5 comments about Only in America: The Life and Crimes of Don King.

1. Jack revised the book and updated it. You want to get "The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America." It's a great story so get the updated edition instead of this out-of-print item.



2. Don King took on the FBI, IRS, Mob, and judges. He thinks of him self in high quality saying "I am the american dream, America is my country, My people built this country and i know my way around." People say Don King does black on black crime when he steals all their money from loosing in boxing matches. Don King is smart clever and deceiving. He has commited two murders one being a homicide in his favor and the other being man slaughter in the first dergree. Ever since then Don King hasnt been able to stay out of trouble comitting speeding violations numerous times, stealing, and scheme of chance. He just cant stay out of the news and thats the way he likes it.
   I give the book 5 stars do to the authors great detail and the excitment in Don Kings life time. "I do truley beleive he is the American Dream"



3. Don King is a Cat that knows how to Spit out Game both in&out of the Ring.no matter who comes along nobody is gonna outlast Don King.this Book tackles all the things that the HBO movie went over.you see a Guy who would not be denied.His Famous Words Only in America fit Him to a Letter T.He is Witty,Sharp,Hustler&Always on His Game no matter what He is getting down with.



4. don't miss the movie made from the book, "Don King, Only in America", beatifully directed and edited, great dialogues, hard to believe they found an actor that can mimic Don King, an actor himself. Good to see this fictionalized movie, alog with the documentary "When We Were Kings" to compare how the scenes of really happened scenarios were recreated



5. You just can't ruin a book written about a man as inspiring as Don King. White America likes a succsessful blackman only if he succeeded its way. By this I mean the classic way through a college education and a white liberal view on greed. The conclusion one must draw from the life story of Don King (this version or any other) is that Don King is a thinker not a follower an euntreprenuer not a wage-earner and a succsessful man despite overwhelming odds.

2 comments about The Lombardi Rules (The Mcgraw-Hill Professional Education Series).

1. C. THE LOMBARDI RULES by Vince Lombardi Jr. is a
   short but powerful book that has a lot of information in it that can be
   used by coaches, business executives and just about anybody else
   looking to succeed in today's world.
   
   The author, whose father led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL
   titles in seven years, compiled several of Lombardi's most
   famous quotes; for example:
   
   I would say that the quality of each man's life is the full measure
   of that man's personal commitment to excellence and to victory--whether
   it be football, whether it be business, whether it be politics or
   government.
   
   He then transformed the quote into a rule, such as: Be
   Completely Committed . . . and after a brief discussion
   of what it meant, Lombardi Jr. showed various techniques
   to implement the rule in any organization.
   
   In the case of how to up the "commitment quotient," he
   suggested:
   
   Start with yourself: Inspire those around you with your own level
   of commitment. When leaders go the extra mile, their troops will
   follow.
   
   Talent only gets you so far: A person with 100 percent ability
   and 50 percent commitment can throw a wrench into the whole
   system through inattention, inconsistency and laziness.
   
   Weed out the uncommitted: The organization that wins is
   populated by winners. Weed out the uncommitted and get
   the last 10 percent out of everyone.
   
   A cute cartoon that accompanied each chapter also added
   to my enjoyment of THE LOMBARDI RULES.



2. The Lombardi Rules provides an insiders look at Lombardi's extroidinary methods and shows you how to adapt and adopt those methods for leadership success in your own career.
   Pages 53 paperback

   Exerpt Favorite chapter Page 1-2
   "The Lombardi code is founded on the belief that you can only become a leader after developing your character-that is, after building integrity, honesty, and commitment. The way to develop these attributes is through self-knowledge. You can't improve what you don't understand.....The first steps on the road to self-knowledge involve asking ourselves the tough questions."

   The employee handbook for enhancing corporate performace.
   Table of contents
   1. Ask yourself tough questions.
   2. Look the straight truth on.
   3. Play to your strengths.
   4. Write your character.
   5. Think big picture.
   6. Be Completely committed.
   7. Work harder than everybody.
   8. Be prepared to sacrifice.
   9. Be mentally tough.
   10. Balance humility and pride.
   11. Lead with Integrity.
   12. Build team spirit.
   13. Explain the whys.
   14. Strike the balance.
   15. Build confidence.
   16. Use your mission.
   17. Know your stuff.
   18. Demand autonomy.
   19. Respect legitimate authority.
   20. Act, Don't React.
   21. Keep it simple.
   22. Chase perfection.
   23. Tailor your motives.
   24. Motivate by degrees.
   25. Focus on fundamentals.
   26. Run to win.

