5 comments about Kobe Bryant: The Game of His Life.

1. The book describes a miscarriage of justice in a small town in Colorado. It's amazing to read the story by Shapiro and Stevens about what happened and learn how our legal system is impotent in protecting those that need it most. Also, how some of the public cannot conceive that their heroes may have feet of clay. I was very disappointed to read about the shenanigans of the female defense attorney toward the victim. A sad story that should have ended differently.



2. I just finished reading this book, and it was not that great. A lot of the facts about the case are there, but there is way too much storytelling. Some parts of the book sound like a fiction novel geared towards 7th graders. I do not like the way the authors tell some of the stories of things that happened. The authors could have been more unbiased, especially when giving facts about the accuser. I felt that a lot of the time they were kind of assuming things about her and how she was thinking. The ending of the book is also horrible, and it is too open ended and fails to really tie into the rest of the book. The last chapter is kind of awkwardly placed at the end, maybe because there was no where else for it to go.... perhaps they need to add on to the book now that more has happened.
   
   Oh, and they misspell Red Auerbach's name in the book, I'm surprised no one caught that before it went out.
   
   Overall if you really want to read this, it gives a little insight, but it is not worth your time. If you followed this case in the press and read articles, you probably already know most of the stuff covered in this book and it is not worth it. If you did not follow this case at all and just want something to read that will give you the basic story, then it may be worth it for you.



3. This is a very well written book of what happened in the Kobe case last year. Its incredible the case never went to trial after everything that happened.



4. that a rich athlete can get away with rape by throwing money at the problem.



5. Jennifer Stevens and Jeffrey Scott Shapiro's summary of the Kobe Bryant drama will most likely be immortalized since the case has been settled and all parties -- including Bryant, the victim and their lawyers are bound to silence. Stevens and Shapiro covered the case up until February of 2004, but very little happened afterwards, leaving the reader with all the pertinent information, including what happened the night of the alleged attack and the police interviews with Kobe. It's a fast turning read, but good luck trying to find a copy in an actual bookstore. Either they're all sold out or maybe there was a recall for a new edition or something. It's pretty hard to locate a copy now. I remember seeing them in Borders when the book first came out, but ended up borrowing a copy from a friend after I had a hard time relocating the book offline. This book reads easily, but almost all of the authors bombshells including the police interview and 3 other women Kobe had strange encounters with has been verified by other sources. It's a fun read and unfortunately it's all there is since no one else has written another book on the case. I'm glad there was at least one book out there that covers all the main points and stories. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a broad overview of the case and an inside look at who the main players are.

5 comments about Best Damn Garage in Town: The World According to Smokey.

1. Goddamn! One of the best books I have ever read!
   
   Get it!



2. Simply put this is one of the best books about racing I have ever read. Smokey's stories are entertaining, hilarious, and insightful. His kind will not be by this way again! If you like racing of any kind, this book is a must read. It is well worth both the time and the money.



3. Extremely fortunate to have worked with Smokey during our years at Circle Track Magazine and all his years at PRI (Performance Racing Industry).
   THIS IS INDEED THE BEST DAMN BOOK IN TOWN. You'll love it.



4. Excellent reading. Very informative and it kept me interested the entire time. I would recommend for anyone!



5. Smokey tells it just like he sees it. No political correctness here. If he thinks something stinks, he says so. He has no love lost for Bill France and company, but respects many others.

   His writing style is straight to the point, amusing and raw. But it's the way he sees things...and he repeats that point...that it's just his opinion and urges the reader to make up their own mind.

   I highly recommend this set. And I salute you, Smokey.

5 comments about Companions in Courage : Triumphant Tales of Heroic Athletes.

1. The reviewer who says HA! can't have read this book. Maybe Canseco's book, but not this one. I recently met LaFontaine, a man who loved his sport passionately, and like all professional athletes, was trained to ignore the pain. He now works very hard to create multimedia rooms in hospitals for very ill children. His foundation is called Companions in Courage.
   
   There's a chapter in the book about a potential Olympic medalist who didn't fight the final bout to qualify (tae-kwon-do). It was not because her opponent was also her friend, though she was; it was because her opponent had dislocated her kneecap in the previous bout. The athlete forfeited, rather than take a sure win from a wounded opponent.
   That's an amazing story, not another "pro athlete look at my pain" whine.
   
   Michael J. Fox wrote the most recent foreword. LaFontaine is always working for his foundation, and he volunteers to be part of the prize for several charities' live auctions.These prizes have included: Golf with Pat LaFontaine, Hockey lessons with Pat LaFontaine, and more.
   
