Reviews (1)

A unique sherpa's view on Everest expedition
This book written by a grandson of Tenzing Norgay, the most renown Sherpa, and his wife living in Sydney is very unique, as all other previously published books on Everest expeditions or anthropology of Sherpas were written by so-called "non-Sherpa" mountaineers born and grown-up outside of Himalaya region. This book tells us a fascinating "insider's" story about the development of sherpas' community with the discovery of the highest peak on the earth (Mt. Everest) in Hamalaya region, and a subsequent increasing rush by overseas mountain-climbers to this rather remote and isolated region of earth. The 1953 great success by the sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand in reaching the summit of Everest for the first time opened the "golden" age of Himalaya trekking, and changed dramatically the way of life in Sherpas' community, better or worse, depending on the given aspects. Among many inspiring episodes interwoven in this book, the life-long "multi-cultural" friendship of the Swiss climber Raymond Lambert and the NZ climber Sir Edmund Hillary with Tenzing Norgay and his family is most moving for myself, a Japanese amateur alpinist living overseas for more than three decades. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first ascent, we have recently translated this book into Japanese, and are planning to publish it for Japanese youth and olds in 2003. The German, French and Italian versions of this book are also scheduled to be published around May 29, 2003, comemmorating this historical event or moment. Depending on your own mother tongue, you are highly encouraged to read one of these five versions including the original English to share the excitement associated with scaling the world-highest peak with the sherpas in Himalaya region or those now working overseas in a variety of fields other than mountaineering. ... Read more

Book Description

A Handful of Summers is a cult classic. It's a delightfully uninhibited insider's account of tennis on the international circuit - both on and off the court - in the fifties and sixties, the glory days of Fred Perry, Roy Emerson, and Virginia Wade.

Forbes begins with his childhood on a farm in South Africa, where he learned to play tennis on a gravel court. His game takes him to Europe, as a South Africa Davis Cup player, and finally to Wimbledon. Along the way he cavorts with extraordinary characters among the world-class players, and their tales, and his, shine throughout this memoir of irresistible wit and humility. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A great book on life, not only tennis
I think this book was named the best book on tennis by some or other panel. Though I have not read all that many books on the sport, I cannot imagine a better book on tennis, or any other sport for that matter. Forbes is a delightful author, writing with gentle wit and charm about his childhood on a farm in the Eastern Cape, his tennis career and his life after tennis. Reading the book it is impossible not to mourn the passing of an era when sport was played for the enjoyment thereof, and sports star were friends.

A book that should be read by everybody, not only people interested in tennis or sport.

A writen account of tennis when the game was pure.
Gordon Forbes has captured the essence of what sport used to and should still be. From South African farmlands to the lawns of Wimbledon "Forbsie" paints a humorous picture of tennis in the fifties and sixtys. The cast of characters become personal friends and the author like a big brother. A Handful of Summers is among the classics on my bookshelf.

You don't need to be a tennis buff to find this hilarious!
This is a journey through one man's life in an era so different from today. An insight into the world of 'amateur' tennis and its twists of professionalism. An era when tennis was played for the joy of the game, travelling, a varied existence, and a lack of anything better to do!

This traces the realities of life on the tennis tour in the 50s and 60s and the ups and downs which went with it, especially given that Gordon Forbes was from a culture as complex as that of South Africa.

This books gets you really involved in the lives of some of the greatest tennis legends of all time, and others who strove to reach their heady heights, but never quite made it to the top! This book contains so much passion and honesty that it draws you in. You can almost believe that you are right beside these tennis greats, treading in their every footstep, hearing their every breath. You feel as if you grew up with them, laughed their every laugh, and suffered their every defeat.

This is a must for every lover of tennis, and should not be written off by those who have no interest in the game. This is no ordinary tennis chronicle. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1974 Mark Donohue took a year off from driving at the height of his racing career and wrote a candid and revealing book about his journey through the world of auto racing - from amateur races in his own '57 Corvette to winning the Indy 500 in Roger Penske's McLaren M16.