5 comments about The Rock Says....

1. I love the Rock as that character he created himself, and Dwyane Johnson who has definitely crossed over as from wrestler to decent actor. However the book is good but it is not great as I hoped. Too much going in and out of character, at first it is hilarious...But after a few several times it is hard to take him serious and just confusing. If there is a great book to read from wrestlers, read Triple H's approach to a better body and Ric Flair's book. They are upfront real life stories and opinions that are genuine. I loved the Rock Says for the first few chapters and for the comedy he put into it..But bouncing around back and forth from character back to Dwayne Johnson just seemed Immature and had me lost.



2. I enjoyed reading this book that I bought for someone else. I don't usually read biographies but The Rock managed to elevate WWF/WWE in the too brief minute-long appearances he made before he went on to make THE MUMMY movies. It's no surprise that he was so attractive onscreen that he was soon offered his own starring role in THE SCORPION KING. He's so hilarious. I hope he ends up in everything including Xmen and DC films.



3. Bill Goldberg, you musclehead, this is how
   it's done! Former CFL Lineman and Wrestler
   Dwayne Johnson, black, Hawai'ian-Samoan, is
   one of the up-and-coming action screen heroes
   that has made it. I can't wait to see his
   movie about King Kamehameha, when it gets done.
   
   Johnson, unlike Goldberg, is grateful for eve-
   rything he's achieved and not being selfish
   like Bill, who it's all about him, is giving
   back. Also, unlike Goldberg, his movie roles
   are getting better! Way to go Dwayne!



4. Good god, where do I begin? This book is awful. Between reading about his boring college days, his being handed a wrestling contract because of his family, and his attempts at being funny I actually feel stupid for hanging with this travesty until the end. To make matters worse, he starts writing in character and to call it annoying would be like calling world war II a minor scuffle. If you value your time, money, and sanity, just move along.



5. This is one of da best wrestling books that I've ever read.This book talks about The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson growing up as an average kid with his samoan mom and african american dad.He develops a passion for wrestling at a young age.Then it talks about the Rock in middle school where he was ganged and beat up by a bunch of different guys until one day his dad came and they flew off and the Rock gave them a beating and offered to fight any of them one on one.Then the book just jumps around a little bit it talks about how he had sex at 14teen with an 17 year old chick(I give the Rock his props for laying down another girl.....in the grass too),how he met his wife at an early age(she is 3 years older than him),when he played football for the CFL(Canadian Football League)but was cut about a year later after an back injury.Then when he joined the WWF in 1996 as Rocky Mavia(a combination of his Dad's first name in wrestling and his granddads last name in wrestling)and when he got booed every day during the next couple of months even though he was a good guy.Then when he left and made his heel return in late August of 1997 as The Rock and joined The Nation.Then its pretty much The Rock speaking in 3rd person as The Rock after that and he briefly touches on Owens passing and well thats bout it!

5 comments about Heat: My Life on and Off the Diamond.

1. wow,
   what a book!
   i love doc, growing up i coppied him,i will admit it.
   my problem was i had a 84 mile per hr fastball that in canada was not good enouph to even get a look.
   i was fortunate,in that i found fame in another sport called curling.i am a huge drinker but have never tried drugs,i do have money but the thought of drugs never interested me,thank god!0n the world curling tour i have had plenty of oppertunity to go astray and have,with booze on many occasion.i often wonder what could have became of me if a scout by the name of itchy jones (cin reds)said at 16 yrs your fastball isnt good enouph,can you backcatch. i guess what i am trying to say that doc is a study of too much too young just as i was.my curling fame came at 16 and 17,then again when i was 28-29.this story does hit home and i would reccomend it completely to young and old alike.nice job bob,look forward to reading your next. please excuse the grammar ha ha i wrote this late.



