5 comments about Tommy's Honor: The Story of Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris, Golf's Founding Father and Son.

1. Like many, I have heard about the infamous Morris' and golf's grand start in Scotland. This is done in such an intimate and flowing story form that you're brought right back into the times these two great golfers teed it up.
   
   There is much history and culture of the times which makes it all that much more realistic and captivating: how we got to eighteen, the 4 1/2 cup and end of stymy, and on and on are here. I appreciate the candor and way in which the author acknowledges the Scottish help in received in putting this together, even those who had written previous books but still felt compelled to provide all support and research that they knew of. Admirable on both parts! If you have not read it yet, do read "The Edict."
   
   The sadness of the deaths of his family before him, and his keeping on till the end as well as his faith life, reading the Bible daily, will endear this book and family to me and other readers. So, far and sure!



2. This book was a finalist for sports book of the year in the UK in 2007, and won the Book-of-the-Year Award from the United States Golf Association. Kevin Cook hits it "far and sure."



3. If you want to learn some of the history of Scottish golf, this is a great book. It is very readable and interesting. I wish I had read it before we made our first trip to play golf in Scotland last year.



4. Simply put, this has it all, from facts we all thing we know, to the lives of this family both the glorious and the very lowest God can hand to us.



5. In 2001 when my middle daughter was accepted to the University of St Andrews we were elated about the prospect of her studing abroad in a first class institution and she was especially excited about being a classmate of Prince William. Golf was an after thought. I had only begun playing a few years earlier and carried a 14 handicap. I read several books on the history of the town of St Andrews and played the course over a dozen times during the ensuring four years. When a friend metioned that he had read "Tommy's Honor" I was lukewarm but took his advice I ordered the book through Amazon. It was one the best written and compelling books I've ever had the chance to read. The humanity of the characters and the richness of the story line compares well with the best novels. I visited the grave site with mild curosity before but now I am making plans to return to St Andrews to play and to walk in the steps of Old and Young Tom Morris.
   
   Fred Fernatt MA,MS,CPA,CFP

5 comments about Payne Stewart: The Authorized Biography.

1. Hat's off to Tracey for her work in getting this together. Though lacking in specific details of his past behaivors enough is said to allow the reader to understand the change in his character once he accepted Christ. This book is not another Christian testimony. It contains the elements of a what makes a good man. We are all sinners and a perfect picture is not painted here. Payne was a great golfer and a great man that many could learn from. Then again, just act like you think Jesus would have and you will be close to the mark of Payne. Thank you for a great book Tracey.



2. I have recently finished the biography of payne stewart. It was one of the best books I have ever read. From start to finish of the book I was always interested.The best parts of the book is when it talks about all the tournaments he has been in and winning the U.S. open in 1999.



3. What an inspirational book based on the life of Payne Stewart. You could literally feel the love that Tracey had for Payne. No, I am sure that Payne wasn't a saint. Who of us is? But, he was a great man, a great father, and a great golfer who is sadly missed by thousands of his fans and followers.

   Payne was a devout Christian who was coming into his own. The scope of what his personal witnessing ministry could have become will now be tested in his death rather than his life. I know that it has served to strengthen my testimony and for that I will forever be indebted to Payne Stewart.

   Thanks Tracey and kids for sharing Payne with us!




4. This book is a must have book about the life and times of one of Golfs most flamboyunt golfer (the knickers) and the way Payne spoke his mind. I bought this book because Payne was one of my favorite golfers. This book was very intresting talked about the ups and downs of life on the PGA tour. I am glad that Payne relized that there is more to life than just golf. Family and relationship with God. This is a must have book.



5. this book was amazing. granted it could have been written a lot better, but it's understandable from the view thata his wife is writing this book shortly after his tragic death. tracey wrote well, but got a little boring here and there. other than that, this was great. i never knew the story of payne and his career untill i read this. it was truley a proof to me that he was a great father, husband, golfer, friend, and man. enjoy it!