Now, 25 years after it's original publication, The Donohue sons and Bentley Publishers have re-released a new edition of The Unfair Advantage. The new edition contains all of the original text. Expanded content includes photographs and separately appended material that fills out the Donohue story in words and pictures and provides historical context.

The Unfair Advantage captures a uniquely American blend of intellect and scrappiness. A graduate in engineering from Brown University, Donohue integrated creativity, openness to new ideas, humor, and his persistent will to win into every part of his approach to racing.

When Donohue puts that formula into words in The Unfair Advantage the result is as much an attitude and perspective as anything else. As such, it has had wide reaching and particularly personal impact for almost 30 years in the world ofmotorsport participants and enthusiasts. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Unfair Advantage of Intelligence
This is a book I waited to be reprinted for a long time. Mark's honesty about his weaknesses and fears is a sign of his strength and desire to be the best. I admired him for his accomplishments and even more for his drive after reading this book. He helped make Roger Penske the racing legend he is. Will we ever see a man like Mark again? I doubt it!

The Unfair Advantage
It has been 30 years since Mark Donohue won the Indianapolis 500 (1972). My, how time flies! Mark was the at the peak of his career when his life was snuffed out in a race car crash. Mark Donohue and Roger Penske completely revitalized autoracing and changed everybody's thinking about how to run a successful auto racing team. Mark and Roger took auto racing to new levels of professionalism. Gone were the days of t-shirts and oily blue jeans, replaced by clean uniforms. Gone were the days of hamburgers and french fries, replaced with healthy food for the crew. Gone were the days of towing of the race car on an open trailer pulled by a rusty old pickup truck, replaced by semi-trailer trucks. His book "The Unfair Advantage" should be manditory reading for any race car driver or business professional. If you expect to get a head in the game of life, you should read this book.

Read it , its great.
A book of this size usually takes me 1-3 days to read. This one took 2 weeks and I hated having to put it down. Its the story of a man whose only ambition was to be the best in his chosen profession. The book is full of interesting stories about the development of his race cars and driving techniques. A must read for anyone who enjoys motorsport.

Great insight into the complexity of motor racing
Being thirtysomething and more familiar with European than American motor racing (for inexplicable reasons there seem to be a great divide there, as also Mark Donohue alludes to) this was not first on my list of must-read's. However, unable to escape continued references in Autoweek and picking up interest in technique and technical aspects through own amateur formula racing I decided to buy this book in November - with no regret.

Donohue, while refraining from sidetracking into his personal life, nonetheless comes across as a whole human being, complete with anxiety, jealousy, hopes, fears, enthusiasm, dissapointment, pride and competitive spirit. I would have liked to work with this man who was a gifted driver and a great pioneer in motorsports.

His achievements were many and hereof his innumerous victories and role in building the Penske empire merely a part of the story. Donohue developed the "American", a.k.a. modern driving technique of braking, turning and accelerating in one smooth integrated action. He made strides in understanding aerodynamics, suspension geometry, "bumpsteer", tyre applications and basically all other aspects of driving and setting up a race car. He drove allmost all on-road racecar types of the era, including Nascar, Canam, Transam, LeMans, Formula 1, IROC, Formula A - unlike most other drivers, he was involved in several completely different race programs in the same season; a tremendous effort.

Reading this book will give you an appreciation of the complexity of setting up and keeping a race car competitive. It will not teach you how to do it but you may just have the interest to find out once you have been smitten by Donohue's indomitable thirst for knowing what makes a car do what under which circumstances and what you in turn can do to get the most out of it.