2. I PICKED UP THE BOOK ON FRIDAY AND FINISHED IT SUNDAY. THE BOOK WAS AN EASY READ. I, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS, WAS IN PURE AWE OF THE POWER AN POTENTIAL DWIGHT GOODEN HAD. I WATCHED HIM IN MY LATTER TEENAGE YEARS AND WANTED TO THROW JUST LIKE HIM. I HAD NO IDEA THE YOUNG MAN FACED SO MANY DEMONS. UNFORTUANATELY, DRUG ABUSE IS PREVAILENT IN OUR SOCIETY AND THE SPORTS WE ADMIRE ARE NOT SACRED. CONGRATUATIONS TO GOODEN FOR DEALING WITH HIS ADDICTION IN SUCH AN OPEN MANNER AS HE SHARED IT WITH US IN HIS BOOK, "HEAT."
   
   "HEAT" WAS AN EYE OPENER AND HOPEFULLY WILL HELP OTHER PEOPLE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR DEMONS. "HEAT" ALSO SHOWED THE EFFECTS DURG ABUSE PLACED ON GOODEN'S LOVED ONES AND HIS CAREER. MOST IMPORTANTLY, "HEAT" SHOWS THE DAMAGES AN ADDICT PLACES ON HIS OR HER SELF AS THEY ENTANGLE THEMSELVES WITH LIES AS GOODEN DID.



3. HEAT, by Dwight Gooden, has the feel of a between-seasons quickie book. It's still worth picking up, especially if you read between the lines.

   Released the winter of 1999, HEAT came out just before Gooden's baseball pitching career went downhill. The previous season at Cleveland had been Gooden's best since 1990. But injuries ruined his 1999 performance and the Indians released him.

   In 2000 Houston and Tampa Bay dismissed Doc after he struggled with each team. Later that season Gooden managed to join the Yankees and actually pitched very well, including an incredible July start against the Mets at Shea Stadium.

   But age marched ahead and Dwight Gooden did not make the 2001 Yankees. He retired just before the start of the 2001 season.

   Covering the Gooden retirement story, the New York papers barely mentioned the pitcher's alcholism, only stressing his cocaine addiction. They should have read HEAT.

   Like I said, it's overall a quickie book, not to dismiss its many interesting stories. But what makes HEAT truly worth reading is Dwight Gooden's drinking stories. Cocaine only came into play when he was drinking. The coke is what cost him close to two years' worth of playing time. But alcohol, which Major League Baseball and the newspapers gladly advertise, was the root cause of Gooden's troubles.




4. This book has it all! It made me laugh it made me cry. Dwight Gooden was honest and he showed how human he really is. Being one of Doc's biggest fans it was a very easy read, the thing that surprised me is that is wasn't really about baseball. It was about family, struggle and overcoming a horrible illness, drug abuse. He was recently released from Tampa Bay and I am hoping he signs with another team soon. He has nothing left to prove I just enjoy watching him pitch.



5. In 1995 baseball pitcher Dwight Gooden's no-hit game put himback on top of the baseball world when, just earlier that same season,he looked washed up. A biographical picture was supposed to be made but, as I write this, it has yet to materialize.

   HEAT: MY LIFE ON AND OFF THE DIAMOND, Doc's 1998 autobiography, vividly tells about his numerous highs and lows, professional and personal. He skims over the spring training and cab driver controversies that long-time fans will remember but otherwise proves admirably honest about the troubles he brought on himself. The lost opportunities depicted in HEAT saddened me. But Gooden's determination to redeem himself defines the difference between losing and quitting.

   And HEAT is not without its share of funny moments and bet-you-didn't-know-that anecdotes. Among the best stories is a prank Doc played on one of the premier sluggers of the game.

   While Gooden admits the fears that cost him so much, he is not afraid to name names in HEAT. If Doc finds himself alone in an elevator with ex-manager Dallas Green or ex-teammate Kevin Mitchell, I don't want to be there when the doors open.

   It is interesting to note that Gooden does not hold Major League Baseball and his union accountable for helping out-of-control players before they hurt either someone or themselves.

   Today (Nov. '99) Dwight Gooden's without a team, having been released after an injury-filled season with the Cleveland Indians. His will to prove himself could land him a chance elsewhere - and with the pathetic state of major league pitching, he could make it to another club and even win some games for them. He's come back from the edge before.

   Anyway, a movie of Dwight Gooden's life, should it match the drama conveyed in HEAT, would be as gripping as a no-hitter. For now, read HEAT.

4 comments about Major Anders Lindgren's Teaching Exercises: A Manual for Instructors and Riders (The Masters of Horsemanship Series, Bk. 3) (The Masters of Horsemanship Series, Bk. 3).

