5 comments about The Perfect Distance - Ovett and Coe: The Record-Breaking Rivalry.

1. I was a high school runner when Coe and Ovett burst upon the world Track and Field scene. I was awed by their performances and read everything I could about them, which wasn't much on this side of the Atlantic. Seeing them (and Cram) compete head-to-head in person at the 1984 Olympic Games was such a thrill for me and my late father, who was also a huge T&F fan. Butcher's excellent writing truly took me back to those exciting times. This outstanding book also provides clear, fascinating and entertaining insights into Coe's and Ovett's rise to the world stage of T&F. Their personalities, how they got into running, the discovery of their talents, the ups and downs of their training and careers, the relationships and people who influenced them - it's all here in this eminently readable short book. As an added bonus, Butcher also recounts the "British Tradition" of miling, its rich history as well as other famous pairs of nineteenth and twentieth century milers. This is a fun read and a fantastic contribution to the small but growing genre of T&F books.



2. This was a very enjoyable book about the great Ovett/Coe rivalry. The book delves into the roots/family influences of the two very talented middle distance runners including Ovett's very influential mother and Coe's father and coach. The author captures the excitement of breaking world records, running in the Olympic games and the expectations associated with being athletes at thier prime. Two very different personalities are contrasted both in their private and public impressions. A fascinating read.



3. Excellent book for anyone who followed track in the 70s and 80s.
   
   Lots of light shed on what may have been the most significant and consistent rivalry on the oval. The backgrounds of both runners are very revealing; Coe's training routines, while widely discussed, were revolutionary. Meanwhile, Ovett is shown as an agressive and confident runner, and nothing like the arrogant antagonist that the media portrayed. Additionally, he was immersed in the science of footwear and helping develop better products for runners. Why he never got the acclaim he deserved is a mystery.
   
   A great read for those who have been there.



4. This is a very detailed and rich biography not only of Ovett and Coe but of history of the mile particularly from the British view point. As the author notes, the emergency of Ovett and Coe strides right into British middle distance runners dominating the world scene in the late 70s and early 80s with Cram, Elliott and Moorcroft. The Ovett and Coe duo are so different in racing styles, personalities and family life as Ovett emerges from blue collar roots with a very strong guarded mother and wonderful grand parents while Coe comes from a more upper class conservative family coached by an efficient and strong willed father. Butcher captures both athlete's abilities in detail with Ovett's amazing ability to run the sprints and high jump at early age to running events aside from 800 and 1500 to the 5K ,cross country and even jumping into a half marathon. Coe develops slightly slower but run as if a greyhound taking the pace to avoid contact with his 119 pounds particularly dominating the 800 while he and Ovett trade the 1500 and mile back and forth. The differences in mental and emotional make up between the two men is captured well in an excellent photograph of the two after a surprise loss to a relative unknown in a championship 800 where Coe literally looks crushed while Ovett has dangled his arm around Coe while looking off with chin up as in "well another day". The comparison between the Hagg and Anderson (includes interviews) and Ovett and Coe are well done as Ovett and Coe dominates the English sports news. Americans may require a little more patience as the author does discuss the world's best milers that include Walker, Bayi, Wessingham along with the US's Scott and Maree but the focus is on the English with running clubs and their depth of great runners at that time. Also, unlike Coorder Nelson's great book on Jim Ryan, this book has more depth into the history of middle distance running and the athletes' personal lives. Amusing that the author identifies Kenny Moore as an excellent writer but identifies him as a fourth place marathoner at the Montreal games when it was actually at Munich and he confuses the details of the New York and Boston Marathon's of Rosy Ruiz into one race. The book also contains some interesting British humor and phrases. I wish there was a more detail on the races in Moscow particularly the 1500 as Coe steals one from Ovett to avenge his 800 upset. It is quite tragic that Ovett became so ill at the LA Olympics that he became hospitalized but continued to compete and make he finals in both the 800 and 1500. He literally looks like death going into the last lap of the 1500. And Coe comes back from devastating illness to get in world class shape after being written off to be the only man to win successive Olympic 1500 titles. This was a glorious time for Track & Field when these two men from the same country seesawed world records back and forth almost weekly.
   
   As the author notes, these two were such amazing competitors even the Falkland Islands were bumped in Britian foir the news of what Coe and Ovett did the night before.



