5 comments about Eddie Would Go: The Story of Eddie Aikau, Hawaiian Hero and Pioneer of Big Wave Surfing.

1. Inspiring. Talks not only to the story of the great person Eddie was, but to what he means to Hawaii and the pride of their culture and roots.



2. Eddie Aikau is the personification of selflessness. You need to read this story to truly understand.



3. I recommend this book as a convenient source for information about Eddie Aikau for those who wish to know more about him or those who simply wish to know about people who have inspired others.
   The subtitle of the book is well chosen: this is a story, not a biography or history. It is obvious (at times frustratingly so) that Coleman relied heavily on hearsay for much of his information (cf. some other reviews), and he does not hesitate to simply make up things he could not possibly know about (e.g., what sundry characters, including Eddie Aikau, think at various junctures).
   Another shortcoming of the book is Coleman's poor writing. He is much given to hyperbole, and this detracts from the story. For example, several times he writes that surfing and water-related lifestyles generally are dangerous because the sea is "the most unpredictable thing in the world" (this being a paraphrase). Nearly simultaneously, he stresses that only the skilled dare or ought dare challenge the sea. Obviously, total (or even substantial) unpredictability precludes acquisition of any skill--there are no professional lottery players, for example--and such would make the process of learning about the sea, big waves, and what have you impossible. As Eddie Aikau obviously (on Mr. Coleman's own testimony and the testimony he collected) did possess such skill, the sea cannot be totally unpredictable. Coleman intends the reader to conclude only that the sea is not perfectly predictable; the reader would be better served if he had simply said so.
   That said, however, the shortcomings of the way this story is related do not detract from its attractiveness. The story of Eddie Aikau _is_ inspiring, even to this reader. By "even to this reader," I wish to relate that I do not surf, have little special interest in Hawai'i, and fully intend to go happily to my grave (happily at least in this respect) without ever having surfed or visited Hawai'i again. A strong point of the story is that Coleman does not gloss over unattractive aspects of Aikau's character: political ignorance (visiting South Africa during the worst times), reckless drinking, a tendency to violence, etc.
   Don't expect much of the book, and it won't disappoint; however, readers may well wish to do on their own more research than Mr. Coleman did.



4. Stuart Holmes Coleman did a wonderful job displaying the life of Eddie Aikau. The story entailed plenty of Hawaiian history and culture while telling Eddie's moving life story. The book also displays the difficulties of being Hawaiian and gives a good background of his loving family. Eddie was the first one to surf big waves, and I mean big (40-50ft.). He is a Hawaiian idol because he inspired many to surf, and there is a big wave contest every year in memory of Eddie. Eddie was on the yearly trip to re-enact how the Philippians founded the Hawaiian island when a storm broke loose and the boat was stranded at sea. Eddie convinced the captain to let him take the surf board and swim to shore to get help (that's where "Eddie would go" comes from). He left the ship with intent to save everyone but was never seen again, but the crew was later rescued by a ship passing by. I loved the book; I think that it is inspiring to live life to the fullest as Eddie did. After reading a story like this, my own life seems boring; I wish that I was as brave and bold as Eddie. This book can let you draw your own conclusions and learn your own life lessons, and the story is so great that is it worthy of rereading and retelling. I highly recommend the book to surfers, or anyone else that wants to read a good life story. Eddie Would Go is a great book for any kind of reader, and good for anyone over the age of eight. If you are contemplating reading this book, go and buy it, it is well worth it.



5. I have spoken to Mr.Coleman and he admitted to me, Butch's sister, that he did not verify his scorce(s) when he wrote Butch VanArtsdalen was the son of alcholic parents. This is a slanderous lie, and if our parents were still alive I would sue Mr. Coleman for it. If Scott would do this to the VanArtsdalen family,I can only wonder how much of the book is actually true.
   Also, I do not see why he chose to attack Butch, since the book is about Eddie Aikau!
   Shame on you Scott & Stick to your subject!
   
   Sincerely & Always Butch's Sis

5 comments about Best Damn Garage in Town: My Life & Adventures.