1. This book is called 'A Manual for Instructors and Riders'. And yes, it is a manual, but it is not a book that will help you to become a better rider. The book gives you an overview of different patterns to ride when you are training and it is fairly useful as such. Before you buy it, however, be aware that this book tells you WHAT to do - but by no means HOW. As he says himself, this book is a collection of lesson plans.

   The short introduction only serves to create confusion for any reader/rider who does not already have a fairly good idea of what to aim for and how to accomplish it. Anders Lindgren gives some advice that can easily be disastrous if not used with a lot of discretion. His 'philosophy of pattern use' is only one example: 'To produce a gymnastic effect in the horse without requiring that the rider also be well-schooled. A correctly executed pattern schools the horse'. My question would be how a rider who is not well-schooled should correctly execute any pattern? Highly unlikely.

   His description of the half-halt gives some nice background thoughts but unfortunately no description of the aids actually used to perform it. Part of his advice: 'To be succesful, combine the aids for the half halt with the aids for a lateral movement such as leg-yielding, shoulder-fore or shoulder-in'. This might be useful in specific situations for riders who already know how to perform a correct half halt and who want to work their horse through a specific problem, with the awareness that they have to go back to the 'normal' aids eventually. A less sophisticated rider might easily translate this into permission to ride one-sided or crooked half-halts continuously, thereby creating a huge problem for herself in the future. The same problem applies to the section on rein contact. 'The rider must, through the rein contact, learn that a strong contact, usually on the left rein (the left hind leg - the left engine) works well.' Ouch! I think (hope!) I understand what he means, but it would take me a lot of time to explain this to a pupil and I don't think I'd be comfortable using this particular description.
   One more 'gem' with the potential to be a bomb is the explanation of 'shuttling the bit' on a tense and nervous horse to create relaxation in the joints at the pollý. Don't even think of trying this at home!!

   I have been riding and teaching in Scandinavia and found that the 'rider's disease' of wanting to place their horse's head with however much force it takes is even more rampant there. I also saw trainers using similar patterns, e.g. in shoulder - without any regard as to how the rider was giving the aids or as to how the horse was working.
   After coming to the USA I see even more riders who are extremely focused on riding movements and totally forget about the first and main aim of dressage: namely, the athletic development of the horse. Riding these patterns without knowing how to give the correct aids and with a horse that is not 'through' is not only totally useless - it can be actually detrimental to the horses health (just think about the wear on the joints if the horse would continuously be going in the wrong bend) and his well-being. Repeating and repeating a pattern while you are doing something wrong is not going to make your horse go any better - my guess is that he will be going worse and worse, and you both will get more and more frustrated.
   An unskilled rider trying these exercises without good instruction can easily end up with one of the 'mechanical horses' we unfortunately see so often. The ones that sourly do all the movements, but are stiff as a board and usually robbed of any elasticity and spring in their steps. If that is your goal, fine, and probably you'll now and then find a judge who shares your view. Dressage, however, it is not.

   To end with a very practical 'flaw': please also be aware of the fact that the patterns given here are exclusively for a LARGE dressage arena (20 x 60 meters), and not for the more common regular size (20 x 40 meters). It would have added a lot of value to this book to at least have some patterns adapted for smaller arena's. Now you will have to do the math for yourself.

   Of course I realize that there are many valuable thoughts to be found in this book. A number of subtleties easily might have been lost in the translation of Lindgren's words. And for sure it will be totally different if you are actually riding in one of his clinics. But not all of his readers will have the chance to experience him 'live'.
   Most of the ideas in this book go along accepted classical lines - as long as you know what these are beforehand, you should be OK. The only persons I'd feel safe recommending this book to are experienced instructors/trainers looking for some inspiration for their lessons, or already well-trained riders who would like some new ideas for their schooling sessions and who hopefully have somebody on the ground to assist them with the correct execution of these patterns.




2. This book title says it all. It is a list of progressive exercises by level. It will be quite helpful for the reader to know how to do the various exercises as this book gives the "what" not the "how". Good reference book.



3. Having had the wonderful opportunity of riding under Major Lindgren in clinics back in CA, I can honestly say that this book distills much of his techniques into a user-friendly archive. The patterns not only put the horse in the position of discovering for himself how best to balance, but they also teach the rider how to truly RIDE. It becomes apparent to rider and instructor where gaps exist in rider and horse development when the exercises are used stringently. An indispensible tool for anyone who knows the secret of riding a good dressage test: the movements you ride in a show are only the tip of the iceberg!



