souped-up, hard-working, powerhouse Martina.
   
   Evert hit the gym a bit, and switched to a graphite racquet in 1984, but she did not essentially change her game against Martina. She didn't start rushing the net or serving aces. What made the difference is that Evert (with a very little extra muscle and a new racquet) was able to suddenly hit powerful, sharply angled cross-court forehands and open-up the court in a way she had not been able to do previously against the Navratilova game, putting more pressure than before upon the lefty backhand of Martina...and then using her best-of-all-time backhand to put-away crosscourt shots more aggressively.
   
   In all truth, it was this combination that made a huge difference for Evert. Too, some spectacular Grand Slam wins (French Open 85, 86) gave her some psychological ammunition.
   
   The trouble with this book, now, is that Howard makes such a point of "contrast" in the "off-court" lives of the two champs. Navratilova comes across as the personal "flake," in many respects, with her controversial lesbian relationships, while emphasis is placed upon Evert as being far more "typical." For Howard, Navratilova is often wrecked by her romantic "choices," while one failed "Evert marriage" is utterly redeemed by an everlasting love (to skier Andy Mill)--a union that Evert (and Howard) celebrates with enthusiasm, replete with the darling children to 'complete' the image.
   
   The problem is that Howard focused too much upon this latter aspect, and Evert has, in very recent times, proved herself stunningly capable of horrific public "choices" via her involvement in a terribly intrusive marital scandal. She jettisoned Mill, her husband of nearly 20 years, to take-up with high-profile golfer Greg Norman, and opted (sadly) to appear intimately with him in public while he was still married, and vice versa. In a grotesque miscalculation, the irony is that Evert tarnished her image (which Howard wrote about so admantly) by public appearances that belittled and humiliated her ex-husband and Norman's wife...most conspicuously and dismayingly on the very day that the latter's divorce was final...by canoodling in the crowd at the US Open.
   
   This aspect would not be mentioned had not Howard spilled so much ink in this book documenting Evert as such an extraordinarily happy wife and family-woman with Mill (after the utter failure of her first union with John Lloyd). Since, Evert has conducted herself with actions that do obliterate Howard's carefully delineated portrayal in the book, and, because such issues are so very important and pertinent to this actual book, certain aspects of the "rivalry" are now dated and odd.
   
   Now, it is surprising how much easier it has become to adopt Navratilova as the much greater of the two. Again, Howard wrote an excellent account of the actual rivalry, with Evert's "public image" ever at the forefront. That aspect has been radically changed, within the context of Howard's treatment, and I (for one) am now glad that Martina had the upper-hand against Chris...and I never thought I'd say that...in my life.
   
   In any case, get this book for a striking, extraordinary analysis of what was likely the greatest one-on-one rivalry in the history of all sport, between two of the greatest, most unforgiving and ferocious competitors. It's amazing.



3. THIS IS A VERY INTERESTING AND WELL WRITTEN BOOK ABOUT THE TENNIS RIVALRY CONCERNING CHRIS EVERT AND MARTINA NAVRATILOVA. THERE MATCHES WERE LEGEND DURING THE 1980'S. THE BOOK COVERS ALOT MORE THAN JUST THIS. IT GIVES A LOOK AT THE PRIVATE LIVES OF CHRISSIE AND MARTINA. CHRISSIE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MARRIED LIFE. MARTINA ADMITTED TO BE BEING GAY AND ALSO DEFECTED FROM HER HOME COUNTRY OF CZECHOLSLOVAKIA TO ESCAPE COMMUNISM. THEY BOTH ARE LEGENDS IN THE TENNIS WORLD AND HELPED THE GROWTH OF TENNIS TO THE VERY POPULAR SPORT IT IS TODAY. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AND RECOMMEND IT FOR ALL SPORTS FANS. THE AUTHOR DOES A GREAT JOB SHOWING US THE HUMAN SIDE OF BOTH RIVALS



4. This book offers an insightful look into the lives of Martina and Chris.
   If you're a fan of either you'll enjoy their perspectives individually.
   If you're a fan of both...all the better for you. You will read how each supported, coaxed, teased, fought, encouraged and ultimately validated each other and each other's career.
   I think this book de-mythologizes much of what we've heard before about Chris and Martina's relationship. At the same time, it re-inforces things we already knew, but adds a little more depth: incredible friends, incredible rivals...A friendship that transcends their rivalry and a rivalry that transcended sport.



5. In The Rivals, a middling addition to the tennis book industry, Johnette Howard argues that the Evert-Navratilova rivalry both reflected and changed women's tennis and women's role in professional sports. Fair enough. She also portrays the rivals as two intelligent, highly skilled and articulate women whose friendship was tested and strengthened by their on-court competition. Fair enough again. Also, the book is a quick, good read, albeit in the style of a 270 page sports column, where everybody always talks in the present tense. When all that is conceded though, what new perspective or insight does The Rivals bring to the party? In my view, not much, if anything, that couldn't be found by reading the autobiographies of the two champions, which Howard generously cites frequently. As for the writing on tennis here, there is nothing that can come close to John McPhee's classic Levels of the Game in recreating the context, tension, and skill of tennis at the highest levels.

No comments about Didier Drogba: Portrait of a Hero.

5 comments about Mindgames: Phil Jackson's Long Strange Journey.

1. The book definitely discusses in detail, Phil Jackson's zen/indian philiosophies and techniues, and his propensity to use such things to create champions.