5. Very good book, well written, not boring at all, interesting information not only about the lifes of the two runners subject of the book but also of the sport of running in general those days in Europe. I am a "serious" runner a serious reader and also a writer myself. As such, I collect all sorts of books about running. Many are forgetable, this is not the top of the line but very good and worth reading

5 comments about Lessons of the Game: The Untold Story of High School Football.

1. The book, Lessons of the game by Derek Sparks tells about something that parents and many high school students do not even know about. Derek Sparks who wrote about his life growing up through high school; he lived a life far diverse than the average teenager. While other kids and students are working hard to keep good grades by staying in class and studying; nothing like that applied to Derek in high school. Everything was taken care of and it did not really matter who was doing all of this. While other normal families struggle with money, Derek had money shoved into his pocket, and if he desired food or any thing like that there was always someone who would go out and get it for him. He did not have an existent Dad as he walked out on him and he left his Mother who lives in Texas to play high school football in California. Derek did not go out to California by himself as his Uncle Jay brought him out there and tried to do what was best for him. As he could not live with his Uncle Jay, each high school had plenty to offer Derek including living in his own home or apartment near the school with all the expenses being taken care of.
   You follow Derek on and off the field and learn how people would sell him out and not protect him from what he should not have to deal with as a young kid. Not only would people not do what was best for him but also they would do what ever they could to have him on their team or make money out of him because of being a "star" athlete and having the ability of becoming a professional. This is a great book and a must read for any one who is interested in sports. Even if you are not, I would recommend Lessons of the Game by Derek Sparks because once you start reading, you will not want to put it down.



2. Lessons of the Game is truly an amazing book. Although a non-avid reader, I recently picked up this book and read it within two days. Derek's writing style is very easy to understand. His choice of words to describe things made me know exactly where he was coming from and what it was like at points in Derek's life. I found myself laughing out loud several times as he described scenes as well as almost shedding a tear. This book gives the reader an inside look into Derek's life and true test of character. I believe this book is for the young, old, athletes, non-athletes, or anyone who is ready for an excellent book to read! It is a must read and won't be put down until finished!!!



3. Hello,
   I just finished this book and found it very interesting being as how i just finished my first season as a high school quarterback, and i have many of the same aspirations to do what he dreamed of doing. I was wondering though how much of a sugarcoat was put on derek in this book. it played out looking like everyone else were the bad guys. I wondered if one of the so called bad guys were to write a book stating his side who would you belive. But anyhow it was an exelent book and i encourage every one to give this book a try!!!



4. I would highly recommend this book for all young athletes who aspire to compete at a higher level. It is an excellent example of how a young athlete can be convinced he is immune to the rules of the game. As a former high school athlete and coach it also serves as a warning for parents and coaches on how their own behavior can have devasting effects on a young athlete's career and life.



5. I became a fan of Derek Sparks after hearing him speak at the YMCA Apple Cup Rally Benefit Dinner. He was amazing! Today, a month later, I can still feel the power of the GAMETIME message. I am 33 years old and Derek helped me examine myself and my life . I have a renewed spirit and confidence in the days ahead. I applaud Derek for his work with youth and his courage to make a difference.

   His life story is sad and heart wrenching, but at the same time refreshing to know that we all can survive the Lessons of Life and live to tell the good news.

5 comments about The Agassi Story.

1. Could not put it down. Amazing stories after stories. However, book is from the dad's perspective, which I knew to begin with.



2. This is a book about Mike Agassi and his family. Mike looks back at his past and how he produced a star tennis player. Mike, is apologetic at times, and proud in others, revealing his true nature. I enjoyed Mike's character in the Agassi story and highly recommend this book for anyone interested in raising a family, as this book is more than just a book about raising tennis stars. The book offers many good insights into parenthood and family.



3. I didn't really like the book because there was not enough about Andre really. It was 95% about his father. I guess I was mislead by the title.



4. This is a great book for Agassi fans who want an inside scoop on Andre's life. Mike is a very tough guy and tells it the way he sees it. They have been through a lot. For me, this book provides justification for the admiration I have developed for Andre over the years of watching him play and following his story. The book is a beautiful tale of determination, character, soul, and ultimately, family. It is a quick read, thoroughly enjoyable, and I appreciate Mike's efforts in making it available.



