5 comments about Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon (Bruce Lee Library).

1. Many of the documentaries and biographies out there about Bruce Lee were unauthorized and created by shysters trying to cash in on his sudden death. This book, based on the recent video documentary "Bruce Lee: In His Own Words" is not only superior because it really is based on the master's own words, but the book and video are also endorsed by Bruce's widow and daughter. Here we get plenty of great photographs from Bruce's films, training, and family life. Meanwhile, Bruce's thoughts on acting, family, and his martial arts style (or, according to him, its dismissal of style) are true revelations for any fan of Bruce's classic movies. His thoughts on being a serious actor, rather than a martial arts "superstar," are quite a surprise; while his personal philosophy and attitudes toward martial arts mastery are both fascinatingly Eastern but surprisingly down-to-Earth and accessible for Western enthusiasts. So instead of fighting your way through all the frauds and fakes out there, get it from the master himself. [~doomsdayer520~]



2. There are no limitations , save those that we create for ourselves... Bruce Lee

   This is a great book if you are looking for a compilation of rare photos and facts.. Unlike most books out there that beat around the bush , This book showcases the man as he wanted to project himself to the world .The perspectives are variable throughout the book , giving the reader a vast panoramic view of the life and times of the much hyped martial arts superstar..

   Frankly, if you're looking for a detailed description of his persona , you will find exactly that and more.. Full of great photos that give a realistic insight on the master , this book is a good buy if you are interested in the glam..

   If you are a martial artist however , I would strongly suggest that you do not buy this book . There are various other books that will serve your purpose, books like 'The Tao of JKD'.




3. This book is a great addition to my collection of Bruce Lee books of pictures, filmography, philosopy and techniques. It has one of the best picture collections of all the books I've seen. The content isn't bad either. Talking about the life of the Little Dragon and some of the deep thoughts he had in his short life in this world. My fan-ography of the Jeet Kune Do Sifu is just starting, even if I have been a follower for years. This book is not a dissapointment. It will be a great addition to any collection.



4. Bruce Lee was his own man.he had so much style&smoothness about him.this book highlights his world in front of the public&behind it.very detailed&very upfront.you get a very insightful look into his world&vision.a man who forever changed the world with his talent&craft.a man who was trying to make sense of his surroudings&the things that were in placed around him.He will never be forgotten.



5. What an intimate look at the man behind the image! The book is highly visual--the text is very limited--but the photos are like none that I've ever seen in other books on Lee. I'm talking about the baby pictures of Bruce and Brandon, photos of Lee from behind the scenes in his movies (a kind of spooky one of him and Sharon Tate from what must have been just before she was killed), and pictures of he and his wife just sitting on the couch at home. It makes you realize that there's a man and father behind the superhero that appears in his films. I loved it.

2 comments about Mi vuelta a la vida.

1. Me parece un buen libro motivacional, lo recomiendo pues nos ensena a que siendo perseverantes podemos alcanzar nuestras metas y superar cualquier obstaculo de la vida....



2. This is one of the most inspirational biographies I have ever read, and comes from the truly remarkable life experiences of a determined young man. I loved every word!
   
   Early in the book, Lance Armstrong says ". . . that cancer was the best thing that happened to me." He goes on to say, "When I was sick I saw more beauty and triumph and truth in a single day than I ever saw in a bike race."
   
   Overcoming cancer and becoming an athletic champion in the grueling sport of bicycle racing require a toughness of spirit, mind, and body that is hard for most of us to imagine. This inspirational book portrays beautifully how one can start with the right spirit and overcome enormous obstacles.
   
   Although his doctors told him he had a 40 percent chance of surviving stage three testical cancer, this was mostly to keep his morale up. After he had recovered, his doctor admitted that is chances were around 3 percent, instead.
   
   While he was being treated for the cancer, no one thought that he might ever race again. He did decide to go through treatments that would leave open the possibility that his lungs (affected by the cancer) would still be functional and his coordination (through delicate brain surgery) would be unaffected. Within two years, he had won the Tour de France, a grueling race he had never done well in before he had cancer.
   
   Growing up, Lance Armstrong had little reason to suspect that he would become one of the world's greatest athletes. He was well into high school, still trying pretty unsuccessfully to make the football and swimming teams, before it became clear that he could become a significant cyclist. Pleased with the money that success brought, he had a tough time building the attitude of a champion to go with his remarkable endurance skills. Overcoming cancer helped him with that, as well as seeing the beauty around him.
   
