1 comments about The Gold and the Glory.

1. as a coloradoan, i was extremely pleased to see one of our state's greatest athlete's recognized in this well written book. this was a true account of a tremendous athlete and a very inspiring life for any young athlete to imitate. this book should be in every school library in the state of colorado if it isn't already. A++++++++

3 comments about Steve Scott the Miler: America's Legendary Runner Talks About His Triumphs and Trials.

1. I can understand why the general public didn't buy this book. It's appeal is to those of us who have undergone the "Trial of Miles." Like Once a Runner's Cassidy, Scott gave it everything and sacrificed much, as did his family. Yet, like Cassidy, he didn't win the Gold, so the ignorant have forgotten him. Even so, he should be remembered for his dedication to the sport and his willingness to give everything, to be the front runner, to not hide until the final lap, so, like Prefontaine, he is an inspiration to runners. A very good book. I wish him and his family well.
   John Matney
   Oregon, 81



2. Near the end of his autobiography, Steve Scott talks about running in the National Cross Country Championships in Montana (there are pictures of the race in the book). It was 4 degreees and snowy. Scott was past his prime as one of the greatest milers in the world. He didn't need to run the race; few World Class milers run serious 10K cross country at any time, let alone in their declining years. But Steve Scott loves to run. He loves to train very hard and run very fast. He finished 10th that day, not far behind distance greats like Pat Porter and Todd Williams, and just a few seconds away from qualifying as a member of the U.S. team for the World Cross Counttry Championships. Afterwards he overheard a couple of young runners talking. One said, in obvious surprise, "Did you see Steve Scott finished 10th? I thought he'd retired." His friend responded, "I thought he was dead."
   Well Steve Scott ain't dead folks, and I'll bet wherever he is right now he's still running far and fast. Scott's autobiography is hard to find now. It never caught on the way some of the books for joggers did - or those about another Steve: Prefontaine. But read Scott's book if you can find it. Serious runners will love it and even joggers will be fascinated by its honesty and by the character - in both senses of the word - that Scott reveals. Jim Ryun remains the legendary American miler, but he would have been 30 meters behind Scott in their best races. Ryun gave up the sport in his early 20s because he couldn't handle the pressure; Scott raced at the highest levels for 20 years.
   With the help of Marc Bloom, the longtime dedicated chronicler of Cross Country and Track, Scott helps us understand his love for running and for being really fit. He was "Pre" without the sharp edges. He deserves to be better known and more honored. But even if that never happens, no one can ever take away what he accomplsihed. The numbers - 3:47.69, and 136 sub-4:00s - will stand for as long as runners circle the track for four laps.



3. The sport of track and field has only a limited audience in the U.S. American athletes typically receive recognition only after setting a world record or winning an Olympic gold medal. Steve Scott, America's top miler throughout the 1980s, did neither. In his book, The Miler, Scott writes of a running career in which he unquestionably was America's best miler (his U.S. record of 3:47.69, set in 1982, still stands), and certainly one of the world's best (10 consecutive years ranked among the world's top 10 milers by Track & Field News). Yet without a world record or Olympic gold medal to his credit, Scott remained virtually unknown outside the small U.S. track and field community. The Miler traces Scott's reluctant beginnings as a high school runner, his development into a national-class competitor in college, and his emergence as a world-class racer. Along the way we're treated to profiles of Scott's leading international competitors, all icons in the history of the mile: John Walker, Eamonn Coghlan, Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett and Said Aouita. Scott beat them all, but not in either of the two races -- the '84 or '88 Olympics -- which would have brought him the recognition and financial rewards that accompany a gold medal. The Miler is not simply a book about running. Scott details the struggles he faced to support his wife and kids early in his career, when track and field was still regarded as an "amateur" sport. Scott also writes frankly of the toll the nomadic career of a track and field athlete exacted upon his marriage. Although it probably was cathartic for Scott to write these passages, it is uncomfortable for even a dedicated track & field fan to read. Despite this, I admire Scott for his willingness to write something other than the puff pieces that frequently pass for the biographies of famous athletes. He deals frankly with some of track and fields' unsavory elements -- unscrupulous meet promoters, under-the-table payments, agents, drugs, stars avoiding races with potential rivals, and track's governing bodies -- and isn't afraid of putting himself in the middle of situations that don't frame him in the best light. In fact, perhaps in an effort to balance his career's many triumphs, he frequently seems to come down too hard on himself. He writes extensively of his failures at the Olympics, but covers the race in which he set the American record for the mile in a few paragraphs. He takes great pride in having run more sub-4 minute miles (136) than any miler in history, but dwells more on how another runner, John Walker, beat him to the "media friendly" 100th sub-4 mile goal. I would have liked to have read more of his numerous triumphs, and less of his real or perceived shortcomings. Scott also write of the challenge of, and eventual triumph over, his most formidable opponent: cancer. The story of his recovery from testicular cancer and return to competition demonstrates that sheer force of will, more than physical ability, is the true mark of a champion. The Miler certainly will appeal to fans of track & field. But it should also find a wider audience among those who are curious as to the challenges, costs and rewards that come to those who strive for world class status in any field. For in The Miler Scott shows himself to be a winner not only on the track, but also in the ongoing race called life.