   LaFontaine's book is like the man; genuine, intensely hard-working and willing to face fear head-on and try to come out the other side. I can't say enough about it.



2. The previous reviewer does not appear to have read the book. While there a fair amount of discussion about LaFontaine and his career challenges, the book focuses on anonymous, unremarkable people, who manage to accomplish absolutely amazing things. There are several themes running through the book: the crucial role fathers play in the development of their children; the importance of faith in healing families and overcoming obstacles; the power of persistence and determination in changing lives. LaFontaine comes across as a humble, thoughtful, and decent man; there is little self-promotion or self-pity in his writing. Most of the stories (and there are dozens of individuals' stories told in this book) are told in two or three pages, making it perfect for teenagers. I have used these stories in teaching my own family, and in my role as a Church leader.

   We are a nation steeped in nastiness. We spend incredible amounts of energy thinking of creative ways to tear one another down. A great man has said, "Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not acheive." Pat LaFontaine is a good and decent man, who has given much of his life to service. This book is a wonderful reminder that there are ample reasons for hope, that there is much goodness left among us. His work trancends the naysaying of people who can't get past the fact that he made his living playing professional hockey.




3. "Triumphant Tales" aims to be the inspiring tale of athletes and the misfortunes they have overcome, but instead succeeds merely at coming across as the sort of touchy-feely,pseudo-inspirational, stories that appear regularly on daytime talk-shows like Oprah and Sally Jesse Raphael. The athletes profiled in this book practically scream "look at the obstacles I have overcome," as if the mere fact that they have encountered hardships makes them simultaneously deserving of our pity and to be looked upon as heroes. The tales the athletes tell become fairly monotonous, with only the inclusion of former NHL star Pat LaFontaine accounting for the fact that this book was even published. The writing is pedestrian - even by sportswriting standards. Moreover, the book has no purpose other than to tell "Triumphant Tales of Heroic Athletes," as the subtitle states a little too obviously. The photo of the Olympic torch on the cover practically begs to be mocked, as if these writers have no sense of irony and actually believe the heroic tales they spin. What role did the NHL, television, and money play in Pat LaFontaine's repeated comebacks, despite the permanent damage that could have resulted from another concussion? This book will never tell, because that would only undermine the familiar template of innocent athlete being struck by (fill-in-the-blank illness) much too early, only to somehow overcome it in the end. Potential buyers be warned - life is too short to spend reading this book.



4. Companions in Courage is an inspiring and emotionally touching collection of the stories of how over 50 athletes were able to cope with their misfortunes. Few of us go through life without being tested either physically or mentally. Everyone who has been struck with these problems and is looking for inspirational guidance to overcome their condition should read this book.



5. This is not your typical "athlete retires, writes his memoirs" book. Rather, it is an aggregation of inspirational stories that are as uplifting as they are touching. The dynamic of the human spirit is on full display in this compilation, and it's all wrapped in a neat bow by one of sport's all-time great role models - Pat LaFontaine. If you are looking for some personal inspiration or want to raise the spirits of a family member or friend in need of "companionship" or "courage", then this is the book for you.

No comments about Moments.

2 comments about The Kurt Diemberger Omnibus: Summits and Secrets : The Endless Knot : Spirits of the Air.

1. The author's awesome attainments in mountaineering: the only living man with two first ascents of 8,000-meter mountains, are matched by his boundless curiosity and his enthusiasm for every new experience. He is a man of high good humor, tenacity, and independence with remarkable communication skills.

   The autobiography is three books "Summits and Secrets" written as a young man, "The Endless Knot" takes up his ascent and harrowing descent of K2 in 1986 and the loss of his beloved partner, Julie Tullis who died there; and "Spirits of the Air" written in middle age.

   Though "Summits and Secrets" covers interesting material about Diemberger's childhood and early manhood, I found the translation to be stiff. I fault the translator because the other two books are so free flowing and at times lyrical. In these autobiographies, you get a sense of the complete man, not just his genius on the mountains. He loves to sing (he claims it helps him breathe better on the mountain), can and does swear thunderously in German when thwarted, has small vanities, and a never failing appreciation of the charms of the ladies. Unlike many of the climbing fraternity, he doesn't appear to have a double standard where women climbers are involved. He judges everyone on his or her merits. I became so attuned to his storytelling, I felt as if it was all directed to me personally, that he wanted me to be entertained and share his wonder and delight at all he had seen. I am glad to report that as of this date, Kurt is still going strong lecturing, climbing and doing camera work. The story ends at 1991, and I had to follow up to see how he has fared this last decade.

