2 comments about First Light on the Water.

1. very well told, success is not a strait line, but more of a forest, personal heartaches are part of that road,with faith courage and determination,success can be had but once there,a challege still awaits,I got alot out of this book,as a man of faith and a fisherman this book is one I enjoy over and over again



2. The authors, both avid fishermen from their youth, share their life stories, successes and failures along with the lessons they have learned through their many years of fishing.
   Their spiritual insight illuminated by their fishing adventures makes a person stop and contemplate their own situation in life.
   A great book for those who love to fish and even those who don't but struggle with the ups and downs and meaning of life.

5 comments about White Heat: The Extreme Skiing Life.

1. There are some readers who do not like the style it is written, replacing "him" with a stylistic "you" in some of the narrative. Although somewhat annoying, I do not think that is the main problem with the book. The main problem is it lacks focus. Is this a book where the author gives his personal account/experiences or a reference/who's who in skiing and snowboarding? It started out strong as I read about his stories as ski patrol and avalanche patrol but then it moves to ski racing and there are virtually no personal account on that. The same for ski jumping which has very little personal account and ditto for snowboarding, and freeriding. As a reader I'm left confused whether this is a reference book or more memoir/personal experience?!



2. I am a journalism professor who teaches writing and a non-skier who has both friends and colleagues who live skiing, which is something that I never truly understood until I read this book. To me, skiing always seemed a bit too dangerous, but I always enjoyed watching it and many of the rather heroic careers of skiing champions written about in this book were known to me - though not in the depth covered here. I flatly loved this book!!! It's exciting from the first page - and even I could feel my pulse starting to race and sense the love of this sport that dominates those who've made skiing an important - even central - part of their lives!!! If I were younger and a bit healthier than I am today, I'd have made skiing an important part of my life. The book is artfully written with exceptional prose to help the reader share the sensations felt by avid skiers. The author uses first, second and third person as appropriate, and emphasizes second person as both a form of direct address to the reader and to bring the reader into the narrative. A truly exceptional read that I'd recommend to all with a desire to know better the skiing life complete with it's subjective feeling as well as an objective history and description of technique. Simply superb!
   
   G. Davey, Ph. D.



3. This wonderful book addresses the lives and life surrounding the extreme aspects of skiing (avalanche controllers, racers, ski jumpers, snowboarders, mountain patrollers, and a sundry feast of other characters), and readers will find it an inspiring and lucid examination of just what drives people to such extremes, be it a love of speed or heights or jumping off helicopters. Wayne Johnson has delved deep into the hearts of those who aren't content to live out their lives in a prescribed, socially acceptable manner, and he's written a fine book honoring the idiosyncrasies of their lives. It is a thrilling account, and the narrative is written as daringly as the lives it examines. You don't have to love skiing to enjoy this book --it's entertaining as hell and you'll be hard pressed to find any writer out there with the massive talent Mr. Johnson brings to his subject. Odds are that when you get to the end of the book you'll do as I did: you'll go back to page one and start reading it again.
   
   Regarding an earlier review, in which the reviewer claims the book suffers from "enormous stylistic flaws," one has to wonder what planet he lives on (I laughed out loud at the absurdity of the statement). He has a problem with Johnson's use of second person narration, a perfectly valid and effective technique used by countless writers and essayist throughout history. I would direct the reviewer to the likes of Nathaniel Hawthorne, William Faulkner, Samuel Beckett, Gunter Grass, Italo Calvino,, Jay McInerney, Carlos Fuentes, John Updike, and many, many other gifted writers. One wonders if the reviewer would have been more pleased if the book had been written in an uptight, faux scientific manner, complete with footnotes and a good dose of pretentious Latin terminology. (Thankfully, author Wayne Johnson has spared us that scenario). In fact, by its tone and tenor (petty, plebeian), one wonders if this profoundly uptight reviewer was passed one too many times by Mr. Johnson on the ski hill.



4. The first reviewer is right the writting is not world class but the book is fun. It is good ski porn/mind candy. Not a classic. So keep that in mind.



