1 comments about Paul Anderson: The Mightiest Minister.

1. Very thoroughly researched. Gives a lot of insight into who Paul Anderson was. Does a very complete job of making the case for many of Anderson's unofficial lifts being legit.

   Paul Anderson was simply an amazing person and the story of how he dedicated his life to Christ while at the peak of his lifting career and how he used his physical gifts to help troubled teens is very inspirational.

5 comments about Playing With the Enemy: A Baseball Prodigy, a World at War, and a Field of Broken Dreams.

1. I loved this book. Two of my favorite subjects are baseball and World War II, so this book was perfect for me. I have also been in the submarine U505 at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, so that made the story even more interesting to me. I was also one of the people that incorrectly assumed that the character of Ray Laws was actually Elroy Face, but I apparently was far from alone in making that assumption. I am eagerly anticipating the movie and hope they get started on it soon.



2. This book was a gift from my son who appreciates and shares my love for sports and history. Gary Moore's entertaining tribute to his father is a wartime story of humanity at its best and triumphing over life's obstacles.
   
   I discovered my late father was involved in the capture of U-505, and this book re-connected me with my brothers and gave us better insight about our "greatest generation". I hope my son enjoys this story as much as I did.



3. With the title of Chapter 40, the author asks the reader "Is that the story you expected to hear?" My honest assessment is 'No'. Much as the author, my father passed away suddenly. I was only 19 at the time, so he and I had not yet formed a father-son relationship at the adult level. It's a totally different relationship than that of a child and father, and one I truly regret missing out on.
   
   In the end, what the author does not know about his father hurts this story. Yes, it's a nice tribute, but the mix of fact and fiction just does not work for me. I realize that every historical piece written has to take some liberties with dialogue and peripheral characters, but this book just does not always have a ring of authenticity to it.
   
   That said, the story of Gene Moore is a sad one. Many of us have had childhood dreams that have been shattered, but Gene's experience is so tough because he actually possessed the talent to do what he loved. Many of us don't get as close to our dreams as Gene, but his was within his grasp and then slipped away. With that background, I wanted more true storyline and less fiction. Whether it was available in this situation or not is irrelevant, but in the end, the book suffers.
   
   I applaud the author for devoting time and effort to write a tribute to his father, but it never quite touched me the way I thought it would. The author can count me among the readers bothered by the Elroy Face passage at the end. Whether a connection is intended or not, the storyline certainly pulls the reader in that direction. In the end, since the 'facts' in the book do not allow the dots to be connected that way, the meeting with Face simply muddles the fact/fiction problem further.



4. A wonderful book, I couldn't put it down! It made me very sad that Gene Moore never was able to fulfill his dream of playing in the majors, it was the game's loss, not just his, as he would've probably been in Cooperstown by now. However, he accomplished so much by the friendships he formed in his town, in the Navy, and in the minor leagues. Gary Moore did an excellent job of telling his story, it made me laugh, it made me cry, and I will definitely read it again! His writing made me feel like I was right there observing the story firsthand. Not only do you get an appreciation for Gene's amazing baseball ability and love for the game, but the story about life and relationships in a small town and the impact that WWII had on so many lives all combine for an excellent read.



5. I suppose given the choice between being a vacuum sweeper salesmen or a major league baseball player most of us would chose the latter. I know I would. And I'm sure Gene Moore would have made the same choice as a 15 year old boy in a small town in Illinois in 1940. Now, don't misunderstand me. Vacuum sweepers are important. I own two. But they are not the stuff dreams are made of.
   
   In his book, Playing with the Enemy, Gary Moore relates how his father, Gene, had dreams like all young men and how the choices he made caused those dreams to become something very different in reality. The book is full of twists and turns that you will find hard to believe. That is until you near the end of the book and he reveals the way in which his father told him the story and what happened to his dad the day after he told him.
   
   At first glance, there seems to be nothing special about Gene Moore. But as we come to know this young boy and watch him become a man we see that he is a very unique person. His ability to adapt to his situation and cause others around him to work for the common good is truly extrodinary and inspiring.
   
   The book caused me to stop and think about my parents and the sacrifices they made during WWII. The world is a very different place today and I don't know if I can really comprehend what they went through. But I'm glad they did.
   
   The book also reminded me of a truth that has been with me for a long time and a truth I try to pass on to my children. That truth is that our lives are not determined by the dreams we dream but by the choices we make.