5 comments about Sound and Fury: Two Powerful Lives, One Fateful Friendship.

1. Howard and Ali were pals...you can feel their love for each other in this book. We miss both of these players...



2. Where else but in American sports can an old, white, Jewish veteran befriend a young Black Muslim draft dodger? They may not have been friends who loved each other, but it was convenient for both of them. If you can't take advantage of a friend, then he's not. They had things in common. Both were driven. Both had over inflated egos. They were the greatest. If you don't believe it just ask them. Well, Howard Cosell is dead & Ali doesn't talk any more. Their early life & struggles are covered well so that you understand where they came from. Cosell was a World War II vet. He earned a law degree then decided he wanted to do sports on television. He was brash, obnoxious & smart. His relationship with Ali & Monday Night Football made him a nationally recognized sports journalist. Ali, originally Cassuius Clay had a fairly normal upbringing. Then he won Golden Gloves Championship & Olympic gold metal in 1960, that propelled him into his pro career. Before he was finished he had became & is the most recognizable man on earth. He was the world Heavyweight Champion, that most singular of all championships, three times.
   Ali was despised for his faith, his refusal to serve in the military & of course his race. Eventually, he overcame all these obstacles. The U.S. government pursued him, denying his draft deferment status. As a result he was also denied the right to box for several of what would have been his most productive years. He lost millions of $$$ & was stripped of his championship. Eventually, he was aquitted. Cosell covered him all along his journey. The author, Dave Kindred spends quite a bit of time on Ali's three fights with Joe Fraizer & rightly so. Ali's life has become an inspiration to kids on all continents but especially the impoverished millions in Africa. He was persecuted by his own government & cheated by the leaders of the Black Muslim faith that managed him. He apparently is now a quiet soul bearing no malice to anyone. Cosell on the other hand became embittered after his MNF gig. He wanted to be taken seriously as more than a sports announcer. When he wasn't he didn't take it well. Poor health eventually claimed him. A good sports book for all us fans of a certain age that remember Cosell & Ali in their prime.



3. Dave Kindred has done lovers of sports and history a favor with Sound and Fury.
   
   Using two cultural giants - Mohammad Ali and Howard Cosell - he has produced a fresh and readable social history of the latter half of the Twentieth Century. Let me be clear. I love Ali. Kindred refers to him as the most influential sports figure of the last century. In my mind, he understates the case; Ali is the most influential person of the last century.
   
   Cosell, on the other hand, may have hesitated to tell you he was. He was not. Trained as a lawyer and gifted with the ability to articulate complexity, he brought a thinking man's view to radio and television sports journalism.
   
   Individually, they were interesting. Together, they were hypnotizing. They produced controversy, drama and comedy almost every time they appeared together.
   
   Dave Kindred tells the story of this alliance from a unique perspective. As a newspaper and magazine sports columnist with nearly 40 years experience, he covered Ali's early fight days as a reporter for the Louisville Courier-Journal before moving on to the The Atlanta Journal- Courier and The Washington Post. He draws upon his experiences to re-create the Ali-Cosell story in ways I have never seen attempted.
   
   The result is a fascinating portrait of two outsized figures - their heroics and their demons. Drawing on personal observations, fresh reporting and interviews, Kindred writes a page-turning treatment of two lives that together changed sports, television and I would argue, the world, forever.



4. Sound and Fury (14 hours, 11 cds, unabridged, Blackstone Audio) is a duel biography of Howard Cosell and Mohammed Ali.
   
   Sport writer Dave Kindred knew both men, he has written a bio that transcends his knowledge of both men. His text is an honest, no hold barred , warts and all biography. When a third person (like Kindred) writes a biography, he tends to put his personal touches with his own bias, this book is NOT that.The book showed an unlikely partnership created by media hype.
   
