3 comments about Fly Rod Crosby: The Woman Who Marketed Maine.

1. This is a very interesting book about a colorful woman who put Maine on the map with her tireless writings and promotions. The first part is about Cornelia's life, and the second part is from "Fly Rod's" letters and an album of vintage photos by Edwin Starbird. It all makes for a fascinating collection about this bold New Englander!

   With an odd nickname like Fly Rod, Cornelia Crosby was bound to attract people's interest. Not only that, she was six feet tall and unusually athletic for nineteenth-century women. Ironically, she tended to be sickly as a child, so her doctor prescribed being in the outdoors as a cure. Cornelia discovered she loved to hunt and fish in the Maine woods. As a young woman, she began to write about her adventures in a popular newspaper column, using the pen name "Fly Rod." The name stuck. Sadly, a knee injury put an end to Fly Rod's active outdoor adventures, but she remained beloved by many for the rest of her long life.




2. A carefully researched, entertainingly written biography of a woman who in many ways defied the conventions of her era - but who was in many other ways limited by them nevertheless. You do NOT have to be interested in hunting and fishing to find Cornelia Crosby's story inspiring and enjoyable.

   --Reviewed by Nina M. Osier, author of "Granite Island"




3. This captivating, informative and fresh volume betrays an excellent working knowledge of the subject. From a lifelong Maine resident who published a tourist guide for about ten years (nearly three decades ago), please accept my sincere thanks. Such an evening of "pure joy" this account of Fly Rod (and those newly-revealed photographs) brought to me! Even 8 months after reading it, I remember with pleasure this account from "old Maine." The volume is still displayed, so guests also can "enjoy the read!"

1 comments about A Game of Golf (The Sportstown Series).

1. I found the book very interesting overall. There are some parts that drag on but all in all a neat book. It tells the details of a great golfer Francis Ouimet. It was written in the 1930s and I am sure some of the details have been sugar coated but if a person like history and likes golf you will like this book!

5 comments about Cracked Sidewalks and French Pastry: The Wit and Wisdom of Al McGuire.

1. I purchased this book on Al McGuire as a gift for my father's 71st birthday. As a former basketball coach, he had been a strong admirerer of one of the most unique individuals in sports. Both me and my father highly recommend this for lovers of college basketball, especially for those who tend to march to the beat of a different drummer. I'm sure that even though Al McGuire is no longer with us he will be remembered whenever some young person is making the sign of the cross on his/her forehead before shooting a critical freethrow with his immortal statement that the "Nuns are Working the Beads."
   Sergio S. Guerrero Jr.
   El Paso, Texas



2. This is a strange coffee table-type book. Author Kertscher apparently did not know Al McGuire personally, and this book is the product of a posthumous project of collecting McGuire-related photographs and quotes. Yet despite the lack of direct personal connection, the book does a good job of communicating the odd combination of street-level wisdom, humanity, and whimsy that made McGuire such an intriguing and compelling character to a generation of basketball fans and non-basketball fans alike.



3. Al McGuire has been truly captured through this book. The photos and quotes truly capture the man, the charachter, and the coach that was AL. Anyone who grew up around the legend, understood what he meant to the game, but I don't believe anyone has a true grasp until they have turned the pages of this book.



4. Tom Kertscher has done an excellent job in introducing me to Al McGuire. I've never followed college basketball so I wasn't familiar with coach McGuire. However after reading the book I can see why so many people thought so highly of him. I very much enjoyed getting to know the coach from his many quotes and photos over the course of his career. He's one of those colorful figures in life that adds that missing ingredient making the ordinary, something rich and flavorful.



5. I don't know basketball, and I'm sure that my elevator doesn't go to the top, but I know a wonderful remembrance when I see one. Kertscher illustrates the humanity of McGuire - humorous and touching. The phrases from the glossary have become a shared language between myself and my son.

5 comments about The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story.

1. I have seen Chuck Norris interviewed on several TV shows and he comes across as a very soft spoken shy man, yet you can tell he has a very powerful inner strength. In his career he has helped countless young people who doubted themselves to pick themselves up from despair and a feeling of uselessness and to believe in themselves and to do something great with their lives. He cares for his fellow man and has given of himself when he didn't have to. This book allows you to see inside his heart and to see and feel the struggles he has gone through and conquered. Chuck Norris is a Winner and so is this book. It is definitely a must read. Someone should do a movie on his life! He started at the bottom (he failed his first black belt test) and came out on top.



