3 comments about Mario Andretti: A Driving Passion.

1. This book is awesome in every way. The text is entertaining and informative. The photos are first rate, as well as abundant. This is my favorite book! Mario Andretti is the man, and this book gives a clear and very close-up look at his life and career.



2. A totally comprehensive account of Mario Andretti's racing career and the machinery that took him to the top of world-wide motorsport. Completely unvarnished and truthful about the ups and downs of a racing driver's life, this is a must-have book for the boomer-generation racing fan.



3. Mario Andretti was the best race car driver of 20th century - bar none! Gordon Kirby is one of the best auto racing authors. When you get Gordon Kirby writing about Mario Andretti, you get an excellent book. The photographs in this book are "awesome!!!". Your money will not be wasted when you buy this book.

No comments about They Call Me Sid Rock: Rodeo's Extreme Cowboy.

1 comments about Ted Williams' Hit List : The Best of the Best Ranks the Best of the Rest.

1. This is not a book on the art, the technique of successful hitting. It's a book about results - the numbers compiled and compared. The book is centered around Ted's Top 25 - sans Splinter. (In "my book" he's second to another guy who got his start in Boston).
   It's very refreshing that this is a collaboration, with Jim Prime, yet the writing is expressive of the great personality of Ted. In your mind you can hear his voice as he discusses his choices.
   I was fascinated to read such details as home ballpark dimensions in a player's career; to note that (it seems) the "livelier" the ball, the more "they brought the fences in".
   The language is all Baseball throughout the statistical analysis.
   This work causes one to reflect on today's sluggers/hitters and who might make such a list a little down the road. But I doubt that it could be as compelling as told by someone other than Williams. (And that statement is from a Yankee fan!).
   Recommended!

5 comments about Favre: For the Record.

1. Wonderful, for those of us who are Packer-backers and even for those who aren't. Good history, honesty about his addiction.



2. First I want to say something about the book. It's great!! If your a true fan of the Packers and want to know about one of the teams, and NFLs greatest players, buy this book. It shows you the kind of person Favre is on and off the field. He takes you through the ups and downs of his life and career that have made him the person and player he is today.Now, for the other reviews I read before writing this one. What promted some numbnuts to write about the packers loss to St. Louis in the playoffs in a book review?? They must be a Bears fan! Another one decided to write that Brett and his family were (...) That's intelligent. I know when I go to read a review about a book that interests me, I want to have to wade through the garbage that idiots like that jerk take up space with.For those of you with a brain in your head, trust me, Farve: For The Record is a great read!!



3. This is a good book ,the problem came from the fixation they put on his painkillers addiction and the problems it bring with his wife and teammates.You also have a lot of details about the health problems this addiction caused to him,a little bit like "Drugs is bad to you,see what it do to me."His wife almost let him down for that,his teammates are tired of him asking for Vicodin and others painkillers.The two or three first paragraphs talk about that, but chapter after chapter they come back with it.The book talk to much about his "post popularity" life and not enough of him when he was unknown.His "post popularity" life are report in all the daily newspapers,that why I expect to learn more about Bret Favre before he was a star.They pass to fast on his teens years,his collegiate years.The reason to write a biography his to talk about the unknown parts of someone life,but in this book you just found what everybody read on the last five years newspapers.That a good but incomplete book.



4. Favre for The Record is the best book I ever read.It is totally a must buy.



5. As a Londoner, who learnt to appreciate American football at 21, I wanted background reading to enhance my enjoyment. I started by looking into favourite players of mine, so came this book!

   I wanted to understand what goes on in players mind before a big game. How they react to the coach barking orders. How they conduct themselves on and off the field. This book helped me to do all these things and more. Favre is not a roboback, he is an individual with flair and creativity, which is why this book is so entertaining.

   I seem to be able to climb right on into Brett's head, and into his personal life through the pages in this book, which is enlightening to say the least. We hear about his highs and lows, and he is frank about his addiction to Vicodin, and his relationships with players and coaches alike.

   I think this book is for American Football fans only, which explains why this was my first Amazon purchase, (This book isn't in print in the UK) but for a fan of the Packers, or just a Football fan in general, you can do no wrong in buying this, which will no doubt increase your respect for the stress players endure every game.