Great Book By a Great Driver
Donohue's book was insightful, telling of his good and bad fortunes over the years and his experiences were great. I found it ironic that he retired before making the book, then got back into racing to only die soon after his book was published. The book is easy to understand and has some good stuff to quote. Wish I could have been around to meet Mark Donohue... ... Read more

Book Description

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s name virtually assured that his life would not be ordinary. Over the past decade, he has fulfilled that destiny. His father, one of the most successful drivers in the history of international motorsports, gave his son more than his name. Dale Earnhardt Sr. placed Dale Jr. in position to follow the footsteps and tire tracks he had left from Darlington to Daytona, from coast to coast, from one championship to the next. Entering 2001, Junior was set to turn the sport on its ear. Instead, his world was rocked in the first race of the season when Dale Sr., racing behind him in a wild finish to the Daytona 500, crashed into the outside wall and was killed. The racing world mourned, and Junior's life changed many ways. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.: Out of the Shadow of Greatness tells the story of this remarkable young man's journey from teenage dreamer to Winston Cup winner, from Street Stock racer to 200 mph superstar, from son of the greatest to a champion in his own right. Against the backdrop of one of sport's biggest tragedies, he continues to carry the Earnhardt name to new heights. ... Read more

Book Description

Lita™ -- see her just once in the ring and you can never forget it. The breathtaking off-the-top-rope fearlessness that she shows keeps you on the edge of your seat. You simply can't believe she's going to be able to pull off the move, and then Lita takes it to the next level. That's her reality, that's why she is a WWE™ Superstar.

Taking unexpected risks, daring to do what no one has done before, that's the reality of Amy Dumas, the remarkable woman behind Lita. Even as a young girl, Amy was determined to challenge herself and the world around her. She found personal freedom in the hardcore punk rock scene of the nineties. The positive force of the music and culture helped define the reality of Amy Dumas.

Her willingness to try anything once set her on the path to World Wrestling Entertainment.™ Captivated by the high-flying style of the luchadors she saw on television, Amy was hungry to discover more about them. She just had to learn how they did those amazing moves. With only a guidebook for a companion, Amy set out for Mexico City where she was quickly invited into the secret world of lucha libre, Mexico's unique brand of professional wrestling. She returned to the States, resolute in her goal to make it as a professional wrestler.

Amy found people who saw her determination and her heart, and agreed to train her. As her skills improved, she began traveling the highways and byways of America, working night after night in independent promotions around the country. Along her journey, Amy met an assortment of colorful characters as well as a number of wrestlers who would prove influential in her career. Among them were two local North Carolina stars who had just signed with WWE -- Matt and Jeff Hardy. Amy formed an instant bond with the dynamic Hardy Boyz,™ whose spectacular style and high-flying bravado inspired her own bold in-ring style.

It wasn't long before Amy -- now christened Lita -- joined Matt and Jeff in WWE, and the three friends became international sensations as Team Extreme.™ Lita proved a true pioneer in women's wrestling, daring to get in the ring with the boys -- including Triple H,™ Stone Cold Steve Austin™ and The Rock® -- and never backing down. It took a broken neck suffered on the set of a television series to stop her...but only temporarily. Lita: A Less Traveled R.O.A.D -- The Reality of Amy Dumas is the stirring tale of one young woman's amazing journey to the top of the wild, wonderful world of WWE.™ ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Informative
The history of Amy "Lita" Dumas has been a somewhat mystery -- no pun intended. This book, is written by Amy and Michael Kraugman ( who also helped write Exist 2 Inspire ). While the "stringing together" of the words is not exactly complicated English and while this is not exactly a literary masterpiece, the actual content is quite a read. Many people tend to put down this book due to that fact that Lita has only been in the rasslin' business since early 1998 and that she has not been around long enough to write her life story, but well, I can tell you this much, from the story of her life so far; it's quite amazing.

I am wrestling fan, I was born one and I will die one; so reading wrestling biographies comes naturally to me. It seems like I have been waiting a lifetime for this book, and I was not at all dissapointed. This is a feel good story, it is a story about making your way to the top and seeing your dreams come true by hard work, dedication and maybe a little bit of luck.

So here we have a woman who's lived all over the United States of America, ( Atlanta, Florida, Washington, North Carolina, Virginia ), she's graduated from high school and she has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She plays in a couple of bands, travels to Europe, does the whole finding herself cliche, but eventually, she does. She finds her passion, she finds wrestling.

