5 comments about Coach: Lessons on the Game of Life.

1. For everyone who has ever had a coach, a good one, in athletics, in a career field, or in any area of life...
   
   For everyone who has ever been a coach, in athletics, in a career fielld, in any area of life. For coaches who cared, genuinely cared...
   
   Those who know will understand and this book will bring a tear to their eye and warmth to their heart and soul...
   
   Those who don't understand should be so blessed....



2. I bought this book for my husband. It was so very impressed with the story he finished it in a day. He really enjoys Michael Lewis' style of writing and has read several of his books. I would recommend it as a Christmas stuffer for any coaches, parents or baseball fans.



3. This short read on the high school athletic student is a must for all parents of athletes. You'll find out how the attitudes of student athletes are changing the face of high school sports.



4. This is a book that I will have parents read.



5. What a wonderful book. A short read - one sitting should do it, but a must read for parents and managers alike. I've bought over a dozen copies for friends and employees. A great story to express the change in attitudes of parents towards self esteem and how it is affecting our youth.

5 comments about Shannon Miller: My Child, My Hero.

1. This book was informative in regards to Shannon's awards and achievments. However it would have made a much better read if we got to know both Shannon and her family on a more personal level.



2. I enjoyed this book when it first came out, and at twenty six years of age, I still read it. Her mother did a fantastic job of filling in the time spent off the camera between competitions. This is not like other gymnast biographies that just relay the information we can see on television. This really explains Shannon's feelings, her struggles and personal victories. If you are looking for a basic overview of her gymnastic career intended to be read by children, look to Krista Quiner's biography. If you want to know more about Shannon and her life, written by a competent adult, buy this book.



3. I strongly felt that this book was very lovingly written by Shannon's mother,Claudia,and really gave me a chance to get to know Shannon better.I learned all about her trials,triumphs,and hard work as a gymnast,often in the shaddows of U.S. greats such as Kim Zmeskal,Dominique Moceanu,and Kerri Strug.Shannon was one of the most fortunate gymnasts because she was able to live and train at home,while most elite gymnasts have to live and train far from home.Throughout her life,Shannon has shown the true heart of a champion,both in and out of the gym because she has been grateful for every award or medal she has received.She has also donated her money and time to some of our country's most worthy causes.Shannon is an amazing woman who has set a great example for generations of gymnasts to come.I also admire the sacrifices the Miller family made for Shannon's gymnastics career.They have shown true love and support for her throughout her entire career.



4. I love to read gymnastics biographies; usually I don't care most of the time what gymnast I'm reading about. So, after reading several books on Shannon Miller, I picked this one up at the library and thought it might be interesting since it was by her own mother.
   
   Yeah, I was wrong. This book is BORING. All it does is describe Shannon's competitions event-by-event, competition by competition. Yeah, maybe if you've never watched her on TV or read any other books about her, this book might be interesting, but I had a hard time picking it up and stopped reading after five minutes because it was so boring. I gave the book several chances and eventually forced myself to finish it, though.
   
   Plus, there's nothing much about her personal life; really. All it does is talk about her gymnastics career and early life. Oh, and her mother brags about her daughter Shannon plenty enough, as well, sometimes even bragging about herself. Last time I checked, this was a biography about SHANNON, not her mother.
   
   All in all, I didn't like it. The photos were nice, but I'd already seen many of them. For a slightly better Shannon biography, read "Shannon Miller: America's Most Decorated Gymnast," by Krista Quiner. It does a better job of detailing her career without being boring and/or overly bragging, plus it is more revealing, as well.



5. For those of you that can't get a hold of the other Shannon Miller biography, this book is a good substitute.

   Written by Shannon's mother, I found it to give a very informative and interesting look into Shannon's life before and after Barcelona and Atlanta. This book tells you how she coped with her injures, about her training, and her relationship with Steve Nunno.

   Of course, since Shannon's mother wrote it you get a little one-sided view, because after all, in her mother's eyes Shannon can do nothing wrong. But Shannon's mother tried very hard to be accurate, and overall I was left with a very good impression.