5. Being a fan of Andre Agassi, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's a bag of mixed candies - Mike's biography, real life drama of an immigrant family, story behind Andre's "rise, fall and rise" .. and more.
   If you're a tennis fan, buy this book.
   Thanks to Dominic Cobello, Kate Welsh, and Mr. Agassi.

No comments about Michael Schumacher: The Definitive Illustrated Race-by-Race Record of His Grand Prix Career.

5 comments about Duke: A Great Hawaiian.

1. Bess Press has published the second book by Sandra Kimberley Hall about Hawaii's ambassador of aloha and its greatest athlete, Duke Kahanamoku.
   Known as the father of international surfing and remembered for his accomplishments in the Olympics, Kahanamoku remains a legend more than 35 years after his death.
   In a moving tribute filled with photos of Kahanamoku, Hall reveals how Kahanamoku remained true to his core values throughout his long life, filled with great success -- his Olympic accomplishments as well as his Hollywood career -- and challenge -- his financial struggles and a comeback from brain surgery.
   Hall, who grew up on the beach where Kahanamoku taught Australia how to surf, arrived in Hawaii during Kahanamoku's centennial and statue unveiling, and launched a career as a freelance writer.
   She has written dozens of articles for airline and surfing magazines and newspapers. Her subjects include the Kahanamoku, surfing history and the Himalayas. Hall is the author of "Memories of Duke: The Legend Comes to Life" (Bess Press. 1995).



2. This book is a gem, a pithy, accessible and colourful distillation of a complex life and memory. It's beautifully written, designed and produced, with good use of rare photographs and images. The inclusion of endnotes, photo credits, further reading pointers and an index enhances the book, which has the distinction of appealing to both the lay reader as an introduction to 'the Duke' and to the historian who seeks a condensed reference to Kahanamoku's life and context. The book is a reminder of the need for a full biography that considers his continued importance and meaning along with his vita.
   
   Gary Osmond
   St Lucia, Queensland, Australia



3. Until Joseph Brennan's Duke: The Life Story of Duke Kahanamoku (1994) is reprinted or another comparable book is made available, the sporting world's great interest in Duke Kahanamoku, Olympic star and the greatest surfing avatar of the 20th century, may be satisfied by Sandra Kimberley Hall's compact Duke: A Great Hawaiian (2004), a brief but beautifully illustrated overview of the champion's life.
   
   Whether as a record-breaking swimmer, a surfer and surfboard innovator, an entrepreneur, an actor in early Holloywood, the Sheriff of Honolulu or as a janitor or garage mechanic during leaner periods of his existence, Duke Kahanamoku was, first and foremost, a gentleman and an ambassador of traditional Hawaiian good manners and 'aloha,' a word which, in addition to other meanings, encompasses a wide range of positive human feelings, from "love, affection, and compassion" to "grace and charity."
   
   As such, Kahanamoku represented the kind of role model--both as a man and as an individual--that is completely lacking on the world stage today. With his humble manner, extraordinary talents, and magnificent physique, Kahanamoku was revered by men, desired by women, and almost universally loved and admired by all.
   
   The photographs of Kahanamoku from different periods of his life are the great strength of Duke: A Great Hawaiian. Hall certainly seems to understand Kahanamoku's intrinsic value as a human being and as an individual, and conveys that understanding with warmth, enthusiasm, and ease.



4. The Y2K millennial issue of Surfer magazine featured on its cover the formal portrait of a young Duke Kahanamoku with the caption "Surfer of the Century." Perhaps you've been to Kuhio beach at Waikiki and visited the Duke statue; maybe even left a flower lei draped on his arms. Most people also take a few minutes to consider the inscription that's written there, imagining what Aloha could mean if we each lived our life that way.
   
   I ordered a copy of this book before it was published. When it arrived in the mail I realized that I held a small volume, one of life's little primers, that might affect me in a big way -- and that's what happened. If you love the ocean like Duke did, then Sandra Kimberley Hall has written the thank you letter we all wish we could have given him.
   
   Duke Kahanamoku lived from 1890 to 1968. It's been more than thirty years since he died, and people still speak of him as if he's here among us. This book will help you understand why swimmers/surfers/water polo teams/outrigger canoe clubs/open water paddlers... all EXPECT to meet the Duke. He's right there with us every time we greet another ocean enthusiast with the generous spirit of Aloha that was his gift to all.
   
