3 comments about A Twentieth Century Odyssey: The Bob Mathias Story.

1. This book cannot capture the natural warmth of a modest and great American. I knew him personally in the 1970's and was honored to spend some time with him at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Bob was on the Board of directors of a Company I was an officer of. He served with distinction. He served his state with distinction in Congress. The only reason he lost his seat was the unscrupulous gerry-mandering of Congressional districts by Willy Brown.
   
   Bob was a tall, rangy quiet person, a real life John Wayne figure with more natural athletic ability. He was well liked by people from all walks of life. We will miss him greatly.



2. When one speaks of Bob Mathias onlt one word comes to my mind, incredible!!!!!!! How many athletes can say at age 17 they got into athletics, and just a few months later won a gold medal in the 1948 decathlon in London, England? Then Mr Mathias came back in 1952 to win his second Olympic Decathlon in Helsinki, Finland; and that same year (1952) he also played for Stanford in The Rose Bowl!!!!!!!! He wom 11 decathlons (undefeated) in AAU competition and set 4 decathlon records. Bob Mathias was also elected to 4 terms of Congress from 1967-1974. If this does not declare or make Mr Mathias one of our country's greatest athletes and men; then I don't know what does! He was just a great athlete, man and American! I can go on and on forever naming his great athletic and humanitarian achievments. One in ten million is the only way I "best" know how to describe Bob Mathias, just one incredible human being for his time; and for all-time!!!!



3. Bob Mathias, to me, is a great figure in the history of international sports. He has led an interesting life. However, I found this book to be slow and boring and frankly, I think the Mathias story is much more exciting than is displayed here. I have read other books and stories that show the spirit, determination, and accomplishments of a great man, in a much better light.
   John Francis
   Los Angeles, CA

5 comments about Sugar Ray.

1. To talk about the grandness of Sugar Ray Robinson may seem a commonplace, but in the annals of the boxing there has not been such kind of boxer who has displayed such style, refinement, effectiveness and elegance. 109 KO along his life and the fact to have recovered four times the World championship have become a true myth in this sport.



2. A champion among champions. One of the greatest of all time tells you his story - he is a fighter, not a writer. Don't expect pretty prose, expect a deep, moving look into the life of Sugar Ray Robinson.



3. it is what it is. you get Sugar Ray's story right from the man himself. its concise and thorough and entertaining and inspirational



4. Sugar Ray - 3.75 Stars
   
   I wanted to love this book. I wanted to love Sugar Ray - he was Ali's hero and in a lot of circles he is considered pound for pound the greatest boxer of all time!
   
   I wanted to love this book and Sugar Ray - but unfortunately I didn't.
   
   I almost feel like I'm committing some sort of sacrilege here - and I'm sad to say - I found Sugar Ray Robinson somewhat unlikable.
   
   The story is a great story - a very poor family's struggle and their support and love for each other - Sugar Ray's discovery of boxing and his rise to fame and fortune and the phenomenal and heart breaking comeback and the sad decline in the end. His story really is very interesting, but the book doesn't capture it. It doesn't capture the Sugar Ray magic and I felt that Sugar Ray wasn't 100% honest - he and the book were truthful, but I felt that there was something missing - that he wasn't completely honest.



5. Sugar Ray Robinson was One Of THe Greatest Fighters Ever.Very Uplifting of How He Overcame SO Much.He was a Great Warrior Inside of The Ring.Muhammad Ali called Him The Greatest.A Must Have.

1 comments about Dale Earnhardt: 23 Years with The Intimidator.

1. As a HUGE Earnhardt fan. I would have to say that I liked this book. It brought back so many memories of Dale and how he was on and off track. If you have not read this book, I suggest you pick it up and take the time to learn more about the GREATEST LEGEND IN HISTORY.

No comments about Ben Hogan: The Man Behind The Mystique.

5 comments about Blown Away: American Women and Guns.

1. Caitlin Kelly is a gifted writer. I have read many of her articles and news stories in such newspapers and publications as, The New York Times, the New York Post, Chatelaine and the Wall Street Journal. Buy this book and you will get an unbiased view of every woman's right to bear arms -- if she so chooses. This book is a "must-read" for everyone.