   The much-traveled Mr. Diemberger for some reason had never been in the United States until his 40th year. (Maybe because we cannot boast of any 8,000 meter peaks!) He was an enthusiastic tourist as is shown in the following excerpt from "Spirits of the Air." His awe and amazement during his helicopter flight through Grand Canyon is infectious:

   "I am staggered! Overwhelmed is no word for it! And anyway, there's no time to be overwhelmed when new sensations are continually bombarding you, shaking you, grabbing your attention, whetting your appetite for even more unexpected thrills. You are looking ahead, back, down, as gigantic buttresses sweep past, pillars and palaces of red rock, side valleys opening and closing, the terrific gorge agape below you--- You are flying through the biggest trough on earth. All the pictures I have ever seen of the Grand Canyon are forgotten. They are tiny facets, mosaic pieces, nothing more - I see that now. No human brain can comprehend this intricate labyrinth that is the Grand Canyon. It is a world!"

   Let Kurt take you on his journey. You will never regret it.




2. Of this omnibus I have read only The Endless Knot but am so impressed with it that I wanted to lodge a review. This account of climbing K2 during one of its hungriest years is rendered luminous by the simple, unaffected, honest and straightforward affection between Kurt and his working partner Julie. Kurt's "married to the mountain" prose and his personal honesty make this a genuine monument in the literature.

4 comments about Sandow the Magnificent: Eugen Sandow and the Beginnings of Bodybuilding (Sport and Society).

1. David L. Chapman does an amazing job at piecing together the life story of Eugen Sandow, who was part workaholic, part legit, and part hype. What makes Chapman's coverage of Sandow so impressive his near disclaimer in the preface: that despite there being plenty of print on Sandow from his heyday, how much of it is reliable is questionable. Chapman sounds almost dismissive of his end result, but by piecing together multiple sources of Sandow's history, he has done an excellent job portraying which aspects of Sandow's works were impressive, which aspects were marketing hype. Sandow is neither deified nor demonized; this is a biography written the way biographies should be written.
   
   Eugen Sandow had both incredible talent as well as sly business savvy. With a chiseled physical in a day when massive muscles were few and far between, he is the first man to successfully market such a wild physical fitness mania, an industry that seems to be at an all time high in the 21st Century. This book serves as a tour of Sandow's evolution from theatrical strongman to a pioneer in mail order fitness courses and health clubs (Sandow's Institute of Physical Culture).
   
   While it is easy to fill this book with Sandow's many legitimate achievements, Chapman never shies away from showing his embarrassing flops, like Sandow's continuous reinvention of his biography, his joke-of-a-fight with a circus lion, and the "Sandow's Health & Strength Cocoa" debacle. We also see the rare instances where Sandow realizes a challenge from a rival strongman or wrestler is out of his league, and his wise and sometimes clever ways he bowed out of the competition. It should be noted, however, that Chapman shows us more instances of Sandow being the man making the challenge, resulting in showboaters and "Sandow impostors" trying to duck the challenge.
   
   This book also reveals the balance of Sandow's personal and professional life, from his rocky but lasting marriage to Blanche Brookes Sandow, the multitude of women (including some female celebrities of the day) who hit on him, to his professional and personal friendship with Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.
   
   If you are a fan of bodybuilding or pop-culture, this book is an essential addition to your library. This is one of the most underrated biographies I have read in quite some time. David Chapman's notes and bibliography are impressive alone (and there are SO MANY books on pop-culture history that penny-pinch in this department). This book will reel you in at the beginning, and hold your attention until the last page.



2. At a time when the chemically-enhanced monsters of today are putting professional bodybuilding back in the freakshow arena and ensuring it remains the minority sport it has always been, it is interesting to read about its 19th century music hall/variety show beginnings in the strong man act. Sandow was the most famous and celebrated strongman of them all and his story in this book is a fascinating and entertaining read. The depth of research and wealth of interesting characters and anecdotes make this book a must have for anyone interested in physical culture and the history of bodybuilding. The petty politics, scams, and dubious business deals among the strong men and health club owners of the late 19th/early 20th century have never left the sport. Sandow, while seemingly being a genuine advocate of bodybuilding for health reasons, comes across as the master of self-promotion.

   His position as the father of the sport is assured, not least by the fact that the Weider Organisation/IFBB call their Mr Olympia trophy (the highest honour in todays bodybuilding world) a Sandow. The irony is not lost on this reader.