1. Smokey was an amazing personality and I did know very little about him before reading the book. It is written in such a way as if Smokey told you all of it in one go in a pub behind a glass of beer - in fact in many places he anticipates readers questions and answers them or tells weather you have guessed right or wrong. Often he repeats himself, then when telling a story something reminds him of another adventure which leads to another interesting fact, but finally everything comes back together. His grammar is not perfect and the language he uses, specially the detailed descriptions about his adventures with different women - well, you would not want to read it to your daughter or mother!
   But all the above is also reflecting what Smokey was as a person.
   Many times he looks back to what he has done in his life, points out mistakes he has made, dedicates many pages to other racing legends he has met, worked together with, some became his friends and some his enemies.
   All in all this is very interesting book. Smokeys's own story what happened to him before racing, during racing years and after that until his last months before cancer took him away.



2. I consider Smokey to be one of the greatest things ever for automotive innovation. This book is somewhat hard to read. It almost seems like he dictated it to somebody and told them "Don't edit a thing!!" If you get your self into the right frame of mind while reading, you'll have a lot of fun reading. I thought I wouldn't be too interested in his WWII years, but it was one of the most interesting parts. He did some really cool stuff during the earl years of NASCAR, but he doesn't really get into too much detail until you get to the technical chapters. When he does get into the technical stuff, he warns readers that it's gonna get technical and if you don't like that sort of thing, skip ahead. He also has no problems talking about his failures, and thats nice to see.
   
   He is very repetitive. I guess the book was written over several years, and he must of forgotten he'd already told a story here or there. If you're a sensitive person, you might want to pass on this book. Lots of sex stories
   
   It blows me away that a 10th grade dropout was able to become a B17 aviator and one of the greatest automotive engineers ever. I personally think this book is good enough to be made into a movie. If you're a racing fan, you must read this book! I'm buying the hard bound version next for my library.



3. Anyone who knows NASCAR should know who Smokey Yunick was. I thought I did till I read this book. Sure, he could build a bullet fast race car, sometimes stretch the rulebook alittle. I knew that. But I never knew what this guy had really done in his life. What a great story. The guy lived a life that would make just about any guy awful jealous. He lived by his own rulebook, and backed down to no one. Need someone to look up to? Need a hero? Read this book. You may hate him. But if you don't, you'll love him!!



4. Best Damn Garage is one of the better books I've read on a racing personalty. I have a couple dozen books on NASCAR and the people who raced from the 40's till the present. This book and Fireball by Godwin Kelly are must reads for the diehard fan.



5. The book starts with Smokey's rough childhood in rural PA and then a very graphic view of WWII as a bomber pilot in Europe and how he ends up with the Flying Tigers working for Chiang Kai-Shek(pretty wild life!).
   Next Smokey gives an insiders look at the history of early NASCAR and his relationship with Detroit automakers. Nothing is sugar coated and I'm sure offended a few people. Also many details about automotive engineering, rules bending and his experience with INDY cars.
   If you're a car guy this book belongs on your shelf.

5 comments about Rough Ride: Behind the Wheel With a Pro Cyclist.

1. What's it like to be a wonderfully talented amateur bicycle racer who gets thrown into the meat-grinder of professional cycling? Kimmage answers the question in honest yet depressing detail.
   
   An example: This book explains that the fatigued riders who did not place in the final stage of the Tour wouldn't be tested for dope, so they were free to take amphetamines. Reading "Rough Ride" is a lot like driving by a car crash. You really want to avert your eyes but can't. Kimmage's story of life as a cycling domestique is fascinating.
   
   Kimmage makes it very clear that he is only telling his own personal story and not accusing any other rider in particular. But the practices he exposes clearly indict the entire profession. His revelations of the culture of doping within the peloton brought him withering criticism. He wasn't the first to get in trouble for revealing cycling's nasty underside. Bernard Thévenet almost died of liver failure from overuse of corticoids. When he confessed that doping was the cause of his health problems and that doping was a common practice within the peloton, the 2-time Tour winner suffered terrible opprobrium from the press, his sponsor and his fellow racers.
   