No comments about High and Inside: My Life in the Front Offices of Baseball.

5 comments about Still Kicking: My Dramatic Journey As the First Woman to Play Division One College Football.

1. My review should probably be discounted because I know Katie, in fact the photo of her kicking the ball is one that I had taken for her. First about Katie, she is not the type of person to seek publicity for herself and she is an extremely honest person, integrity is important to her. I know her motive is to help young women (anyone for that matter) that have big dreams. I also know how hard the entire ordeal has been on her so I think writing the book was a bit of personal therapy for herself.
   
   What I did not know when I bought the book was how well written it was. Katie has a journalism background and it showed as I thought she did a wonderful job of describing her roller coaster experiences. In fact I was a little surprised how well she weaved her story. To me her book told how people in leadership roles can mold an environment. Student athletes at CU are no more good or evil than student athletes at UNM, or anywhere else, but the leadership can make a difference when it comes to what behavior is accepted and prohibited. Leadership creates it's own sub-culture, and the book did a nice job of contrasting two very different sports sub-cultures.



2. THis is a story about a young lady who benefitted from a coach which allowed her on the team despite being the worst kicker on the team (I think his name was Neuheisal) and did not deserve to be there. She became a national figure with Gary Barnett's ill timed comments and then became a New Mexico media element. She obviously was not a good kicker as she was ONLY able to kick ONE extra point in seven years of Div 1 kicking.
   The element that is disturbing is this: If in fact she was molested/raped, she has a CIVIL responsiblity to identify WHO, WHEN, HOW and prosecute the assailant. That would require a court case and potentially ruin her story if in fact it was proven to NOT BE TRUE. In today's society..we all have a responsiblity to report crimes.
   
   This young lady never did anything to speak of in football and should not even have been there. When will men be able to try out for Field Hockey? Why is there a dual standard? Men cannot try out for womens sports; why is the reverse admissable/? Save your $$$ and buy Buffaloed. It is a much better read.



3. Before my review, I've got several problems with the "statements" of the previous reviewer.
   
   First, you didn't read the book. If have difficulty with such, please have someone help you with my comments.
   Second, if you are to do a book review, you ARE supposed to read the book, not simply spew venom.
   Third, I work in the justice system and am aware of the complexities of these types of cases. You obviously are stuck in some time warp where you expect women to follow your idea of set rules for reporting criminal acts, especially those of a sexual nature. Things are not as simple as your agenda indicates.
   
   So let's talk about the book. It is a fine piece of writing. And it answered many behind the scenes questions I had about the situation in Colorado. I was especially interested to see how Ms. Hnida was attacked and smeared BEFORE the infamous press conference by Barnett. It seems to be a common thread in society- attack the victim if they dare speak out.
   
   The book follows a clear path and story line about how Ms Hnida came to the university and tried to achieve her dreams, only to be assaulted verbally and physically. The despair she suffered was painful to read, as it is one seen so often in crime victims- whether it is a crime committed by a stranger or even a family member. It's been my experience that victims often are silent, afraid to speak out and often resort to destructive behaviors. She stayed strong. Then to read about her persistence to push forward was inspiring. The team and coaches of New Mexico who took Ms Hnida onto their squad are to be commended. I would hope their actions are the rule rather than the exception. I especially took offense about the "Texas" comments made by the Colorado coach, by the way.
   
   I would recommend this book for all sports fans, parents, and would be athletes, especially young females. I hope other victims of violence find the courage to come forward. Ms Hnida is a true role model.
   
   Before closing, a few more comments to the previous reviewer. Please read the book before commenting. Its called honesty,something you might learn from Ms Hnida.
   
   And a correction of "facts". Ms. Hnida did not take a scholarship nor hold a scholarship from another player. She was a walk on. It is documented in the book from published news articles by Barnett, who called her the best kicker available in the list of potential walkons. And I'm still trying to figure out the "best friends" on the training staff comments. Players typically do not confide in non players, nor does the training staff participate or observe all that takes place on the field. And the rape took place in the off season. But then again, you would know that if you had read the book.
   