This book explains everything from her relationship with her on/off boyfriend of the last four years, fellow wrestler, Matt Hardy, her passion for the business, her days as a rocker and her love for animals. Everything you wanted to know about this young woman is present in this autobiography -- and more.

If you are a Lita fan; you'll love this. If you are a wrestling fan; you will appreciate this. If you are a reader; you should read this.

This WWE Diva is back and better than ever in the ring, she is at the top of the ladder of success, and she is still climbing and enjoying every moment of it.

Book Worth The Travel
Young Amy Dumas is known to millions under the WWE Franchise as Lita, the high flying, risk taking, dare devil of a woman who is well known for not only her skills against the women, but against the men as well. I grew up not really liking wrestling, but I would occasionaly watch it with my Uncle who is a big fan. But as I would watch...this young lady would stick out like a sore thumb.

Within this book Amy Dumas (Lita) describes her road to becoming the professional wreslter she is today, as well as her journeys after. She has went through a great deal, being nearly homeless after highschool, working as a stripper, taking judo lessons, as well as the carreer threatening neck injury that took place on the set of t.v. show Dark Angel. This novel is well worth every penny to anyone who is slightly interested in the life of this inspiring younge woman.

Lita's Fan
This the best book i ever read. I am a big fan of Lita and of this book. Once you start to read this book you will not want to put it down. You think it will be about her becomeing a wrestler, but its so much more. It tells about her first job and her first house. Then it tells about her love, her dog, Cody. I loved it so much. I recommend this book for everyone.

Best WWE Biography
A lot of people try to trash this biography because they don't like Lita personally. If you'll notice Lita is very rarely praised for her work. But this book is easily the best WWE Biography I've read. It's the first one that doesn't read "I've loved wrestling my whole life. Wrestling is my life. Blah blah blah." Lita loves wrestling but she doesn't only talk about that. She actually tells the story of her LIFE. Not her story of becoming a wrestler.

Why was this even written?
This is one of the worst books ever written in the now infamous wrestling autobiography genre. I don't understand why Lita wrote an autobiography. What has she done? Its like I broke my neck so buy my book. This is a useless poorly written book about some girl with a man tattoo who stalks punk bands across the story. It is a very painful read. I don't recommend this book to anyone unless you are a fan of punk band stalkers who write poorly.

Seriously I understand that it is a new fad to write a book now. People change their socks these days as fast as they write books and some of them are just pure crap. This is one of them. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Why is A Season on the Brink the bestselling sports book of all time? The answer is easy: Bobby Knight. Audaciously brilliant, exasperatingly volatile, and never boring, the Indiana University basketball coach is Greek drama and comedy neatly wrapped in a red sweater. Like all high-strung people, Knight is particularly interesting when things don't go according to his playbook. John Feinstein had the good fortune to follow Knight and his Hoosiers through a difficult 1985-86 campaign; that Feinstein could watch that season attached to Knight's hip gives A Season on the Brink its sights and its sounds. That such closeness allowed entry into Knight's heart gives the book its fury. Thecombination is irresistible. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Major College Basketball and Bob Knight--Raw and Uncensored
As a huge sports fan, I couldn't wait to read this book and get an inside look into a college basketball season with Bob Knight and his Indiana Hoosiers. John Feinstein pulled off a minor miracle by convincing Knight to allow him to follow the whole team, players and coaches alike with his notepad and tape recorder throughout the 1985-86 season.

What you'll see is an inside look at the trials and tribulations of a big-time college basketball team and the sometime circus atmosphere created by their tempermental coach. The book starts off with a quick recap of the 1984-85 season which included the now famous chair throwing incident. Then you are lead through the offseason, training camp and regular season of 1985-86. Feinstein does a good job of keeping up the pace despite giving detailed recaps of every season's game. He ends the book with a brief summary of the national championship season of 1986-87.