   I believe Kimmage's book is the first (at least in English) to detail at length what life as a professional truly entailed. Since then former professional Erwann Menthéour has also written a memoir about doping in cycling which, to the best of my knowledge, has not been translated. Both he and Kimmage explained that the term for revealing cyclists' doping to the public is called "spitting in the soup". Menthéour's (who was caught using EPO) reply was "People are saying I am spitting in the soup, but it is necessary when it is poison." In the last year the wall of silence regarding doping has come tumbling down and several famous racers have confessed their misdeeds.
   
   Yet Kimmage's book is the seminal tome and writing it was an act of courage.
   
   The book is more than about doping. It details Kimmage's own failure to properly train and prepare for some seasons. He also describes the gut-busting exhaustion that the lesser riders suffer as they work at their limits for their more talented team leaders.
   
   "Rough Ride" is a well-written book about racing in the 1980s but its lessons apply to the present. It is important reading for any cycling fan with an interest in what it takes to produce the spectacle we so enjoy watching.



2. A very interesting though at times a little dark and depressing look at professional cycling. If you have even daydreamed about being a pro this eye opening book may make you change your mind. The pressure to use drugs in cycling like many other sports is tremendous. I am content now to just put on a pro jersey and pretend.



3. This book tells you a number of things that I've never seen in another book. It tells you what it's like to be a pro bike racer who's NOT a star. It tells you what it feels like having taken amphetamines and then racing. It tells you how most of the pro racers make their real living. Kimmage is a pretty good writer, and the story is compelling, if perhaps not riveting. But if you're interested in pro bike racing, you should read this one.



4. If you enjoy the sport of cycling this is a brief look into it. I enjoyed the sections about the not-so-classic races that decent pros need to ride to earn a living; too often we only hear about the Tour or the Giro. If you are expecting great, edge of your seat writing, it won't be found here, you'd be better off with "The Rider" for that.



5. Kimmage rode with some of the greats of cycling, but was only in the cold shadow of greatness in terms of ability. He details in the book the means taken by some cyclists to climb out of the shadows into the sunshine by taking drugs. His book was brave at the time, he was accused of 'spitting in the soup' and lost the friendship of many of his cycling peers for his writing about the drug taking. He was called a liar. But time has revealed through the 'festina affair' who were the liars. A good read, but leaves one feeling a little sad to think that sport in general, not just cycling, can be so diseased.

5 comments about An Act of State: The Execution of Martin Luther King.

1. This reviewer is an avowed conspiracy/cover-up supporter regarding the 1960s assassinations of JKK, RFK and Martin Luther King. He welcomed the opportunity to learn more of the MLK murder. Author Pepper's voice rings loud and clear: "James Earl Ray did not shoot Dr. King!" Unfortunately, in buttressing that statement, author Pepper over examines the evidence and overstates his case. Pepper tries to be thorough but succeeds only in being repetitive to the point of confusion. MLK's opposition to the Vietnam War and proposal of a Poor People's Campaign had angered too many powerful people who wanted him eliminated. It is totally unclear who those individuals might have been. Mysteriously one name that does emerge is that of New Orleans Mafia Boss Carlos Marcello, just as it also does, on the fringe of the JFK hit. The bottom line is that while Mr. Pepper may be a superior lawyer, he has failings as a writer of long and detailed prose. To his credit, Chapter 9 does attempt to marshal the supporting facts in one place-one ray of sunshine where more light is needed. An interesting sidebar to "An Act of State" is Pepper's unabashed skewering of Gerald Posner. GP is the Establishment's point guard in debunking any conspiracy theories, be they related to MLK or JFK. Pepper goes after Posner with a vengeance that can only emerge from the deepest sincerity. The final word here is that "An Act of State" is too important to NOT rate 5 stars. Potential readers are urged to focus on Pepper's efforts and not his results. Mainstream media (what a great term!) has ignored the MLK hit. We should be grateful that the William Peppers of the world have the intestinal fortitude to investigate and publicize periods of our history that many would just as soon ignore.



2. I rode once in a pickup truck associated with a black college professor running for a city council seat, which was soot blackened because it had been fire bombed. That was in the early 1980s in a progressive university town. The threat of violence in reaction to political activism is not academic. It is out there and it is real.
   