5. This book suffers enormous stylistic flaws for which I cannot forgive the author. The author places the reader in the driver's seat, hence the entire book is written with the pronoun "you". This gives the book an annoying conversational feel. The reader is left to assume that the action is based in reality, but with this type of delivery, one is left wondering as to the authenticity of everything. I can only assume that the author intended to make the reader feel as if he/she is sitting at the bar with the story-teller, apres-ski, listening to a bunch of alcohol-induced BS. The author succeeds in this regard, to the detriment of his writing. In addition, about 1/4 of the sentences in the book are incomplete sentences, following on from the previous sentence, starting with a capitalized "And" or "Then", etc. This style of writing was nearly enough to make me toss the book in the fire in order to create some real "white heat". Now that I have finished it, "fire in the hole". Wayne Johnson has real potential but fails miserably with White Heat. It is clear that he has the ability to research his topics. He draws on broad personal experience and can deliver understated and amusing anecdotes with which he should, in principle, be able to capture the reader's attention. He instead gets too cute for his own good. Too bad that he went screwed it up with this bizarre style of writing, for the content falls flat as a result.

5 comments about Hank Aaron and the Home Run That Changed America.

1. In his usual, thorough and mesmerizing manner, Stanton takes us thru the times of one of baseball's true heroes. Aaron emerges at once a hero AND a normal man with wants, fears and determined expectations lived under the canopy of the race issue. This book is one that is easily read because Stanton makes the progression to the final home run go swiftly. But he includes statistics and surprises which make each page worth the close scruitiny required if a reader is to get the full meaning of Hank Aaron's life and his importance to America's Game. This is a book I'm saving for my young grandson to read and before he is old enough to appreciate it's impact, I'm going to enjoy reading it again!



2. Early last summer, I walked out of a Vermont bookstore with a copy of Hank Aaron and the Home Run that changed America by Tom Stanton. I wanted to learn about Aaron and his quest to break Babe Ruth's all-time career home run record. About nine months later, I picked the book up and began reading it. I learned more about those two heart wrenching years than I ever thought I could. I also realized that I had just read one of the greatest sports books ever.
   There are three main reasons why I consider this book to be one of histories greatest. The first is that it only chronicled the two years Aaron was chasing Ruth's coveted record. Most other sports books I've read, including Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy by Jane Leavy and Derek Jeter: The Life You Imagine By Jack Curry and Jeter himself both told of the life stories of the athlete the book portrayed. This book is one of the only sports biographies that doesn't tell about an athletes entire life. Although it did tell of Aaron's personal life during those two years, including his marriage to wife Billye Williams, and his childhood inspirations from Jackie Robinson in the first chapter, it is almost entirely about "the chase".
   Another reason I enjoyed this book so much, is that it kept interviewing and talking to the same characters, including teammate Dusty Baker and manager Eddie Mathews. With this, not only were you connecting with and watching Aaron grow, but also you saw what happened to his friends throughout all of the two years. With other books, you'll be lucky to hear about a sub-character, or read an interview from the same person mabey on two pages tops.
   The third and final reason this is the best sports novel ever is because it showed how hard it was to mentally survive the two record breaking seasons. It told of all the death threats, hate mail, and concerns Aaron had for his family. It also told about kidnappings that were going on at the same time that made him so cautious.
   I hope by posting this book review that I have intrigued some of you sports fans to pick up a copy of Hank Aaron and the Home Run that changed America. After reading it you all will agree that this book is not only one of the greatest sports books ever, but one of the greatest books in history as well.



3. Author Tom Stanton provides a straightforward account of Hank Aaron's chase of Babe Ruth's home run record during the 1973-74 seasons. The book is partly about baseball but more about Aaron the man, plus his life under pressure from a combination of fan adoration, media crush, and racist hate mail. Imagine being constantly surrounded by adoring fans, and even having tour busses stop in front of your house. Imagine facing hordes of reporters before and after every game, or playing the outfield after receiving death threats. Most fans supported Aaron, but some responded in a vile manner. Like millions of other kids I watched his record-breaking homer on TV, and then was surprised to hear Aaron say moments later, "Thank God it's over." After reading this book, one can see why Aaron said that.
   
