3 comments about Bang Your Head: The Real Story of The Missing Link.

1. Dewey Robertson was a man who seemed to be doing well in his life with a successful wrestling career in Canada, thriving gym, good family life and his health. Through making some bad decisions he managed to lose the lot.
   
   He did this by heading to the US to seek fame and fortune but found that he needed to keep up with the other wrestlers and take drugs and drink heavily.
   
   Robertson tells a sad story of a life ruined.
   
   A good read and one in which you learn that the consequences of your actions have lasting effects.



2. My first introduction to the "Missing Link" was as a young child, growing up experiencing Vince McMahon's new vision of professional wrestling. The WWF expansion was in its infancy and I was lucky enough to receive the WWF Wrestling Album as a gift from my parents. A quick scan of the album cover revealed many familiar Saturday morning faces, but one face stuck out like a sore thumb. It was the green-faced monster character whom I had never seen before. I would later find out that it was the Missing Link, and his cup of coffee with the WWF happened to coincide with the making of this album. His stint with the company was so short that I had somehow missed all his appearances on TV. I felt cheated.
   
   In later years, I would discover what I was missing through the miracle of video tape. When I got my hands on tapes from the NWA and WCCW I finally got to experience with my own eyes the brilliance of this remarkable wrestling character. My research eventually led to the realization that The Link had previously become famous under a completely different name, AND he was a Canadian (like me). As a clean-cut babyface named Dewey Robertson, he became a major star in Canada and around various territories in the United States. It was a career I would surely anticipated seeing chronicled in the pages of an autobiography some day. I would come to realize that I severely underestimated the intrigue involved with the personal life and career of Dewey "The Missing Link" Robertson.
   
   BANG YOUR HEAD!, the real story of The Missing Link is a mesmerizing account of the journey made by a man whose life was separated into several distinct eras. This book covers it all with brutal honesty and an clear intent to pass on the wisdom of experience. We begin with Dewey's troubled upbringing, leading into his compulsion with health and fitness, to getting into the wrestling business, and eventually his twisted transformation into the Missing Link character. The story gets even grittier as The Link goes into the battle of his life against the many demons that have attached themselves to him as a result of living in the fantasy world known as professional wrestling. It is a dark and most likely an accurate portrayal of your average professional wrestler.
   
   There are three basic interpretations readers could take away from this book; First, the story of a professional wrestler; second, the story of one human being fighting his ghastly addictions; and third, the effect of the first and second points on family life. It all becomes interlaced as Dewey Robertson's journey unravels before your very eyes. The tale ends with an inspirational realization and a refreshing intention to help children make better choices and not end up going down the same roads as The Link did.
   
   I enjoyed this book for what it was worth. It was short and sweet, exactly 201 pages of consistent good material, and with the exception of a few careless minor spelling errors it was pretty much a flawless and easy to read. It did make me think seriously about a lot of things in this crazy world, and I believe that was one of the underlining goals. Anybody that has a thirst for wrestling history will find this book a pleasure to read. It's more than a wrestling book; it's also a learning experience which you will find informative and thought-provoking.



3. For those who remember pro wrestling before the explosion of popularity fueled by Hulk Hogan and WWF, there was territories where certain wrestlers were the superstars.
   
   Dewey Robertson was one of these stars in regions - especially in Canada and Texas - before and during his gimmick as The Missing Link. In the classic Sports Illustrated story on pro wrestling - which featured Hulk Hogan on the cover - The Link had a photograph that essentially anchored the article on the emergence of pro wrestling in mainstream athletics.
   
   But Robertson's climb through the ranks of the industry came with a price; a too-often told tale by those who sacrificed so much to get to the top. He doesn't blame anyone but himself for the actions that almost killed him.
   
   Robertson - in a style that makes him sound as if he is sitting down and talking with you - does not cut corners in discussing how a variety of addictions left him virtually penniless, homeless for a period of time and estranged from a variety of family members and friends.
   