2. I like action movies, and TV. Chuck Norris is reliable and delivers in his films. But this book reveals a depth of character that seems to be depressiongly rare in the entertainment business.
   
   In the end, Mr. Norris is an optimist.
   
   He thinks that things will eventually work out OK.
   He thinks that people can overcome adversity.
   H thinks that people can succeed if they really apply thmeselves.
   
   But he notes that success is rarely easy. Persistence and attitude are everything, and that strong character is essential. What are the elements of a strong character? According to Chuck Norris, they include the same qualities that The Boy Scouts and other institutions which claim to build character stress: Honesty, bravery, humility, humor, loyalty, commitment to truth, learning, duty, assissting others, etc.
   
   If this book has a cental falw, it is the long (and often tedious) sections detailing some of Mr. Norris' films. But woven in wiht the narratives are some excellent insights into the value of strong character.
   
   In the value free world of entertainment and media, Chuck Norris is not afraid or ashamed to state that "right" and "wrong" are valid and applicable concepts. He gives several concreate examples to express his life philosophy and the validity thereof. Being didactic and judgemental are often frowned upon in media, entertainment, and publishing. But Norris makes a case 9with anecdotes and examples) that sound judgements premised or rooted upon well-formed values, are a positive thing.
   
   In the end, a portrait emerges of a man shaped by his values, not his past. And Chuck Norris had a very hard start in life. But he decided that he would not fall into despair; instead, he would rise above expectations, and succeed.
   
   I can recommend this book for many reasons. THe two main reasons I do so are that it dispels the cyncial belief that honesty and good values are no longer worth anything. And in the end, Chuck Norris' life story serves as an inspirational motivator; to go out and make something of oneself.
   
   This is a very positive book, and one I highly recommend.



3. Martial arts and film buffs will enjoy this book, which is a straightforward autobiography (written with the assistance of Joe Hyams). Be forwarned that this book was published in 1988 (at least my hardcover version), so the filmography doesn't cover his more recent works.

   Norris describes his experiences from childhood, to the time spent in the armed forces, where he originally took up the matrial art of Tang Soo Do under Jae-chul Shin (who today runs the World Tang Soo Do Association).

   This volume describes Norris's tournament days, including quite a bit about his competition experiences. There is also information about his family life, his entry into film making during his time as a karate (Tang Soo Do) instructor, and his experiences as a self-made actor in Hollywood. Throughout, he is honest as he describes his triumphs and mistakes.

   Chuck Norris is the quintessential all-American guy who worked his tail off, took a big gamble, and came out on top. This book describes his journey from average joe, to martial arts instructor, to professional film star. This book includes two sections of photographs which show Norris from childhood, with family, in the services, in karate competition, and during the filming of his movies.




4. I thought I knew Chuck Norris before buying this book. But what I found was nothing that I ever expected. Chuck had a hard life and had health problems that he had to over come, talk about bad luck, nothing came easy for him, not even being born! If you are into self improvement or want a really inspiring story, buy this book and read it over and over again, the knowledge contained is great. It has a whole system of self development contained within, I have so much to say on this book, but read it for yourself, it's worth every penny!



5. This book is a must for all people of all ages. Whether your a Chuck Norris fan or not. As one review put it, he lays his emotions and home life on the table. I found it so intriguing that I couldn't put the book down for long periods of time, because I wanted to know more. This book has begun to open my eyes to look inside myself. I'm so motivated that I am going to get his second inner strength book about ZEN! This book is easy to read and he is an inspiring teacher. It's so good that I don't want to give the book up!

5 comments about Ruling Over Monarchs, Giants & Stars: Umpiring in the Negro Leagues & Beyond.

1. Born in Autaugaville, Alabama in 1923, Bob Motley chronicles his exciting and interesting life as a professional athlete. As an umpire in the Negro American League in the 1940s and `50s, he ran the gauntlet from top-flight professional baseball players to the Ku Klux Klan.
   His birth in the heart of "Jim Crow territory," with all the restraints of segregation and prejudice, could not hold back his physical ability, positive attitude, and intellect, which powered him to be the best in his select profession. In that era, baseball was segregated far longer than other major sports. That forced the premier athletes of the time into the formation of the exclusively black Negro American League. Men like Elston Howard, Satchel Page, and Willie Mays turned the all-white Big Leagues on their ear after Brooklyn Dodger star Jackie Robinson broke the 80-year color barrier in 1947. Great black players who had been concentrated in the Black Leagues took the country by storm and elevated the game of baseball to infinite heights.
   Motley umpired them all. His autobiography not only chronicles that story, but his story of success, in spite of unbelievable odds, with fortitude, personal discipline, patience, and guts. From my own personal view, having grown up playing ball with anyone who could swing a bat, I always wondered why such talent should be separated and thereby limited. My black high school teammates and I, although just two or three years from "integration," never gave that separation a thought when we took the field. Bob Motley, in this book, shows us what great a victory has been won by all Americans.
   Even if Motley had not been with the Kansas City Monarchs, if he had not personally known Buck O'Neal, Roy Campanella, Hank Aaron, Joe Black or Cool Papa Bell, his story is that of a man who is in my Hall of Fame.