   The author might have given more attention to U.S. life circa 1973-1974, the coming of free agency, and how most of the sellout crowd that night left the ballpark not that long after Aaron's fourth-inning homer. Still, this is a very readable look at one of baseball's most famous moments, and one of the game's most inspiring stars.



4. Three-and-a-half stars, actually.
   
   Tom Stanton takes us back to 1973 (with a little of '72 and '74 thrown in, of course) to tells us the story of Hank Aaron and his record-breaking 715th home run to break Babe Ruth's record. We follow Aaron through the '73 season, tracking his progress and following the reaction of everyone to his home run. For the most part, the reaction is favorable, but there are many examples of hateful sentiments in the form of letters and catcalls. We also read background on Aaron's career and life, with emphasis on the unfortunate impact of race on not only Aaron, but also baseball in general.
   
   Stanton's book was quite good, and I enjoyed reading it, but I couldn't help feeling like there was something missing. A good baseball book presents the story in a straightforward, professional manner that tells you what you need to know. A great baseball book, though, does that and then gives you more, a little bit of heart, something that takes the story beyond just what happened and gives you a feeling for the subject matter. Stanton just couldn't get to the level of great, he created a skillful portrait of Aaron and he effectively captured the time, but there was still something more he left out. I felt like everything turned out too sunny in the end, that there was more to the bad side (as much as many would not want to dwell on that) that would be key to capturing the story.
   
   Despite my complaints, though, this was a good book and well worth any baseball fan's time.



5. Like author Tom Stanton, I was a little boy when Henry Louis Aaron was closing in on baseball's crown jewel record: Babe Ruth's 714 home runs. I lived in Forest Park, Georgia, about 12 miles south of Atlanta Stadium, and I had the good fortune to be able to see about a half dozen of Mr. Aaron's home runs in person. I played with the other boys in our neighborhood, and when the Braves were playing we always had the radio on. We could talk and joke and laugh through the rest of the game, but our voices would hush when Milo Hamilton would tell us "Aaron is on deck". Hank would come to the plate and our room would erupt with joy if we got to hear Milo's typical home run call. "There's a long drive.... It's going back.... WAY back.... It's OUT of here! Home Run number 683 for Henry Aaron!"
   
   Anyway - I had to begin this review by admitting what a HUGE hero Hank Aaron is in my life.
   
   All that being said, this book is both very informative and disappointingly bland. It was good to hear the names of those Braves from the past - in particular Aaron progeny Dusty Baker and Ralph Garr. Darrell Evans and Davey Johnson who joined Aaron as the only 3 teammates in history to hit 40 home runs the same year. (1973, the year before historic #715). Eddie Matthews, who was once Hank's teammate, the two teammates with the most life-time home runs, then served as Hank's manager during the years that make up the bulk of the book. Hall of Fame teammates Phil Niekro and Warren Spahn. Hall of Fame opponents like Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver and Don Sutton.
   
   Most enlightening were the details of the paths Hank followed behind Jackie Robinson as a ground-breaking African-American excelling in the National Pasttime. Most heart-breaking were the tales of hate mail and death threats that he received every day. To right-thinking people it is inconceivable that a man could receive death threats only because he was doing his job as well as any person had ever done it.
   
   The four stars are because I didn't come close to receiving the same thrill that this same material could have given me if presented properly. Stanton is a terrific researcher, but his writing style feels clinically cold. If America is a country of "Tall Tales" and our best legends are the real living ones, then certainly Hank Aaron must be one of America's Greatest Heroes by any definition. Stanton says as much in this book, but there's what you say, then there's how you say it. Nonetheless, this is the best record I know of covering these events, and I'd call it "required reading" for anyone wanting to know about Hammering Hank.

No comments about Ernestine Bayer: Mother of US Women's Rowing.

2 comments about My Greatest Day in Football: The Legends of Football Recount Their Greatest Moments.