There's no doubt who the center point of the whole book is: That of course is Bob Knight. I'm not an Indiana hoosier fan but I certainly was well aware of all the incidents Knight's been involved in over the years including the chair throwing, head butting, and choking. I can't say that my opinion of him changed at all after reading this book. The best word I can use to describe him is: complex.

In this book, you'll read how he verbally abuses players, especially Daryl Thomas. He'll play mind games like he did with Steve Alford, the team captain and best player. He'll be upbeat about the performance of the team one minute, and then the next he'll say how the team is horrible and will never win with these players. Warning: there is some profanity, but the f-words are "blanked" out.

But at the same time, this coach is extremely loyal to his players after they graduate. He'll do favors such as help get them jobs, etc. One of the most touching moments in the book is when he meets a family where the father and son are deaf-mute. Is his good side good enough to put up with his other nonsense? You be the judge!

Supposedly, BK was NOT very happy with the book. I don't know what he expected, but Feinstein clearly didn't take sides or had some kind of adgenda to [thrash] Knight. This is must read for all sports fans, Indiana Hoosiers or not.

Good Knight!
The book "A Season on the Brink" written by John Feinstein is one of the most exciting sports books written about Coach Bobby Knight and Indiana basketball. Feinstein does a tremendous job depicting Coach Knight's attitude, uncontrollable behavior and sometimes bazaar psychological mind games to motivate his team to win. Throughout the 1985-86 season Coach Knight continues to struggle within to overcome the frustration he has with himself and his team.

Twenty years later "A Season on the Brink" is an exhilerating read for any fan of Coach Knight and Indiana basketball. Feinstein does a wonderful job depicting Coach Knight's love for the game and the attitude to win at any cost to himself or the team. Throughout the book, Coach Knight is a person you love to hate. He has such a complex personality it's almost impossible to feel any different. Feinstein does an excellent job as well revealing all sides of the story to include the players, coaches, university officials, friends, enemies and the fans caught up in Coach Knight's world.

"A Season on the Brink" gives you a behind-the-scenes look from the locker room to the basketball court with all the emotions that go with playing basketball at a college level in Indiana. This book is a must read for any basketball fan especially a Hoosier basketball fan.

Season Recap
"A Season on the Brink"

A Season on the Brink, was a great book. This book was about a coaching legend. Bob Knight, is described by many sport fans as one of the best coaches of all time. This is not just a plain old book. This book is about a coach walking between extreme madness and a complete genius.
In August of 1984, Bob Knight of Indiana University, lead the U.S Olympic basketball team to the gold medal. At that time, this was a master achievement to add to his two NCAA tournament championships. Many coaches to this day have not accomplished anything like this.
In February of 1985, Bob Knight's sees glimpses of his career coming to an end. His team is struggling dramatically. The Hoosier supporters are curious to what is happening to their Indiana program. Now Knight is known to go a little haywire, so anything is possible. In February of 1985, Bobby Knight throws a chair across the floor as a Purdue player is preparing to take foul shots. A little haywire is absurd! This is something that one would watch in a hockey game, not a NCAA Basketball game. Knight was suspended for only one game after reacting like he did. After ending that season, Knight was to where sky was the limit, to rock bottom! Knight also knew if another season like this was to occur, that his career was on the edge. Entering the 1985-86 season, would be a season on the brink.
Bobby Knight had been preaching his team that they needed to get into position to be in position. The Hoosiers were 2-2 in the Big Ten. Their next game was at home, against the Ohio State Buckeyes. This was a deciding game for the Indiana Hoosiers. This would give them a chance to be in the run for the Big Ten race. Daryl Thomas had a severe sprained ankle, while Ohio State had a seven-foot center to guard. Amongst all of this, Bobby Knight ended up getting a technical foul. In the end, the Hoosiers somehow pulled the victory off. From there on out the tide had changed. I chose to write about this game, because Knight had told his team what needed to be done, and they conquered it with all the given obstacles.
The Indiana Hoosiers were back to being Hoosiers again!