4. I found Lindgren's book to be a concisely written work that clarifies many difficult concepts in the earlier levels of dressage schooling. The book is divided into levels (training through 5th) with up to eight different patterns/exercises for each level. The exercises are clearly presented with a "Purpose" (what one is trying to achieve by utilizing the specific execise), an "Explaination" of how to do the exercise, what to "Observe" when doing the exercise and "Suggestions and Advice" for proper execution of the exercise.

   As a rider who does not have access to regular instruction, I found this book particularly helpful. The exercises give me a goal for each ride and they follow a logical progression so that I know I am on track in my schooling. I like the use of cones...they really help me focus on the patterns.

   The introduction presents the best explaination of the use of the aids, the half-halt, and being "on the bit" that I have ever read...very clear definitions of these sometimes elusive concepts.

   I reccommend this book for any lower level dressage rider. It is a wonderful tool for schooling alone or for structuring a lesson.

No comments about Cool Runnings and Beyond: The Story of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team.

5 comments about King of the Cowboys.

1. I have always been a huge Ty Murray fan as he embodies all the things any athlete should strive to emulate. He is not bragging at all in this book, simply listing the facts as they actually happened. Ty didn't just stumble onto the sport of rodeo, he was passionate about it from a very young age. He didn't reach the professional level by pure talent, he relentlessly trained and practiced throughout his entire career. The true Ty Murray fans will love the detail with which he describes his accomplishments and his struggles. You have the chance to see his true character as he struggles back from FOUR back to back injuries. His injuries (both shoulders and both knees) would have been career ending for almost any other athlete. However he worked harder than ever through three years of rehab and intense training to come back and still be at the top of his game.
   When Ty decided to stop riding it wasn't because his skill level was declining, it was because he drive to win and to compete just wasn't there anymore. Ty doesn't believe in doing anything half-heartedly and if he wasn't going to go out there and try to win every round of every event then he decided he shouldn't be competing anymore.
   This book is a great lesson in dedication and the hard work it takes to be a champion.



2. When I first saw the reviews for this book I shied away from it but then I decided to form my own opinion. I'm glad I did. Not only was it a look into his life but I also got a glimpse of other greats like Cody Lambert, Tuff Hedeman and Lane Frost. I don't believe he was bragging but saying things as they are. It's a very positve book and I had my teenage sons read it. He talks about living your dreams and doing your best. I think it's awesome he went to college and graduated cum laude. He has lived a most interesting and busy life. I don't know about "King of the cowboys" but he's most certaintly at the top the list.



3. I used to be a Ty Murray fan and then I read this book. Where is the the tough but humble image that cowboys are famous for? And what is all of this about chasing down wild elk on snowmobiles? Perhaps he was coming off a three-kegger-Friday and didn't know what the heck he was doing! Or, more than likely, we can attribute his embarrassing behavior to one too many hits in the head by a well-meaning bucking bull.
   
   Give me Dan Mortensen, the great Saddle Bronc champion. Give me Larry Mahan, the man who had all the records (and appropriate behavior) before Murray came along. And, given the track that he is on, Trevor Brazile, probably the greatest roper in rodeo history, is sure to break Murray's records in the All Around category. It will be good to forget Murray.
   
   THE HORSEMAN



4. I'm amazed at how well Ty packed his life into such a neat little package. I feel as though I grew up next to him and followed his progress as close as a proud parent. Any rider with so many marked achievements is going to have positive and motivating things to say and though this may draw fire from some, I feel it's well deserved. If you are good enough to rack up the wins as consistently and methodically as Ty did, then you are good enough to be admired and ignore the sour grapes. Once again, I feel as though I were standing right beside Ty from the time he was a toddler to the day he retired from rodeo and I was able to cheer and cry at the appropriate times. I recommend this book to anyone interested in either Rodeo or Good Sportsmanship. Ty shows how hard work, taking responsibility, passion and determination pay off in the end and provides a good role model to all.