   I find Ms Hnida far from being a "gutless coward". In the world of free speech, you are allowed to call people names like little kids do on the playground...... (even calling Neuheisel a "clown" was VERY mature).
   
   Based on what I read, I'm sure Ms Hnida can handle your type. However, it is the other women who will still be uncomfortable and lack confidence in coming forward when attacked. You have tried to turn back the clock a few centuries. This book moves that clock forward. Kudos to the brave!



4. I first saw Katie Hnidea on television. Since I like books about women and sports, I knew I'd have to read this one. I must admit I was leery. So many stories of harassment fall into the "they done me wrong" whiny genre -- a boring waste of time. Remember Kelly Flinn, the USAF lieutenant who lost her career due to an adulterous affair? Her book did little to help her reputation; she came across as woefully naive.
   
   But Still Kicking really is a football story. From the beginning, it's obvious that Katiei Hnidai is a real trooper. She just wanted to get on a Divison I team and play ball. She loved practices. She was a team player in every sense of the word. And she's used to being a winner: in high school, she played soccer and football, getting crowned Homecoming Queen at halftime, still wearing her shoulder pads.
   
   Katie's a confident, strong woman. She describes growing up in a close, loving family, where her dreams were always supported. Living near Boulder, she wanted to play for U of Colorado. The head coach encouraged her but then took off for another job, leaving her to the not-so-tender mercies of a coach who would be fired following numerous allegations of rape and abuse associated with the players.
   
   Katie really tried to fit in, but she was taken aback by insults, verbal abuse and what might delicately be called inappropriate touching. She came down with mononucleosis her freshman year and remained ill for a good part of her time in Colorado.
   
   Eventually she ended up in New Mexico, a state where I used to live. She was fully accepted by the team and made friends there. She never became a starter and her time on the field was limited. But for a few all-too-brief years, she was an honest-to-goodness football player.
   
   Without making an explicit statement, Katie lets us see how a coach's attitude can influence a team. Her Colorado coach wasn't crazy about women in general and Katie in particular. The New Mexico coach asked bluntly, "Why would there be a problem?" Players picked up their cues accordingly.
   
   So what else could Still Kicking do?
   
   Monday morning quarterbacking gets tricky, on and off the field. When the Colorado head coach left, it's easy to say, "She should have begun visiting other schools." Indeed, Katie considered talking to other universities. And she would have received a warm welcome. But she loved Colorado and didn't want to leave her home state.
   
   As a career consultant, I've seen similar decisions in vastly different environments. "Go where you're wanted" should be the motto of every college applicant and career changer. In my own PhD program, one woman had turned down a generous fellowship to attend a program she felt was more prestigious -- like turning down a lower-ranked university to get a walk-on at a top Division I school. It's a risky strategy that rarely pays off.
   
   But overall Katie comes across as solid and likeable, without an ounce of self-pity. She doesn't make excuses or waste time wishing her life had gone differently. She lets us glimpse life behind-the-scenes of a couple of college football teams, giving us the female perspective (I like her story of sharing a smelly weight room with a bunch of guys).
   
   Perhaps because she's young, she delivers her story with a fresh, energetic, upbeat style that keeps the pages turning. I would have liked to see some more thoughtful discussion: "Looking back, I now see..." The first few chapters are cheery enough for a Walt Disney movie, broken only by her response to the Columbine High School tragedy.
   
   But overall, I'm impressed with Katie's maturity. If she'd attended a university as a member of a women's basketball team, she'd have been guided with mentors. At U of Tennessee, each freshman gets assigned to a "big sister" on the team: it's like a big sorority. Katie had to forge her own path, keeping her own counsel. She was always "on." And she takes the experience in stride, performing like a pro.
   
   Fans of women's sports and anyone interested in the role of women will want to read this book. At the very end we learn that about 2700 girls are playing on high school teams. Inevitably, some of them will sign up for college football.
   
   That's reason enough to read Still Kicking.