3. Sandow The Magnificent is an excellent biography of an enigmatic showman who came to the forefront of physical culture at the turn of the century. Growing up during the fifties in a household of amateur bodybuilders I was subjected to back issues of Strength and Health magazine and often saw old photos of Sandow. Familiar with the image, but not the person, my interest was piqued when I came upon David Chapman's book. Chapman's approach in telling the story of Sandow sheds light on almost every facet of the strongman's life-the good, bad and kinky. Though some of Sandow's life is apparently somewhat shrouded in mystery, and much is left to conjecture and interpretation, the book is both illuminating and interesting. Sandow The Magnificent is well written, enjoyable reading and gets quickly into the depths of Sandow. Unlike many biographies that extensively probe the lineage and childhood of the subject, something I personally find tedious, Chapman gets right to the man behind the fascinating black & white images. Now when I see a photo of Sandow there is more understanding of what was behind the rugged facade of muscle and strength.




4. David Chapman's biogaphy of the "Great Sandow" is more than just the story of the first muscle and physique star of modern times. As a boy, Sandow visited Italy and became impressed with the marble statues of the muscular heros of Ancient Rome. His logic dictated that he would become a living work of art and later, as a mature muscle man, displayed his physique as the sculptures were viewed in art museums.
   

   Chapman is the first author I have read who strips away the prejudice of those who would say he was a simple sideshow performer who displayed himself as an egotist. Chapman clearly dispells myth, both good and negative to draw us near to the man and his thoughts, his fears and ultimately, his triumph in defining who and what he was...the father of modern bodybuilding.

4 comments about Hardball: The Education of a Baseball Commissioner.

1. Hardball: The Education of a Baseball Commissioner is, at base, a sad book about a guy who spent 15 years of his life attempting to accomplish something that had a zero percent chance of success from the start. Kuhn, you see, wanted to be Kennesaw Mountain Landis, which is fine except for the fact that nobody in baseball either wanted another Landis or was particularly crazy about the original. Bowie appears to have believed that the growing acrimony between the owners and the players in the 1970s would ultimately result in his emergence as a "court of last resort" - but it didn't happen and as a result Kuhn sat on the sidelines of most of the great debates of the time.
   
   In essence, he was a man waiting for a train that never arrived.
   
   The argument that Bowie didn't understand what was going on around him has a lot of validity, but I think that (as the book clearly shows) Kuhn's problem was more along the lines of seeing things the way he wanted to see than simply being oblivious to the situation. He clearly doesn't "get" people like Marvin Miller, Charlie Finley, and George Steinbrenner, and moreover he feels dismayed that they are so hell-bent to change the game that he knows and loves. Of course, Bowie Kuhn's vision of baseball has something of the smell of an 1850s plantation to it, but hey - the man is clearly as much fan as executive, so can we really blame him for his illusions?
   
   I gave the book two stars because it is a heavy, somewhat depressing read steeped with high levels of self-delusion, but students of the era will find it interesting to review the Messersmith-McNally decision and others through the eyes of someone who was on the scene - even if his sight was a bit foggy. The book's biggest revelation is that Bowie Kuhn comes across as a very decent man: a little straightlaced, perhaps, but a solid kind of fellow who was basically for the good guys and against the black hats.
   
   In the final analysis, a book that perhaps shouldn't have been written by a guy who probably shouldn't have been Commissioner of Baseball.



2. The reader should come away from an autobiography with an understanding of the author's personality and his place in the world. By that standard, Bowie Kuhn's autobiography is a success: on nearly every page, he reveals that even in retrospect he doesn't understand what happened while he was Commissioner of Baseball.

   Kuhn, who served as Commissioner from 1969 until 1984, comes across as a character out of P.G. Wodehouse -- a doddering nobleman who obliviously mouths platitudes while his world collapses around him.

   Unlike predecessors Spike Eckert and Ford Frick, Kuhn actually believed the myth of the Commissioner as Majestic Neutral, lording above owners and players alike to proclaim The Best Interest of Baseball. The players were never fooled: they knew Kuhn was hired and paid by the owners, and took their cues from master negotiator Marvin Miller. Within a few years they had won the right to take their grievances to a truly impartial arbitrator, using this leverage to win free agency. Kuhn never knew what hit him.

   The owners weren't fooled, either. They knew the difference between a pretentious title and actual power -- and they fumed when Kuhn's attempt to play a role in labor negotiations undercut their own bargaining position. Throughout the second half of his tenure, Kuhn spent more time battling to keep his job than actually doing it.

   When Kuhn took office, the owners ran MLB as they pleased. When he left, the owners couldn't sneeze without clearing it with the Players' Association. Read this book and you'll understand how this happened.