1. THIS IS A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES ASKING VARIOUS HALL OF FAMERS TO DESCRIBE THEIR GREATEST MOMENTS IN THEIR CAREERS. THE LIST OF PLAYERS INCLUDES TERRY BRADSHAW, JACK HAM, Y A TITTLE, GALE SAYERS AND MANY MORE. THE AUTHOR DOES A VERY GOOD JOB MAKING THIS A MUST READ. ONE OF THE MOST COMPELLING THINGS I LIKE ABOUT THIS WAS THE MANY PLAYERS FROM DIFFERENT ERAS. A GREAT COLLECTION OF INTERVIEWS AND STORIES. VERY RECOMMENDED.



2. McCullough had an interesting concept for this book. He picked great professional football players (Hall of Famers) from each era of the game and asked them to tell about their greatest day in professional as well as college football. In addition, he asked them about their greatest opponent and their greatest teammate. All in all, twenty-nine of football's greatest were interviewed. It is a group of players sure to bring back fond memories of great players, great teams, and great games. Included among those interviewed are Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw, Chuck Bednarik, Raymond Berry, Frank Gifford, Lawrence Taylor, and Y.A. Tittle.

   As might be expected, many of the remembrances are centered on championship contests, Super Bowls, and Hall of Fame experiences. Many of the players didn't respond to the questions concerning opponents and teammates, but most did talk about college games or others as well as their NFL experiences. Raymond Berry, for example, remembered his first championship game as a member of the Parish, Texas high school team. All, however, spoke of their induction into the NFL Hall of Fame as among their fondest memories.

   I had, of course, heard or read about all the athletes included in the book, but I didn't know much about the careers of some of the early heroes such as Pete Pihos or Bob St. Claire. Reading through the various stories was like getting a football history lesson.

   This is an interesting and easy to read book. I finished it in two sittings and enjoyed every chapter. If you are a fan of NFL football, you're sure to find some keen memories kindled as you read this book.

No comments about The Youngest Goalie: The Adventures of a Hockey Legend (The Warwick Sports Young Adult Novels Series).

5 comments about Landing It: My Life On and Off the Ice.

1. You might think that Scott Hamilton led a charmed life in the world of ice skating. Not so, he had many setbacks; but his determination to show the world that he is somebody and his talent (plus hard work) let him enjoy comebacks and show his mettle. Overcoming many personal obstacles, he proved that no one could surpass him on the ice.
   
   He was grateful to his adopted family and was able to provide vacations in Hawaii and fishing in Alaska. Always on the road as his continued search for excellence kept him striving to improve his skills, using Denver as his home base, he was actually a 'Star on Ice,' an Olympic champion, and a friend to his competitors.
   
   A few years ago, he put on a spectacular show (out on video) with his skater friends, along with my favorite singer providing the music. Not Buble, the other Michael! After the 1994 Olympics, I had become sated with too much t.v. coverage of figure skating but a dear friend, Eva Ezell, loved Scott and all the elaborate outfits the girl skaters came up with. Scott was honest in his presentations with no deceit; he was authentic. He was true blue and God saved him from an illness few would have endured. Some of us can rise above the pain. It takes a special person, and he truly is one.



2. I loved reading this book. I am a big ice-skating fan and have watched it since I was a kid.
   The book starts off in chapter one talking about his cancer discovery already. You start to get a feel for who he is based on the way he handled the news of his illness etc. Then he talks about his childhood and the sacrifices his mom made to drive him for miles to get to competitions. He goes on to talk about his actuall career (and this is the reason for losing a star - because he talks too much about his routines and the types of jumps and the scores. Enough already, just let us learn about him). He even includes a chapter about Sergei Grinkov (one of my other favourite skaters who died tragically and unexpectedly on the ice) which is nice and moving.
   Scott has a real upbeat personality and a very positive attitude which will take him a long way. He is a great guy and a brilliant skater and I enjoyed reading about him and his career (just not all the endless jumps). I recommend this to all skating fans and cancer patients looking for a bit of inspiration. It's really good.



3. I found myself reading the previous reviews, and agreeing with all of them. Even the negative ones. At the same time, I enjoyed this book. Maybe because he speaks so candidly and with such sincere affection for many of my favorites (especially Ekaterina Gordeeva & Sergei Grinkov).
   