   It is not a story without its light moments, especially when The Link finds himself in situations where he remains in character within daily settings.
   
   From page one, Robertson stays the course of talking about experiences and individuals from what he recalls. It is an inspirational story, especially since the character remains a favorite with kids today; years after his national appearances in the WWF and WCCW.
   
   There are plenty of wrestling autobiographies on the market, and so many become a means for the person to settle grudges outside the ropes. Robertson keeps the focus on his life and - for that alone - makes it a very special read.

5 comments about Dan Inosanto: The Man, the Teacher, the Artist.

1. Finally, I got this book. I was looking for it forever. It definitely has great info on Guro Dan. Having met him in 2006, what the author tells in this book is true. Guro Dan is a great man, a great martial artist and the humblest man you'd ever meet. The book has great stories from the earlier days to the Bruce Lee days to Guro Dan's path of touching different peoples in different walks of life. I thought it was well put together. I would love the opportunity to talk to Guro Dan once again. Get the book, it's a good read.



2. Bruce Lee is amazing. He was before his time. Dan Inosanto, however, is beyond anything I have ever experienced. Having gone to seminars to train with the man himself, I can truly say this man is responsible for the JKD we know and also one of, if not THE, most well-read, experienced, and talented martial artist to date.

   This book, although a LITTLE thin, is a wonderful read and addition to any martial artist's collection. He is, afterall, THE martial artist of our time. READ IT!!




3. This is a fair book about an extraordinary man and martial artist. Although I learned a few things about Dan Inosato that I didn't know from reading magazine articles, I wanted more. I was left feeling that the overall presentation was flat, almost lifeless at times.

   Inasanto is an incredible, tireless martial arts master who is an icon in the martial arts world. I didn't feel that energy in this read and I was left wanting it.

   The positives are that you will learn much about him, including some of his human weaknesses. But mostly you will learn that he is a driven man, who even now, in his 60s, is willing to be a student and learn from others.

   I recommend this book, I just wish it had a little more spark.

   Loren W. Christensen, author of FIGHTER'S FACT BOOK




4. This book is an excellent general biography of a great martial artist. It covers his life before and after Bruce Lee, touches on his progress since Lee's death and has some very interesting interviews and quotes. The book is a fine tribute to a humble, talented person and instructor.



5. I was very excited to see that a biography has been written about Guro Dan Inosanto. He has led (and continues to lead) a fascinating life and influences a great many people through his passion for the martial arts. This book is a pleasant read, serving as an overview to Guro Dan's life-long journey in the martial arts. Much of the information in this book will be familiar to those who have read other interviews with Guro Dan. It's no surprise, there are no secrets. His hard work, dedication and humility are expounded upon throughout the book. It is well researched, with an extensive bibliography, and contains excerpts from interviews with Guro Dan and many of his students. One of the most interesting sections of the book, in my opinion, is the partial list of his many teachers. Overall, a good, light read for a sunday afternoon.

   Respectfully, Chris H. student: EEMD, Boston (JKD/FMA)

1 comments about Life and Times of Bobby Jones.

1. Any one from recent generations wanting to learn about Bobby Jones needs to get this book. You will learn of Jones the golfer, family man, gentleman, academic, and lawyer. Jones was a winner in golf and life but never waivered from his philosophy of "playing it as it lies". A collection of stories and photos unmatched in other Jones biographies. The manner in which Jones dealt with his success, and then his disabling illness is a lesson for all.

No comments about Larry Bird: An Indiana Legend.

4 comments about Breaking Through: John B. McLendon, Basketball Legend and Civil Rights Pioneer.

1. Breaking Through: John B. McLendon, Basketball Legend and Civil Rights Pioneer-The ESPN presentation, "Black Magic" prompted me to purchase this book to learn more about John B. McLendon. Being an African American college student at an HBCU when TN State won the three NAIA chanpionships, I knew a little about Coach McLendon and TN State. The book made me aware of many of the things that McLendon accomplished during his life, both on and off the court, and how little credit he has been given for doing so. I strongly recommend it to all basketball fans and coaches at all levels.