   Before I read this I didn't really like Shannon Miller as much as some of the other gymnasts, and I'm not sure why. But after I read this book, it gave me a new understanding of all the hard work Shannon had to put in to become America's favorite gymnast.

No comments about Charlie Gehringer: A Biography of the Hall of Fame Tigers Second Baseman.

5 comments about Terry Funk: More than Just Hardcore.

1. I grew up a fan of Terry, Dory Jr and Dory Sr. I was familiar with all the wrestlers he profiled in his book - but I felt as though the book was written very quickly and almost stream of conscious. He would start telling one story and then rush off to the next. I wanted more details, I suppose. He certainly comes off as likeable and funny. The book was fun, but I wanted a whole lot more from my childhood hero.



2. I have always loved Terry Funk.I first seen him in ECW and he was byond a doubt my favorite.Little did I know then in years I would discover that not only did I realize why he was so popular and beloved,but why he is bar none THEE Best Wrestler of all time.His career spanded 40 years and through it he trailblazed a legacy of greatness with originality,charisma and gold around his waist.He set his sites to Japan and became a deity to the Japanese.He also fought in the bloodiest brutal of all matches consisting of glass,barbed wire,nails,thumbtacks,electricity and explosives.Terry would fight all over the world and for a 3 year run as NWA World Heavyweight Champion.Becoming an Actor and starring in blockbuster movies with Sylvester Stallone.HELL he's still is wrestling well in his 70's-crazy yo.But awesome as it gets.I don't want to spoil anything else,but these are facts I'm sure you know as I do.
   
   This book is by far my most treasured piece of liturature.If you love Terry Funk like I do you'll be drooling as you absorb every detail in fresh perspective of his acounts of his life.Many out there consider Flair or Hogan the best there is,but I promise you when you read this book you'll realize that only Terry Funk can deservingly claim that distinction.And don't get me wrong I respect and admire both Flair and Hogan,but after I read this book you'll know for sure that Funk is not only the best,he is Wrestling.
   
   I cannot stress enongh how wonderful this book is and that if you consider yourself a true Wrestling Fan then it's a requirement to read this book.Whiether it be ECW,NWA,WCW,WWE that you want to read about his experiences in you'll be so enlightened about him and the Wrestling Industry that it will always be with you.And especially about other Wrestlers he mentions in this book is just as entertaining and enlightening and Terry himself.
   
   So,I highly,highly-HIGHLY recommend this book to true Wrestling Fans.You'll be amazed like I was about this great man and Professional Wresler.WOW!I just can't praising this ultiate legend enough and when you're finished with this book you'll realize that as well.
   
   Long live the Funkner baby!



3. Great book by one the all-time best.A must read for any true oldschool fan.



4. Terry is pretty much uncensored and tells all about his life - this is a very good book. I never knew Terry thought Goldust was one of the best gimmicks WWF ever did - I must say I agree with him!



5. I picked up this book because of how Mick Foley has talked up Terry Funk in his previous two books (Have A Nice Day & Foley Is Good). I've become somewhat of a late Terry Funk fan thanks to Mick Foley. I've missed out on some of Terry's best days and best matches (notice to WWE - get moving on a Terry Funk dvd!) so I must admit to being weary heading into reading this book.
   
   I was very pleasantly surprised. I was informed and more importantly, entertained by Terry Funk. He's a lot smarter than his wrestling personality leads you to believe. Also, like his protege Mick Foley, his morals show through in an industry known for a lack of morals at best. In one of the earlier chapters I was waiting in a car while shopping was being done and decided to read more of the book to pass the time. There was a funny part of the book that literally made me laugh out loud! Funk is funny as hell when he wants to be and there is a good amount of humor in this book.
   
   I must admit there were things in the book that either went over my head or was about people/things I did not know about. For the most part, Terry did well to explain things a person like me (someone who didn't follow his career before recent years) could understand. Also, we got to hear his side of the friendship between him and Foley. I'd almost be willing to say this book should be recommended even if you aren't a wrestling fan. Like Foley's book it goes beyond the wrestler and brings you insight into the MAN himself. I am completely glad I bought this book. It took me away from the real world and my real life problems. I was absorbed by a man who loves wrestling, but loves his family even more. High praise to Terry Funk & co-writer Scott Williams!
   