   In the audio narrative hands of Dick Hill, this audio project seems more like a docudrama in its scope. Hill's narrative voice takes on verbal personas of Cosell and Ali, without mocking them. His talent has grown from the days at Brilliance Audio.
   
   Sound and Fury is an amazing production . . . you won't forget it audio, long after you heard it
   
   Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD



5. David Kindred has written what amounts to a duel biography of the controversial odd couple that is Muhammad Ali and Howard Cosell. The author tells us that Ali elected to not join the military because the Muslim Nation told him not to. To cross them was to literary toy with his life. The assassination of Malcolm X being used as an example. While not necessarily agreeing with Ali's decision Cosell supported Ali stating that taking his heavyweight championship away from him without any semblance of due process was completely wrong. There appears to be evidence that Cosell may have already been experiencing dementia when he came out with his second book entitled I Never Played the Game. Aware of the criticism in his book of his cronies in the TV booth for Monday Night Football Cosell was asked before publication whether he wanted to include these strong opinions. Since he always prided himself on telling it "like it is" he felt it would be hypocrisy of him not to do so now. Cosell was a devoted family man while Ali ventured into nocturnal delights. It was hard for sports fans to be neutral in regard to either of these men, but boxing was the ingredient that brought these two men together first in mutural respect and then in friendship. Incidentally, page 247 has a hilarious anecdote of Howard using his colorful vocabulary in breaking up fisticuffs involving teens in Kansas City. Whether you are a fan of either man or the part they played in sports you will find this to be an extremely enjoyable book to read.

5 comments about Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain.

1. Great book about a super guy! Easy to read & very inspirational. I highly recommend this book for anyone intersted in the human struggle to be on top - it's not just about the money or the fame, it's about life & winning as a human being, not a sports super star.



2. Pick this book up over the movie, it is much better. The movie didn't cover the entire story. Mr. Papale tells his story in the way it should. He is very upfront and totally honest with his entire story. I've recommended this book to so many. It is definitely an inspiring story full of determination that will have you looking at your own life. A great hometown hero story.



3. I enjoyed reading Invincible and thought the book was great. I watched the movie when it came out and as usual the book was alot better than the movie. I would recommend this book to any football fans.



4. I certainly enjoyed reading Invincible. However, my opinion may be bias. You see, I grew up with Vince Papale in Glenolden, PA. We lived about three blocks apart and went to the same schools. I was two years ahead of Vince. My sister and Vince's sister were best friends. I knew almost everyone and everyplace mentioned in the book. Although I didn't see Vince after high school, I followed his career with the Philadelphia Bell, Philadelphia Eagles, and TV sport casting years. Interestingly enough, the owner of the Philadelphia Bell was the star halfback on our high school football team. If you are looking for an inspirational story about a local boy overcoming many obstacles to become a professional football player, this book is for you. Unlike some similar stories (Rocky), this one is true!



5. Vincee and I first got together at the end of my right knee. We were on opposite sides in Pee Wee football. This story is in the book. The only thing faster than this read is Vincee on the football field or on the track. If you don't come away with a tear in your eye, your not normal. I've know Vincee since we were 11 or 12. But this book reveals the inner guy I never knew. I saw the Movie in Philly and we all stood and clapped. It's been 30 years since that great summer of '76 and it feels like yesterday that I watched Vincee play his first Pre-Season game as an Eagle. To top off that great event it was right here in Canton Ohio (my new adopted town). I just about had a heart attack when I read the program and found the name Vince Papale. Now go out and get this great book. Mike Paynter

1 comments about Game I Love.

1. This is a very good book. I think that everyone can learn something from Sam's book.

5 comments about Kelly: A Father, A Son, An American Quest.

1. This book, this story, this family are all fascinating. I was continually amazed as the story of the Kelly family unfolded. I bought the book because I love the sport of rowing but, to my surprise, the story of the Kelly family had me stuck in my chair. The Kellys were real life Forrest Gump except they did not stumble into all the amazing circumstances - they created them. I thought the rowing alone would capture my attention, but I found myself just as intrigued by the side stories of each of the siblings and mother. This book, and this family are worthy of several volumes and a movie...