5. This is the story of a woman who was the first female player on a Division I college football team. She achieved her dream of making the team at the University of Colorado, but she was nearly destroyed by the sexism, sexual harassment, and eventual sexual assault that she experienced in the now notorious Colorado football program. Hnida eventually transferred to the football program of Rocky Long at the University of New Mexico. In the supporting and accepting UNM football program she became the first woman to play and score in a Division I college football game. Her story not only describes the courageous struggle and triumph of a remarkable young woman, but also illustrates some of the very best, as well as some of the very worst, aspects of college football programs. The seemingly endless reports of coaches and schools condoning sexual harassment and covering up sexual assaults by college athletes can easily give the impression that all athletic programs are bastions of misogyny and sexual abuse. Hnida's description of Coach Long and her teammates at the University of New Mexico reminds us that this is not the case. Much to the contrary, their warm acceptance and unconditional support illustrate all that is good about college athletics.
   
   Katie Inida's story of triumph over multiple adversities should inspire athletes of either sex and in any sport. It should also motivate university presidents and alumni groups to demand that their coaches and their athletic programs meet the standards set by Coach Long and the University of New Mexico.

5 comments about Racing the Sunset: An Athlete's Quest for Life After Sport.

1. This is a superb introspective look at the fear an athlete feels when the sound of clapping is silenced. This is a true literary gem that takes a qualitatively research based look at a problem too often ignored. I highly recommend this book to anyone who ever suddenly changed stages in life without benefit of a rule book to follow. You will find it engrossing and mind altering.



2. Scott Tinley has experienced firsthand the challenging life transition from adulated winning sports star to over-the-hill retiring athlete. Being introspective, he studied athlete retirement in depth. He threw himself into this project with as much intensity as he engaged in physical training for triathlons. On the way, he acquired two masters' degrees, one in writing and the other in sport psychology. And, he is currently studying on a Doctorate. Tinley completed this book in 2003 at the same time he finished an 18 month long seminal research paper on athlete retirement at San Diego State University. His research became the knowledge foundation for this book.
   
   The book is excellent. Tinley has a breezy writing style that renders the book very easy to read. While his research paper is very interesting. The book is a lot more fun. This is because the book reflects his firsthand experience of his sports career from childhood till his transition into academia. Instead, his research paper is focused on 16 other athletes and covers exclusively their post retirement experience.
   
   The professional athlete post-retirement transition is psychologically brutal. Athletes typically face this transition with no college degree, no professional skills, and little financial wherewithal. Tinley uncovered much research disclosing startling facts about athletes' retirement. Fewer than half of pro athletes get to choose when they retire.
   The divorce rate for retired athletes in the major professional leagues is over 60%.
   Retirement is especially harsh on NFL players. This painful transition is compounded by NFL careers being the shortest at less than five years in average. The suicide rate among retired NFL players is six times the average. Offensive and Defensive linemen have a 52% greater risk of dying of heart disease than the general population. Also, two thirds of football players retire with a permanent injury.
   
   Tinley was not spared the psychological ordeal of the retired sports star. When he retired, his income decreased by 90% (take out a zero as he puts it. That entails he made $100K a year as a triathlete). He experienced marital problems. He suffered a long bout of depression and tried several anti-depressant prescription drugs (Prozac, Zoloft) without much success. He sought therapy. And, he gradually pulled himself together thanks to his success in academia as a student, college teacher, psychologist researcher, and writer.
   
   His own research indicates an inverse relationship between money earned as a pro athlete and successful post retirement transition. Two opposite examples of this are Bjorn Borg, who never quite recovered his footing after retiring from a very lucrative tennis career. His life has been plagued by a succession of failed marriages, palimony suits, depression bouts, and bad business decisions that have nearly jeopardize his financial independence. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Tinley mentions Eric Heiden the five time Olympic gold medalist in 1980 who goes back to Stanford goes on to med school and becomes a successful orthopedic surgeon. "To me what is mythic about Eric is the seamlessness of his transitions between professions, between lives." Eric says "What I do now is so much more meaningful." Tinley states that big money is really a curse. It renders the individual so much more invested in their sport image that the upcoming retirement triggers a devastating identity crisis from which many never fully recover. And, he feels the key to surviving the retirement transition is how you perceived yourself beforehand. The more your self-identity had an obsessive single dimension as a sport star, the less prepared you are for retirement and the more you will suffer psychologically.
   