   P.S. - Special thanks to Mick Foley for talking so nicely about Funk in his books that he made me interested in Funk to buy this book and start following Terry's wrestling career.

5 comments about The Sword of No-Sword: Life of the Master Warrior Tesshu.

1. great book... its up there with hagakure, book of five rings ... i like it so much because it gave me a good example of what you can acomplish with budo his story was very clear and understandable at same time admirable and unbealiveable.



2. Other than the constant referances to buddism, this was a great book. I could not put it down for the first few chapters. This greatly inspired my kumdo(kendo) training & teaching. Every traditional martial artist should read this.



3. This is a very well written and entertaining account of Tesshu, one of the last samurai, a retainer in the Emperor's service who lived during the period of Japan's transition from feudalism to a modern, industrialized state. Tesshu was a man of great martial skills and equally great compassion who was always poor because he gave away most of his considerable stipend to support his poor and starving relatives, friends, and innumerable homeless (human as well as animals) that he took in and fed, often saving them from almost certain starvation. As a result, he often went without food one or two days a week, preferring to give it to those in even greater need. A devout Buddhist at a time when most Japanese had long since adopted Shinto, Tesshu was also an accomplished calligrapher and poet. Overall, a very readable account of a great man who remained loyal to the old ways and traditions even as they were crumbling around him.



4. I bought this book used at the recomendation of my sensei. Mine is a tattered copy and I treasure it. I was suspect about buying it initially because I'm not a great fan of John Stevens' work in general he's good but tends to be a bit diefying. But that was not the case with this book I've re-read it so many times that it is truely in tatters...so I am happy to see it has been re printed. I will buy I hope you do to.



5. This is not a detailed biogtaphy, nevertheless, the author gives you a good overview of Yamaoka Tesshu's life. Yamaoka lived during a time when Japan was moving toward industrialization, and we get a glimpse of key historical moments during the transition.
   There are numerous accounts that give insight to Yamaoka's mindset and character. Thus, no matter what art the individual reader may practice, Yamaoka's approach to training will reinforce the ideals of the serious-minded.

   Unlike other books where certain martial arts figures are ridiculously protrayed like gods, Steven's book has humorous stories and Tesshu comes across like a normal human being who achieved everything throigh his diligent search and practice.
   
   The book's strong point...it inspires hard training.

5 comments about Ric Flair: To Be the Man.

1. RIC FLAIR
   TO BE THE MAN
   
   I have read many books that deal with wrestling, most of which are auto bios but I have to say that this has got to be one of the most insightful, entertaining, and honest ones I have had the joy of reading. For those who don't know [why are you reading this] who Ric Flair is just go ask the first person you see with any wrestling shirt on. You will probably get a weird look followed by a back hand to the chest and a lively "WOOOOOOOOOOO". That's right that will be the answer, if you were expecting an answer like "he is a legendary wrestler" you would be very wrong. He is that of course but the fact you would have to ask is what would warrant the back hand. To those who do know this would be the perfect way to get to know the man in ways most would never be able to. Whether you love him or hate I don't know anybody who is a wrestling fan that doesn't respect him.
   
   In this book you will learn about the man who actually had to struggle with himself and with his own confidence, that's right that cocky, arrogant, smooth nature boy character was at times just that, a character. You will be very surprised by what points in his career he had these feelings, though you will defiantly understand the situations and why he felt that way. I mention this at the beginning of this review because it shows what type of man Ric is; he is a very openly honest man that is really actually more of an emotional humble man. And it is because he is such that this book is a must read, because no matter how it makes him look he is honest about every topic covered in the book. All things are covered from how he broke into the business to the dying days of WCW all the way to his recent WWE days; of course this came out way before he retired so it only goes so far.
   