2. Yet another fascinating read from Dan Boyne. This book is not just about rowing, but in equal parts covers the family inter-relationships and character traits that produced this family, each of whom excelled in different ways. A complex story recounted smoothly and with insight, and in a comfortable, readable, non-intrusive style.
   
   The illustrations are well chosen and convey the characters of the people involved and the situations they were in at the time. The shots of Kelly Sr. in his single and the one of Kell and Grace on the dock at Henley are especially apt. Of particular interest to me was the shot of a triple on the Schyulkill. These boats are not built today and I previously had no idea that they were popular in the early 1900's in this country.
   
   Definitely a "keeper": a book worth retaining for reference and re-reading, as each of Boyne's previous books have been.



3. This is a great great story that Dan Boyne delivers in an articulate, balanced and enthralling way. With great accompanying photos the book is a page turner from start to finish and you don't need to be a rower or have ever been near a boat to get completely caught up in this tale of multi-generational ambition and single-minded dedication. Even as a brit, i enjoyed the tales of how the English rowing establishment barred Kelly Senior from competing at the prestigous Henley Royal Regatta owing to the fact that he had worked as a brick layer and might therefore have derived additional fitness from his manual occupation - simply not sporting behavior. I can only admire my forefathers for the ingenious ways they managed to maintain the upper hand on the Americans!



4. This is how your review will appear:
   
   The Pluck of the Irish!, April 24, 2008
   By Darryl J. Strickler "Rowable Classics" (Thomaston, Maine and St. Charles, Illinois) - See all my reviews
   
   
   This is a book containing excellently crafted text and appropriate black and white photographs that deserves to be read, experienced and enjoyed by rowers and non-rowers alike! It is not only a well-textured biography of two famous Americans from Philadelphia--John B."Jack" Kelly,Sr. and his equally famous son, John B."Kell" Kelly,Jr., father and brother of Princess Grace of Monaco--but also a story of the pluck, bluster, determination and just plain hard work required to be the best in a crowded field (or waterway)!
   
   The fact that the two Kellys happened to be scullers who ruled world competition in single and double sculls in the early and mid-twentieth century respectively--usually wearing a bright, Kelly green cap to signal their Irish heritage and pride to all onlookers--is only part of the story. It is equally a tale about the son and grandson of Irish immigrants who "came from nothing" and firmly believed that "What is, is best," yet were able to achieve remarkable athletic and personal success. They also overcame social and economic prejudice to establish an American family dynasty of their own.
   
   I just finished reading this book straight through without interruption--something I don't usually have the time or interest to do. This is definitely a book that deserves such attention! It is a delightful and informative work in which the effort and precision invested in it by Daniel Boyne, winning author and Harvard sculling coach, are immediately apparent and sincerely appreciated.
   
   Having grown up in the Philadelphia area in the mid-twentith century and sculled on the Schuylkill River (Dutch for "hidden creek"), I was aware of some of the events of the two Jack's lives, but not the total context and intricate tapestry of their lineage and culture, which Boyne has masterfully "illustrated" through the book's narrative tale and photographs.
   
   The book is so well executed I "experienced" at least 20 pages of the story before I became a aware of any of the words. That's how smoothly the text and photographs translated directly into images, with the words totally sublimated. Nicely done, indeed!
   
   Read it ... display it on your coffee table, lend it to your friends (until they buy their own copy!). But most importantly, take to heart its central messages.



5. If you want to be inspired to achieve a goal, whatever it is, I highly recommend this book. You don't have to be a rower to enjoy the story or feel that inspiration - just go along for the row as it were. It's an easy, short, pleasurable read about two extraordinary men, father and son, who accomplished extraordinary things through grit, humor, and sheer force of will. The epigraph that opens the book, from Thucydides, says it all about the commitment these two made to their sport:
   
   "We must remember that one man is much the same as another, and that he is best who is trained in the severest school."
   