No comments about The Heart of a Champion: My 37-Year War Against Heart Disease.

5 comments about Sweet.

1. As a female and a bona fide pool addict I tend to read just about every pool story I can get my hands on. Almost always, said story is about the adventures of pool hustlers and gamblers. While I can appreciate the fortitude and skill a "hustler" must possess in order to survive, they often boil down to seedy, conniving characters that have to steal from unsuspecting weaker players to make a living... and they're proud of it! It's refreshing to read about the passion and allure that drew the author to a game that has a purity for many, an endless fascination for others, and even becomes a religion to the truely annoited - and all from a woman's perspective. While Byer's narrative gives her away as a lower skilled player, her passion for the game and the comraderie and fulfillment she finds while shooting for her pool team is contagious. It had me itching to go out and practice, to listen to the quiet click of the balls, to feel the satisfaction that comes with every good shot, to engage in the thrill of competition.



2. I loved this book. Rarely do I find memoirs to be page-turners like this one. I found myself looking forward to my morning subway ride so I could find out the next installment of Heather Byer's "Odyssey," in which she contends with her own Cyclops, lotus eaters, and Circe (in the form of ill-tempered, icily cold, and just plain loony pool players from New York's pool league scene). Readers get an intimate look at an intelligent, keenly observant, and very funny woman as she learns to maneuver her pool balls across the billiard table and herself through a social milieu far different from the professional world for which her midwestern, Ivy League upbringing had prepared her. As a casual pool player myself, the book taught me a great deal about the game and inspired me to find a local watering hole with a pool table and chalk up a cue.



3. A fun romp through the New York bar pool scene. The author gets a little too cute with the language at times ("The glasses looked forlorn."), which elevates the cheese factor.



4. ...or for anyone looking for a story about transformation.
   
   Anyone who plays pool, however casually, will appreciate Byer's descriptions of nail-biting games. And anyone who has tried to learn something new as an adult will appreciate her frustrations as her game alternately improves and falls into slumps. I'm not sure what felt most familiar to me--her descriptions of New York City, her passionate love for the game, or Byer herself, a smart strong woman who is used to being good at things and who finds herself struggling madly to grasp this complicated and under-appreciated game. Her depictions of the world of league pool are so vivid, those who play will nod with recognition, and those who don't will feel as if they do. Most important, we get to watch her grow and change both as a player and as a person. If pool is your game you must read this book. Even if it's not, this is a beautifully-told story of a woman learning to hold her own in a world largely dominated by men. I couldn't put it down.



5. An out-of-town girl learns to play pool in this fun memoir. New Yorkers will also love the flavor of their city throughout the book.

4 comments about Standing Fast, Battles of a Champion.

1. Michelle's story is one of courage and determination. Soccer fans in particular will be interested in what she has to say, but even those who don't appreciate the sport should be touched by what she's endured.