3 comments about Nine Ten and Out! The Two Worlds of Emile Griffith.

1. Very well written. A great true story that is stanger than fiction. Most of the time one greatly admires Emile while reading the book and at other times you want to grab him by the ears and tell him to stop allowing all the free loaders to use him, especially some of his family.
   a fun, easy read.



2. "Nine... Ten... and Out!" is a book full of drama, comic touches, sadness and joy. What goodness, strength, and innocence that is the man Emile Griffith.
   
   And then tragedy... as in the documentary (Ring of Fire), so in the book: when Emile meets Benny, Jr., 40+ years later, it is hard not to be moved.
   
   I have to confess that prior to "The Ring of Fire," Emile Griffith's sexuality never occurred to me, one way or the other. I was also unaware of his later career as a trainer, and knew nothing of the mugging, nor the matter of being generous to a fault, to his very own detriment. What is shown is that Emile seems very capable of making the most of what he has, with a smile, and that ain't a bad thing (forget what any of the so-called Elitists would say).
   
   While it's sad to read about the mental deterioration, and everything that can be inferred therein (boxing, mugging, age), it's clear the last thing Emile would want is to be pitied. All said and done, I have nothing but affection and admiration for this truly great warrior who, as Ron Ross shows, also happens to be a very good guy.
   
   The drama is delineated with strong narrative, sound judgement, moments endearingly comic, and with Ross's always very human touch. Who can ask for more?



3. This is a unique story of a remarable man--Emile Griffith, the Middleweight & Welterweight Champion of the World. Emile's story has been sitting there, waiting...waiting, just waiting to be told for years. I have always wondered who was going to be the one to tell it. I'm happy it is Ron Ross, a sensitive and knowlegeable writer and soul.

5 comments about Lazarus and the Hurricane: The Freeing of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter.

1. This is the best book that I have ever read. What a devastating, yet inspiration story all at once. The tragidy that society placed on minority groups in the past has to be told and this is told so eloquently. This is a must read for every man, woman, and child in our society today. We must never forget the past so that we do not go there again. This tragedy should never be repeated. The story of what life is all about is in this book. It will touch you like no other book has before.



2. I really enjoyed the Ruber Carter biography The 16th Round. Carter is an amazing writer and he has an amazing life story. I figured this book would be sort of a follow up to his book taking us from incarceration in the end of 16th Round to freedom in Lazarus...
   Instead of getting to the story like Carter was able to the authors of this book felt the need to give a over done bio on Lesra Martin, who would come to befriend Carter. While it seems their intentions were positive for this kid they tend to paint his pre Canada picture as almost insulting this poor kid because of how he talked and acted, and I found the actual presenting his dialogue in supposed Brooklyn slang to be slightly distracting, and we could have done without the language lesson in "Black English"
   Sadly after this intro to the character of Lesra they really fail to mention him much after the story gets going. Lesra is lost to countless stories of trips to see Carter in prison and legal insight.
   The authors who are not Americans seem to almost take enjoyment in bashing the American legal system. They offer a very uneducated assumption based point of view on facts and issues I feel they had little understanding of. And while personally I feel Carter was not guilty of the crimes, the authors paint Carter as a tragic hero you should feel bad for, however that is by far over shadowed by their self-righteous telling of the legal battle in which they take the light that is supposed to be on Carter and apply it to them. They seem to want to have the reader view them as these people who are so good hearted and do everything to aide Carter so well that you can't help but love them.
   
   This book is good to get more facts but if you are looking for a follow up to Carter's story it's not here, this is instead an undiverse retelling of Carter's legal battle, less from the point of view of legal experts and more so that of "crusaders" who were out to see Carter free.
   I respect what they helped do for Carter but find the way they recall the story to be offensive and at times selfish.



3. This book is not as well-written as some of the other books out there, but the stories it tackles are certainly interesting.
   
   Rubin Carter, the brash young boxer turned local cop fall-guy, has a heartbreaking story that begins the moment he is taken in for questioning in a murder that he didn't commit, and ends years later, when he is finally exonerated as an older man.
   
   Lesra has an even more heartbreaking story; as a pre-teen, he is in a prison of his own, the prison of a miserably poor life in the ghetto that has deprived his good genes of achieving their potential.
   