   Both men overcame major roadblocks thrown in their way. Jack Kelly Sr., a poor Irish kid from Philadelphia, was denied entry at the last minute into England's prestigious Henley regatta because of his class. In part out of anger, he went on to win three Olympic medals (two of them in a single afternoon). His son, Jack Jr., while raised more comfortably, had to follow in the footsteps of his famous father, and he suffered several humiliating defeats before going on to his own stunning victories.
   
   Daniel Boyne, who has coached rowing at Harvard University for almost two decades and written two other books on rowing, knows the sport through and through. His descriptions of close races are as nailbiting as the best climbing literature, and he makes you feel you're right there on the bank at Henley and on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, where the Kellys won innumerable races (and where Boyne himself was a national champion in a college eight).
   
   So many biographers pummel you with every last detail about their subject. Boyne limits his story to the highlights of the Kellys' lives and amazing careers (and, of course, a bit on their famous daughter and sibling, Grace Kelly). This makes for a quick and satisfying read, complemented by an airy design and great old photos. It certainly made me want to get right out in a boat and start pulling.

No comments about The Edge of Never: A Skier's Story of Life, Death, and Dreams in the World's Most Dangerous Mountains.

4 comments about Ted Williams at War.

1. I will agree with the other reviewers on the excellence of the research in this book, at least in regards to its comprehensiveness in covering so many details of Ted's service. Ted Williams truly was a great American hero, and he deserves to have his story preserved.
   
   However, the writing in this book is just not good. The prose is as stale as it could possibly be; it is bad enough that even the most exciting scenes of combat and competition somehow come off as dry and dull.
   
   In addition, there are some glaring errors even in the research. For instance:
   How ON EARTH does one write an entire book dealing largely with aviation and pilots, yet never learn that the term "knots per hour" is gallingly incorrect? That is basic stuff: The error is as bad as if he had written that teams each get 4 outs per inning in baseball. Not good.



2. Ted Williams was a great baseball player. But this book tells another side of Williams, a true American Hero. He served in 2 wars; lost what would have been peak playing years (what would his stats be if he had those years back). Sometimes we admire players for the wrong reasons. Baseball is going through a big scandal right now. How many of our "heros" have feet of clay? This book reminds us of who our true heros are, those who serve and defend us in the military. Thanks to all our veterans both in the past and those defending us today.



3. Author Bill Nowlin has put together the ultimate book on Ted Williams and it is not about his Hall of Fame baseball days. Nowlin's wonderfully researched book "Ted Williams At War" presents to us a different image of a sports idol--one that shows us a real honest-to-goodness hero! The book is so well written and fascinating that the reader will find himself totally emerged into the story and unable to put it down. The words and great collection of photos captures the essence of a Ted Williams few Americans knew about. We discover a man who was a really true American War hero!
   
   Nowlin goes into great details like who flew missions with Williams in the Korean War. We learn about a young officer named John Glenn, who later goes on to conquer space and become a US Senator. We also read about his air combat missions and how he risked not only his life but also his baseball career when he crashes. The author digs into old flight log books and interviews dozen of former pilots who flew with Ted. All this detailed research makes for a most insightful look at a complicated man. The reader will not be disappointed in this large volume of work.
   
   This book should appeal to not only baseball fans but also all readers who love inspiring life stories. Ted Williams was the only Hall of Fame player to have served in two wars for his country. He did his service when he was at his peak age for baseball playing and yet, he was still able to come back and continue to achieve greatness.
   
   
   The book is honestly written and tells it all. It is a book that I highly recommend. It is given "The American Authors Association's" highest book ranking of FIVE STARS! That Association also nominated it for it's annual Gold Medal Award for Non-Fiction.