   The first third of this book is all about Ric growing up and getting into the wrestling world, this like every other I have read really surprised me by being one of the most interesting parts of the book. I say it surprised me because like most people I really wanted to get right into the final couple years of WCW to find out about the juicy stuff behind the scenes. Once I opened the book though I felt a little bad about thinking that way because this is Ric Flair, I should have wanted his whole story not just apart of it for the controversy. It is in these early chapters that you find out a lot of stuff about famous early wrestlers that you would have never known. There is one part in particular that had me dropping my jaw, I won't ruin it for you and give it away but it is truly surprising. Also it is cool to learn about how he learned about wrestling, and what he went through to make it in wrestling. He wasn't great right off the bat, and really had to work at it. It seems weird to say that, because as long as I have watched him he has been one of the greatest. I mean come on he had to survive Verne Gagne, Wahoo McDaniel, Harley Race, and many more that he learned from, some of the best ever. He also talks about how wild his early days were, and even at times shows how sorry he is that he acted that way. His days doing these types of things as you will learn through out the book strained a lot of relationships he had, and he seems truly sorry about them. Of course his times in early companies including the NWA are covered in full detail, these chapters end up being some of the best [learn some things about Dusty Rhodes].
   
   The middle of the book is where most people will be spending their time, this is of course were the WCW days starting in the 80's comes in to play. It is here that we learn all about the four Horsemen and Ric's numerous and legendary title reigns. The various versions of the Horsemen are really talked about in detail, more so then the WWE produced DVD about the group. And of course some of the most interesting topics come in about Eric Bischoff, these two had a real behind the scenes hatred that was so heated at times it could have [and probably did] burn the company down. I don't want to give any away of it away because to do so would rob you of the shock you would feel when you read some of this. Other interesting things like Hogan and Randy Savage are talked about a great deal in this, starting with his first stint in the WWF [which also is a good portion of the book] into when all three were in WCW. With Savage Flair goes into detail about how despite the intense feuds the two shared in the ring he actually liked and respected Savage. But how Savage's own personal demons and fragile mind around certain people put him out with a lot of people. Of course Hogan is talked about and it was interesting to read how these two actually got along at one point, of course what happened later with the two only helps in my opinion of Hogan [can't stand him, especially after I read about one thing in particular]. The hits don't stop there, Shane Douglas, the NWO, and all the talent that WCW held down like Jericho, Malenko, Benoit, Guerrero and others. Along with those Ric tells all about his feelings about Vince Russo, you may be surprised by some of this. There are some really really interesting things that are discussed about Bret Hart, in fact the only thing that up sets me a little about this book is something said during this portion.
   
   The last third of the book is about how low Ric felt at this point in his career and how he had no confidence any more. The last days of WCW and all his legal problems are discussed and his thoughts and feelings on the final Nitro show is a real interesting read. Of course his reemergence in the WWE is discussed up to that point in his legendary career. His words during these pages are touching and kind of sad at times, a real emotional and interesting read. I can honestly say that this is one of the most open and honest reads of all time. I would recommend this to not only wrestling fans but to anybody that likes a truly interesting book. Buy this, you will not be disappointed.
   
   
   P.S. Arn Anderson is talked about at length as well, and the pages with comments from Flair's friends and such was a great addition to this book.



2. This book did a great job at keeping me glued to the pages. The stories were interesting, especially those about his time on the road, breaking into the business. However, it felt like a meal where there is too many potatoes and not enough meat. The stories were nice, but they felt furnishings or sides to something that didn't have a compelling arch. The arch, Ric's realization of how he impacted the latest generation of wrestlers, came across with bitterness and an uber-sense of self-importance.
   
   In the book, Flair is in a constant state of competition with his contemporaries and manages even those he compliments. In one of the most puzzling portions of the book, he says Bruno Sammartino drew lots of money for the WWWF but was never a top wrestler compared to a few pages earlier where he defined a top guy as someone who draws a lot of money. Flair's opinion on Hulk Hogan also varies depending on the chapter, but not with the natural flow of his life. There are many instances of these weird happenings within the pages of the novel.
   
   My final complaint is one that draws on voice. The book is very obviously ghost-written, which is very unfortunate, especially because this book comes from one of the best, most entertaining interviewees ever. The toughest parts to swallow are the instances in the book where Keith Elliot Greenberg, his ghost writer, overdoes the pro-wrestler aspect of the biography. It reads too much like an old WWF Magazine written in Kayfabe in parts where you really would like to know inside information about what happened in certain wrestling situations.
   