2. I very much enjoyed this book. I found the balance refreshing. I also greatly appreciated the different perspectives on gun ownership the book brought out. These are things I wouldn't have been exposed to otherwise.



3. I challenged myself to read a book about a subject I'm not comfortable with and then couldn't put it down. What a great Journalist and Storyteller Ms. Kelly turned out to be. I particularly enjoyed reading the history of women and guns in America. It gave me much food for thought. I highly recommend it for everyone on either side of this issue.



4. I found the book very powerful. The author's interviews with women of all walks of life were very interesting. You really understand that a gun is seen as a guard against violence towards women. The book was well written and not full of opinions by the author. Just real people talking. Great Book.



5. Although I have not read this book I have met the author! while in Las Vegas promoting her book I had a chance to meet her,(a truly amazing individual), she told me many details about this book and I can't wait to actually read it! if the book is as fascinating as she was I would have to say it is worth the read.

1 comments about Venus and Serena Williams: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies).

1. With all the action tennis sisters Venus and Serena Williams have brought to the sport, it's near certain Jacqueline Edmonson's Venus And Serena Williams: A Biography will bring added attention and a ready audience. The life stories of the tennis pro sisters is shared in chapters which cover their stories and associated topics of gender and race. An excellent addition to Greenwood's biography series.

5 comments about The Secrets of Giron Arnis Escrima (Secrets of the Martial Arts).

1. This book told a lot about the background and philosophy, but didn't offer a lot of instruction. It was also hard to read and understand.



2. I really liked this book. I know it was not as deep in technique and theory as many would have liked, but for the price it is a great introduction. I would like to see a more in-depth version, akin to Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do the text book, or something as nice as either of the new Gracie Books. I am still waiting for the Filipino book that gives real grasp to the newbie, but still has a lot for the experienced player. In short I am looking for some thing with the thought and grace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Theory and PRactice, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense, or maybe a book as comprehensive in its coverage as is Simco's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Master Text.
   Never the less it is still good to see old Giron, moving around and swinging a stick.
   Nice job.



3. I`ve bougth this book in order to support my own escrima training. As a rookie in escrima, it gives you the basic understandings in the escrima-fighting art of Grand Master Leo Giron. I think it`s not written with the intention to replace training under a qualified teacher. In my view it supports your training as a beginner in the art. What's more, it gives you a good overview including the origins. Escrima has to be practised to be learned.



4. This book is bad for beginner and practically useless for a master. There is no comprehensive description of training complexes, footwork drills and other important details, which were completely omitted. It gives just an overview of the system in general, so the reader can have some vague feeling of what Giron escrima is.



5. This book provides the reader with a very good taste of Grandmaster Giron's system of self-defense. It is particularily strong in the largo-mano or long range area, with clearly photographed techniques using sticks, knives and empty hands. In addition to the techniques, he puts his system into an ethical framework. The only part I would have liked to see more of was the excellent empty hands techniques present in the Filipino martial arts, including guntings and limb destructions. Nonetheless, this will make an excellent addition to anybody's library with interest in the subject matter.

5 comments about Dominique Moceanu:: A Gymnastics Sensation.

1. This book is perfect for any fan of Dominique Moceanu. You learn so much about her, starting from her birth all the way up to the 1996 Olympics. This was a very vivid and detailed biography. I really thought it was cool to read about the gymnastics school she used to train at before she went to Karolyi's. It tells about all her early compititions and experiences. It felt like I really knew Dominique Moceanu! I learned so much from this book, and like Krista Quiner's other gymnastics biographys, this was a great one!



2. This book was truly awesome. Krista did an excellent job writing this book. You feel that you actually know Dominique. I reccomend this book for ALL Dominique fans. A must read book!!