   He met his wife at the press conference to announce the beginning of his foundation to fight cancer. They were married during his recovery, and recently became parents through the miracles of modern medicine.
   
   Of such wonderful stuff are role models made, something we have too few of these days.
   
   The story is told in a very open and matter-of-fact way. He is not trying to make himself into something that he isn't. Clearly, his purpose in writing this book is to help all of us fulfill our potential rather than to glorify himself.
   
   Please share this book with people who need this inspiration.

5 comments about Dick Vitale's Living a Dream: Reflections on 25 Years Sitting in the Best Seat in the House.

1. This is a must read for any college basketball fan. "Dickie V" lets every reader know what it feels like to experience big time college hoops from the best seat in the house. Also includes stories about Jim Valvano, Rick Pitino, Coach K, MJ, and everyone who has influenced his life in broadcasting over the last 25 years. Funny, heart-felt, inspiring, and down right a good read. You won't regret it.



2. If you like college basketball or Dick Vitale you'll enjoy this book. Dick spends quite a bit of time going through his humble beginnings at the embryonic Espn. Hard to remember it being a start-up. Actually he goes back further describing getting fired as a coach and what a mental challenge that was.
   
   But this book is all about celebrating college basketball as seen through Dick Vitale's eyes. Yes, I'm aware he can be "over the top". But listening to him describe how much he loves his job and how much he is overpaid gives you an idea of just how much he loves waking up everyday and finding someone new to listen to him.
   
   While a substantial amount of the book is about Dick, he also hits the major problems with the game today and what he would do to change them. Destined to be controversial, Dick Vitale makes an impact in his job and other peoples lives. Recently I attended a U of Louisville/U of Memphis game and right before the cameras start rolling Dick jumps out on the floor to dance to the band. I'm sure many people would find this foolish. But with his bald head and big smile, he brought the crowd to a standing ovation. He makes you have more fun and that's a great profession to be in.
   
   Be forewarned that you can't read this book without the words sounding like their coming from Dick's mouth, similar to listening to the book on tape. I know that sounds weird but when you read it, you've heard the voice and the themes so many times that it becomes familiar to you. I've had the pleasure to meet Dick and let me assure you he is EXACTLY in person like you see on TV. A guy having fun and wanting everyone else to also.



3. I found this to be a fascinating review of the college basketball scene from a viewpoint rarely taken, from inside the "Coach K Waste Disposal Tunnel at Cameron Indoor Stadium," where many Duke fans in the media hang out, and discuss matters of interest to Duke athletic supporters. Dick Vitale really dares to go where no other living soul would.

   Beyond that, Dick's use of hackneyed cliches sets the standards for a whole generation of 1-trick pony sports broadcasters yet to come. Kudos to Dick for having the courage to be an exemplar of stupidity, BABY!




4. This book contains a foreword written by a CLASS ACT, Mike Krzyzewski. Much unlike the classless Gary Williams, who refused to attend my barbeque ----- Perhaps this explains why can't pull recruits from his own backyard? This is described in detail in chapter 5. Mr Vitale is a pleasure to read. He describes his trips to Cameron Indoor and his friendly conversations with Coach K, Mike Dunleavy, and Wayne Gooch.



5. Self-parody at its finest

5 comments about The Gracie Way: An Illustrated History of the World's Greatest Martial Arts Family (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series).

1. First off, I must state wholeheartedly that I really enjoyed reading this book. I especially found extremely interesting was the history of Carlos and Helio Gracie, which I found much more intriguing than the recent history of the kids, Royce, Royler, etc., although I did really like the glimpse into the creation of the UFC and its early fights.
   
   The one thing I didn't particularly care for was the biased slant towards the Gracie family from the author. I tend to agree with one of the other reviewers when he comments that perhaps the author is much too close to the Gracie family in order to give a totally unbiased opinion. This is obviously true, but if you know that going into the book, then it shouldn't be much more than a minor annoyance.
   
   I highly recommend that everyone, whether you are involved in any of the grappling arts or not, should take the time to read this very interesting and historically significant book (as far as martial arts goes).
   
   Here are a couple of other biographies of MMA fighters that I also found to very interesting and ones that I highly recommend that you read.
   