3. I recently read Hardball: The Education of a Baseball Commissioner with the notion that this book is a defense on Bowie Kuhn's part and not a story. He's written this book, after the fact, that the trail of dirt he left cannot not be pushed to the side and forgotten about. Though, he has agreed about some of his missed calls, he has also made it known who else was at fault in say the 1981 strike, etc., etc., etc. Mr. Kuhn made some good points in the book, however he should have used the good knowledge while commissioner.



4. Plainly, Mr. Kuhn would prefer that his official version of events in baseball from the late 60s into the 80s prevail, despite the popular notion that he was overdrawn at the clue bank during much of that period. His account of labor negotations during his tenure conflicts in many respects with the published accounts of Marvin Miller (the players union representative) and (more objectively) with the account set forth in LORDS OF THE REALM (written by a WSJ reporter). Mr. Kuhn's attempt to repaint his missteps as leadership is certainly understandable, and the book is interesting as a historical document, but bring your grain of salt -- or maybe the whole shaker.

5 comments about Staying The Course: A Runner's Toughest Race.

1. Yessiree, I give it 5 stars as a running book. I was finding I was docking some books and CDs; because I approached it like, is it perfect enough to get the highest rating like a Shakespeare play or a symphony?
   
   I go with the genre it belongs too; and too, I'd say those who have had substance abuse/alcohol problems would find it inspiring too; cause Dick became addicted to pain killers; and did some things; that were indeed wrong.
   
   It's a good book for athletes, cause Dick's body did start to break down some; even away from his being prone to some bad accidents. It makes me ponder, we hear about so many athletes who later end up being not in the best shape because of their sports career, say like Larry Bird. It makes you think, it's great to run that great Boston Marathon in '82; but is it worth it in the long run.
   
   I agree, the book may have minor blemishes, might be choppy in parts in the latter half of the book, but it shouldn't keep anyone from reading it, indeed, some of this could have been expanded on.
   
   It's a good book, kind of for your couples too; I mean, I admire his wife, Maureen, for staying with Dick; for her care, love and also standing up to him some.
   
   I definitely, would like to read "Duel in the Sun" to continue reading on Mr. Beardsley, really, along with his rival at the Boston Marathon, Alberto Salazar and along with "Pre" Prefontaine himself; there certainly is more to read on these famous track runners from America.
   
   As Dean Karnazes' book UltraMarathon Man is getting to be compulsory reading for Greeks (but not only them of course), I think Minnesotans and those from the surrounding areas should read this one, especially if they are interested in the sport.
   
   Beardsley reminds me a bit of the great American cyclist from the turn of the century (meaning near 1900) Major Taylor, in that his glory descended into lows.
   
   After going through this book, I am still contemplating parts of it and how we and history will see Dick, but I definitely would wish him and his family the best. Some parts of it, really are astonishing; and it is astonishing as a whole. He certainly has given a lot to the Marathon.



2. I have heard Dick Beardsley speak and he is awesome. I purchased his book to give for gifts at Christmas time. He has persevered through the toughest of obstacles and is still standing with his wife by his side!



3. My husband is a marathon runner & enjoys reading. We have met Dick Bearsley when we ran the Detroit Lakes Half marathon. My husband really enjoyed this book. He learned alot about Dick Beardsley & his marathons.



4. Very well written book! It shows the high and low of Dick Beardsley's running career and life. It is a very quick read, with no slow sections. It might be the best book about running that I have read.



5. This book is about the life of a runner named Dick Beardsley. It talks about his life goals in running and how he got into a bad habbit of using pain killers. The book takes place in the mainland, and not in a certain place because he traveled a lot to race. See i am a runner so i like the book because it gave me the motivation to go on when the going gets tough. If i compare this book to other book i would say it is not the best running book i have read but, it is better than the other types of books i have read. I think if you are a runner you will really like the book cause it teaches you to be tough in a race and some pointers on how to run marathons. If you do not run i dont think you will have a strong liking with this book. It can get kind of boring a some parts, but the parts that tell about his races really made me want to read on, so if you are a runner i think this book is better for you than if you are not a runner. So be a runner!

1 comments about On the Cobbles: The Life of a Bare-Knuckle Gypsy Warrior.

1. On the Cobbles was a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. It is a simple story of the life of the Gypsies and one family in particular, the Stockins. Most of what is written and spoken regarding Gypsies in our society is negative. I enjoyed reading about the life of the Gypsies from an insider's perspective. I have a bit of wonderlust in me and envy some of the freedoms that the Gypsies enjoy.
   
   Add bareknuckle boxing, pubs, beer, and witty humor and you've got yourself a quick and enjoyable read. These are the kind of folks I could have a few pints with, some good crack, and maybe a scrap or two.
   
   Cheers!

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.