   If you enjoy this book, I also recommend John McEnroe's You Cannot Be Serious and Boris Becker's The Player. McEnroe is a good example of a sport star that has become very successful in post-retirement. Becker is an example of one who is still fighting his demons. Both books make for very interesting and entertaining reading.



3. Sorry Scott; I wanted to like this book. I have read pretty much everything you have written and will probably continue to do so, despite this book. Why? Because of all you have done that I can only dream of. And read of thanks to you. But with "Racing the Sunset" you have tried to go into creative non-fiction and take us beyond your experiences. Good on ya! But gee Scott, it really needs another re-write. It reads like a not-quite-finished draft. I don't know if this is a problem of editing, as another reviewer has suggested, or of writing. Read Bill McKibben's "Long Distance" if you haven't already and please keep writing.



4. I've been a Tinley fan (as a writer) for years and looked forward to reading this. It provided an excellent insight into Scott Tinley, and the way that he's approached his triathlon, and life. The way that he contrasts his ups and downs is excellent. The talks with other athletes and the empathy shown with other retired athletes speaks volumes to the character of the man.

   Unfortunately, there were a few times when a particularly well made point was undone by possibly poor editing. An example for me was when he was complaining about air travel - with which I can heartily concur, but then ruins the point by following it up by stating that he was travelling first class. (You should try it economy!) It ends up coming across as whinging.

   Nevertheless, I found this book an excellent read, and provided a unique insight into something we often don't see - athletes who never really learnt to "grow up" because they never had to.

   One thing worthy of note is to try and read it from Scott's point of view, and to not impose our own individual values on his comments. If you can achieve this, you can get past viewing it as a whinge, and see it for the gem that it really is.




5. before you can race the sunset, you first need to get a jump on dawn, and mr. san diego has been racing the rosy-fingered hues of early mornings for two decades as he defined, shaped, sculpted this athletic calling now known as triathlon. as the founder of tri-athlete magazine, i used to resent the fact that this bona-fide beach boy with cornflower silk hair and chiseled bod knew how to write--and write well. "jocks" shouldn't be known as true authors. tinley, the man he describes in this heartfelt confessional memoir, is still testing himself against seen and unseen obstacles. the memoir is both a trip down memory lane in the aero tucked position and a homage to the retired jock syndrome (rjs). every athlete must face that time in his or her life when age takes its toll. but that is not a call for surrender. tinley doesn't go DNF on us. nor does he want to. his writing the book was an act of courage--a private correspondence with a very public self.

No comments about Soul of the Heights: 50 Years Going to the Mountains (Falcon Guides).

5 comments about John Elway.

1. This is one of the best books one can find about John Elway. Sure, it misses much of the autobiographical details, but it gets down to business quite well, distilling John's football life into its essential components. Its strength arises from diversity of perspective. Not only do you hear Mike Shannahan's memories and opinions, but also Dan Reeve's and the words have a healing effect for us long term fans. Likewise, hearing not only from key Bronco team mates but also from his rivals gives one the complete story.



2. I got this book from my wife as a birthday present, and immediately sat down and read it cover to cover. I knew a lot of the info in the book already, having been a Bronco fan since 1972, but it did refresh a lot of old (and somewhat painful) memories. I feel this book is a "must have" for any Bronco/Elway fan.



3. Interesting comments from other players, but not a lot of new information for fans who have followed John's career. Nice book to have for a sports collection.



4. This book (Biography of John Elway) shows not only History of John Elway, but also of his Teamates and other Players around the NFL . This book is loaded with Players, Coaches, and the Owner of the Denver Broncos.



5. This book offers commentary and descriptins of John Elway by other NFL teammates, players, and coaches. Included are chapters by Mike Shanahan, Terrell Davis, Brett Favre, Dan Reeves, and Clay Matthews (who played for the Cleveland Browns, against the Broncos in 3 AFC Championship games). Each individual's comments are very interesting, as they all offer a different perspective.

   The only drawback is that the book appears to have been completed before Super Bowl 33; so Dan Reeves does not offer his views on coaching *against* Elway in a Super Bowl. A minor critique, though, as he still provides an interesting read.

   The book is also filled with many excellent photos from Elway's NFL and college days.

No comments about Fred Cusick: Voice of the Bruins.