   Little Evil: One Ultimate Fighter's Rise to the Top
   
   This Is Gonna Hurt: The Life of a Mixed Martial Arts Champion
   
   Iceman: My Fighting Life
   
   Shawn Kovacich
   Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.



2. "The Gracie Way" is a serviceable history and tribute to the first family of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Each stand-alone chapter profiles a member of the Gracie clan, starting with Helio and finishing up with Renzo. The book is lavishly illustrated with quality color photos - nearly coffee table book quality.
   
   For anyone interested in BJJ, the Gracies or the history of the UFC, this is a fun read.
   
   Other reviewers have commented on the bias in the book, and this is a valid criticism, though nit fatal. Author Kid Peligro is obviously enchanted with the Gracies and so he tends to mythologize their every move. The few defeats suffered by Gracies are dealt with in a way that suggests that "they was robbed" or that the fix was in. Peligro makes no pretense of objectivity. Still, this does not render the book useless in my view.
   
   "The Gracie Way" was perhaps written before Royce fought Matt Hughes, who rag-dolled him. It also does not address the issue of Royce testing positive for steroids after one Elite XC event. (Perhaps the BJJ success was not due solely to drinking acai juice!!).
   
   Whether you feel the Gracie legacy is tarnished or burnished, "The Gracie Way" is a worthwhile read for historians and fans of BJJ and MMA.



3. Kid Peligro nails it from an (almost) insider's perspective. As someone who started training with the Gracie family before there was even a UFC, I believe Kid is dead on with his take on the family and the martial art of Brazilian jujitsu. A lot of MMA fans today don't even realize there would be no UFC (or formerly Pride, or any other MMA organization) without the Gracies. Must read for Gracie and MMA fans.



4. I thought I knew somethings about the First Family of Mixed Martial Arts, But this book tells almost everything. Their truimphs,tragedies and hopes for the future. If your a fan, Than this book is worth reading.



5. I love the mystique surrounding the Gracie family martial arts. I was enthralled with Royce Gracie as a kid, and still revere him as a hero of sorts. So, I really enjoyed this book, mostly because it talks about something there is simply not much literature written about.
   
   That said, it is biased. It's okay to lose, and Kid P. should recognize this. All the greatest fighters in the world have lost, or certainly end up losing, eventually. Muhammed Ali lost his share of matches, but always fought to stay on top. He eventually didn't, but he revolutionized boxing and more because of his greatness.
   
   The Gracie's are the same way. Like it or not, the Gracie's changed everything, and made today's fighters what they are. They popularized vale-tudo fights, and taught the world (without reserve) their style. It constitutes half of MMA today. Without it, MMA would be Tank Abbot slugging it out with Ken Shamrock, or whatever.
   
   This celebrates the Gracie family in a non-academic approach. Get it, enjoy it.

5 comments about John Starks: My Life.

1. Outside of Patrick Ewing, former CBA veteran John Starks is probably one of the most recognizable figures in New York sports during the 90's. In his book, Starks talks about his humble beginnings--moving from four different college academic programs to making it to the New York Knicks on a technicality (as injured players can't be cut from their teams, John attempted to dunk of Patrick Ewing during the pre-season in 88' and got hurt in the process).
   
   Through his words, Starks shares the will, desire, and tenacity which made him one of the most exciting and controversial players to ever play in the NBA. Starks shares stories that made him the most decorated guard to ever come out of the CBA with accolades such as the winning a spot on the NBA All-Star team and the 6th Man of the year award. He also talks about his horrible game 7 performance in the 1994 NBA finals as well as the trials and tribulations which he and a number of his family members had to go through.
   
   If your a fan of the NBA, this is certainly one ride you wouldn't want to miss! Get your copy today!
   
   If you found this review helpful, kindly vote for it. Thanks!



2. Starks does a good job here detailing his life and whats most rewarding is his confession of his errors and failures on and off the court. That is this book's strong points.
   
   There are good photos here.
   
   John discussing some of the nutty fans who stalked him is a good read and my personal favorite is his story of the first time he drives his mother and grandmother thru Manhattan traffic, weaving in and around the taxis. The description of what was going on with the two women had melaughing.
   