   I especially enjoyed her teammates' input and the humorous stories about their time spent together. I'm a big fan of the Women's National Soccer Team in general and really appreciated these insights. Michelle also shares thoughtful remarks about family and team staff members who have inspired her to pursue her dreams despite her fight with CFS.

   Sometimes you don't realize how good you have it until you hear what someone else has dealt with. This book is a very worthwhile read and may even help you to organize your own priorities!




2. I am a young soccer player who suffers from CFS. After reading this book I became inspired to work even harder. It is a great read for any soccer player or anyone who suffers from CFS. A wonderful book! Thank you Michelle!



3. For those who battle hard and never quit, Michelle's story is a great inspiration and story of hope, faith and perseverance. Great details about the Olympics and the US Women's Team as well.



4. This really was an inspiring book. For anyone who has had to deal with injuries, much less a chronic debillitaing illness, this book shows how to approach such situations with courage and humor. It also brings up the importance of letting others help you through crises, whether they be teammates, friends, doctors, psychologists, or the clergy. I especially liked the insights into other National soccer team members. And it was very interesting to read about specific National team games, games which I watched in person or on television. I had no idea the struggle Akers had just to continue playing, much less competing at a high level. I would recommend this book for any athlete, whether or not they are dealing with injuries or illness, and I would certainly recommend it for young girls to show them what it means to be a committed athlete.

No comments about Niall Mackenzie: The Autobiography.

No comments about Hizzy: The Autobiography of Steve Hislop 1962-2003.

2 comments about Carl Fogarty: The Complete Racer.

1. This book is ok and is (thankfully) short and has great pictures, but I liked Carl's autobiography much more. This is basically a short summary of each year of his career with very little insight into Carl's personal life.



2. Carl Fogarty Is king. But in reality he is the prey. Cool Book For motorcycle fans.

4 comments about Tenzing Norgay and the Sherpas of Everest.

1. Tashi Tenzing Sherpa is a grandson of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who was (with Edmund Hillary) the first person to summit Mount Everest. Tashi has also summitted Everest, and now works as a Himalayan expedition guide from his new home in Australia. A half-dozen other relatives, and quite a few friends, have also summitted mountain - - and, for the most part, successfully descended the mountain as well.
   
   This book is meant to tell the story of Everest from the Sherpas' eyes. It certainly succeeds at this. The appendix, which lists all Sherpa summits, provides documentation of these mountaineering successes that differs significantly from the stories of heroic foreigners on Everest that we outsiders tend to hear. From this perspective, it's not surprising that Tashi managed to score two A-list people to write forewards to his book, Sir Edmund Hillary and the Dalai Lama. Both of these men have been advocates of the Sherpas, and Tashi does right by them.
   
   Though successful in its documentation, its success is more mixed as a book. It succeeds most when, in the middle, it is the most personal. The book is less interesting when it tells stories that other people could, in principle, also have told.
   
   The book falls into three parts. In the first, Tashi tells the story of the Sherpa people in general, and provides capsule stories of some early Sherpa mountaineers. These stories seem as if they've been told elsewhere, and they don't really benefit from the fact that Tashi has personal knowledge of some of the players.
   
   The second part draws on family memories and Tashi's own experiences to tell the stories of Tenzing Norgay, his descendants, and Tashi himself on Mount Everest. This part moves well, and tells a compelling story.
   
   The third part returns to presenting capsule stories of particular Sherpas on Everest. Again, Tashi's personal ties disappear here, and many of them read like encyclopedia entries.
   
   The book includes a large number of black-and-white pictures, past and present, which are very interesting. On a final personal note, I finished reading this book at roughly the same time that Sir Edmund Hillary died, a fact that lent poignancy to the book when I learned of Hillary's death the next morning. For that reason, it lingers a bit more with me than it will probably linger with you. But if you're interested in Tenzing Norgay and the Sherpa people, you'll probably enjoy the book.