5. Ty Murray's undeniable talent starts and ends with staying atop bucking animals. In his self-patronizing autobiography, this spoiled rodeo superstar proves to be a redneck in the worst sense of the word, not a "cowboy" as he claims. His description of the time he chased down the elk on a snowmobile and then rode the exhausted animal in the deep Colorado snow would have been a mature mea culpa had he not used the incident instead to lash out at the wildlife officer and the newspaper reporter for doing their jobs and exposing him as a creep in a cowboy hat.

No comments about Affirmed and Alydar (Thoroughbred Legends (Unnumbered)).

5 comments about Sub 4:00: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile.

1. I found the book very interesting and factual of how good prospective high school athletes can be ground up like chopped beef. The USA top division I coaches have a bad repretation for running and competing the good prospective Olympic athlete in the ground from European coaches. The book was exciting when the races were described and very dissappointing when the results of the biggest and last races of the year were not there because there were thirty-three pages missing in the book and of course at the dmost interesting part. Very dissappointing. WMW



2. at the end of the book i actually disliked Webb. it was a story about someone who was not patient enough and thougt of himself as above everyone, i actually think him running such great times as a highschooler hurt him,he did not give the coach at michigan a fair chance and found ways to make everything a drama. the part i did enjoy though was reading about the other people from michigan and the fact that chris lear is such a great writer and really connects with the reader.



3. In a space of several months in 2001, Alan Webb ran the fastest indoor mile by a U.S. high school athlete and then set a national high school record for the magical distance, breaking a mark that reigned supreme for 36 years by the legendary Jim Ryun.
   
   Author Chris Lear takes the reader on the rocky journey Webb runs while carrying his fantastic prep record to the college ranks and beyond. In particular interest is how Webb deals with coaching legend Ron Warhurst at the University of Michigan.
   
   The pressure on Webb from outside the confines of the college campus are chronicled without editorial comment from Lear. It is my feeling Webb comes across as a boorish teenage tennis player or figure skater that must have things his/her way and coaches last about as long as a pair of training shoes for an ultra-marathoner.
   
   Webb's "team" that was around him when rewrote the prep record book seemingly derailed Warhurst's efforts before his star runner went on his first workout as a Wolverine. One must wonder if they had the best interest of Webb in mind or if dollar signs were circling that track.
   
   There was the lure of professional money from shoe companies and race promoters who were certainly salivating at the chance to have the great American star wear its logo or compete on the domestic/international stage.
   
   But the blame for being swayed by so many voices clearly falls on Webb. And if this tug-of-war would have been in a bigger profile collegiate sport, it would have been as big a national story as - for example - Maurice Clarett's public battles with the Ohio State brass and coaches from a few years ago.
   
   Sometimes the biggest search for a young world-class athlete is for those who will provide good advice over what can be profitable today. For every Tiger Woods or John McEnroe - who used brief collegiate careers as a springboard to professional success - there are hundreds like Webb that want it all now, but end up with fleeting glimpses of brilliance.



4. Alan Webb in this story strikes me as more a baby than a runner who has ran under 4 minutes in the mile. He whines about being hurt and not getting trained right. Warhurst is one of the greatest american distance coaches, if you can't run under him don't run at all. Nate seemed more likeable and more of a team player than Webb did in this book. Being for Illionis I love how Webb lost to Don Sage in 1500 meter final. Towards the end of the book, you knew he was going to quit michigan, now granted Webb has become very big in the sport but for a while he struggled after leaving Michigan and going back to his old coach. Good Book, if you like Webb, you might change your view of him, Nate is awesome, so is Tim Broe



5. Chris Lear has done it again! Following an exellent debut with "Running With the Buffaloes" he comes back with "Sub 4:00" -- a great account of Alan Webb's first and only season at the University of Michigan.
   
   Lear is the only guy out there writing about the collegiate running scene as most books in the running section at your bookstore revolve around training logs or how to run your first 10K. It's about time someone took a different path and I'm glad Lear has done so.
   
   Webb's tumultuous season at UM is well-depicted. The tough workouts, the injuries, and most importantly, the hot and cold relationship Webb has with his collegiate coach. Webb is pulled in a couple of different directions, whether to turn pro and go back and train under his high school coach, where he had great success; or stay at UM where he has friends and training partners. After awhile one can tell where Webb is going to end up.
   