   The weakness of this book is the dvd that is included with it.
   John should have paid someone a little bit more money to produce this thing a little better. And throughout the book, he repeats a lot of the bad stuff that happened to his brothers over and over again. Hos co-writer should have edited that a little bit better.
   
   Hopefully John will coach the Knicks one day. If you're a Knicks fan, then read this book.



3. john starks was my idol growing up. Before he came to the knicks they were very mediocre. As he says in the book his rise coincided with the knicks title contension throughout the 90's. The book was very good and gave great insight into the man before his career. I was shocked when i read that he used to sell drugs and had been in jail. i followed everything about him back in the day and i remember never hearing about his father so it surprised me to hear that he met his father a couple times. anyway i lived and died with starks the dunk was this city's highest high and 2-18 well u do the math. i recommend this book to anyone who loved a good underdog story about a man with a heart as big as the big apple



4. I raced through reading this autobiography of John Starks, mainly for personal reasons. The rise of John Starks as a New York Knick corresponded with a lot of overcoming personal struggles in my own life, and I've always felt a deep connection with his story, his explosiveness as a player and as a person, his perpetual teetering on the edge of self-wreckage, and with his continuing maturity and enormous heart that he always brought to the table. This book is hardly a sophisticated read, so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. But if you look at John Starks as I do, as a true phenomenon of character and class, as someone who broke through barrier after barrier, tripped over his own bad habits along the way and still always remained deeply resolute in his belief in himself, then you'll love hearing how his voice comes through the writing of Dan Markowitz. Learning about the chaotic and reckless background of John's life reminded me of how gritty and passionate he was as a player, how his unstoppable desire shook the NBA world. But even in a moment like "The Dunk," John always remained a humble, down to earth man, someone undisturbed by the glow of fame, even more human because of the doubt that always followed his brilliant success. I wish he could have won a championship and have his number retired at the Garden, but in a way, even though his "2 for 18" night left fans like me forever hungry, the dramatic ironies that occupy his life story and the peace that he discovers within himself allow me to savor the tales he tells in this book, as I will forever be inspired by one of the most unique and lovable characters in the history of New York sports.



5. John Starks' story is full of inspiration. The man grew up in a rough area of Tulsa, Oklahoma without a fatherly figure. His mother and grandmother instilled some positive attributes. However, John faced many troubles growing up and his brothers had a mixed influence on him.
   
   However, John Starks perservered from a troubled youth stocking shelves in Safeway to an NBA All Star. John overcame many obstacles in the NBA and earned the respect of many of his peers in spite of a few overzealous actions on his part.
   
   What really comes accross in this book(and from listening to John speak in person) is the that Mr. Starks has turned into quite an articulate and intelligent young man. He sets a good example as a USBL coach and certainly would be a good candidate to coach in the NBA. John's strong work ethic will indeed carry him to much further success.
   
   A good read even for Chicago Bull, Miami Heat and Indiana Pacer fans!

No comments about Tiger Woods: In Black and White.

5 comments about Taking Shots: Tall Tales, Bizarre Battles, and the Incredible Truth About the NBA.

1. Taking Shots is a great read about the life of Keith Glass, an NBA agent. From his days at UCLA all the way through to the NBA.
   
   An enjoyable read for any basketball fan.



2. I read a ton of books, mostly history and sports books. This book does have some interestng stories, he tries to hard to preach and the book never seems to flow. Granted, I bought it for 6 bucks but it's simply not worth the cover price.



3. Keith Glass takes us behind the scenes on what goes on behind the glitz of an NBA game. He gives us lots of behind the scenes action, insider information and laugh-out loud anecdotes, which are all fun to read. However, that lies the shortcoming of this book. It is just that. Full of anecdotes. According to the cover copy, it's about the incredible truth about the NBA. The problem is, the book is so scattered, there's no central topic, even if Keith Glass said it's about NBA player's sense of entitlement, it doesn't come out that way since there are chapters that digress from this subject. Reading the book, it switches from an autobiography, to the pratfalls of being an honorable agent to stories about his clients to an advice on how to improve the US Men's Basketball team. The topics meander and Glass seems to be trying hard to be a comedy writer in his next life. Still, Taking Shots is an enjoyable if not (very) light read. It is not in the level of Terry Pluto's Loose Balls or as controversial as Phil Jackson's last book. The supposed subject on what makes the NBA fail today (as written in sleeves) is not discussed in-depth and if it was discussed, the writing is not that clear to be understood what the point is all about. Keith Glass, being an agent, should've called his agent so he could've secured a good editor for his book.