   It is chilling that one of Peppers' interviewees matter of factly states that he thinks the book will be buried, so his testimony can just be part of a record without his drawing consequence from providing it. The mainstream media certainly does bury stories that don't fit an establishment narrative. That they have done so in this case shall be a stain on the Fourth Estate for all time.
   
   This is an important work. Every citizen should read this, and it should be taught in all the schools along with material on who King was. One of the things that Pepper does best, in addition to show a lot of persistence in seeking evidence, is reflect on King's value as one of America's leading thinkers of all time.
   
   Given the state of the world, King's moral force is no less and his call to action to bring America back to its original vision still rings out like the echoing of the Liberty Bell.
   
   I think that Pepper's work brings a lot of implications that need to be seriously addressed, especially since there might be some sort of connections or parallels to the JFK and RFK assassinations. What does this mean for any attempt to gain power for a more progressive vision of America in the future? What can we do to make sure our civil processes are not to be trumped by those with a will to do violence in response?



3. William Pepper's exhaustive research could be better served-- An Act of State meanders in and out of consciousness with a loose structure and story line--it's confuing. There are seemingly several relevant and compelling theories layed out on King's murder but the book is so convoluted it is sometimes difficult to follow Pepper's aruguments or thesis if there is one. Lloyed Jowers, the centeral figure at the heart of the conspiracy surrounding King's murder (According to Pepper) is presented as a relativley one dimensional character? With so much riding on Jower's involvement the reader begs to know more about the credibility and character of the man who came out of the shadows and pronounced to the world a mass conspiracy of murder involving the New Orleans Mob (they always get blamed--think JFK) the FBI & Hoover, and the local MPD. One missing componenet in all Pepper's research is Hoover's motive--Hoover no doubt despised King, spied on him and thought him a hypocrite but why would he want to Marytr him by having him killed?? These are not stupid people, Hoover must of known King would be canonized if he was murdered and naturally Hoover would be subject of hate as being such a public adversary--Pepper brings forth the theory of "Raul" the gun runner and hired assasin--perhaps the most intriguing charcter...Overall worth reading--labor intensive--Something happened down in Memphis on April 4th in the shadows of the Lorraine and downtown but by reading this book-- Pepper and everyone else are none the wiser.



4. An excellent book, William Pepper's An Act of State can be read alongside Waldron and Hartmann's Ultimate Sacrifice, the best available book on the murder of JFK. The links between these two "hits" are particularly intriguing.



5. This book is written by an English lawyer, who comes to these events with an analytical eye. He compiles evidence, and draws conclusions based on the evidence. The resulting portrait is not flattering to the US government. The evidence he cites points to apparantly rogue elements of the FBI and intelligence services actively involved in plotting and cover-up of the assasination attempt. This book deserves a film or investigation of its own, as it reverses the commonly-held view that a lone gunman succeeded in the assasination attempt. Taken in context with later relevations of J.Edgar Hoover's abuses of power, spying on US citizens, the Nixon Enemies list, The Pentagon Papers, the growing power of the mob over political figures, and the insidious intersection of the drug trade with the arms trade and politics, this book shows a way that institutionalized violence by elements of the US government can undercut the democratic process.
   Students of English repression of the Irish, Indian colonies, double-dealing in Egypt and the Middle-East, and so on, will recognize the symptoms of absolute power corrupting absolutely. If the evidence in this book were demonstrated with the modern techniques of 3-dimensional (3-D) animation used in modern courtroom investigation, it would be even more convincing. As a sidenote, fans of the distinguished journalist Earl Caldwell will note how his eyewitness testimony (along with that of others) was ignored or contorted to the detriment of the evidence. If DNA analysis were available at the time this book was written, it is quite possible that the level of proof would be even more conclusive. This book, even at this late date, argues convincingly that the MLK investigation was absolutely inadequate. A potential remedy would be independent investigating commissions, perhaps under the aegis of the UN's Human Rights Commission. Modern investigations are failing to protect democracy and human rights; indeed, they are becoming part of the problem. An issue for schools of science to advance seriously, for the common good.

5 comments about Posh & Becks.