   Out of five, I would give this book Two Stars. I'd put it slightly above the Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper books but right behind Dynamite Kid's book, which, in turn is behind Foley's first two and the new Chris Jericho book. It wasn't disappointing at all, though. This is definitely a book recommended to smarter wrestling fans who know how things work but don't know all of the history that goes with it. Those who know quite a bit may find the book tedious and repetitive.



3. I finished reading this book in 2 days I couldn't put it down either. I didn't know that dusty was a booker back then. But I never understood why dusty didn't have the belt longer, I hated that Ric was always champion to me that didn't make sense when I was a kid and it still don't make sense now. The champ was suppose to be the good guy. Well anyway Ric is a legend and ranks No 1. amongst diehard wrestling fans over Hogan, Rock, and Stone Cold I guarantee it. I liked the book but was disspointed at its laziness of time events. IT skipped a lot of details and seemed to just summarize over peroids of his life. For example he never said how he met any of the horsemen, He didn't let us in on him and David talking about him becoming a wrestler. I will tell you the good points and the bad points.
   
   1. His Birth, childhood, and teenage yrs good
   
   2. His training to become a wrestler good
   
   3. His breaking into the wrestling business good
   
   4. His coming up in the ranks in wrestling and guys who were there good
   
   5. His affiliation with the Four horsmen Bad No details at all
   
   6. His affiliation with the popular baby faces and popular heels Bad no insight or detail especially through 84-88 guys like Nakita Koloff, Lugar, Sting, Rock n roll express, Magnum T.A.
   
   At that dissapointment everything else was ok....I do recommed it it's still good. He does talk about wrestlers who I didn't know he had an affiliation with with detail like Rowdy Piper, and others who I'm not that familiar with.
   
   Like I said the book has a sense of urgency like Ric was saying let's hurry up and finish this thing let's keep it kinda short, because if Ric told it all it would probably be around 500-600 pages.



4. One great roller-coster of an autobiography with the man himself "SLICK RIC". This book is great and really goes into details about Ric's life. BOTH personally and professionally.
   
   I must have read this book over 5 times cause thats good it is. Much better than Hogans book which reads like a childrens book compared to this.
   
   BUY IT ! YOU WONT REGRET IT !
   
   CAUSE TO KNOW THE MAN ......YOU GOTTA READ THE MAN .........WOOOOooooooooooooooooo !



5. I think reviews on this book will greatly vary depending on if the reader is going to compare it to other wrestling autobiographies or as a book about arguably the greatest performer in pro-wrestling. I reread this book with Ric Flair's imminent retirement coming up in mind. What we have here is Ric Flair (Richard Fleihr) relating his life in brief antecdotes and releasing some frustrations. This covers his life from birth to the formation of Evolution in 2004 (thus pre-road rage and Beth-divorce).
   
   His controversial birth was very surprising and claims to have not even known his birth name (Fred Philips) until he started writing this book. His high school life and brief college experience began him on his life of debauchery and partying. He breaks into wrestling by training under Verne Gange and spends most of his early career with Mid South Wrestling, later going to Georgia Championship Wrestling, NWA, WCW, and WWF/E. He hides little in how he overspent and did everything to live the 'Ric Flair lifestyle' that he's known for - expensive clothes, all-night partying, and womanizer. There are countless anecdotes about his fellow wrestlers and the things they did.
   
   Flair covers both fond and bitter memories. His respect for Ricky Steamboat and Sting abound. His rebuttal of Mick Foley is bitter and his personal friendship with Hulk Hogan dramatically changed once he helped get Hogan into WCW. He hides little in what he thinks of some of the other wrestlers (Bret Hart, Sid Viscious, pro & con of Dusty Rhodes, etc). His dispisal of Bischoff is great and takes up much of the latter part of the book. This treatment with Bischoff and the downfall of WCW affects Flair personally, causing him such great self doubt that he nearly quit the business and it took many years to regain his confidence to return to in-ring performing.
   