   I'm the guy who led a letter writing campaign resulting in the approval of a U.S. postage stamp honoring the Duke. Others had begun the process more than twenty years ago. Working as a volunteer for the Surfrider Foundation, I circulated a newsletter beginning in 1998. For four years thousands of people all across America responded by sending letters/petitions/postcards of support to Washington -- and we succeeded. The stamp was issued on the anniversary of Duke's birthday, August 24, 2002. More than 62 million stamps were printed, and the edition is now sold out.
   
   The handsome, active and youthful image chosen to portray Duke on the stamp has invited many others to examine his life -- Olympic champion, Halls of Fame, years of public service to the Territory/State of Hawaii. He was a lifelong inspiration to those who met him personally, and also those who could only read about him (a skinny kid like me in the library at Beach Haven, NJ hoping maybe I could learn to ride the surf on my blue & yellow inflatable canvas raft).
   
   We all know that very few of us will ever appear on a commemorative stamp. Those who took the time to write to the Postal Service felt that Duke Kahanamoku was one of those people who represents us at our very best. This book celebrates all the reasons why.
   
   
   Respectfully submitted,
   
   Don Gallagher
   38 Green Acre Road, Lititz, PA 17543-8770



5. This fantastic little book oozes aloha from every page. If the Duke is looking down on us, he'd be stoked, proud and humble to have a book like this written about him. The story of Duke Kahanamoku is a moving one and the author has captured the spirit of the man in these pages.
   The quality of the production is beautiful with photos on each of the left hand pages and the text laid out in simple form on the right. The aloha print cover is a joy. If you're into surfing, or Hawaiian, history this is a must have book and a future collectable for sure. Aloha from England!
   Pete Robinson www.thesurfingmuseum.co.uk

5 comments about Driver #8.

1. I like the fact that this was written by Dale, Jr not just someone elses words.



2. This book was great. I enjoyed the descriptions of all of the tracks that Jr. raced at and how he talked to his dad and Matt Kenseth about things that were happening at any one moment. I also enjoyed hearing how him and Tony Jr. have such an honest relationship. They may yell at each other during a race on the radio, but after the race is over they are able to go back to being cousins/friends again. They leave it all on the racetrack. Very well written book! A must for any Jr. fan!



3. This book is great! It is just like you are sitting and talking to him. It seems to be word for word what Dale was tring to say.



4. I really enjoyed reading about his experience as a driver. It is well written and not boring. Which it could have been since it is always hard to write about work. I loved watching his father race and now I get to watch him.



5. WAS A GREAT BOOK AND AM GLAD I'VE GOT IT NOW THAT HE IS LEAVING DEI

No comments about Jim Clark: A photographic portrait.

No comments about Arsene Wenger: Pure Genius.

2 comments about Savage Summit: The Life and Death of the First Women of K2.

1. Savage Summit by Jennifer Jordan is a must read for those who appreciate true-life adventure stories. As a non-climber who lives vicariously through the adventures of others as told in their books, I can't attest to what really goes on during an expedition or the ins and outs of the social-politics of the climbing community, especially high altitude climbers. I can say that Jordan's book seems to be well researched and recounts the adventures of the five subjects in the manner that made me feel a part of their lives and their climbs.
   As a collection of adventure stories the book did not disappoint me in the least. I will admit that I was expecting a book about the first five women who climbed K2 that was written by a woman would be heavily slanted with a sexiest bias against the mostly male community of mountain climbers. Instead I found the book to be about 5 people who have that special inner drive to climb who also happened to be women. In telling the stories of these special people, Jordan also describes the bias and prejudice that some were faced with as they joined expeditions led by experienced men. This is especially true in the telling of Polish climber Wanda Rutkiewicz's adventures when women were a rare sight in climbing and as Jordan tells Wanda's stories and the stories of the other women she acknowledges that each was a person in her own right with their own strengths and weaknesses. Putting gender aside, Wanda Rutkiewicz had a personality that alienated many outside of a handful of people who understood her and even those closest to Wanda admit she could be difficult on an inter-personal level.
   In telling the story of Chantal Mauduit Jordan clearly acknowledges that Mauduit, a happy-go-lucky sort who enjoy much luck climbing 8,000 meters peaks, used her feminine and sexual attributes to her advantage and thus enjoyed an advantage as she manipulated the males on her teams to carry the heavy loads and break routes that she could easily follow on her summit attempts.
   The stories of Liliane Barrard, Julie Tullis and Alison Hargreaves were all exciting recounts of their climbing careers and their ultimate climbs to the summit of K2. Each of these women were beloved by friends and family, each recognized the dangers in high altitude climbing and each of them struggled with the pull of their loved one against the pull of the mountains. Ultimately, the mountains won and each died as accomplished climbers, not women, doing what they were drawn to do.
   Bottom Line: Savage Summit is a great adventure read about 5 people who loved climbing and were eventually drawn to the attraction of solving a problem that is much greater than the well worn routes of Mt. Everest on the world's second highest peak, K2.



