5 comments about The Mysterious Montague: A True Tale of Hollywood, Golf, and Armed Robbery (Thorndike Press Large Print Biography Series).

1. Funny that the week I began Leigh Montville's, The Mysterious Montague, a jury in Las Vegas should announce a verdict in the armed robbery trial of the Sad and Sorry Simpson in Las Vegas. Two different men in two different times but amazing parallels. Both are stories of poor choices, fortunes made and wasted, families lost and talent and opportunity squandered. Each man, neither loved or pitied in the later years of his life, represents the good we could be and, sadly, the bad we can become.
   
   The Mysterious Montague is neither as long or as fact filled as his two most recent books. This is by no means the fault of Montville. The lives of Babe Ruth and Ted Williams were chronicled each day in newpapers and news reels, splashed out across the Sporting Pages and as National News. Montague, on the other had, had year long gaps in his life, questions that were never answered, activities never explained. Despite the extensive research of Montville a good part of Montague's life is really a mystery.
   
   The story is an interesting mix of West Coast celebrity and East Coast justice -- A worthy read.
   
   But, praise made, why only four stars? Because, like Montville before he researched his subject, I knew nothing of John Montague, a minor 1930's celebrity. Why then, after detailing Montague's alleged crime and trial would he include this caption to a picture almost eighty pages before the reader gets to the verdict ('Acquittal. Here Montague hugs his attorney James Noonan)? Granted, the trial does not provide high drama but I think someone did an injustice to the reader. I realize this book is not a murder mystery but I have never read a 'true crime' book that announced the outcome well before the end of the book. Allowing the reader to get the facts,form an opinion and read the verdict on his or her own would have elevated this book to the five stars it truly deserves.



2. This well written book had three separate parts: first, the exploits of a talented, but undisaplined, charismatic golfer set in the movie world of Hollywood. Second, the revealing of his mysterious past and the problems associated with it for the main character, and finally the trial and its aftermath. The book had an air of authenticity throughout, despite Monty's seemingly impossible exploits as a golfer. His relationships with well known characters of Hollywood added greatly to the book's interest.



3. My brother, an avid golfer like me, recommended this book. I took it on a cruise ship vacation for occasional night reading, and it was perfect for that relaxed atmosphere.
   
   My major observation is that America fawned over celebrities in the 1930s with the same level of adulation we use now--or maybe they were more intense about celebrities then, since there were fewer of them. Then as now, a person could even establish himself or herself as a celebrity without having a long track record of accomplishment, as with Paris Hilton on the contemporary scene.
   
   Additionally, the legal system treated celebrities with more leniency than officials allowed for ordinary citizens. Today's daily news stories describe how TV and movie stars and athletes don't get the same penalties as nonfamous individuals.
   
   One limitation, for me: Much of the suspense disappeared with the crime scene account that opened the book. If Montville had placed that item later in the book, I would have been far more curious about why Montague didn't want publicity, even when his feats were so newsworthy.
   
   Even so, you are likely to consider this book an enjoyable glimpse into a bygone era, and a visit with some of the more colorful characters who dominated the scene.The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication-change Your Life!



4. This is an entertaining summer read about a minor celebrity of the Thirties. There is a dark undercurrent of violence to the light story of the amazing and unknown golfer who played with the Hollywood stars. He is an unstable youth who gets into trouble in a brutal incident. As an adult, he apparently keeps this violent tendency under control, but when his true identity is discovered, there is no restitution or apology for the victims of the crime for which he is indubitably guilty (a unique clue left at the scene leaves no doubt of that.) Montague also married well, so he never had to have a real job.
   He never really accomplished anything other than entertaining some sports writers and readers. While he accomplished no real good, he did some real harm. At least we can be thankful that his dark side was controlled after a certain point--with his terrific strength, he'd have made a very successful murderer.



5. This is a good read...Although Montague was probably a con man from the start he certainly led an entertaining life. Even though he got away with almost everything he did he provided his friends with entertainment and laughter. I would recommend this book as a good read, but I wouldn't take Mr. Montague too seriously.

2 comments about Juan Pablo Montoya.

1. All Juan's life. His ups and downs and how he is becoming one among the best!



2. Excellent book with all the history about Juan Pablo Montoya's carrer. Testimonies of the people who worked with him in F3, F3000, Cart, etc.

   Includes a lot of pictures.

   Great Book !!

1 comments about Terry: Terry Fox and His Marathon of Hope.