2. This book is great reading not only for anyone interested in the game of basketball, or in learning how to be a better coach (of any sport), but also for anyone interested in the Civil Rights movement and all those looking for a story that inspires. Coach McLendon has a lot to teach all of us about courage and integrity. Author Milton Katz shares story after story that illustrate these points in his highly readable narrative. This book would make a great holiday gift for just about anybody.



3. It is a story about an underdog. A man fulfilling his dreams and facilitating the same for the many people he came in contact with. The story of John McLendon's life is a shining example of how sports and entertainment can be a microcosm for the rest of society and perhaps an easier barrier to elicit change. Many times, society remembers the culmination of a chain of events. In the case of John McLendon, he was the pioneer that paved the way for the likes of Glory Road and Jackie Robinson.



4. Milton Katz has humor, integrity, and wisdom to spare. He is one of the finest individuals I know. Those who cannot enjoy him in person can at least enjoy him in print. Mr. Katz knows how to tell a great story -- and like everything he does, he does it with a lot of heart. You can learn from this man -- and you'll probably have fun along the way...

5 comments about Close to the Wind.

1. Pete Goss was born to be close to the wind. Although Goss admits in this autobiography that he had rather weak goals growing up, it is clear that Goss is one of those persons born to be before the mast. Even his nine year stint in the Royal Marines was that of a compleat sailor as his military career focused on representing his Service in a series of transatlantic and other competitions. It all seems too serendipitous, at least until the reader realizes that Goss's life is one where his ambition and his circumstances happily coincide in an almost preordained fashion.
   
   Perhaps that is why Goss's constant (realistic) financial concerns and searches for sponsorship grate so badly upon the reader. His money worries are a consistent theme in CLOSE TO THE WIND. And it is true that had Goss not pressed himself to continually move forward he probably would have been broke and unable to pursue his dreams. To me, Goss is not the bigger hero in this book, but rather his wife Tracey, who never seemed to flag in her devotion either to Pete or to his dreams.
   
   The ultimate dream was to compete in the 1996-97 Vendee Globe, a single-handed circumnavigation across the Southern Ocean. For the Vendee, Pete Goss commissioned the building of "Aqua Quorum" a revolutionary high-speed sailboat with a pendulum keel. "Aqua Quorum" performed magnificently.
   
   And so did Goss. A thousand miles from land in a Christmas Day Austral Summer hurricane under polar conditions, Goss received word that a race competitor, Raphael Dinelli, was aboard his sinking boat and facing certain death. Goss immediately turned "Aqua Quorum" back into the teeth of the storm, sailed nearly 200 miles back on his track, and plucked the hypothermic Dinelli from the sea.
   
   Although Goss came in only fifth (in a field of six finishers) he was awarded the French Legion of Honor and an MBE by Queen Elizabeth for his rescue of Dinelli. CLOSE TO THE WIND is a tale of true heroism told in an honest, unassuming, but never diffident tone by a man who merely did what he felt he had to. And, more important than any accolades, is Goss's pleasure at making a new friend.



2. There seems to be an odd hero worship associated with this author and his book about adventure and glory seeking. I found Goss's feats to be impressive but the account disturbing. I finished the book wishing I hadn't read it. He comes across as quite impressed with himself and has little of the modesty and understatement that I have found more typical of good adventure writing. (Compare Bernard Moitessier's books about equally difficult sailing accomplishments.) If you are looking for a philosopher/adventurer, Goss is not it. His reliance on expletives in key passages gives the account a vulgar quality. Like many others I was mystified as to why so much ink was spent on the fund raising effort. There probably was a good story there but I don't think he told it. Clearly Pete Goss is an awesome sailor, but this book portrays him more as attention seeker and even his website still boasts about the rescue. If you haven't read sailing books before read Moitessier or Smeeton instead.