   Also recommended: Dominique Moceanu: An American Champion: An Autobiography Dominique Moceanu




3. The book was fully detailed and was a very easy to read book. I read it in a matter of hours, and I am 11 years old. I love gymnastics and Dominique. Since the first time I saw her on T.V. I wanted to be just like her. Now I am taking acrobatics at a great little studio. even though we only do floor excersises, I still someday would like to be just like Dominique! The book has really encouraged me too succeed, and I really hope that anyone that wants to be something, jumps on it, you only live once!



4. You will find this book to give many details on the young gymnast at a professional view point. If you are looking to get more personal information such as characteristics, personality, etc.. Get another book. This is about her and the sport of gymnastics from the time she started up to late '96. I enjoyed the book a great deal and was amazed to find out how very succesful she is in every day living at such a young age. That is much to be said for our day and age!

   Also recommended: Dominique Moceanu: An American Champion: An Autobiography Dominique Moceanu




5. dominique moceanu is the best gymnast anyone could ever know.i'm a gymnast my self,and reading about her,seeing her on tv,seeing her smile,makes me wan't to go out there and do the same.and i do!saying this,you probubly won't believe me,but being a fan of hers,seeing her doing the things she does(smile)has inproved my skills in gymnastics!i hope she has done the same for you,cause if you don't know her.you better know her to day,cause she is the best you'll ever love!i used to hate gymnastics some times,and till i saw dominique moceanu with that beatiful smile.i've loved gymnastics ever since then.every time i compete.i act like her,smile,and show that i love doing what i'm doing,cause i know dominique moceanu~and you gotta know her too!thanks dominique,for making me win my first silver(on floor),cause seeing you smile all the time,and always being happy,has made me do the same,and it improved only because i love you!

2 comments about The Kurt Diemberger Omnibus: Summits and Secrets : The Endless Knot : Spirits of the Air.

1. The author's awesome attainments in mountaineering: the only living man with two first ascents of 8,000-meter mountains, are matched by his boundless curiosity and his enthusiasm for every new experience. He is a man of high good humor, tenacity, and independence with remarkable communication skills.

   The autobiography is three books "Summits and Secrets" written as a young man, "The Endless Knot" takes up his ascent and harrowing descent of K2 in 1986 and the loss of his beloved partner, Julie Tullis who died there; and "Spirits of the Air" written in middle age.

   Though "Summits and Secrets" covers interesting material about Diemberger's childhood and early manhood, I found the translation to be stiff. I fault the translator because the other two books are so free flowing and at times lyrical. In these autobiographies, you get a sense of the complete man, not just his genius on the mountains. He loves to sing (he claims it helps him breathe better on the mountain), can and does swear thunderously in German when thwarted, has small vanities, and a never failing appreciation of the charms of the ladies. Unlike many of the climbing fraternity, he doesn't appear to have a double standard where women climbers are involved. He judges everyone on his or her merits. I became so attuned to his storytelling, I felt as if it was all directed to me personally, that he wanted me to be entertained and share his wonder and delight at all he had seen. I am glad to report that as of this date, Kurt is still going strong lecturing, climbing and doing camera work. The story ends at 1991, and I had to follow up to see how he has fared this last decade.

   The much-traveled Mr. Diemberger for some reason had never been in the United States until his 40th year. (Maybe because we cannot boast of any 8,000 meter peaks!) He was an enthusiastic tourist as is shown in the following excerpt from "Spirits of the Air." His awe and amazement during his helicopter flight through Grand Canyon is infectious:

   "I am staggered! Overwhelmed is no word for it! And anyway, there's no time to be overwhelmed when new sensations are continually bombarding you, shaking you, grabbing your attention, whetting your appetite for even more unexpected thrills. You are looking ahead, back, down, as gigantic buttresses sweep past, pillars and palaces of red rock, side valleys opening and closing, the terrific gorge agape below you--- You are flying through the biggest trough on earth. All the pictures I have ever seen of the Grand Canyon are forgotten. They are tiny facets, mosaic pieces, nothing more - I see that now. No human brain can comprehend this intricate labyrinth that is the Grand Canyon. It is a world!"

   Let Kurt take you on his journey. You will never regret it.