1. I was initially given this book as a gift, knew nothing about it, but loved it. It's a great, well put together coffee table book, about an inspiring Canadian role model. As a Canadian export living in the States, it made me nostalgic for Terry Fox Runs from the past :). Highly recommended.

5 comments about Embedded Balls.

1. Peter Jacobsen is an excellent story teller. Great book for any golfer. There are many funny happenings on the golf course and during tournament play that I enjoyed. This book was co-authored by Jack Sheehan as was his previous book "Buried Lies". It is a fast read and Peter Jacobsen has made golf interesting and funny.
   
   Letta Meinen



2. I ENJOYED READING EMBEDDED BALLS BUT IT WAS MORE LIKE A PETER JACOBSEN AUTO BIOGRAPHY. THATS WHY IT GOT 3 STARS. I THOUGHT THERE WOULD BE MORE GOLF HUMOR INVOLVING A LOT MORE TOUR PLAYERS. I REALLY LIKED HIS FAMILY AND THEIR VALUES AND IF THIS BOOK WAS MARKETED AS THE PERSONAL LIFE OF PETER AND FAMILY IT WOULD BE 5 STARS.



3. This is at least one book too many for Peter. Most of the stories are old and too many involve farts. If you find this funny, your sense of humor has not developed since the second grade. The book is full of errors. Peter tells how Riviera is one of his favorite courses and then tells about his hole-in-one on the 15th hole. Sorry, Peter but the 15th hole is a par four. You made your ace on the 14th hole. It is evident that Peter not only did not write the book, he didn't even read it.



4. There's nothing really bad about this slim book, but the writing is bland and cliches abound. I found the book neither enlightening nor funny. I'm a big golf fan and like Peter Jacobsen as a player. I always like to see him win or do well. I think that the problem with the book is that Peter is simply too nice a guy, at least in print (and that does not mean to imply he is not otherwise a nice guy), to be very interesting.



5. Once again Jacobsen and Sheehan have outdone themselves writing a book about their love of the game and the great stories that have ensued from the fairways worldwide...
   
   I laughed until I cried and am going to pass the book on to my friends in the dental society (and huge golf fans) in golf course mecca in Central Oregon..

2 comments about A Lifetime in a Race.

1. There are some very good segments in Matthew Pinsent's autobiography, A Lifetime in Race, particularly his rower's-eye-view of the Olympics. Unfortunately, while these bits made for an interesting excerpt in Rowing News, they don't really justify a whole book. The pacing and style of the prose bothered me enough that I probably wouldn't recommend the book to someone who didn't already have an interest in British Olympic Rowing.



2. This book isn't a biography at all. It covers Pinsent's career of rowing from his teenage years where he first began to his 4th Olympic Gold. Considering it was a decent sized book I got through it in about a week or so. A very enjoyable read and something rowers will love. Right up there with Assault and the Amateurs.

No comments about True North: Reflections on Fishing and Life Well Lived.

5 comments about Ty Cobb (Sport in American Life).

1. Now featuring a new afterword by author Charles C. Alexander (Professor Emeritus Of History at Ohio University), Ty Cobb is the classic biography of one of baseball's most brilliant, volatile, and intimidating presences. An inset section of black-and-white photographic plates illustrate this chronicle of not only Ty Cobb's robust life, but also the startling transformations taking place during twentieth-century baseball. A fascinating, deftly researched and highly readable "must-have" for fans of baseball legends.