2. As a novice to the subject, I found this a most enjoyable read. It is full of lived history, love of sport and great humor. I highly recommend this book.



3. THIS BOOK IS WRITTEN BY BOB MOTLEY, WHO WAS AN UMPIRE IN THE NEGRO LEAGUES. HE TELLS OF HIS EXPERIENCES AND LIFE AS A BASEBALL UMPIRE. THIS IS A GREAT READ BY MR MOTLEY AS HE TELLS US OF SOME IMMORTAL GREATS AS SATHEL PAIGE, JACKIE ROBINSON, ROY CAMPANELLA AND MANY MORE. PLUS MANY OTHER STORIES ON THE JIM CROW LAWS AND HIS EXPERIENCE IN UMPIRE SCHOOL AND THE MANY BROKEN PROMISES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS HE HAD BECAUSE OF HIM BEING A NEGRO IN WHITE MAN'S WORLD. I HIGHLY ADVISE THIS FOR ALL BASEBALL FANS.



4. A must have book on baseball history, and what the Negro Leagues went through.
   It's an amazing life that unfolds as you turn the pages. Hard to put down as
   each chapter will leave you wanting more.



5. It's great to focus on some great moments in history. Bob Motley has lived an incredible life. Well worth reading and admiring!

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

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



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



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



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



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

5 comments about God In My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir.

1. From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
   Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!
   
   Book Review: God In My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2007) by George Foreman, written with Ken Abraham.
   
   
   
   George Foreman, Olympic Gold Medalist, Entrepreneur, two-time Heavyweight Champion, Father, Benefactor, American, Rancher, Pastor, and Author, has published God In My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir.
   
   Society, no matter what its generational age, will remember Mr. Foreman, also known as Big George, for his unique public life. Mr. Foreman is no closed book; his life - ups, downs, and accomplishments have been preserved for the benefit of future young people through television and the printed word. Born without a silver spoon, Mr. Foreman completed his financial, spiritual, and athletic journeys with all eyes on him. "I'm probably one of those few people in the world who has gone from rags to riches to rags and back to riches again. Having grown up in extreme poverty, I became a millionaire, and then went bankrupt. Now I'm better off than ever."--George Foreman
   
   God In My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir is the revelation of the deepest part of George Foreman's inner spirit. It delves into the influence of his poverty-stricken childhood, the development of his boxing career, and the life he lived before accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior. Recounting his death experience and Christian conversion, Mr. Foreman continues his life's story about what he's chosen to achieve with the second chance at life. He attributes his success to his new found faith in God, and strives to live each day as a positive Christian role model for all to witness. Today, Mr. Foreman is an ordained minister and the pastor of The Church of Lord Jesus Christ in Houston where he preaches twice a week. As a benefactor, he founded and funds the George Foreman Youth Center, putting his money into a project that helps kids both physically and emotionally.
   
   God In My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir opens the hearts and minds of readers through the honesty of George Foreman. Though he's stunned the world with his success in sports and business, he states, "Too many people are reaching for the stars and forgetting about the church. Don't let any opportunity lead you away from serving God. That's a price that's too high to pay." Spoken like a man who has been there and done that, Pastor Foreman offers positive lifestyle-reinforcing "Tips From George's Corner" at the end of each chapter. Unlike many in the spotlight, Pastor George has written openly about the mistakes he's made and how he's changed his life for the better. His goal is to not just have God in his corner, but to help others see that God can be the support system everyone needs.
   
   Recently, my family endured several hits in life. They eventually happen to us all--illness, death, financial destruction, accidents. It was during this time that my husband and I read together God In My Corner. Laughing at Mr. Foreman's humor and thinking, `He's right about life,' it helped us persevere through some of the darkest days we've had. Refreshing, motivating, and positive--a second chance in life, like George Foreman, is what we all need.
   