2. Easy read. Gives an interesting insight into the lives of these women, however it does not always paint a good picture of them. It does show how sexism plays a large part in mountaineering. Heartbreaking to read about the way they lived and died and the choices that they made.

5 comments about Ali Rap.

1. This is a fun, quick read that is, more than anything else, a collection of memories created by one of Ali's closest friends. By that I mean it feels very much like a scrapbook put together by a loved one.
   
   George Lois went through many of Ali's biggest skirmishes, both in and out of the ring, with him. Because of this, he's able to put together this collection of quotes, pictures, interviews, etc and make it into not only something that I think Ali himself would love to read, but any fan of the Ali will leave on the coffee table in the hopes that everyone who sees it will pick it up.
   
   Ali is easily one of this generation's greatest sports (and world) heroes, and this book highlights an aspect we all knew was there but seldom dwell upon or look too much into. Not only was he a fighter, but he was a poet and a master wordsmith. He had so many great one-liners and sing-song taunts and rants, it's no wonder people couldn't wait to ehar what he said next.
   
   But don't get this book expecting any substantial biographical information on Ali, because that's not the point.



2. I am soo happy I bought this! The quotes are awesome but the layout design and pictures are amazing! You can read it through or just flip to random pages and it is just as interesting. There is a caption explaining the circumstances for each quote so even if you know nothing about Ali you'll understand. This is definitely worth the money. GET IT!



3. This is a compact book with great graphics with a whole slew of Muhammed's sayings contained within. If you are a collector of Ali stuff , this is a great addition to your library.



4. There are scores and scores of books written about the greatest athlete of our time, Muhammad Ali. In fact, Ali is the the most written about athlete ever. He has gone from being the most hated man in America in 1967 to the most revered today. Spanning his glory years, authors literally tripped over themselves to explain and reveal the complex and amazing person that is Muhummad Ali. An Ali book collection can easily consume an entire bookcase, afterall, his life and career have been disected by dozens and dozens of writers, from Norman Mailer to Howard Cosell to George Plimpton.
   
   To celebrate Ali's 65th birthday, comes the release of "Ali Rap". Contrary to what other reviewers have written, I find this to be a completely useless book. (I may have spoken too soon labelling it useless, as it may make a good paperweight as it is relatively small in size but thick). I "read" it in one brief sitting and was completely unimpressed. Don't waste your money on this assortment of Ali poems and sayings.
   
   The "book" is a collection of Ali's poems and sayings with pictures that are mostly appropriate to the meaning of the poem or occasion. The pictures are not that special, there being many other much better done Ali photograph books. And the poems are all ones that the Ali fan has heard before. The only unique quality of this book is that the poems are all brought together in one volume.
   
   The price is outrageous in my opinion for something with so little content. Literally, I went through this book in about 30 minutes. There was nothing that intrigued me about it or make me want to read it again. I am hoping to donate it to the library or sell it at a garage sale.
   
   I am a HUGE Ali fan and have read dozens of Ali books and this is clearly the worst of the worst. Avoid it - it will disappoint you if you are looking for something to understand the heart and soul of M. Ali. Instead, buy the DVD Ali Rap - now that will grab your interest. This book is a mere afterthought.
   
   Save a tree - don't buy this book!
   
   Jim 'Konedog" Koenig



5. I bought this book on impulse and love it from the first page. I was born the year Ali fought the "Rumble in the Jungle" and grew up on old clips my dad had on VCR. I was so engrossed in the book that I read it while trying to drive and I almost ran off the road. I doubt Ali was the originator of rap. As I read, it seemed to me that while it appeared he was able to rap at the drop of the hat, I suddenly realized that Ali probably spent hours trying to write this stuff down before quipping it in front of the media. He wanted it to seem natural. One of my all time favorite books. Strongly recommended.