2. TY COBB BY CHARLES C. ALEXANDER (1984)

   Audio book review

   Charles C. Alexander's Ty Cobb is an illuminating review of the legendary early Twentieth Century baseball superstar. This audio book, read by Walter Zimmerman, is written more like historical biography than a baseball book
   Alexander dispels many long-held Cobb myths. Cobb was mean and nasty, but not nearly the ogre of legend. In fact, Cobb was a devout Christian (Baptist), very well spoken, a man who cared about his public image, and engaged himself in many acts of on and off-field kindness. Caricatured as a savage racist by revisionist history, Cobb actually was kindly in his relations with the many black people he grew up with in Georgia, some of whom worked for his family. He had no patience for blacks he considered uppity. He was not Branch Rickey, but he was not the Grand Dragon of the K.K.K., either. Miserly? Sometimes, but without fanfare he took care of players who had hit the skids. A spikes-sharpened demon? You bet, but Ty also shook hands with his combatants after the dust settled, and performed various acts of dovish peacemaking for the benefit of hostile fans.
   Alexander is not a psychiatrist, but it is obvious that the fact that Cobb's mother killed his father in what may not have been an accident, during an incident that occurred because Mr. Cobb suspected Mrs. Cobb of having an affair, shaped Ty's combative nature. What has been lost over the years is that Cobb became friendly with Babe Ruth (common legend holding that he always hated him). Cobb was a shrewd millionaire investor who never needed to work after baseball, therefore separating himself from regular contact with people while living in huge mansions that were too big for him, after his wife left. Most telling is the relationship Cobb had with his two male children. He raised them strictly, and because of baseball travel left much of the child rearing to his wife. When he retired, they were grown up and on their own, and Cobb had genuine regrets for "missing" their childhood's. He wished he had been a doctor, so he could have been home for his kids, and when one of his sons went into medicine, Cobb lamented that if he, too, were a doctor they would have something in common. With all that baggage in tow, Cobb had to endure the premature deaths of both of the boys from untimely illnesses, living the last 20-odd bitter years of his life blaming himself.
   Cobb may have been hard to live with, but this book empathetically explains some of the demons that drove the man into becoming a brilliant stock manipulator, a taskmaster father, an unfeeling husband, a reviled teammate, a hated opponent, and in the opinion of those who saw him, perhaps the greatest baseball player who ever lived!




3. Alexander approaches baseball history as a historian; not a mere storyteller. This book reflects that approach. Alexander reports the feats and faults of Cobb, but doesn't try to pass judgement. Cobb's career speaks for itself (men are still chasing some of his records). However, in our age of political correctness Cobb's misbehavior speaks louder.

   Alexander details a complete Cobb. For all his faults Cobb was mannered and gracious in public (most of the time), a perfect host (if he liked you) and a generous philanthropist. This is the side most other Cobb bio's whitewash.

   This book proves useful as a resource about Cobb. It details the facts about his life season by season. The only way to improve the book would be to add more detail and color to some of Cobb's exploits-- but then the book would have to be about 500 pages.

   I consider this to be the primere biography of Ty Cobb. However, those looking mostly for anidotes, stories and that harsh personality brought to life might want to check out Al Stumps' "Cobb". I suggest reading both to develop the full image of the Greatest innovator baseball has ever seen.




4. Ty cobb was the most ideal hitter in baseball before "the Babe" opened its new era.

   The author described well enough for me to understand 1900-1910's players, ballparks, other circumstances around baseball.

   I sincerely recommend this book to all the baseball fans.




5. Perfect companion to Al Stump's bio of Cobb. Alexander is more factual; Stump gives the reader a more thorough understanding of Cobb and his peculiarly ferocious personality. (The Alexander and Stump biographies portray a man who is one part Bedford Forest, one part Patton, one part Perot and one part Michael Jordan). For instance, Alexander devotes little more than one paragraph to Cobb's nervous breakdown in August, 1906. On the other hand, Stump details the inhumane hazing Cobb received from his yankee teammates in 1906 due to southern upbringing which led to Cobb's breakdown and fed his massive paranoia. Stump does a much better job on detailing Cobb's rivalry with Babe Ruth. Alexander briefly mentions the rivalry; Stump details the intense hatred Cobb felt for Ruth. For example, as player-manager of the Tigers, Cobb would often scream at the thick-lipped Ruth from the dugout, "You Nigga', Nigga' etc., etc.." However, where Stump takes many of Cobb's stories and yarns at face value, Alexander sifts through the clouds and tells the reader what is definitely true and leaves out what might be lies. Ty Cobb is the most interesting baseball player of all time though not the most important (Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Roberto Clemente and, because of his role in free agency, Catfish Hunter were more important than Cobb). To get a real good feel of Ty Cobb, you need to read two books. Mr. Alexander's book is one of the two.

4 comments about Karsten's Way: The Life-Changing Story of Karsten Solheim-Pioneer in Golf Club Design and the Founder of PING.

1. Tracy Sumner's Karsten's Way is the fascinating biography of Karsten Solheim who was a visionary pioneer in the design of golf clubs, the founder of PING, and for whom The Solheim Cup was named. Karsten's influence and ideas were to profoundly influence both golf and the golf equipment business. If you've ever held a golf club in your hands, or wondered how the business aspects of the game have evolved, this Karsten's Way will prove to be as inspiring as it is informative.