1. The simple introduction here would be, "Liked him but didn't like her." Of course, he has that warm, winning smile that makes him both attractive and seemingly approachable--while she favors a frowny pout that is very off-putting. (The book contains 16 pages of photographs, most of them in color.) But more importantly, he has real talent that he has worked all his life to cultivate, while her skills might be charitably described as modest and haphazardly developed. Morton makes the point that Posh has always pursued success rather than proficiency: "Victoria's supreme ambition, the goal she had had since childhood, was to be famous and admired . . . [and her] success was achieved quickly and in spite of, rather than because of, any real talent she could demonstrate." I am also not keen on promoting anorexic role models for today's youth, and there are many pages in this tome devoted to her slenderizing habits.
   
   For a change of pace (although not a sports buff), I took the time while reading this book to watch clips of David's action on the soccer field. I was amazed at what I saw, both in terms of skill but also, and unexpectedly, in terms of joy--this man loves to play! Yet he is described as "nice but dim," and his wife is a high school dropout.
   
   Morton provides his own analysis of this couple: "He seems content to be who he is, secure in his skin, a talented footballer doing what he has always wanted. On the other hand, Victoria is driven by the demons within; a woman who is at once dauntless, intrepid, and dynamic, and yet insecure, vulnerable, and needy." But they have found each other, they love their kids, and they have been successful at promoting "Brand Beckham." Maybe it will all work out in the end . . .



2. this book didn't tell me anything i didn't already know. i guess i was hoping it would go more into friendships and events these two had been involved with but it seemed to just skim over their life with the bare minimum of details. i wasted my money.



3. I have read many books this is the second time and last time I ever read a book from this author. I happen to like the Beckhams, and feel that every single public personality deserves a key word privacy. When you cannot trust your nannies, cleaning people that is really sad, especially since they are a normal couple with children that fight and have their difficulties like everyone else in the world, they are the upper 3% of the world with money, they worked hard for it and deserve every single penny if we buy into them and their branding..and strong family values.
   I am sad if David did have affairs on his wife because that is a lack of respect for her and his boys and if they even have an agreement to an open marriage it is still no ones business but their own. there is a saying men like blueberry pie, once in awhile they like a little apple but than they return to the bluebuerry pie men love history they never leave their wives!
   To Victoria if you want your fashion sense to soar like an eagle think globally not locally to size 0.,go larger bring your books sell it all and than use some of it for charity or a training school for homeless teenagers to get them off the streets.
   I would go QVC or Shopping channel with your fragrances and clothing and sunglasses the more units you sell the more you make it is simple math. Do Jewlery too and anything you can brand your name on because Beckham sells because everyone wants a piece of you it represents wealth and abundance.
   You go Beckhams and when the press hate you it is because you are doing well. No one wants your sucess it is a famous saying. Andrew Morton can you never write a book that is pleasant I challenge you to do it my gosh man you are a negative and jealous writter and no better than the thousands of papparazzi that chase these people daily for their fix!



4. Andrew Morton is presented as the something between the devil incarnate and the Brit version of Kitty Kelley but this book, Posh and Becks isn't that bad actually. In fact, it's pretty fair. He makes it clear that the whole Girl Power thing that the Spice Girls had going was actually crap. They were invented by two busnessmen and their careers were guided by their male manager. They were a business venture first and musicians second. But hey, they entertained a whole lot of people and they all got rich so who can complain?
   
   Morton says that the Adams/Beckham wedding was tacky. Well, that's a mater of opinion but the pictures of the wedding did provoke more derisive laughter than envy in most people who commented publicly.
   
   Morton presents Beckham as a nice guy who let's his wife make the decisions... that could said for most happily married men. Morton also brings up a few alleged affairs but he makes it clear that the women involved all told their stories to the media so their actions have to be suspect.
   
   As for Victoria Beckham herself, Morton spent less time talking about her relationships before Beckham than she did in her own book. She complains bitterly about Morton in her book but all in all, Posh and Becks isn't a hatchet job and seemed rather mild to me. Pity about Beckham's soccer career though.