   He does "dish" dirt at times, in a way that made me cringe. If I were, for example, Dorothy Hamill, I would not be happy with this book. That said, he crosses that line in only a couple of cases. I have no problem with him sharing stories of other people's bad behavior in a professional or a public setting. It is only the truly private unflattering incidents (in hotel rooms, for example) that I think should have been kept to himself - especially as they were not incidents that needed to be told as part of the story. Skaters are only professionals when they are working. Their private behavior in their private lives is not our business unless THEY choose to share it. Scott DID cross that line, but only a very few times, IMO. I got the sense once or twice that Scott was trying to apologize for his own behavior, but in the process, he ended up revealing too much detail about someone else's private life (which was unfair to them).
   
   That said, by and large, this is a highly enjoyable book with interesting anticdotes. It is certainly honest and Scott obviously made no effort to whitewash his own behavior. I respect that. I wouldn't want a young kid reading it, but it's not written for young kids. I thought it was clear enough that the bad behavior didn't really work for him in the end, and I don't think that sends the wrong message. "Yes, I did this, and it was really stupid" is an honest and positive way to deal with questionable behavior, and that is, for the most part, what Scott does.
   
   For a skating fan, particularly a fan of Stars on Ice or of Scott, this will be a highly enjoyable book. If you can't stand Scott as a performer, think about skipping it. As a biography, it is also interesting and very personally revealing. But, if you aren't big on biographies as a genre and you aren't a big skating fan or a big Scott fan, then this book isn't for you (and I'm not sure why anyone in that boat would ever think that it was! LOL!)
   
   There are times that it reads a bit like a gossip rag, which is why I didn't give it five stars. But, it is a very enjoyable and entertaining book that gives you an eye-opening and not always flattering look at the world of skating as Scott experienced it. It is also as honest an autobiography (including the unflattering sides of the subject) as I've ever read. A fact that I, personally, appreciate. Too often we put stars up on pedestals, and I enjoy anything they are willing to do to force us to see them as human beings.
   
   The message really is that you don't have to be superman to achieve great things. And you don't have to be a saint to overcome hardships and achieve greatness. And even the best in the world face seemingly insurmountable problems from time to time. Those are all positive messages from a man who is often refered to as the "God of Figure Skating".



4. Excellent Book for any fans of Scott's a well writen story about his life. Few pictures of himself and friends and family. Recommed to any one that likes to read. Ages around 12 and up.



5. This book tells the story of a man who showed the world that anything can be done with faith. I had a hard time putting this book down. I highly recommed this book for anyone.

5 comments about Jim Otto: The PAIN OF GLORY.

1. I would rekemand this book to ennyone who loves football. Esspeshly the raiders. I love al davis and Jim otto and this book tells a tale of both. Kudos to the author. Wow!



2. Reviewer: Bisoneyes from Redditch, Worcestershire United Kingdom
   Jim Otto. The Pain of Glory is a book that covers Otto's life to date, but pays particular attention to the early years of the storied NFL club the Oakland Raiders.

   Beginning with his poor childhood in rural Wisconsin, the book tracks Otto's progression to college, and on to the NFL. It outlines Otto's determination to succeed when all about him were telling him he was too small to play college football at the centre position, let alone go on to the Pro game.

   Once at the Raiders the book highlights the painful beginnings for the club, and the struggles Otto overcame to become an All Pro centre. Otto's obvious love for the club and for its owner Al Davis shine through the pages. Along with this Otto highlights the key players with whom he played football with and tells some great stories about the likes of Ben Davidson, Kenny Stabler and other Raider greats.

   He speaks out in the book against the modern NFL and the attitude of the player and their agents. He rages against the inclusion of players he consider unworthy of selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but whose busts stand side by side with his. Finally he lambasts the NFL who called him a liar.

   Most movingly though Otto speaks of the 'Pain of Glory'. About the untold operations he has had on his once primed body, which is now giving up on him as he pays for the success he enjoyed in ways he probably never thought of. This section is an emotional, insightful and tragic commentary on professional football.