3. This book is basically a life story, with no details spared of the races leading up to the vendee, the innumerable business ventures. If you're a novice sailor and want to read this book to learn about racing and bluewater sailing and whatnot, you may find yourself learning more about fundraising, instead.
   
   Granted, it is a decent book, it was a quick and light read, and it really really motivates one to get up and do stuff. While he spends a great deal of time talking about his effort to raise the cash, his tenacity is impressive and inspiring.



4. One of the great books of mankind's love for his brother. The strength of that love and the power of that love proven in the ice cold seas of the roaring forties. The saved and the saviour both watched over by an angel named Tracey whose love and faith in her husband, Pete, made it all possible for the heroic rescue of Raphael Dinelli.



5. A great story of adventure, as the author describes his voyages around the world in several premier yacht races. Of course, the author did not chose a literary profession as a career, but never the less, he does a good job of describing in exciting detail the struggles and achievements of his life long obsession with some of the most challenging sailing events in the world.

5 comments about Danica--Crossing the Line.

1. I originally purchased this book for my daughter as she has recently turned 15 and involved with cart racing.
   
   I read it first and was impressed not only with the racing aspects that my daughter can relate to but the life lessons to be learned by someone who has been there. It seems it's sometimes better coming from someone other than DAD.
   
   To have my daughter passionate about racing is a godsend and I am so proud of my daughter just like the Patrick's must be of their daughter.
   
   I recommend it to any parent of a teenage daughter AND as a gift to a teenage daughter. The boys are on their own!



2. I like one of the previous reviewers was a great supporter of Danica and her accomplishments on the track. However, like he, I was also soured by the ego and general attitude and tone of her personality. Not as enthused about her as I was earlier



3. I had been quite taken by Danica's exploits on the race track and thought getting some insight about her in this book would be interesting.
   
   Instead I got a book written by a woman with an ego so huge as to almost be unbelievable. She has never won a race in any car series, yet she professes to be talented enough to be the best. Always complains that her losses are a result of inferior equipment.
   
   She professes to owe a tremenous amount to Bobby Rahal for believing in her and giving her a chance, yet leaves his team for next year in hopes of again, "beter equipment." She quit racing in Europe when she felt she wasn't getting good enough equipment and says she hasn't contacted the people who sponsored her there since. Claims they told her maybe she should quit when she was frustrated with the equipment she was being provided. She took them up on it,not realizing that they were perhaps tired of her "poor me" attitude.
   
   I think for someone who has never won a race, perhaps she should show some more loyalty and a little bit of humility.
   
   This is unfortunate as I was really liking her racing and wanted to be a fan, but the book has soured me on her attitude.



4. Danica Patrick is currently THE star and main attraction on the IRL racing circuit, being a 24 year old, good looking driver who shows great promise and who happens to be female. She is currently in her second season on the IRL, but despite several great finishes (including a rousing 4th place at the Indy 500 as a rookie in 2005), has yet to win in the IRL.
   
   I saw "Crossing the Line" (219 pages) at my local library, and the curiosity factor was such that I simply had to pick it up. Danica tells her life story (such as it is, at age 24) and it's nice but simply does not make for great reading. The more interesting pages are when she explains her decision to do certain picture shoots that show off her femininity, for which she (rightly so) doesn't apologize (drawing the line at requests from Playboy and the like). But she doesn't have a lot of life experiences to share, and how could she, at age 24? This book was released in late April of this year, to coincide with (cash in on?) the build-up for the buzz of this year's Indy 500...
   
   All that said, Danica, after teasing with jumping to the NASCAR circuit for 2007, has signed on with a new IRL team for next year, and whatever (big) money they are paying her, I'm here to tell you that she's underpaid, as she is almost single-handedly is keeping the IRL circuit from falling off the cliff. Danica shows great promise as a drive, and I'll be interested to see if she can fullfill those promises, but "Crossing the Line" is not a great book, and I'm being mild.