5. Morton must receive his praise for putting together all the dirt there was on Posh and Becks. Is it morally wrong? By no means. Instead of digging through old glossy magazines you can check one book with a glossy cover.
   One question which this book fails to answer is how a player who is apparently past his prime and a girl who never was a good singer could become and continue to be such celebrities world-wide. But this is not a question which has anything to do with this charming couple but with us.

5 comments about My Life in and out of the Rough: The Truth Behind All That Bull**** You Think You Know About Me.

1. This is a sad autobiography from a man who could have excelled at a sport but failed to. He is admittedly self-destructive and the story is not all that fascinating. I'm glad I bought a used copy for very little.



2. What an awesome book. I think I read this in a day! I couldn't put it down. John is sure a good ole boy!



3. First off I must tell you that I am a fan of John Daly and his incredible natural talents. This book uncovered every detail of John's life from a kid, through two major wins, and onto where he is today. I enjoyed every page and was glad to see John tell it like it is. This book is an easy read, partly because it carries a 4th grade reading level. However, the book does a good job of revealing all the truths. Yes, most readers may have different views on John's alcoholic dependance, but one thing is for sure John didn't hide the details. If you are a fan of John or find yourself amused by watching his up and down golf game, then this book is for you!



4. John Daly has interested me for a long time. I suppose the
   whole under-dog thing, going up against the odds, etc. But
   I really enjoyed reading this book. Thought it was an easy read
   and well written since it was refreshingly naked in terms of
   a person just showing all there is to show. I would recommend
   it especially since it is so opposite of the whole stuffy
   professional golf player fraternity.



5. I have to say that after reading some of the reviews, I'm almost ashamed to write my own. But unlike some of the reviews, I'll spare you any moral soapboxing on my part and not judge the man. Quite simply, the book sheds considerable light on the life (both the good and the bad) of a guy who happens to be a well-known professional golfer. Kudos to John for having the courage to share much of his private life with the public. John's not a saint and doesn't pretend to be (and pretty much says so in the book). He candidly admits to a plethora of self destructive indulgences and decisions yet balances such with discussion about many of his commendable deeds. His honesty is refreshing. He talks about sex, love, alcohol, anger, guilt, determination, etc. He's human for God's sake!
   
   I gave it four stars because it's an easy read and is written in a style suitable for the content. And if you're interested in learning about the life of John Daly, the content serves its purpose quite well. It's both entertaining and informative. It's not meant to win a literary prize. I enjoyed it for what it is - a good book.

5 comments about Dan Rooney: My 75 Years With the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL.

1. As a lifelong Steeler fan, this was a must-read, a tome that belongs on my bookshelf along with "Doing it Right" by Jim O'Brien. Mr. Rooney's accounting of history is first-hand and basically unscrubbed. He talks about the things he, his father, and the Steeler staff did right over the years, and the things they did wrong (e.g., Unitas, Marino). He tells you who are the good guys and the troublemakers. He takes you from the earliest beginnings of the NFL on through to the hiring of Mike Tomlin. It's a little tricky to follow chronologically because he gets off-topic and rambles now and then (I found myself thinking "wait a minute, that's not... what year was this supposed to be?). And there are some outright errors, which are mentioned in other reviews. The style is very (very!) homey, as you would expect, with an almost turn-of-the-century charm throughout. But in the end, you believe that Dan Rooney really is that sincere and genuine, and schmaltzy, and that's why so many people love him. Come to think of it, who doesn't like Dan Rooney? (Sorry, I haven't read Al Davis' book).



2. This is a beautifully-written book that would be of interest even to those who don't know or care very much about football. Dan Rooney is the last of an important era in American football, and the authors have done a meticulous and caring job of capturing a significant piece of sports history. Don't miss this one!



3. A nice retrospective on one of the most successful franchises in sports over the past 35 years. The Steelers were equally as inept in their first 40 years, and that is covered too. Insights into many key moments in Steeler history - founding the team, cutting Johhny U, hiring Noll, Cowher & Tomlin, drafting of the Hall of Famers that dominated the 70's, passing on Dan Marino, and more. No big surprises, but an interesting, worthwhile read, especially for NFL fans and particularly any member of Steeler Nation.