   In summary 'The Pain of Glory' is a superb reflection on an exemplorary career. Its a must read for all Raiders fans, and those interested in the NFL.




3. THIS BOOK IS ABOUT ONE OF THE TOUGHEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME. JIM OTTO WAS TRULY A MAN DEDICATED TO HIS PASSION. HE PLAYED THRU SO MANY INJURIES THAT WOULD HAVE KILLED MANY CAREERS. HIS DESCRIPTION OF HIS MANY KNEE INJURIES HAD ME WINCING AND MY KNEES WERE HURTING JUST READING ABOUT THE PAIN HE ENDURED THRU OUT HIS CAREER. AN AMAZING MAN WITH SUCH A TOLERANCE FOR PAIN. HIS RETELLING OF EARLY RAIDER DAYS WAS VERY NOSTALGIC. I ENJOYED HIS COMMENTS ABOUT LYNN SWANN AND VARIOUS OTHER FORMER PLAYERS AND OWNERS. A MUST READ FOR ALL RAIDER FANS AND FOR FANS WHO LIKED PLAYERS WHO WERE AS TOUGH AS NAILS.



4. Jim Otto's injuries have left him a pitiful cripple, in constant pain, who can't do even the simplest physical tasks that normal people take for granted. He will probably die soon from their aftereffects, in fact should have died from them several times already. We know this because he says so, while matter-of-factly stating that, if he had it to do over again, he would do things exactly the same?! I don't get it, and even if I did get it I wouldn't approve of it--if there is anything worth putting yourself through this kind of hell for, it is surely not the fleeting "glory" of the football field. In spite of, or maybe because of, all this, the book is endlessly readable and interesting--his hardcore masochism holds the same kind of strange fascination that makes people watch car wrecks (and football games, I suppose). It helps that Otto comes across as very likable, even admirable in his way--honest, conscientious, and of course dependable. Even if at times he seems to be rather, um, stupid.



5. A very straight forward book by Jim Otto. There is a price when one wants to achieve or aspire to achieve glory on the gridiron. Jim Otto is that person and he candidly tells us what he was willing to sacrifice to reach that plateau. For the Raider fan at heart, or a football fan in general, this is the book to read.

5 comments about Ron Santo: For the Love of Ivy.

1. This is an awesome book written by a inspiring baseball legend. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates Cub baseball history and/or admires the courage of Ron Santo.



2. The greatest third baseman ever to play the game and the fact that a trousersnake like Joe Morgan is helping to keep him out of the HOF is a crying shame. Ron Santo is what courage is all about and an inspiration to anyone on this big colored ball we call earth. I first became a fan of Ronnie's in 1998 because I would listen to all of the Cubs games on the radio with him and VPatrick Hughes. I had a job selling tickets at this and didn't have a tele to watch Chip and Stone on the TV. Anyway Santo is the best. The Cubs should have retired his number long ago. Long live Ron Santo and the Cubs...two winners!
   
   Origianlly posted 5/4/04
   
   CC



3. Ron Santo has better numbers than most of the third basemen in the Hall of Fame. Anything but a minor star, this quiet, self-effacing hero had the misfortune never to play for a champion (he's most closely identified with the 1969 Cubs, often called "the greatest team never to win a pennant). As a result, he's never gotten the recognition he deserves- including election to the Hall, despite outclassing several of the third basemen there.

   Santo accomplished his feats despite an ongoing battle with diabetes which eventually cost him both legs. He's most appreciated, to be sure, in Chicago, where the Cubs at long last retired his number this year. His story is an inspiration to all of us who labor under the burden of far lesser disadvantages and accomplish far less. This is the autobiography of a true hero. To read it is to be inspired.




4. I love Ron Santo...and although I have a phobia of ballplayer autobiographies, I figured out of respect for the man, and because I thought maybe, just maybe, this one would break the mold of politically correct, sacchrine-sweet memiors typically put out there from the jock-ocracy. I have more respect for him than ever, especially when he chronicles his struggles with diabetes, and the self-diagnosis he must go through every day to monitor his health. This is a must read for Cubs fans, and for people who need another story of a courageous battle against diabetes. Most other target audiences will probably choose to pass on this.