5. 
   I bought this book because I race.....at a much lower level. I was interested in how she came up in racing in Europe. In addition, she is good....rookie of the year is impressive.
   
   However, I had to put the book down after about 20 pages because I could not stand to hear her talk any longer about how great she is. How unstoppable she is...how determined, bulletproof, supreme, brilliant, ultra talented. I was waiting to hear about her experiences coming up as a driver. But every topic change was another opportunity to tell me how incredible she is.
   She is good, young, and hasn't won an Indy race yet. I'm sure an amount of confidence is required for a driver.....but she is over the top.

5 comments about Bret 'Hitman' Hart: The Best There Is, the Best There Was, the Best There Ever Will Be.

1. THIS BOOK IS ALL ABOUT BRET IN WCW WINNING THE US TITLE AND MATCHS WITH STING IN THE SHARPSTOORER.PS IF YOU LIKE BRET IN THE WCW DAYS THAN BUT IT.



2. If you were new to wrestling, which I am not, and would like to know what happened this is great book. It takes care of many unanswered questions. It's basic great information, Thanks Bret!



3. When I heard that a book about Bret "Hitman" Hart was coming out that was going to be about his life and all his many adventures in the wrestling business, I eagerly waited with anticipation. Given the success Bret had with his award-winning documentary, "Hitman Hart: Wrestling With Shadows," I expected the same kind of honesty and openness in his book. However, that is not the case. There are a few things in it worth noting, but otherwise it is just a glamorized magazine.

   The book starts out with a forward written by the rowdy one, Roddy Piper. I should have known from the forward that this book wasn't going to be what I thought it was. Piper doesn't even get half his facts straight in his forward. In one paragraph, he says he had to face Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Title; this is true. He also says that a turning point in the match came when he threatened to hit Bret over the head with that same belt; this is not true. Piper was going to hit Bret over the head with the ring bell. This is the match that took place at WrestleMania in 1992. Kind of makes you wonder what else in Piper's forward is sadly mistaken for real facts.

   Perry Lefko, the REAL author of the book, does an okay job talking about Bret's life growing up and his blossoming wrestling career. There are many never-before-seen family photos in this section of the book, and those are a nice addition. However, there is little mention of Bret's tenure in the WWF outside his debut and his controversial exit. Not only that, but there are hardly any photos of him wrestling in the WWF. I imagine this has something to do with the fact that Vince McMahon owns all of Bret's archives, and it is sad that such a legend like Bret Hart can't even have photos of his greatest matches in a book written about him. Much more time is focused on Bret's tenure in the WCW and the events that led up to him winning the World Heavyweight Championship in the Air Canada Centre on November 21, 1999. There is much left out in the book that could have been touched upon, and what is not in the book far outweighs what is actually in it.

   This book almost looks more like a fancied up magazine than an actual book. There are pictures galore, which I am a strong fan of, but many of the pictures repeat, and hardly any are of Bret from the WWF. Over 90% are photos of him wrestling in the WCW.

   Overall, this is a book that could have been much better. It's got a sleek design, a lot of photos and a few interesting facts about Bret that I didn't know before. But it could have been so much more. It should have been so much more.

   I've heard that Bret is writing a book of his own and that it will be due out before 2002 is over. If Bret is writing the book himself, if someone else is not writing about his life, it will be the best-selling wrestling book ever. After his refreshingly honest documentary, I expect that same openness with is book. And, knowing the "Hitman," he will give us just that.