4. My largest disappointment with this book was the lack of focus on the agent aspect of Glass's life. The stories were about his clients, and there are some situation he's found himself that are the result of being an agent, but they often weren't about actually what it was like to be an agent. Negotiation tales were vague and general, most of the players he told stories about were non-stars if not entirely unrecognizable.
   
   His portion of the book that addressed what was wrong with the NBA was hardly a revelation; I think most people know that the basketball being played in the NBA is lousy, so that assessment from Glass is not shattering any illusions. Further, his suggestions for how to "fix" the NBA are pipe dreams, at best, even if some would make sense.
   
   There is enough humor and behind-the-scenes type of stories to keep the book interesting, but there's an awful lot of pages for what seems like very little substance. The content does not live up to the expectations created by the title.
   
   Finally, and this is a very picky detail, there are typos galore in this book. I generally thought books had editors to catch such things, but there is a variety of glaring errors throughout.



5. Keith Glass tells a great tale, and his many years of experience representing NBA players has given him many to tell. Glass' book is a great insight into the other side of the NBA that the general public would otherwise have no access to. But one of the greatest elements of this book is Glass' true passion for the sport, and for the part he has played in it.
   
   The book looks at Glass' upbringing, with basketball in his life from a very young age. Glass discusses how Larry Brown ended up living with his family, how Glass saw the evolution of basketball, and how he became a coach at UCLA. There's a very nostalgic and homely feel to these earlier chapters, and they definitely show a man who really loves the game and loves the relationships he has been able to establish through it.
   
   The book then looks at Glass' adventures in representing top level NBA stars and how he came into this career. The greatest stories in here are the tale of Mahamoud Abdul-Rauf, the making of Scott Skiles (current head coach of the Chicago Bulls) and the sad story of Thomas Hamilton. It really is the stories like Hamilton's, a seven-foot-four giant with exquisite skills who could never get his NBA career started due to personal problems, that make this book. The power this story has is it makes you look at how some people can throw their God-given talent away, which gives you perspective to appreciate what you have in your life.
   
   The latter chapters lack the same level of interest, as Glass discusses the various ways he NBA could improve the league and take it back to it's roots more, and further away from the greed-driven monster it has become. Glass makes some great points, but they could have been better illustrated through his stories, rather than telling the reader, point-blank. His various tales deliver this message through subtlety and through reading between the lines of what's going on, so to have this opinion forced onto the reader in the end weakened the overall tone of the writing a bit.
   
   It also plays down some of Glass' other failings, in that he makes little to no mention of his previous marriages and doesn't discuss things he has done that he has regretted. It seems, at times, that Glass is a little too ethical in a world of no ethics, and to survive in this arena, Glass says himself, you can't always hold to your morals. There would appear to be a level of censorship and restraint at times. The book could have had more effect if there were no barriers, no holds barred.
   
   There are also two times that Glass refers to the story of Lloyd Daniels, and says that he would need an entire book of it's own to tell Daniels' story. Lloyd Daniels was shot three times in the late eighties and still, to this day, has a bullet lodged in his right shoulder. He never played in college, yet went on to play for five NBA teams. Now that's a story I want to hear. Daniels' story should have made the book, even in brief form.
   
   At the end of the book you get the sense that this is the story Keith Glass wanted to tell in exactly the way he wanted to tell it, which is not so bad, but it felt like it could have explored so much more about the dark side of the glamourous life of pro-ballers. As it stands, it's an interesting read, great at times, but overall more focussed on presenting a portrait of a man who loves the game and who holds a special place in his heart for 'his' players. Again, this is not so bad, but a but more controversy and a couple more first-hand accounts of back-room dealings would have made this a more important and compulsive book.

5 comments about Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Antihero.