   The book tracks the arrest and imprisonment of Carter, and the story of Lesra as he is taken in by a group of Canadian liberals who wish to give him a better chance at life. To me, the story of Lesra was even more interesting than the story of Carter. The most compelling scenes in the book happen when Lesra begins to adjust to his new lifestyle, and to transform from a physically stunted, uneducated boy into a sensitive and articulate young man. It gives pause to anyone who has ever said that those who live in poor urban America just need to work a little harder if they want to get out. The book makes the argument that the environment of the ghetto is so harmful that just being born and raised there creates a version of you that is almost incapable of rising above the more obvious obstacles.
   
   Young Lesra becomes interested in Carter after reading his book, and he and his guardians become involved in trying to achieve justice for Carter. After a long and trying bureaucratic battle, they finally help to free Rubin Carter, whose innocence could not be questioned by anyone remotely acquainted with the facts of his case.
   
   As much as I liked the stories, the writing was not very good, and often impaired my enjoyment. The fact that the authors are Lesra's Canadian friends is treated rather awkwardly, and characterizations of all of the main characters is pretty subjective, with the kindest possible spin given to every harsh word or action.
   
   This contributes to a feeling that the authors are not being completely honest about the story; it's not that I think they're lying, but rather that they aren't willing to evaluate everything with a critical and objective eye. In one sense, the most important sense, the idea of six comparatively wealthy do-gooders taking a boy out of the ghetto and then taking the ghetto out of the boy is noble and uplifting. But another way to look at it, as a group of meddlers playing God with a human guinea pig, is never really addressed. It kind of reminded me of My Fair Lady in some ways. It's not that I disagree with the wonderful gift that they have given to Lesra; it's just that I think there's more to the story of how they came to decide to do that particular good act.
   
   Overall, I do recommend this book because it has a lot to say, and to prove, about race relations and injustice in America. The unveiling of the corruption of those who sought to have Carter imprisoned is absolutely and unequivocally shocking. The difficulties that the innocent Carter encounters are just disgusting; he's not an innocent man in prison seeking to establish his innocence, but rather an innocent man in prison whose innocence is well-documented, and who can't seem to get anyone to listen, despite resources and national attention well beyond what most prisoners have. Lesra is equally exemplary of another serious problem; how can we expect good citizenship from America's urban poor when their environment is so suffused with negativity and animalistic treatment, 24 hours a day and seven days a week? The pull-themselves-up-by-the-bootstraps argument never seemed so hollow.



4. Two stories in one book, the first part about a young man named Lesra (short for Lazarus) and then the full history of Rubin Carter known as the Hurricane, a black American framed for a crime he never committed and wrongfully imprisoned. A third influence which shadows both stories is a group of people known as the Canadians, their motivations are not revealed to the reader yet without the actions taken by these Canadians the stories with happy endings told in this book would not have been possible.
   
   Lesra was 15 when he was hired to work at a lab in Brooklyn as part of an government funded summer program for inner city youth, it was there that he met a group of Canadians who were working at the lab on a research project. He was invited to visit them later for a weekend in Toronto and they were shocked at the appalling state of his education, though in high school he was unable to read or write and had an extremely limited vocabulary, didn't know how to read a map and had never run on grass. Lesra moved in with them in Canada and they took over his education, Lesra eventually went to university and his whole story of being rescued from a ghetto life and realizing his full potential in a different environment is uplifting.
   
   As Lesra is discovering whole new worlds through books he comes across, "The Sixteenth Round" by Rubin Carter, and Lesra begins writing to Rubin in prison. The group of Canadians become involved with the Hurricane and the rest of the book is devoted to the freeing of Rubin Carter, the incredible amount of work it took and the history of Carter's case in the courts of New Jersey.
   
   Though the book was engrossing there is too much left hanging, mainly what is the motivation of the Canadians and who are they really? Also the title is somewhat misleading as we don't hear much about Lesra except at the beginning. Finally, if it is true as suggested in other reviews here that Rubin was having a love affair that went on for several years with one of the Canadians, then that would most certainly be a glaring omission giving quite a different view of the same story.



5. This story is an inspiration. The idea that good can win over evil. That the poor and uneducated will be taken in and educated and the wrongly accused will be freed is a very nice idea. While I'm sure that many of the gritty details of have been over looked or glossed over, I believe that adds to the inspirational value of the book. Afterall, if this story did not have a happy ending Rubin Carter would still be in jail and we would have all forgotten about him long ago.

No comments about Major League Dad: A Daughter's Cherished Memories.

5 comments about A Test of Will: One Man's Extraordinary Story of Survival.