4. If you could put the life story of each wrestler of the modern era into a book, I guarantee that Bret Hart's would be the best. This man has, by far, the most fascinating life & career in all of pro wrestling; he has done everything, and he has had everything done to him. What's that you say? "What about Mick Foley, he wrote a great book?" He did, but he has not had half the career that Hart has; he didn't grow up in the Dungeon, he hasn't had nearly as many classic matches, he didn't get screwed out of the world title in his last WWF match, and he didn't punch Vince McMahon in the face. Every wrestling fan knows at least the bare bones of Bret Hart's story even if they don't like him, simply because his story is so interesting & so essential to the story of pro wrestling itself. Hopefully, someday he will write his REAL autobiography and we'll be able to read all about his childhood, all his fond memories of Owen, his backstage feud with Shawn Michaels, & what he thought about so many classic matches (I personally would love to hear in detail about the iron man match & the submission match with Steve Austin). He is a good writer (he's been writing a column for the Calgary Sun for over 4 years), and he is not afraid to shoot his mouth off. Until then, we have to settle for this: a kiddie picture book, full of fluff, with no insight whatsoever. Any respectable wrestler would be embarrassed to have his name attached to this, and I can't imagine someone of Bret Hart's stature not dying of shame. A twelve-year-old could have written this. The way this book insults one's intelligence is bad enough, but the potential a Bret Hart autobiography had makes it unbearable. If Hart puts forth some effort, he could easily outdo Foley and write the Bible of wrestling autobiographies. Maybe he will, now that he's retired and would be able to focus on it.



5. This is a ridiculous pamphlet with pictures of Bret and his title belts. This egomaniac wants us to believe that he won championships through fierce competition. We are led to believe that nothing is scripted and Bret actually wins titles by outwrestling his hated opponents. Bret doesn't even write it himself, no, it's poorly written by a "professional". It's basically a summary of some of Bret's matches over the years. YAWN.

1 comments about Ryan Newman: Engineering Speed (Harlequin NASCAR).

1. This is a really good book, I`m a Ryan Newman fan since his beginning in the Nascar Cup debut, i thought i knew a lot about him, but this book proove me wrong...NOW i Know everything about him!!! If you a Ryan fan, don`t miss this one !!!

3 comments about Inside the Ropes.

1. I really enjoyed this inside look from a unique prespective. As with most people I wanted to know what it was like to be in the ring with Ali & Frasier. Mr Mercante's candid and professional view from one of if not the best referee's (in my opinion) in boxing history is both enlightening and entertaining. If you remember these fighters it will bring you right back to those exciting times. If you don't than you should get to know the fighters he is talking about. I would recomend it to any and all fight fans.
   Cole Giangrande



2. Arthur Mercante has lived a very interesting life! He has always been interested in boxing, and he was a good referee in the Navy and in the amateurs.
   
   But he couldn't get in at first with the New York State Athletic Commission. It seems that if you don't know anyone in high places, it's hard to get in, even if you're good.
   
   Mercante finally realizes that it's all about who you know, so he meets the right people, and he gets in as a referee. His first title fight is the second Floyd Patterson-Ingemar Johannson fight. He is scared at first when Johannson is knocked out cold, but thankfully, Ingemar leaves the ring under his own power.
   
   Mercante tells about his experiences meeting famous fighters and his anger at the arrogance of Howard Cosell, who won't let Mercante speak into the microphone while helping ABC cover the Holmes-Norton fight.
   
   He also talks about refereeing the first Ali-Frazier fight, maintaining to this day that the fight was closer than what others have suggested. He also defends his scoring of the third Ali-Norton fight, scoring it for the Greatest.
   
   Mercante feels that Riddick Bowe should have been disqualified for hitting Buster Mathis after the bell, but New Jersey commissioner Larry Hazard overruled.
   
   Mercante also discusses his recommendations for changes in boxing: eliminating all of the extra titles, having just one recognized champion per division, etc. He is against the idea of a federally regulated boxing commission, but he does feel that the promoters should pay for fighters to have health insurance.
   
   This is a great book, and fight fans will want to have it.



3. An excellent book which I bought for my husband. He was do delighted to find this title on Amazon as it is not published in the UK.