   If you're a Flair fan, you will love this book. Comparing it to other similar books, you'll think it's good enough. It's a bit sporadic in the flow because it seems as though he throws in anecdotes as he remembers them. It could have been better organized and there's still topics I wanted more on. I would love to see a Top 10 style list of his favorite matches, opponents, and worst big matches. There's areas I'd like to have seen more on but there's plenty left for Flair to do a follow up book on after he retires. Unfortunately, this is a WWE published book so the praise he lays on McMahon, Triple H, HBK, and a few others seems tainted but there is a lot of respect shown to guys like Steamboat, Piper, Arn Anderson, Sting, Dusty Rhodes, and Undertaker.
   
   Definitely worth reading and it's certainly among the better wrestling autobiographies out there. Lots of memories in this long career by feasibly the best in-ring worker & interviewer in the business.

4 comments about Heart of Gold (Positively for Kids).

1. I thought that Heart of Gold was a good biography based book for school aged kids. It was an easy read for the elementary early middle school kids and it had a good positive message throughout. Kerri talked about her struggles with not only gymnastics but being away from family, jealosy between teammates, and self doubt and insecurities that everyone has at some time in their lives. She teaches through her book that if you stay true to yourself, you will always win out in the end. I recommend this book to any gymnast who loves the sport of gymnastics.



2. This was a great biography of Kerri Strug, though it was meant for a younger audience and reading level, it was still very appealing. It included many great pictures, and her biography. I think all Kerri Strug fans will enjoy the book, nevertheless how old they are. Great book, awesome pictures!



3. This was a very enjoyable book even if you are not a gymnastics fan. It tells how she rose to the top and about her injuries along the way. I think everyone should read this book!



4. KERRI WON AMERICA'S HEART IN '96 AND CONTINUES TO STUN MEZMERIZE AND INTRIGUE M

5 comments about The Last Coach: A Life of Paul "Bear" Bryant.

1. "The Last Coach" is a newer and perhaps more comprehensive biography of the man simply known as "Bear". The book covers several aspects of Coach Bryant's life:
   
   1. Early life in Moro Bottom and Fordyce, Arkansas.
   2. Early interest in football as a way for him to escape the dirt-poor life he was raised in.
   3. College years at the Univesity of Alabama.
   4. Coaching jobs at Maryland, Kentucky, Alabama, and other places.
   5. Relationship with several players (Joe Namath, Ozzie Newsome, Pat Trammel, and others).
   6. Relationship with politicians, college presidents, Hollywood figures, and others.
   7. Later family life.
   8. Details of the long funeral procession and thousands of people who turned out to pay respect for Bryant.
   9. Different versions of how Bryant got the nickname "Bear".
   
   While Bryant's personal life did have some questions (drinking, supposed womanizing, etc.) there is no doubt that he was also one of college football's greatest coaches.
   
   Whatever you think of Bryant or the University of Alabama football, "The Last Coach" is an informative read. Recommended.



2. I've read many of the Bryant books and simply put, this is the best.
   
   If you are a fan of college football then you'd do well to read this book from a historical standpoint. For those who think they know college football, this book is illuminating with regards to the "national" game in the early days vs. now (2007) and how championships were determined largely by geographics and not by talent or strength of schedule.
   
   Excellent.



3. I have read quite a few books on Paul "Bear" Bryant (including his audobiography) so I wasn't sure if the information in this book would be facts I already knew or information I was not aware of. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. Yes, there was all the well-known facts about his life, but to my surprise there was quite a bit of information that I was reading for the first time.
   
   The author has done an outstanding job of detailed research and brings a clear steady style to the book. It is without question the most comprehensive book on Coach Bryant's life that I have ever read.
   
   If you're an Alabama football fan, this is a must read.



4. The Bear was the last coach. Now it is a business. Anyone that loves college football, especially SEC football, should read this book. Barra has done a good job capturing the times of Paul "Bear" Bryant.



5. From the Junction boy days and even earlier. This book has it all. One of my favorites! Excellent reading!

5 comments about Letters to a Young Gymnast (Art of Mentoring).