   5 Stars



2. God In My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir
   
   I am so blessed by reading this book (I am not a reader). I find George Forman's experience so compelling that I cannot express how reading this book makes me feel. I would love to talk to him in person and hear his experience from his own lips. I would love to hear him preach in his Church, but that is not going to happen so I shall continue to cling to his words in this book.



3. Despite being a Christian myself, I am often a bit skeptical when athletes claim they have found the good Lord (as that claim is easy to say, not so easy to live). However, after reading this spiritual memoir by George Foreman, I am convinced that he truly has turned his life over to God, and that transformation is as fascinating as it gets.
   
   Fans of classic boxing will remember Big George as one of the meanest, most ferocious heavyweight champions of all time. Yet, at nearly the height of his boxing fame, George (in the book) recounts a near-death experience sent to him by God that changed his life forever. Instead of letting his anger control him, George learned (though not without many trials) to trust in the Lord and serve the higher power. As a result, he believes, the Lord led him to make a comeback to boxing in his 40s and become the oldest heavyweight champion in the sport's long history.
   
   Not only is Foreman's story interesting, but its principles can also be applied to the lives of every living human being. At the end of each chapter, George recaps the key points in easily-understood language, enough so that it can reach born-again Christians or those skeptical of religion altogether.
   
   Overall, this book is very useful in serving two purposes: First, for more "advanced" Christians, it shows that, despite being difficult, the Christian battle can be won. Perhaps most importantly, though, it shows non-Christians how completely a life can be turned around for the better, as Foreman went from essentially a street thug to a servant of the Lord.
   
   So, if you are waning in your faith and need a pick-me-up, or want to see the results of living a Godly life, George's cheerful attitude is just what you have been looking for!



4. I would recommend this book to anyone who does not believe dreams come true with a little hard work and a lot of faith. George Foreman came from nothing and look at him now. In spite of all of his wealth, he is committed to helping others. He is truly a rich man...in his heart and sould...not in his wallet. This book gives the reader an in-depth look at George Foreman the man...not the boxer. He has family values and morals that we don't find frequently in today's society.



5. Read this book!!!
   
   George Foreman's personality, style and charisma make this perhaps my favorite book of all time. Why? Because George gives us a detailed look at his personal journey to finding spirituality and happiness in life and how he has shared that lesson with others in an attempt to improve their lives.
   
   I liked George Foreman before reading this book but afterward, I achieved a higher sense of respect for a selfless man who gave up his boxing career to preach and follow the path to God. He even started the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in 1984 with retirement money that he had "tucked" away during his 8-year retirement from boxing. His goal was not to indoctrinate local kids but to give them a place to come and follow a productive direction.
   
   Though George "un-retired" from boxing several times, he continued as a minister in his own local church and spreading the word of God in many ways. In fact, George illustrates that money, wealth and power do not necessarily create a sense of fulfillment; it's the spirituality that brings joy and contentment. George lays the advice out for his readers, plain and simple:
   
   "I am convinced that God gives us all a chance to know Him. He gives us the opportunity and if we say "yes" to Him, He will choose us. But He won't force Himself on anyone".
   
   "God is merciful and will always give us a new beginning if we are willing to change."
   
   Clearly, this advice comes from a man who was transformed in that locker room in 1976.

1 comments about Richard Petty: Images of the King.

1. I bought this book for my husband and I don't think there is a night that goes by that he isn't flipping through it. If you are a true Petty fan, this is the book for you! The commentary is wonderful and the pictures are great.

3 comments about Barefoot Runner: The Life of Marathon Champion Abebe Bikila.

1. I loved it - this book had a much more interesting story, and better style, than almost any other sports book that I have ever read.