1. Survival stories are a 'guilty pleasure' of mine and over the years I've gobbled up quite a few. Although I have yet to find a story that gets even close to Krakauer's 'Into Thin Air' this is definitely one of the better books of the genre.
   
   As opposed to plenty of other author's of survival books Warren Macdonald stays refreshingly human in his outlook and he quite openly describes also his not so positive and politically correct feelings. I was very impressed particularly by the second half of the book describing how he works to get his life back on track in a self-determined manner. His attitude could certainly serve as an example for a lot of people out there.
   
   As for the contributions of his travel companion, I could have very well done without them.
   
   Certainly a good read!



2. Very inspiring. I did see Warren MacDonald in an interview and he had so much Charisma that I wanted to read the book. An amazing story how a person can evolve through crisis, this goes for the victim as well as for the savior. Warren shows that the sky can be the limit and it is possible to put mind over matter. It is a very intense story and the way it is written, it feels like being part of it. It's remarkable how candid he describes his feelings and conclusions regarding the amputation. It gave me very important insights as I never knew anyone dealing with amputation, but it completely changed my view.



3. I approached this book with some trepidation. Having just read two similar accounts of persons severely injured in the wilderness, I was in no mood to endure yet another awfully written book.
   
   Apparently, Warren MacDonald has some writing experience or perhaps a very good editor. In either case, readers are treated to an exceptionally interesting book chronically the course of Warren's maverick life.
   
   As expected, Warren first immerses his readers in the gripping tale of his entrapment beneath a one-ton rock as fellow hiker Geert van Keulen frantically goes for help. An added feature of the book are the Geert van Keulen written sections covering his side of the experience.
   
   In interspersed chapters, reader's learn of Warren's introduction to the wilderness, his doomed efforts to save a portion of it, and his eventual and emotional efforts with friends and family to overcome the loss of his legs. Showing his maturity, Warren is wise enough to thank all those folks responsible for his rescue and long recovery.
   
   This is truly a well written and inspiring take on the age old ideal of never giving up.



4. For Warren, things went from bad to worse, to worst. Wow! I knew how it ended and I still couldn't put it down. It's a great message in an even better book.



5. After you read this book, everything in your life will be measured by the BEFORE Warren, or the AFTER Warren Macdonald experience. Because one thing is certain, you will NEVER see the world in the same way, AFTER
   reading Warren's book. There are some books that change your life, your heart, your mind and your perspective forever.... and then there is Warren's book, that is far greater than that! Warren will change how you value life itself. Warren will change how you feel inside your own skin! Warren will transform your
   relationship with the Earth; and he will do it with an honesty, a directness and a sincerity that you will never forget.
   
   There are some stories that forever change who YOU are by reading them. There are some people whose courage and strength, redefine what it means to be alive and successful. I am a better person for having read
   Warren's book; how many authors can say that about their literary contributions?
   
   Vaishali

5 comments about Chair Shots and Other Obstacles: Winning Life's Wrestling Matches.

1. THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK BY WRESTLER, COMMENTATOR AND MANAGER BOBBY HEENAN. IT IS NOT NEARLY AS GOOD AS HIS FIRST ONE, WHICH IS A VERY GOOD BOOK. THIS HAS ALOT OF OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS BY THE BRAIN. IT IS GOOD TO SEE HE IS STILL DOING OK AFTER HIS BOUT WITH CANCER A FEW YEARS BACK. IT IS JUST NOT THAT INTERESTING. I HOPE BOBBY WRITES ANOTHER ONE SOON TELLING US MORE ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE SQUARED CIRLE. NOT A BAD READ.



2. Bobby Heenan was one of the greatest characters in the WWF from the mid-1980's to early 1990's. A funny guy who could use his gift of the gab to make his wrestlers look good and in later years was a humourous colour man.
   
   This book is not a biography like his first (classic) book, it is a self-help book that Heenan wrote after his cancer ordeal. The book itself is ok but I think that if I wanted to read self-help books, I would read one written by a qualified professional.



3. Great book!, showing the human side of Pro Wrestling. If you are a Pro Wrestling fan from the old days, or a "Bobby The Brain " fan, you'll love this book!