2. A good book to read when you feel like things aren't going your way....there's a reason why things happen in people's lives (i.e. GOD)...after i read the book i now know why i felt PING golf equipment is the best...never sacrifice what you believe in



3. Friendship and respect are two of the most precious assets in a man's life. Karsten Solheim enjoyed both in large measures throughout the golf world. We shared a very special relationship, owed to my now having played Ping clubs for 20 years. I sincerely commend this book, "Karsten's Way," for it is above all, the story of a far-sighted pioneer, and an essential record of how he revolutionized golf with his exceptional passions.



4. If you are looking for a sermon on religion you have come to right place , but if you are looking for a great insight to the mind and workings of the greatest inovator in clubmaking ever....look somewhere else. this book is about 10% golf and 90% religious praise for this beloved man. Don't get me wrong I respect his devout beliefs but that could have been summed up in about 3 pages not 150. I never fealt that I got any info on how he came up with his great club Ideas, the ping website has better information.

1 comments about Bud Wilkinson: An Intimate Portrait of an American Legend.

1. I grew up just blocks from The Ohio State University during the age of the great football rivalry between coaches Woody Hayes and Bo Shembeckler. Fall Saturday mornings were always spent on campus attending the warm up concert of the OSU Marching Band (TBDBITL - The Best Damn Band In The Land); tail-gating with family, friends, and phenomenal food; and, of course, cheering for the Buckeyes and watching them beat whatever team they were playing.
   
   About that same time, Bud Wilkinson was obtaining legendary status as coach at Oklahoma, building one of the country's greatest ever football traditions which encompassed three national championships, 12 consecutive conference titles, 74 straight undefeated regular season games (1947 - 1959), 6 bowl victories, and career win-loss total of 145-29-4.
   
   This book, Bud Wilkinson, An Intimate Portrait of an American Legend, by his son, Jay Wilkinson, and Gretchen Hirsch, details the length and breadth Bud's interesting and colorful life, through his coaching career, his career in the political arena, and his later years. A man of true grace and character, Bud was respected and admired by all those whose lives he touched. Delightfully written in a clear, entertaining style, this book is recommended for anyone who is interested in football, Oklahoma, great traditions, or simply a good role model.

5 comments about Tiger: A Biography of Tiger Woods.

1. This amazing book written by John Strege should be read by all young golfers. This book tells about how Tiger and his family have to live through the struggles of racism and how Tiger prevails over other golfers. Tiger is an ordinary boy growing up except that he's black. At 5 years old Tiger was playing exceptional golf. Tiger travels all around the U.S.A. to play in golf tournaments and only gets better along the way. The theme is about Tiger going from good to great. I loved this story because of all the suspense that builds up and how tiger achieved greatness in the golf world.



2. This amazing book written by John Strege should be read by all young golfers. This book tells about how Tiger and his family have to live through the struggles of racism and how Tiger prevails over other golfers. Tiger is an ordinary boy growing up except that he's black. At 5 years old Tiger was playing exceptional golf. Tiger travels all around the U.S.A. to play in golf tournaments and only gets better along the way. The theme is about Tiger going from good to great. I loved this story because of all the suspense that builds up and how tiger achieved greatness in the golf world.



3. This book really had very little informative stuff. This guy obviously does not know how to write a good biography. It was sooo boring and there really wasen't that much stuff. It almost seems like John Strege collected a lot of newspapers and got some info. from the internet and went straight on to write what he calls a "biography". It's nothing but a summary a lot of games played by Tiger...nothing more! It doesn't go much into his personal life, if that's what you want.



4. I read this book a couple of weeks ago for a book report in my english and i would rate it about a four out of a five. I like most of it but some of it didn't need to be in the book. There is a part about his swing and it was not very nessecry to add. That is one thing they could have kept out. Another thing that inpressed me alot was that they had alot about the first tournment he played in on the Tour. They also had alot of first like his first hole in one, his first best round, and the first time he played in a tournment. The best part of the book from my opionen is the part where they talked about how he was going to go the Stanford to play golf. The coach at Stanford was watching him play when he was 13 years old. Also, he played with Jack Nickulus, a great golfer when he was a child, at a camp in Florida. He was getting into the pros when he was about 20 years old. That is one of the youngest players ever to play on tour up intill today. The coach of Stanford was a very good golfer a long time ago named Mr. Goodwin. He made the program at Stanford very well and and developed. What made him such a good golfer was when he was young he went to the range and hit balls more then he played on the course.



5. A good biography of Tiger. Goes into details of his growing up period, his life during college and as an amateur. Well written.
   Old now and hence some facts have changed. Covers till his professional debut, still very interesting reading