2. I was disappointed to find out that this was historical fiction after i read it, but Rambali does a fine job. Besides the fact that he does portray Bikila as a pawn rather than his own man shows the meekness behind one of athletics' greatest champions, and though it may shatter some misconceptions about Bikila, it is a true reflection of the times in which he ran. (I did think however that Rambali could have painted a stronger image of Bikila, to show some more courage instead of constant confusion.)
   When I first started reading it, I did not like it starts off a bit mysteriously and you have to wait a while before you figure out what Rambali's going on about and why he is doing so. I wanted Rambali just to focus on Bikila, but he actually wove together two stories: Bikila's and his coach Omni Niskanen's, all surrounded by the political and other turmoil of the time. I found this annoying because I wanted it to go straight to the running (which is a tall order, of course). But as I read on, I quickly realized the beauty behind this intertwining that results in their glorious meeting and friendship. The political goings-on that are included in the book help to give a reader a sense of wider context, which results in an even greater appreciation for this story and the achievements it documents.
   Rambali does do the story quite well, weaving in many elements that make a riveting story. He splits the story up into short chapters so that it's easy to pick up and put down without losing too much track of the story. One of my favorite details of the book was that Rambali managed to put the two marathons on chapter 26 and 42, something that you don't notice unless you initially notice that the first Olympic marathon is on Chapter 26.
   I agree with the other reviewer that there are definitely embellishments, and it's difficult to separate the true from false. But just like 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', the reader can accept the story as a logical interpretation of history, and in a time of a lack of great running literature, this book was quite a find.



3. This is probably one of the worst books about a champion runner I have ever read.
   
   It has mistakes in times and distances that are so basic that it makes you wonder about trhe accuracy of the rest of the book. Unlike many other similar books that are written as if the author has been privy to the innermost thoughts of the chief protagonists and feature many reconstructed conversations, Paul Rambali gives no information about his sources. The deeper into I got, and the more mistakes that appeared, I began to believe that he has simply made most of it up.
   
   That's OK, except for the fact that the book's presentation -- it is subtitled, "The life of the marathon champion Abebe Bikila" -- gives the impression that what we are getting is a biography. It isn't; it is historical fiction. And, from a running point of view, uninspiring at that.

5 comments about 23 Days in July: Inside the Tour de France and Lance Armstrong's Record-Breaking Victory.

1. It seems my original review contravened the Conditions of Use. Too strong and then some I suppose.
   
   Suffice it to say, I found 23 DAYS disappointing (an understatement). In short, and shorn of my stronger and more strongly-expressed opinions, if you read Lance's BIKE and Daniel Coyle's LANCE ARMSTRONG'S WAR you'll go farther and deeper than offered in 23 DAYS. You will leave the BIKE+WAR reading experience far more informed and more involved in the inner workings of professional cycling.
   
   Dr. Kirtland Peterson



2. If you followed Lance's incredible seven Tour de France victories than this book is a good compliment to what you saw. If you never watched any of it read this book anyway to better understand the significance of such an accomplishment. Having read several other books about Lance ArmstrongIt's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to LifeEvery Second Counts and the Tour de FranceFrom Lance to Landis: Inside the American Doping Controversy at the Tour de FranceI found this authors take different but a compliment to the Lance Armstrong saga. It is hard to capture the sheer magic and intensity of the Tour de France but this book does a good job of going behind the scenes and recreating the historical event. The interviews and personal touches author John Wilcockson gives to the book brings the event to life, especially if you don't watch the tour. The day by day account was pretty interesting with all kinds of information about waht goes on during a stage. One of the things I found very interesting was Wilcockson's ability to tie the contemporary race in with the historical events of the past. With nearly every chapter he gives an anecdote about the stage from the tour's storied past; the colorful stories were a very cool touch indeed. He even gets into the plaque of professional cycling, doping, in all it's ugly manifestations. He even brings Lance under the microscope by addressing his accusers allegations in the book and Lance's rebuttal.In the end it was a great ride again reliving one of the most courageous and difficult accomplishments we have ever witnessed in sport. Recommended for cycling enthusiasts everywhere.



3. The author weaves a lot of different story lines and angles into one very solid narrative. The pictures by Graham Watson are always outstanding. His pictures are what took this book from a 4 star to a 5 star book
   
   A good counter point to this book is the work done Daniel Coyle called Lance Armstrong's War



4. This book is soo good, that it made me want to go for a long, long ride.



5. I've read almost all of the books on US Postal and Lance's reign as the 7-time Tour champ: Lance's 2 books, Daniel Coyle's masterful portrait of the champ, Matthew Berry's "Inside the Postal Bus", Samuel Abt's collections of cycling columns, and many others. The thing that stands out about this particular book, John Wilcockson's reflection on the 2004 Tour, is the historical perspective the author brings. Wilcockson has been covering the Tour since the mid-1960s, and that experience shows when he draws parallels between various events in the 2004 Tour and similar episodes in history. While I didn't find many new nuggets of information about Lance or the Postal team from this book, I did gain a much better appreciation for the history of the Tour and some of its past champions: Coppi, Merckxx, Hinault, et al. Wilcockson's writing is a welcome addition to the shelf of any serious cycling fan.