4. Bobby Heenan takes to the pages again and presents us with a self-help book. A warning to the wrestling marks, this is not a biography by Heenan. He covers phases of his life from dropping out of school after 8th grade into his career as a heel manager/wrestler and up to his retirement but in no detail covers his life. This is a self-help book through the eyes of maybe the most hated man in wrestling, keeping in mind it is the gimmick of Bobby Heenan, not the man Ray Heenan, that is hated. Heenan, using wrestling metaphors, covers instances in his life and how an average "ham-and-egger" could better themselves from his life lessons. He throws in some brief anecdotes from his career and you might laugh a few times. Overall, this book did little for me and I would have been just as well off if I hadn't read it (and $25 richer). It's readable and enjoyable mostly but Heenan is just all over the place throughout his life and it gets a bit messy, almost as if his entire career took place in 4 years. None-the-less, hardcore fans will buy it, those mark fans wanting a rundown of Heenan's professional career should skip it.



5. The author uses wrestling lingo as a metaphor for life. Entertaining anecdotes and stories made this a fast and funny read. This may not be a self-help book, but I never read one that made me laugh. I am sure his cancer story hit many readers nerves who have lost people or pets to that awful scourge. Mr. Heenan remains the funniest man in the history of the wrestling business.

5 comments about An Act of State: The Execution of Martin Luther King.

1. This reviewer is an avowed conspiracy/cover-up supporter regarding the 1960s assassinations of JKK, RFK and Martin Luther King. He welcomed the opportunity to learn more of the MLK murder. Author Pepper's voice rings loud and clear: "James Earl Ray did not shoot Dr. King!" Unfortunately, in buttressing that statement, author Pepper over examines the evidence and overstates his case. Pepper tries to be thorough but succeeds only in being repetitive to the point of confusion. MLK's opposition to the Vietnam War and proposal of a Poor People's Campaign had angered too many powerful people who wanted him eliminated. It is totally unclear who those individuals might have been. Mysteriously one name that does emerge is that of New Orleans Mafia Boss Carlos Marcello, just as it also does, on the fringe of the JFK hit. The bottom line is that while Mr. Pepper may be a superior lawyer, he has failings as a writer of long and detailed prose. To his credit, Chapter 9 does attempt to marshal the supporting facts in one place-one ray of sunshine where more light is needed. An interesting sidebar to "An Act of State" is Pepper's unabashed skewering of Gerald Posner. GP is the Establishment's point guard in debunking any conspiracy theories, be they related to MLK or JFK. Pepper goes after Posner with a vengeance that can only emerge from the deepest sincerity. The final word here is that "An Act of State" is too important to NOT rate 5 stars. Potential readers are urged to focus on Pepper's efforts and not his results. Mainstream media (what a great term!) has ignored the MLK hit. We should be grateful that the William Peppers of the world have the intestinal fortitude to investigate and publicize periods of our history that many would just as soon ignore.



2. I rode once in a pickup truck associated with a black college professor running for a city council seat, which was soot blackened because it had been fire bombed. That was in the early 1980s in a progressive university town. The threat of violence in reaction to political activism is not academic. It is out there and it is real.
   
   It is chilling that one of Peppers' interviewees matter of factly states that he thinks the book will be buried, so his testimony can just be part of a record without his drawing consequence from providing it. The mainstream media certainly does bury stories that don't fit an establishment narrative. That they have done so in this case shall be a stain on the Fourth Estate for all time.
   
   This is an important work. Every citizen should read this, and it should be taught in all the schools along with material on who King was. One of the things that Pepper does best, in addition to show a lot of persistence in seeking evidence, is reflect on King's value as one of America's leading thinkers of all time.
   
   Given the state of the world, King's moral force is no less and his call to action to bring America back to its original vision still rings out like the echoing of the Liberty Bell.
   
   I think that Pepper's work brings a lot of implications that need to be seriously addressed, especially since there might be some sort of connections or parallels to the JFK and RFK assassinations. What does this mean for any attempt to gain power for a more progressive vision of America in the future? What can we do to make sure our civil processes are not to be trumped by those with a will to do violence in response?