2. Tashi Tenzing has transcended the popular myth of a load carrying Sherpa, living day to day on the lower slopes of Everest. Instead he is well educated in western ways and fully aware of the politics and modern methods involved with mountaineering, soliciting clients and making a very good living. He has, however, (with the help of his ex Australian wife) managed to genuinely explore his ethnic heritage and trace the history and movements from Tibet to the Nepalese Solo Khumbu area to India's Darjeeling, of his famous grandfather, Tenzing Norguay, who successfully completed the very first climb of Everest with Ed Hilary in 1953. Not unnaturally perhaps, there emerges a hint of bitterness against the ways in which his grandfather's generation were treated by early western expeditions, most of which started out from Darjeeling and attempted the north face route from the Tibet side. These observations are to be expected because Tashi is looking at the past from the perspective of a more critical present. Notwithstanding the author's viewpoint, we learn a lot about the role of Sherpas and their great contributions to Himalayan climbing. This newer book adds to to the Tenzing family biographies and accounts by Tenzing Norgay himself and by Jamling Tenzing who is Tashi's uncle by another wife of the original Tenzing. Adding authenticity and respect for Tashi is the fact that in May 2007 he, himself, summited Everest (from the Tibet side) for the third time with a lady European client.



3. This is a very valuable reference book written by Tashi Tenzing, grandson of the legendary Tenzing Norgay. It provides detailed accounts of the lives of Sherpas and their contributions to Himalayan expeditions.
   
   The first chapter introduces us to the mountains and the people living in their shadows. The author traces the origins of the Sherpa people and how the summit of Everest came to be a prized trophy which sparked a race between European nations.
   
   The next few chapters deal with the history and politics of Everest expeditions, mentioning pioneering tigers of the snow like Ang Tshering. Only in the 4th chapter does Tenzing Norgay come into the limelight. The author goes into great depth and detail, revealing the rather human side of this idol.
   
   Chapter 6 gives us a brilliant historical account of Tenzing's successful summit of Mt Everest in 1953. The uniquely Sherpa point of view is refreshing. Like Tenzing's life after the climb, the book then runs into an anti-climax.
   
   However, the author picks up the momentum again, writing about his own quest for Everest. Tashi reached the summit in May 1997 and became the first third generation Sherpa to accomplish the task.
   
   The book finished off with writeups on other Tenzings and other outstanding Sherpas on Everest. I would recommend the book for readers who are interested in history and biographies. It's fair that the book is not just about Tenzing Norgay, but the sheer amount of details, including a lot of "family matters" not related to mountaineering may cause the reader looking for adventure stories to lose his focus. This is a good reference but not a page-turner.



4. This book written by a grandson of Tenzing Norgay, the most renown Sherpa, and his wife living in Sydney is very unique, as all other previously published books on Everest expeditions or anthropology of Sherpas were written by so-called "non-Sherpa" mountaineers born and grown-up outside of Himalaya region. This book tells us a fascinating "insider's" story about the development of sherpas' community with the discovery of the highest peak on the earth (Mt. Everest) in Hamalaya region, and a subsequent increasing rush by overseas mountain-climbers to this rather remote and isolated region of earth. The 1953 great success by the sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand in reaching the summit of Everest for the first time opened the "golden" age of Himalaya trekking, and changed dramatically the way of life in Sherpas' community, better or worse, depending on the given aspects. Among many inspiring episodes interwoven in this book, the life-long "multi-cultural" friendship of the Swiss climber Raymond Lambert and the NZ climber Sir Edmund Hillary with Tenzing Norgay and his family is most moving for myself, a Japanese amateur alpinist living overseas for more than three decades. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first ascent, we have recently translated this book into Japanese, and are planning to publish it for Japanese youth and olds in 2003. The German, French and Italian versions of this book are also scheduled to be published around May 29, 2003, comemmorating this historical event or moment. Depending on your own mother tongue, you are highly encouraged to read one of these five versions including the original English to share the excitement associated with scaling the world-highest peak with the sherpas in Himalaya region or those now working overseas in a variety of fields other than mountaineering.

2 comments about And ...Howe!: An Authorized Autobiography.

1. this book made my love hockey even more and know more about the howe family and there lives and i live in mich and gordie in on of the most see people in ths town and state



2. I am not an avid reader, but this book kept me glued to every page. Gordie and Colleen Howe share many interesting stories of not only their life with hockey but also of their family. I recommend this book for everyone, especially hockey fans.