   What makes Lear's books so good is he gets right into the action. Just like his first book, he has intimate access to the team, it's workouts, meetings, and private moments. He's with Webb in the residence halls, on solitary and team workouts, at the meets, and even on the road in his car. Lear isn't an outside observer, he's right there. Also, the main supporting character, Brannen, gets his fair share of coverage.
   
   This isn't just a book for runners, but anyone interested in athletics, particularly college athletics and how the system works and how coaches are under pressure to win -- yes, even so-called minor sport track and field coaches.
   
   I highly recommend this excellent book and hope Lear has more coming down the road.

5 comments about Bobby the Brain: Wrestling's Bad Boy Tells All.

1. If you were a wrestling fan during the 70s and 80s, Bobby "The Brain" was a character you loved to hate because he was the smug jerk that helped his villains beat your favorite wrestlers.
   Reading the book, you'll find that, as in most cases, the bad guy was actually one of the nicer guys. Bobby has a great sense of humor and the majority of the tales he tells are hilarious and will leave you laughing, especially if you know the wrestlers he is talking about. The stories about Andre The Giant are interesting and eye opening when you find out who the man really was and how he felt about people.
   The book skips back and forth among timelines but with some of the names you can figure out about what time span he is talking about. Most of the tales are about his A-W-A days but he also discusses W-C-W and what a cluster mess that was thanks to people who didn't know what they were doing.
   The book is worth the purchase whether or not you were a big Bobby Heenan fan and due to only 190 or so pages is a quick read. I would have loved to have had more stories and hopefully he will do other books of nothing but behind the scene stories...



2. Bobby Heenan... here's a man that didn't finish 8th grade yet became one of the biggest names and most hated men in wrestling history. Bobby fills us in with a plethora of anecdotes about his career and has no qualms about telling you who he didn't like (Valiant Brothers, Haystacks Calhoun, Tony Schiavone to name a few). This is a very loose writing style which covers loads of stories throughout his career, often jumping back and forth in time. Stories are brief and straight to the punch, usually just a paragraph or two. Time periods are based off your wrestling knowledge as Heenan does not identify the year something happened; but if your reading this book, you're probably a fan and know it just by those involved in the story.
   
   There are some great stories involving Andre the Giant, Baron von Raschke, and even his real life appreciation of Hogan. He also really gets into his dislike of how WCW was run and all the positive career chances he received when dealing with WWF. My favorite chapter may have been the run-down of the Bobby Heenan Family which quickly covered most of the men he 'managed'. Overall, quick and fun read, wish it were longer.



3. Few people in the history of professional wrestling were as disliked as Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. He was smarmy, arrogant and flat out obnoxious. Mostly due to the fact he always gave off an air of being superior to those around him, especially the fans. What I'm saying is meant as a compliment because it was obvious to me that was the full intent behind his character. Bobby was supposed to be all those things and he managed to pull it off as well as anyone I've ever seen. Even as a little kid I knew the guy was something else.
   
   If you are a fan of Pro Wrestling there's no doubt you will really enjoy this book. Fans of all ages will learn a whole lot about the biz. From the squared circle to the behind the scenes action it's all here. Bobby was in the industry for a very very long time and so he knows what he's talking about. The man let's it fly and pulls no punches. It's an enjoyable read. There's even a great foreword by the legendary Hulk Hogan. I would recommend this book to any and all fans of wrestling. You do not have to specifically be a Bobby fan to enjoy this book.



4. THIS IS ABOUT BOBBY HEENAN LEGENDARY WRESTLER AND MANAGER. BOBBY TAKES US A BIT INTO HIS LIFE BUT MOSTLY HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE WEIRD WORLD OF PRO WRESTLING. BOBBY TELLS US SOME SCARY AND HILARIOUS STORIES COVERING ANDRE THE GIANT, NICK BOCKWINKEL, VERNE GAGNE, VINCES MCMAHON AND RUSSO, AND MANY MORE. BOBBY HAS A QUICK WIT AND IN MANY CASES IS JUST PLAIN HILARIOUS. HIS BOOK IS EASY TO READ AND THE HUMOR HELPS TO EASE THE MIND. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BRAIN. VERY RECOMMENDED.



5. This book is worth buying for the Andre the Giant stories alone.

   One scene describing Andre during his afro years describes Bobby accidentally walking in whilst the big one was enjoying a local groupie in Japan. He description of the scene as appering to walk in on "a lion raping a rabbit" is perhaps the greatest line in literature since Shakespeare.