3. William Pepper's exhaustive research could be better served-- An Act of State meanders in and out of consciousness with a loose structure and story line--it's confuing. There are seemingly several relevant and compelling theories layed out on King's murder but the book is so convoluted it is sometimes difficult to follow Pepper's aruguments or thesis if there is one. Lloyed Jowers, the centeral figure at the heart of the conspiracy surrounding King's murder (According to Pepper) is presented as a relativley one dimensional character? With so much riding on Jower's involvement the reader begs to know more about the credibility and character of the man who came out of the shadows and pronounced to the world a mass conspiracy of murder involving the New Orleans Mob (they always get blamed--think JFK) the FBI & Hoover, and the local MPD. One missing componenet in all Pepper's research is Hoover's motive--Hoover no doubt despised King, spied on him and thought him a hypocrite but why would he want to Marytr him by having him killed?? These are not stupid people, Hoover must of known King would be canonized if he was murdered and naturally Hoover would be subject of hate as being such a public adversary--Pepper brings forth the theory of "Raul" the gun runner and hired assasin--perhaps the most intriguing charcter...Overall worth reading--labor intensive--Something happened down in Memphis on April 4th in the shadows of the Lorraine and downtown but by reading this book-- Pepper and everyone else are none the wiser.



4. An excellent book, William Pepper's An Act of State can be read alongside Waldron and Hartmann's Ultimate Sacrifice, the best available book on the murder of JFK. The links between these two "hits" are particularly intriguing.



5. This book is written by an English lawyer, who comes to these events with an analytical eye. He compiles evidence, and draws conclusions based on the evidence. The resulting portrait is not flattering to the US government. The evidence he cites points to apparantly rogue elements of the FBI and intelligence services actively involved in plotting and cover-up of the assasination attempt. This book deserves a film or investigation of its own, as it reverses the commonly-held view that a lone gunman succeeded in the assasination attempt. Taken in context with later relevations of J.Edgar Hoover's abuses of power, spying on US citizens, the Nixon Enemies list, The Pentagon Papers, the growing power of the mob over political figures, and the insidious intersection of the drug trade with the arms trade and politics, this book shows a way that institutionalized violence by elements of the US government can undercut the democratic process.
   Students of English repression of the Irish, Indian colonies, double-dealing in Egypt and the Middle-East, and so on, will recognize the symptoms of absolute power corrupting absolutely. If the evidence in this book were demonstrated with the modern techniques of 3-dimensional (3-D) animation used in modern courtroom investigation, it would be even more convincing. As a sidenote, fans of the distinguished journalist Earl Caldwell will note how his eyewitness testimony (along with that of others) was ignored or contorted to the detriment of the evidence. If DNA analysis were available at the time this book was written, it is quite possible that the level of proof would be even more conclusive. This book, even at this late date, argues convincingly that the MLK investigation was absolutely inadequate. A potential remedy would be independent investigating commissions, perhaps under the aegis of the UN's Human Rights Commission. Modern investigations are failing to protect democracy and human rights; indeed, they are becoming part of the problem. An issue for schools of science to advance seriously, for the common good.

5 comments about I Feel Great and You Will Too!: An Inspiring Journey of Success with Practical Tips on How to Score Big in Life.

1. I not only recommend this book, but also the other motivational books Pat has written. I have had the pleasure of reading them all and meeting him in person as well. He has a contagious personality and an energy level and spirit that most only dream of. He relates to everybody, since he has experience with the rich, poor, disabled and gifted. His stories are inspiring and you can learn a number of good life lessons from Pat.



2. One reviewer (from Moscow, Russian Federation) wrote:
   
   "It is expecting success in the future and doing the best you can to help God make you prosper (and this does not mean lighting lots of candles in churches, at least not limited by that). "
   
   Maybe the reviewer doesn't realize that God can only communicate via candles, which is why we light them. To omit the candles would be to nullify any aspect of the wish / prayer.



3. There are several bloody good points in Pat Croce's book "I Feel Great and you will too!"

   First and foremost, it is the power of positive attitude. According to Pat, it was his permanently positive attitude that helped him score big in life. A positive attitude, in turn, comes in several dimensions. It is self-confidence and sincere believing that life is an extremely great thing to experience. It is expecting success in the future and doing the best you can to help God make you prosper (and this does not mean lighting lots of candles in churches, at least not limited by that). It is pushing other people's limits, helping them achieve more than they have even dreamed of. It is "doing good" to "do well". And this all genuinely generates your excitement and further reinforces your positive attitude.

   Pat also stresses the importance of balancing your passion and tolerance, the Yang and Yin, in doing things. Being an extremely choleric person himself, Pat emphaqsizes the importance of cultivating tolerance and caring, the Yin, while it is clear from the book that the lack of Yang (agression, energy and passion), or over-restraint of your Yang, can damage the optimal balance as much.