1. We are taken on a journey through Nadia's life, we feel we are spectators and are there with her every step of the way, at her baptism ,at the olympics,in the gymn and at her home.The reader ends up by feeling he knows her well. As we embark on this voyage we see she makes mistakes as we all do, she admits she was defensive on a Tv show after defecting to America, that as a consequence of her parents' divorce she overate. She does not make excuses but gives an honest account. This honesty and frankness also extends to the admission she made in 1980 that Yelena Davydova simply performed better on the day and that her victory was not a result of fixing as Bela Karolyi would like people to believe,she also admits that her first routine on the bars which earned a 10 was not perfect and that throughout the olympics she felt the judges were being too good to her. We also meet a decent woman who does not want to live off the income of a romanian widow and her son. But she does not give much credit to other gymnasts. She rightly pays tribute to Yelena Mukhina who broke her neck and was paralyzed as a result, but says so little about her. She mentions that she was not sure exactly how the accident occurred, which I find hard to believe because the whole world knows.The only other gymnasts she really has time for are Lyudmilla Tourisheva and Mary Lou Retton, the former was her idol, the other was great. What about Teodora, Olga Korbut, etc? I feel she was overrated and certainly overrated herself, for she argues that before 1976 few gymnasts took risks, the comaneci salto was never attempted before by anyone and was the first big release at the 76 olympics. It is true that through out the 1950s and 60s a lot of gymnasts were women. Bar and beam routines in particular were considered elementary but in those years there were innovations, at the 1952 olympics Maria Gorokhovskaya dismounted by standing on high bar and pushing into a back tuck salto , the rachodla salto between bars appeared in 1966 to give only 2 examples but from 1972 onwards routines get riskier. The so called comaneci salto had been done before by Karin Janz in munich. She first performed in 1971. Annelore Zinke also performed it in 1974.Barbara Myslak (Usa)performed a whip cast flip from high to high bar in 1974 and around the same time Denise Cheshire (Usa) also innovated a snap flip high to high bar these latter 2 examples would suggest that Olga Korbut and not Nadia really inspired gymnasts to higher, more dangerous levels and made salto releases obligatory. What about olga korbuts flip on bars? This is never mentioned and Olga was performing this release in 1976 as were at least 20 others, so it is wrong to say Nadia's salto was the first release at montreal. Lastly the so called dismount named after her, the only new element Nadia introduced was the half turn. There were gymnasts performing back saltos as dismounts, Angelika Hellman performed a back tuck dismount from bars in munich, Olga performed a salto back stretched with take off from bar and Nadia chatarova of Bulgaria performed a double back tuck dismount in montreal this last element together with olga korbuts back flip on bars and her dismount were much more difficult than Nadia's comaneci salto and dismount. People were doing half twists but in conjunction with hechts. Half twists were not exactly a novelty.The Comaneci salto is just simply someone else's somersault performed in different take off position. She argues that it is not attempted by many because it is difficult ( are not all saltos on bars) and that you cannot be the slightest bit out when you attempt it but you can in other saltos( hard to believe).



2. Since I was a gymnast for many, many years, I have read quite a few gymnastics books, but none had impressed me too much until I read this one. Perhaps it is because Nadia not only talked about her gymnastics, but also about the conditions and struggles of life in Communist Romania. It is not only a biography, but also historical as well.
   
   The book was very clear and easy to read, so younger gymnastics fans should have no problem getting through it. It was also very interesting (something I truly did not expect) and a page turner. It answered many questions gymnastics fans have had through the years.
   
   Nadia's story is very impressive, and, at times, even heartbreaking. It's hard to believe that, by reading this book, you'll eventually "feel" for probably the most successful gymnast in the history of the sport. Her life wasn't always as glorious as you may think.
   
   I'd suggest gymnastics fans read this book because it's simply very good and very well written, and also very, very interesting. Also, if you're simply interested in learning more about how life was like in a communist country, this book may just be the book for you!



3. For anyone looking for photos, explore here:
   nadiacomaneci.com



4. Nadia's book exceeded my expectations with her insightful words of philosophy and colorfully poetic descriptions.
   
   Her autobiographical account, packaged with thought-provoking questions and comments aimed towards her readers, struck several deep chords in my life-pondering mind. There is plenty of food for thought which would particularly hit home for readers who find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. Nadia's experiences, hardships, successes are truly inspiring pieces of her world that many readers could relate to and possibly find light in their own circumstances.
   