4. I was very happy with the speedy delivery of this item. Condition was as promised! Very satisfied!!!!



5. If you are a Steeler fan, this is a great book. The history of the Pittsburgh Steelers is fascinating. There are great insights into players, coaches, current and former NFL commissioners, and other team owners. What is also clear is the quality of the ownership of the team. The Rooney family is a class act. Art Rooney ("The Chief") was quite the businessman. I had no idea how much he was involved in. The success of the Pittsburgh Steelers is a testament to "good guys win." I have a newfound admiration for the Rooney family and a new sense of pride as part of the "Steeler Nation."

4 comments about Through the Eyes of a Champion.

1. "Through the Eyes of a Champion" is a must read for all who were fortunate enough to watch Burls play football. It is such an inspiring biography, though, that it is a wonderful book for anyone to read. I was barely able to put the book down once I started reading it, and I finished reading it in a couple of days. Just be sure you have a box of tissues handy if you are the least bit prone to tears.

   Like Brandon, one of my sons will be an invited walk on to the Razorback football team this fall. If he works 75% as hard and accomplishes half as much, I will be the proudest Mom in the world! The book clearly demonstrates how far a person can go with the right attitude, total commitment and the hard work it takes to accomplish your goal.

   The world, and especially the state of Arkansas, are better because of this young man who set a an impressive example that each of us can aspire to follow.




2. Don't think this is a book for Arkansas Razorback fans alone. This story walks way beyond the Arkansas border and outside the sports arena into the worlds of mass appeal. Sports lovers, not known for being your more veracious readers, will be surprised when the book's end comes easily and quickly. Young people will be inspired by the story of hard work and dedication. Mothers and grandmothers will be touched by the family relationships portrayed so well. No one will close the final chapter without a box of kleenex handy.
   Read this book. As you see life through the eyes of a champion, life will never look the same again!



3. This book is a very touching story of a young man who showed that anything can be acheived with hard work and determination, even for those who dont necessarily "fit-in" with the popular crowd. And it also shows how fragile and how quickly life can be taken away from us. Also, for anyone who is familiar with Arkansas Razorback football, it would be an especially good read.

   Brandon Burlsworth came from humble beginnings, born and raised by his mother in the small town of Harrison, Arkansas. A shy, quirky, kid who wasn't the most coordinated nor the most popular boy in school, Brandon relied on his faith and determination to prove everyone wrong. He worked his way into becoming an All-State high-school football player. Wanting to become a Razorback all his life but not getting a scholarship, Brandon refused other offers and walked-on at the University of Arkansas, later earning himself a starting role for 3 years. At the end of his collegiate carrer, Brandon became an All-American lineman and the only football player in Arkansas history to earn a Bachelors and Masters degrees before they finished playing football. Being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL, Brandon was tragically killed in an auto accident on his way to church, just a few days after being drafted.

   It does have many Christian references and messages as well.




4. I am fortunate to have gone to school with Brandon Burlsworth for 4 years. Although, I was never a close friend, I watched all the Razorback football games his senior year, just to see him. We were all fascinated watching him play. I wanted to ask him for an autograph, but always thought he might think it was stupid for a classmate to ask for one. After reading this wonderfully written book about his life, I realize, it was me who lost out never going up to talk to him. I cannot say enough good things about this book and how it just grabbed my heart and kept me reading. After reading this, it may change your life and your thoughts.. Brandon was so well loved around here in Harrison, and around the world. We know he is in Heaven looking down on us. Everyone should have this book to read when they are down. Brandon brought meaning to life... and you will see that in this book.

5 comments about Triumph: The Untold Story of Jesse Owens and Hitler's Olympics.

1. This is really a fine histury of the 1936 Olympics in addition to a review of Jesse Owens career leading to the Olympics. This should be required reading for all of the current sports writers and editors. it should be read especially by those that thought that Clay was even close to being the outstanding athlete of the century. It would be a five star book if the author hadn't inserted some of his personal biasis.



2. We ordered this work for our grandson who was doing a school project on Owens. The text captured his interest and proved a helpful source for his sixth grade research project.