2. Of this omnibus I have read only The Endless Knot but am so impressed with it that I wanted to lodge a review. This account of climbing K2 during one of its hungriest years is rendered luminous by the simple, unaffected, honest and straightforward affection between Kurt and his working partner Julie. Kurt's "married to the mountain" prose and his personal honesty make this a genuine monument in the literature.

5 comments about Chocolate Thunder: The Uncensored Life and Time of Darryl Dawkins.

1. If you want an entertaining look at Darryl Dawkins and basketball, this is a good choice to read. Dawkins takes the reader on a fast-paced, fun ride through the many stops on his roller-coaster career. This is not to say thet Dawkins isn't honest about the sometimes painful truth. He does admit some less-than-flattering things, but mostly he just glosses over his own weaknesses or shortcomings. Given his history and reputation, this was pretty much expected.
   Dawkins does succeed in shedding some light on some interesting teams and people. He also shows some serious insight and reflection at various times of the book, just not nearly enough times.



2. DAWKINS TELLS THE STORY OF HIS LIFE IN THIS EASY TO READ TALE. I FOUND HIM TO BE FUNNY, CANDID AND INTERESTING. HE USES A LOT OF WORDS AND TERMS THAT MAY NOT BE FOR ANYONE UNDER 18. DAWKINS WAS PURE POWER FOR THE 76ERS DURING HIS CAREER WITH THEM. HE COULD BREAK BACKBOARDS AND SHATTER THE GLASS AROUND THEM. HE WAS STRONG AS A BULL BUT GOT IN FOUL TROUBLE VERY OFTEN. HE CAME TO THE PROS STRAIGHT FROM HIGH SCHOOL. VERY UNUSUAL FOR THE TIMES. HIS LIFE OFF THE COURT IS MORE INTERESTING THAN ON. HIS VARIOUS ADDICTIONS TO ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND SEX HURT HIS PLAY WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE THAN IT WAS. I LIKE THIS BOOK BUT BE AWARE OF THE LANGUAGE AND SEX TERMS.



3. props to "CHOCOLATE THUNDER" for telling it like it is from the Hood to the HARDWOOD. the way the League Portrays things you would believe in things Being all colorLess&whatnot.but this Book Breaks things down&Puts alot of things into Perspective.I enjoyed reading things&also it took me back.



4. Though Dawkins didn't have the most immortal NBA career, he does have the insights and understanding of the game to write a potentially powerhouse book. He deserves his place in history as the league's original entertainer and showman, and he did have a stone classic moment when he shattered the backboard to smithereens during a monster dunk. Dawkins is both smart enough and funny enough to understand the workings of the game while taking its dark side with a grain of salt. Thus he has great insights into the drug culture in pro sports, racial politics in the NBA of the 70's, the lowdown practices of agents and owners, and poor coaching. He also has many fascinating and illuminating things to say about the current state of the NBA, with its focus on promotion and superstardom rather than the fundamentals of solid team ball.

   Darryl's great insights into these matters could have been the basis for a solid and powerful book of sports commentary. But here, the wisdom merely pops up occasionally in the midst of a funny but unremarkable bio about sex and partying, trash talking (though I did love the crack "Dennis Rodman's elevator didn't stop at the top floor"), and especially too much complaining about how referees mistreated him. Meanwhile, who knows what "professional" writer Charley Rosen was doing. We can't expect Dawkins to be a flawless writer, but having a supposed professional on board should have resulted in a book with more credibility. While Darryl's life story can be a fun read, I suggest that he write another book that sticks with commentary and criticism of modern basketball, because he knows what he's talking about. That book would be as powerful as one of his dunks. [~doomsdayer520~]




5. As a 14-year old I was surprised that there was as much corruption in the 70's and 80's as there is now. I was always told that all they did was play ball and do their job. Now, I know that's not true. The Darryl Dawkins Autobiography was very interesting and appalling. It seems like he exaggerated a lot but the stories of childhood and manhood were very funny even though it seemed more like fiction. Once you start reading you won't be able to put it down.I reccomend it.