   You have to have enough passion and energy to quickly rush into doing what you think is good and worthwile, to "buy" the minds and souls of your pals into the idea; but you also have to sometimes calm yourself down, sit still, and listen to the emotions, concerns and advice of others. Or, more in Pat Croce's style, to restraint yourself from getting too hot and breaking the skull & bones and ripping off the heart of someone who dared to say a bad word to you. And that all requires a good deal of Yin.

   Being a physical therapist himself, Pat shamelessly advertises the healthy lifestyle (physical therapy in particular), and does that so damn great, that I just couldn't keep myself from going to the gym the day I finished his book. So if you wish you had yet another stimulus to get yourself to a fitness center - this book will be a double benefit for you.

   Overall, the book is mostly a fun read, tells lots of interesting stories, and gives plenty of great advices. It also motivates you to do good things, become rich, engage in sport, and enjoy your life to the fulliest. A great book.

   P.S. I recently heard Pat Croce live, and it's nice to see that he learns and progresses. His motivational speech was mostly based on the facts from this book, but they were used more skillfully and also demonstrated some important points that this book does not make clear. Holla at you, Pat!




4. whether or not you know the name pat croce, once you read his inspirational story you can't help but know the name. his motivation and drive launched him from the training room of sports injuries to the front office of sports ownership. an endless go-getter who went and got, pat croce reminds the reader to be hopelessly positive. his 'ten commandments of customer service' is a bible of business. and if owning the 76ers basketball team and starting the high-altitude Slamball league weren't enough, Pat Croce is also a highly motivated motivational speaker, author, television personality, and as his book says 'big scorer.' he'll tell you the secrets to being able to drain that 3-pointer, block that kick, and make that sale (though not all at the same time)! don't think of him so much as an 'entrepreneur' but more as an 'encourageneur.' he even inspired me to write this review! read this book!



5. There are useful pointers when you don't have the time to go through the 2nd or 3rd time. Also, Pat gets straight to the issues (i.e. not beating around the bush) to lengthen the book.

   Trust me, it is worth your time and money. And yes, I FEEL GREAT !!! after reading this book.

5 comments about In Control: The Rebirth of an NFL Legend.

1. Thomas Henderson tells it straight up . If you want to know how a man can right himself after falling from grace then you need to read this book . From the top of the mountain , fame , money , prestige , all pro line backer with the Cowboys to a destitute , strung out crack head . Want to learn how this man dealt with his demons ? He takes one day at a time , just like the rest of us . But Thomas makes a pledge to take one day at a time " sober " . It's an option , you gotta suit up every day !
   
   God bless you Thomas . Keep fighting the good fight



2. I Really enjoyed reading In Control, Years ago I read Thomas's other book Out of Control and while I enjoyed it also. This one is different -- his first one told how he got sober, but this new one tells HOW TO STAY SOBER!!! While he tells us how to stay sober he also entertains the heck out of the reader. It is a book I am going to find myself rereading every couple years or so, and there are not very many books that are like that for me.



3. This book really made me re-think about my sobriety.Thomas Henderson helped me understand better about the 12-steps.About being able to better my life while dealing with my addictions.I really recommend this book for anybody who is going through a recovery process or knows somebody who is,to help them understand what that person is going through in their head.



4. I just spent the weekend reading this book and couldn't put it down.
   
   Thomas Henderson has written a book about addiction and recovery, but his message is actually a universal statement of how to identify challenges, find solutions, produce results and to live a more meaningful life. I think its message has meaning to everyone.
   
   If you (or a family member, friend, or associate) is challenged by addiction, you will learn and find inspiration.
   
   If you are concerned about public policy issues and the burdens of our criminal justice system, you should read this book to understand more about addiction as a foundational problem that produces crime and recidivism.
   
   If you are the leader of a company, of your household, of your kids, or of your peers, this book has important messages that can help you look at problems differently, consider new solutions, and to make better decisions.
   
   While the narrative involves the recovery of Thomas Henderson, reading this book will help you be a more effective CEO, a better parent, or a more enlightened leader. Every thinking adult should read this book.
   



5. This book is the straightforward, easy to read, incredible story of one mans trip to hell and back. Cowboy fans and anyone interested in reading a testimony to the human spirit will enjoy In Control. It is also an excellent heads-up to anyone thinking of dabbling in the world of alcohol and drugs. For those who can identify with Thomases plight, it is an excellent companion to the Big Book of A.A. For those who cant, let it serve as a warning to any who think addiction is a problem "other people" have to worry about.