3. Here we have a mostly victorious investigation into Jesse Owens' historic performance at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany. The story is hugely inspiring and all readers will become fans of Owens for both his athletic prowess and his personal qualities. Jeremy Schaap untangles the pervasive racial politics surrounding this historical episode, as both the Americans and Germans badly over-interpreted and exploited (in many different ways) the presence of Owens and his black teammates at the Olympic games that Hitler tried to turn into a showcase for his regime's hateful ideas of Aryan superiority. Schaap also untangles the legends of Hitler's apparent refusal to personally meet with Owens, which may have been a more complex situation than the simplistic racial snub that historians have assumed in the decades since.
   
   But despite the inspiration offered by Owens and the exciting coverage of his many victories, this book suffers from some serious underlying problems. Most important is Schaap's use of invented dialogue and fanciful constructions of inner thoughts. The Notes section proves Schaap's diligent and frequent use of authentic sources for real historical events and occasional direct quotes, but citations are suspiciously rare for conversations between the persons covered and their supposed inner decision making. One especially worrisome example is the episode in which Owens decided not to show his coach a telegram he had received from the NAACP, in which Schaap gives no sources for Jesse's internal thoughts as presented in the book. Meanwhile, Schaap apparently couldn't decide if the book should be a biography of Owens or a historical account of the 1936 Olympics, leading to an inconsistent timeline, tiresome tangents into related events (like the petty parliamentary struggles surrounding an American movement to boycott the Games), and gaps in the thematic explorations of Owens' true influence on the issues of his day and on the future of sports. Regardless, Jesse Owens shines through for the reader, but Schaap's inability to avoid some of the weaknesses of standard sports reporting leaves the reader wanting more of the man who made history. [~doomsdayer520~]



4. Take a trip back to the days of World War II in this historical account of Jesse Owens and his trip to the Berlin Olympics.



5. Very good history lesson. The book flows well and gives a good account of what America and the world was like during Mr. Owen's life. Would encourage the reading of Triumph

3 comments about Odysseus' Last Stand: The Chronicles of a Bicycle Nomad.

1. I take my hat off to Dave for pulling this off. He travels 40,000 kms across some of the most inhospitable, yet sometimes beautiful terrain in Japan, China, Nepal, India, Australia, South East Asia, Turkey, across many countries in Europe and finally, through his homeland, the US. He lives in some of these countries for varying periods of time and his entire journey takes 8 years to complete. It is an amazing story of the man and his diverse experiences with humankind. A must read for those who love adventure.



2. I've read a fair number of cycling oddessy books because I like the topic. Admittedly, within this genre, it can be rare to find a book that is well written, and even rarer to find one with a compelling narrative. However, this gem scores well on both accounts. The author has a lot of material to draw from, as he describes a 7 year adventure around the globe that takes him to some pretty rough but exciting places. More importantly, the events the author faces have a deep impact on him. He conveys this with thoughtfulness and intelligence, but the text is never preachy. This book does offer a unique and honest perspective on world travel however. The events described really stuck with me after I had turned the last page, and I was sad to see the adventure end. For me, "Odysseus' Last Stand : The Chronicles of a Bicycle Nomad," represents the best of the genre. For a more humorous collection of cycle travel anecdotes, Kurmaskie's Metal Cowboy is quite good.



3. In 1992, Dave Stamboulis began a bicycle trip that was to last seven years and 40,000 kilometers around the world. Odysseus' Last Stand: The Chronicles Of A Bicycle Nomad his his account of his adventures as he bicycled through obscure countries and foreign cultures, taking in all the sights, sounds, and teeming life that can be viewed from the slower and more intimate pace of a bicycle. What motivated Stamboulis to his epic odyssey was the need to slow down in a world that was moving every faster, and to explore the role that the bicycle plays in peoples' lives around the world. Odysseus' Last Stand is also a candid and informative study of an attempt to find his place in a world that is a complex web of tensions between ancient traditions and technological/industrial progress, value differences between the developed and the developing countries. Along the way we are treated with insights, compassion, and a great deal of humor. Enhanced with eight pages of color photographs, Odysseus' Last Stand: The Chronicles Of A Bicycle Nomad is especially recommended reading for armchair travelers, as well as anyone who has thought about traveling the world along the lesser known paths.