1. Once, 2 years before he quit playing, Bonds made the statement that all the strain of making 16 million a year for playing a game was just too much. I imagine Barry did have difficulty following in the paths of earlier family members who also played the sport. Bonds never diunderstood, like a few that play today, is that you cannot treat people like insignificants and expect them to like you. A book written by Gary Sheffield documents almost everything the author writes about Bonds. Barry is the kind of player, according to Perleman, that when something good happens--like hitting a home run- the world is just barely tolerable. Now, if a call strike occurs on Bonds, this only cements the belief. Bonds insists he did not take steroids, but the entire world (well almost) knows he did. In his contempt, Barry insisted that everything be his way or no way at all. There are just so many books written about this guy, but give credit. Forging this terrible attitude that Bonds must have, in part at least, was his baseball coach at Arizona State. He permitted Barry to be treated better than anyone, hence, the "I am perfect" mold began to form. Bonds did have a "few" bad moments in his career, as Perleman notes in his story of the World Series of the Angels and Giants in 2002 when Bonds literally falls on his face trying to field an outfield hit and ensuing error cost his team the game. What I beleive most will get out of this book is that Bonds had contempt for everyone from Babe Ruth to the worst rookie in pro ball. Bonds would have you believe he did not care about anything while playing the game or driving his car. He seems to possess disdain for a sport for racism ( but which paid him so much) as he when he referernced that a "black man" could not "get away" with the special previlegdes that Roger Clemens had with the Astros. But like all that he was I believe most of this was put on. What Barry Bonds was good at was tremendous eye hand coordination and the ability to pick what the opposing pitching was going to throw. In balls going 90-95mph or knowing a curve is coming beforehand trumps everything for a hitter. In one story, Perleman mentions how he teaches HOF manager Dusty Baker how well he 'reads a pitcher, predicting 6 consecutive pitches while Baker watches in amazement. Reading this book might remind you of a few guys who came before Barry: Ty Cobb, Rogers Hornsby just to name two. Tremendous talent with terrible attitudes. This book is much more than about baseball. Highly recommended because Perleman does such an excellent job of following a career which indeed must have been very difficult. guyairey



2. This is quite simply one of the best sports biographies I have ever read. It is written in a very readable and interesting manner. Very highly recommended.



3. The author certainly did his homework by interviewing over 500 people who have had some interaction with Bonds over his life in order to write this book. What was grat about this book was that it wasn't written by Bonds or from the perspective of the author it was more other peoples true experiences about Bonds spun into a book. This was a fresh look at this guy and not written to drag him down or to glorify him, you are left to make your own opinion. I liked it.



4. I thought this would be a good book for a teen to read, however, there was much too much foul language.



5. Excellent book. Very entertaining. If you are a baseball fan this is a must have as it talks of Bonds throughout his baseball career. There are many quotes from his teammates on the Pirates and the Giants as well as items from his college days.
   
   The book talks about his marriages and his relationship with his dad.
   
   I finished this book in a week when it usually takes me a month or so to finish a book. I could not put it down.

5 comments about Red Legs and Black Sox: Edd Roush and the Untold Story of the 1919 World Series.

1. and another biography of a long-forgotten star.
   
   Susan Dellinger's "Red Legs and Black Sox: Edd Roush and the Untold Story of the 1919 World Series" examines the life of a star outfielder from the 20th century's second and third decades, with particular emphasis on the fixed World Series. Dellinger, a relative of Roush, offers insight to the life of Roush that only a relative might provide, and has done quite well in composing this book: and easy, interesting read with some new insight as to the happenings of the series between the Reds and White Sox.
   
   For Roush's part, his continued insistance that the Reds would have won the World Series anyway receives a boost in this book. For their part, the Reds had the second-highest winning percentage in the National League during the decade (.686), while the 1919 White Sox was lower. Now, they played in different leagues against different teams, but in the course of 154 games, the team with the higher winning percentage tends to be the better team. Dellinger works through an assessment of the teams' relative strengths and weaknesses, and states a clear argument that the Reds were not a certain underdog, with or without White Sox help. The numerous double-crosses and triple-crosses in the fix, by the middle of the World Series, could only help the Reds.
   
   In all, the book is entertaining and informative, and a fine supplement to learning more about the World Series fix and Edd Roush.



2. While numerous books exist regarding the Black Sox Scandal of 1919, this book takes a unique perspective. Written by the granddaughter of Reds star Edd Roush, the book explores the scandal from the Reds point of view. A quick paced read, fans of the topic are likely to enjoy the book regardless of which side of the divisive arguments they fall.
   