5. Excellent autobiography for baseball fans in general and Chicago Cubs fans in particular. Ron Santo was signed by the Cubs in 1958 at the age of 18. Prior to reporting to the Cubs, he learned he had diabetes.

   This book tells of playing with baseball greats such as Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ferguson Jenkins, and Leo Durocher. And the 1969 Chicago Cubs.

   The book is also inspirational in Santo's perseverance against diabetes and the potential devastating effects of the disease at that time. Santo tested himself and put himself to the limits to control his diabetes.

   The book is a very good read and should appeal to any baseball fan. Also, good read for younger players, high school and up, as Santo played the game to its fullest with class, and continues to approach other aspects of life the same.

5 comments about Wrecking Crew: The Really Bad News Griffith Park Pirates.

1. Great book - read this book. Funny stories about junkies and a few bits about playing baseball as well.



2. I'm a picky reader and I normally don't dish out five stars for delightment. Well, here's my two cents:
   
   I never liked baseball that much. Now a book about baseball would frighten me away. I've never been interested in reading about people involved with drugs, cross-dressers, call-girl romances, alcoholics, and even crazy sexual exploits.
   
   I learned about the book through a friend and thought to myself, "oh what the heck. If I hate it after the first three chapters, I'll sell the book."
   
   I read the first page, then the second and for some reason, I found myself on the fourth chapter. After that, I couldn't put the book down. It has practically everything that I mentioned above (drugs, sex, cross-dressing etc) and with a dollop of baseball. Perhaps the fact that it is a memoir that makes it all the more of a page-turner. I kept thinking to myself, "wow, this is an entirely other world with people trying to survive Hollywood." And throughout the book, I sympathize for all the characters (well, they're real-life people). Also, Mr. Albert gives the truth about "Hollywood's Wasteland": people who dream of making it big but fall short. Baseball becomes their road to recovery.
   
   Because Mr. Albert was able to hold my attention for all those pages, I must give him five stars. (btw, I'm keeping the book!)



3. I read this book a few weeks ago and have been pondering how to phrase my review ever since. At first, I wanted to say simply that I couldn't put the book down. I read it in a 24-hour period, losing sleep in order to get to the end. How often has that happened in my life? First time was with Witch of Blackbird Pond when I was 10. Then Outsiders at 12. And Exorcist at 14. But as an adult? I think the last time was Ironweed.
   
   The writing is that good. The story that engrossing.
   
   But there's more to it. I've been a baseball fan forever. And one of my most memorable dates was in New York, watching the sun setting over the stadium, wrapped in a boyfriend's arms and sneaking sips of beer from his plastic cup. It was romance in motion, set at the ballgame.
   
   This book is nothing like that.
   
   Flash forward to same boyfriend in L.A. We'd both moved to Los Angeles within months of each other, and were inseparable. Until he took me to a Dodger game and explained that he still wanted to see me, but now that he was trying to be an actor, he wanted to be available to f*ck some starlets, too. Same game. Same man. Different coast. Different setting.
   
   This book is much more like that.
   
   I'm giving it to my friends this year on their birthdays. I'm reading it over again when the images start to fade. And I'm writing gushing fan letters to John Albert to tell him that he pulled me in from start to finish.



4. A good one here. The writing is good, the story is catchy and the characters are OK. It may be the jock in me but i actually wish there was more baseball in the story. But anyone 30+ who lived or still lives in the punk hardcore world should appreciate it.
   
   More than anything else, i got a real sense of Southern California life from this book. It captured the true nature and setting of the place better than anything else i have ever read. God, i hate California, and this shows me why. Cool tidbits on how life as a youth has changed from then to now as well.



5. Great story about junkies/go-no-wheres uniting to create a sanctuary of sanity through baseball. Great snapshots of meandering lives and decisions gone awry. Some name dropping from the punk/metal/rock scene that could make it worth any Jane's Addiction fan's time worth while. Couldn't stop reading. Ripped right through it.