   Other interesting areas include his background coaching in a turbulent, out of control south American league, where drunken fights in the stands were the norm and bullets weren't restricted to the stands.

   Discussions of his idiosyncracies as a player, and the mentoring he received as a coach, especially when learning/incorporating the triangle offense, are also definitely worth a read.

   The books discussions of his behind-the-scenes experience with management, in team meetings, and on the tour bus reveal him as an expert in "playing politics." Despite its somewhat negative connotation, his "Mind Games" (also the book's title) appear ro have contributed to his tremendous professional success (NBA Championship rings).

   However, his somewhat antagonisitic actions towards team ownership and media have left him with a somewhat questionable reputation. The book discusses this in detail. For example, without provocation, he once kicked a reporter off the team bus, leaving her stranded, and regularly exiled the team's owner from meetings). The book explains the rationale for these actions. Jackson sees "team solidarity" as a crucial aspect of "building the team spirit" and allowing it to grow.

   In addition, the book is fairly current and details his brief, ongoing career with the Lakers, revealing some surprisingly esoteric insights about the team and his role in it.

   His unorthodox, yet wildly successful NBA coaching career make this an interesting and thoughtful read. However, this review ranks the book four stars out of five, simply because the book's meticulously long discussions seasons' worth of quasi-important matches on the hardwood floor becomes a bit redundant and irrelevant(playoff/championship games excluded).

   But if you're a basketball fan, a Lakers' fan, a Bulls' fan, or are simply intrigued by the man and his phenomenally successful, yet wholistically unorthodox approach to life, interpersonal relations, and success, this book comes highly recommended.

   Rob Rumsey




2. This is an excellent read about a different drummer. I'm a Lakers fan, but Bulls fans will like it just as much.



3. I have always been intrigued by the work of the "Zenmaster," which is why I first decided to read this book. I had heard about Jackson's work in mending the rift between Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant and had wondered how he did it when others could not. The first 100 pages of this book delve into the mind of this phenomenal coach, but the rest of the book goes on to name his achievements. Yes, it was interesting to learn a little more about Michael Jordan, Pippen, Grant and Rodman but those guys were not the reason I picked up the book. If I wanted to learn about those players, I would have read "The Jordan Rules." Bottom line, I would rather pick up "Sacred Hoops" or "Maverick", which were actually written by Jackson himself.



4. This is an easy read... But you have to hash through a lot of common knowledge about the Bulls to get any interesting tidbits about Jackson. Sacred Hoops gives you much more perspective into Jackson than this book does. The author teases the reader with an opening story about how Jackson smokes two cigarettes and drinks a beer before he talked to the Bulls after a game... A great bit of informaion, but many true Bulls fans could have picked this up the the local papers or sports talk shows... The author gets most of his inside information from Tex Schram, Johnny Bach, and Skip Schaefer. The majority of the book is a general chronicle of the Bulls 8 year 6 title run offering few insights on Jackson. If you followed the Bulls, read Sacred Hoops, the only 'fresh' information comes from the last two chapters about Jackson's year off and some information about Jackson's first year with the Lakers. It reads quick, but do not expect learn any new in depth information about Jackson.



5. As someone who has read "Sacred Hoops" three times and follows Phil Jackson's coaching career very closely, I was very excited to see this on the shelf at my local bookstore. This was a good book. I breezed through it. I thought it was very well written, and it did have some interesting anecdotes. In my opionion, probably the most interesting part of the book wasn't even about Coach Jackson, but rather about the people who have worked with him. The short biopics of the Chicago Jerrys, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, and others were very interesting to me - and very fair (which is tough these days when you read anything about Krause).

   On the other end of the stick, I would agree that the book did seem a tad superficial as far as Jackson is concerned. It promises to give you insight into one of the most complex figures in contemporary sports, but really does not do that. It only touches superifically on his connection to Buddhism, meditation, and his relationships outside of basketball. Indeed, the end of Jackson's second marriage - certainly one of the more important influences in his life - is entirely covered in one short paragraph of a few sentences.

   All in all, this was a decent book. However, I won't be reading it again.

2 comments about When It's Fourth and Long: Keeping the Faith, Overcoming the Odds, and Life in the NFL.

1. When It's Fourth and Long by Josh Bidwell is the autobiography of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter and former member of the Green Bay Packers. Bidwell was struck down by testicular cancer when he was 23 and had just signed on with the Packers. He kicked the cancer and it strengthened his faith in God and his love for then girlfriend now wife Bethany. The child of a divorce, Bidwell has lived through some rough times in his life, and he's very honest about his mother's battles with addiction and his own struggle with anger. His pride in his wife and two sons brings a smile to my face. He tells a few good tales about playing with the Packers, but really focuses on his deep friendship with Ryan Longwell. His story is inspiring and very moving; his writing isn't poetic, but he's the type of guy you would want your daughter to bring home. This would be an excellent book for someone who loves sports but normally wouldn't read a book about faith and God. It's nice to read about an athlete who recognizes the impact his celebrity can have and wants to do good with it.



2. Football and sports fans will love this book (esp. those from Oregon)! Josh is a small-town Oregon athlete who eventually attends U of O and then reaches the NFL. He credits his dad, coaches and others along the way who encouraged him. Most of all, he clearly notes how his faith in Jesus Christ not only helped him through the trials of cancer, but also gave him purpose and meaning in life.