   While this book tells much the same story as other books about the scandal, it does have a unique selling point. The book gives a new angle to the story; the White Sox were not the only crooked players. Through his granddaughter, Roush suggests not only that other players of the era were crooked, but members of the 1919 World Champion Reds may have been under the influence of gamblers. Dutch Ruether and Slim Sallee, according to Roush's observations and his speaking to others, seem to have been influenced.
   
   I enjoyed the story and the fresh angle it was given. The research seems solid though it is inexcusible to make careless mistakes such as alternating between the incorrect "Comiskey Field" and "Comiskey Park". The newspaper cartons from newspapers of the era are further demonstration of solid research efforts.
   
   One of the center arguments seems to be that the Reds would have won the series regardless of the gamblers. Dr. Dellinger makes the argument that the Reds have been relegated the title "synthetic champions" far too long. While I respect her biased opinion, I will politely disagree that the better team did not win the 1919 World Series.



3. This is a great book! It is the type of book that will engage a high school, or even a junior high school, student (adults find it fascinating, too). The best part of the book is that it gives you a different perspective on the scandal. It is an excellent opportunity for teachers who want to demonstrate that there is more than one perpective for a particular event (and more than one way to describe it). It is told by a relative of Edd Roush and does not masquerade as formal historical analysis. In fact, it is what it says it is, and readers who try it will be both entertained and educated.



4. Dr. Dellinger's relationship with subject (grand daughter) lends a totally new perspective to the Scandal of 1919 while also providing a comprehensive story of the life and thoughts of a "lesser known" Hall of Famer. On film, this would be a great companion to "Eight Men Out" providing insight not previously available.
   
   Easy, comfortable read.



5. I found this book to book to be a disappointment. The problem was that it was written by Roush's granddaughter. It is not impartial, nor objective. In the book he does nothing wrong, or even off color, yet many other players do, while the worst that he does is drink beer and hold out during spring training. Despite any situation in the book he is always the "hero." It is unrealistic. Many of the conversations in the book are not referenced. We do not know how they were obtained. They were probably manufactured. The book comes across as a relection of a heroic grandfather. The grammatical errors toward the end of the book show a rush to finish the project. The conclusion that the 1919 Redlegs were the top team and that it was time to crown them as such was outlandish. It ignored the fact that the WhiteSox were, in fact, the favored team in that series. The evidence points to the fact that they did throw games intentionally. It is further ludicrious that she suggests that the 1919 Redlegs were the greatest Reds team ever, over the Big Red Machine. I found this book to be a waste of time to read. I was very disappointed after reading the final chapter, yet relieved.

3 comments about Merryland: Two Years in the Life of a Racing Stable.

1. Though not really a sequel to Pons' earlier "Country Life Diary" (which was updated slightly with a new edition after Cigar's Horse of the Year campaign), many of the names will be familiar. There are occasional times when I was startled to read a passing reference to some humans and horses who have died since "Country Life Diary" (the vet Peyton, the teaser Popeye). The tone is much the same-- a realist's look at the business of raising racehorses.
   In this book we don't hear as much about the Pons family (other than the late patriarch, who died as the book was being written). Merryland is a training facility rather than a breeding farm, so there is not as much detail about the stallions. There is some inevitable heartbreak as horses unexpectedly suffer catastrophic injuries.
   It's not really a criticism to say that I would have liked to hear more about some of the horses portrayed in the first book (and this one). Rather, I enjoyed the author's writing, and this comparatively slim volume left me wanting more!



2. In his second collection of diary entries originally published in a series for The Blood-Horse magazine, Thoroughbred farm owner Josh Pons discusses the triumphs, tragedies and frustrations within the industry.
   
   More like essays, Pons tackles a variety of issues that are bolstered by an array of photographs, like the fading away of farms due to commercial/residential developments, the fragility of the equine athlete and family tragedies, on and off the track.
   
   The Thoroughbred is poetry in motion; Pons adds a personal touch for a unique perspective on "The Sport of Kings," from the grass-roots.



3. This is an excellent book. I own an extensive library of books dealing with horse racing. I have purchased books dealing with trainers, breeders, jockies and tracks and this book rates up there with the best. You will get a first-hand, honest, emotional view of breeding, delivering and raising horses. You will feel like you are there and experiencing all the beauty and heartbreak with the writer. I only wish he would write more often on this topic. I have read his first book twice and couldn't wait for this, his second. Please Mr. Pons, please write another diary of your life with these amazing fragile creatures. You are truly gifted.