4. Normally I would not get too worked up about another biography of a baseball superstar; afterall, how many books do we really need on Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Ted Williams. Is there ever anything new and exciting in these books? Usually not.
   
   Well, Bill Nowlin has proven my theory wrong. His "Ted Williams at War" is an amazing piece of research. Every detail about Williams' military career - World War II and Korea - is there. The fans either loved or hated Williams - who always spoke his mind - and Nowlin has presented Ted's opinions along with those who served with him.
   
   I didn't count the numerous photos - must be more than 100 - and only a few had I seen before.
   
   This is a treat for any fan of Ted Williams, and a must for anyone who considers themselves a baseball historian.

5 comments about The Best of Frank Deford: I'm Just Getting Started.

1. I love listening to Frank Deford on NPR. He gets to the heart of the matter and uses such great vocabulary. I am not a sports fan but, as a High School teacher and Wife & Mother of 2 sports aficionados, I am interested in the History and modern day controversies that go on in sports, so I can periodically speak with some credibility with my constituents.
   
   I bought this book for my 15 year old son, who had never heard of Deford, but is a fan of Rick O'Reilly. He loved this book and could not put it down. He has added Deford to his list of favorite writers.



2. For anyone who enjoys Deford's witty, literate commentaries on sports and society-or those who haven't had the pleasure of reading his work-this book is a great introduction!
   I have to agree that Deford's best work is found in his longer magazine articles. His work for 'Sports Illustrated' alone could fill a few volumes, and the best pieces in this volume are those 'SI' stories already mentioned by other reviewers. Personally, I would have preferred more articles and fewer NPR essays. The shorter, 'intended for broadcast' commentaries are sort of a 'Reader's Digest Condensed' version of Deford's wit and wisdom-tantalizing glimpses that leave the reader wishing he had more room to elaborate!
   I especially recommend "When There Were Still Elusive Barriers"(about Bannister and Hillary), and "Got to Do Some Coachin'" (the brilliant play that encapsulizes the turbulent personal life of Arkansas basketball coach Nolan Richardson).



3. One of the more boring and ill-thought out books I have read this decade. Deford is somewhat of a moron, yet thinks he is the gift to planet earth. I would not recommend reading this at all. I can't believe I gobbled it up at a used book store.



4. Frank Deford is a most articulate, persuasive, engaging writer---perhaps the finest sports journalist writing today.

   The collection of articles and commentaries contained in "I'm Just Getting Started" are from 1980 to 1999 and touch on every aspect of sports.

   You get insight, irony, humor, commentary, entertainment, nostalgia and optimism as you turn the pages---all delivered in a most literate manner.

   The essay on Bill Russell alone is worth the price of admission. "Frank Deford Goes Bowling" is an intriguing take on a subject seldom written up in sports pages.

   Enjoyable for more than sports fans.




5. Frank Deford is a brilliant writer, not to mention, probably the single greatest sports' writer on the planet. He just takes sports' writing to a higher level. The Best of Frank Deford will prove this.

   This book showcases some of Deford's best work as a journalist. Although some of the articles are a little dated, his style and amazing use of language still shines. The pieces included in this book are easily some of the best writng available. Any inspiring journalist could learn a great deal from this collection of writings.

   Deford never holds anything back, and he is never afraid to speak his mind. I personally enjoyed the in-depth look at Bobby Knight. But, there are many other treasures in this candid book.

   Overall, this is an excellent book and quite a fast read. Deford's witty and extremely articulate writing style allows you to flow right through the book. This is a masterpiece of writing, and a true pleasure for any sports' fan. The Best of Frank Deford is simply the best.

1 comments about Un sueno americano: Mi historia.

1. Es un buen libro pero se queda escaso. De La Hoya no cuenta grandes cosas de su carrera y se deja mucho en el tintero. Aún así, recomendado a todo amante del boxeo.
   
   Saludos!