   In a way, it was a good thing that there were no pictures included because I could focus more on the intellectual aspect of the story than the visual. At the same time, it would have been a great idea to include a few early photos along with some recent ones of herself, since she does mention that she hopes people will be interested in who she is now and not so much on the little girl she used to be.
   
   As far as gymnastics tips, Nadia gives them in the form of using one's pyschology for greater benefit. She also includes a list for success in life towards the end of the book. Naturally, even I was curious enough to expect, and miss, a bit of flexibility or skill-specific boosting advice from her perspective.
   
   This story is indeed a fantastic motivational tool for others. Those who say otherwise have simply not taken the time or effort to read into what Nadia's story offers or pinpoint the wonderful wisdom she provides.



5. Written as a series of responses to imaginary fan letters, Nadia takes us through lots of emotions as she explains her feelings about the events that shaped her extra-ordinary life.

   I believe she has given us an honest account.

   She comes accross as an intelligent and deeply principled woman, her insight and philosophy is a joy and an inspiration.

5 comments about The Runner: A True Account of the Amazing Lies and Fantastical Adventures of the Ivy League Impostor James Hogue.

1. There are few funky part even I could tell it's typo. Someone properly edited this book, right?
   It is confusing because I can't tell when the interview with Hogue in the dorm at Princeton took place. I mean, how could they even let him back in there?
   He is arrested 2006 then sentenced 2007 refused to see the author in his jail in first half of the book.
   Suppose the author is obsessed and following Hogue for ten years, there is not much have done since their first meeting in Princeton ( it is the first and only, right? I don't know for sure) to write the book about it now.
   I wish the author left out his own agenda out of the way so we could concentrate on Hogue character, not the author who identify with the subject and want to tell about why.
   I can't care less he went to Harvard because of fluke or couldn't drink milk with meat.
   Oh, I love the cover design if anything, he made concept so it says, he shoulda be book designer instead of writer.



2. Was not an overwhelming book, to say the least. But then again, it is supposed to chronicle the true tales of Hogue. THe author has a bit of a disjointed writing style; there are a few times where you question the relevance of a passage. So sad that Hogue apparently does have the brains, the drive, and the talent to have a great life; too bad he didn't capitalize on his potential in an honest way.



3. Samuels has taken an admirable stab at dissecting this enigmatic Gatsbyesque con man's psyche for motive, astutely tabulating the paltry gain from the years of petty crime. In a funny aside that Samuels to his credit puts in the book, Hogue responds to one of Samuels's elaborate and quirky questionnaires by closing with this jibe: "What's with the janitor garb? Are you trying to show your solidarity with the lumpen?"
   
   The book is an elaboration of a New Yorker article and probably should have stayed as such (much like Barry Werth's Scarlet Professor), as it feels stretched and padded. Although not a great writer, Samuels rightly senses that he holds compelling subject matter. One fault is that the chronology would have been much better as a simple linear progression; it confusingly yoyos between past and future. Also, instead of just letting the story tell itself, Samuels often intrudes with exaggerated veneration of the privilege of a Princeton (or his own Harvard) education, with admissions committees' self deluding liberal smugness, and with largely irrelevant autobiographical items.
   
   Hogue ultimately proves uncooperative and Samuels is left to speculate on his quarry, but perhaps there is no very profound mechanism at work here. Although I have to admit I'm looking forward to seeing the documentary Con Man. One wonders what a Truman Capote or a Norman Mailer might have done with this material.



4. Just finished reading Samuels The Runner, and literally could not put it down. Wow! What a crazy fascinating story. It's amazing that people like Hogue exist and that people like Samuels can tell their tale so well. I really felt like I was there, meeting Hogue in person. Not sure what the other reviewers problems are... I thought it was great, and so did every other members of my book group (expect Andy, but he hates everything!) Really, this is a five star winner!



5. Some writers can craft a sentence and story; some reporters unearth great detail. David Samuels is that rare talent who can do both, and the result is The Runner, a terrific literary page turner.