Big time basketballs side show
A Season on the Brink is a very outspoken and true story of the infamous coach and his legendary Hoosiers during the 1985-86 seasons. After a very disappointing season the year before Knight and his Hoosiers prepare for the season ahead. Season, is an invigorating story of Knights personality and his explosive demeanor. John Feinstein was granted the entire year by Bobby Knight to follow the team on every game, practice, and meeting the team had that year. A Season on the Brink goes in the world that Knight has with his players and his way of motivating his team to reach his goals. Feinstein doesn't pull any punches but he is very unbiased also letting the reader see Knights softer side. Season details player opinions and the opinions of others associated with Indiana basketball. This is a very explosive and fun book that delves deep into the psyche of Knight and his own weird way of doing things. An exciting adventure for any Hoosier or college basketball fan that loves the drama of the game and the fire that Bob Knight brings to the table.

"One Heck of a Season"
As a basketball fan, I was very excited to have read the book. I give the book, A Season on the Brink a five star. The book surpasses my expectation. As a former athlete and a basketball player, I can honestly say that I can relate to some of the players. The hardships that the players had to go through and the torments of yelling were just two of the things I can really relate to. The book helped me realize how basketball was played in Indiana under Bobby Knight. The two practices or what we would call "two a days" were always a big let down.
All the running and drills the players had to go through seemed never ending.
I can also relate to the player when yelling is involved. In the book, all Bobby Knight seemed to do was yell at his players. I can relate to that because my high school coach was the same. To the players, their work seemed pointless because Bobby Knight would always yell at them. I think some players can work under such circumstances, but others can't. We clearly see that in the book. Some players can stand Knight's yelling and let it go while others take the yelling and criticism to the heart. Those players that do let all of Knight's yelling get to them, start to lose their confidence and focus. In the book, a coach informed Daryl Thomas, that if Knight is yelling at him, he wants him to get better, but if he quits yelling at him, then Knight's no longer interested in him. After reading that part, I was shocked because my high school coach informed me of the same concept.
While reading the book, I felt that Knight was really hard on the players, but I came to the conclusion that he was a good coach. I don't like his temper, but this book helped me realize how good a coach and person he was. The book also helped me relate to the players and all the hardships, suffering and yelling they had to go through. I think people should read this book especially if they are hard core basketball fans because they would more than likely relate to some parts of the book. ... Read more

Book Description

A unique glimpse into the remarkable life, and fascinating mindset, of the woman who broke records-and boundaries-for female athletes everywhere.

If there were such a thing as an "elder" stateswoman in women's gymnastics today, Nadia Comaneci would win that title as readily as she once won gold medals. Olga Korbut came before her, and many other medalists would follow, but none has ever been as dominant in winning the hearts of millions around the world. With grit and determination, Nadia Comaneci ushered in a new era for women's sports, one where young girls could vault into the arena of superstardom. Even today, almost thirty years after her greatest triumphs, you need only mention the name "Nadia" and gymnastics fans know instantly whom you are talking about.

In Letters to a Young Gymnast, Nadia shows what it takes to achieve athletic perfection and become the best. With inspiring and dramatic stories from her own experience, she tells us how the young girl that Bela Karolyi discovered in a Romanian elementary school found the inner strength to become a world-class athlete at such a young age. This collection of Nadia's memories, anecdotes, and advice grants unique insights into the mind of a top competitor. From how to live after you've realized your dream, to the necessity of "a spirit forged with mettle," Nadia's thoughts on athleticism and sacrifice are eye-opening and surprisingly challenging. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A very special little book.
Written as a series of responses to imaginary fan letters, Nadia takes us through lots of emotions as she explains her feelings about the events that shaped her extra-ordinary life.

I believe she has given us an honest account.

She comes accross as an intelligent and deeply principled woman, her insight and philosophy is a joy and an inspiration.

5-stars
Letter to a Young Gymnast is a excellant book. My coach recommended it to me, and after reading it, I gave it to my best friend to read. I was barely able to put it down. It is not so much a story of Nadia Comaneci's career as a gymnast as a story of what life in Romania was like. You walk away from this book feeling like you actually were there and know Nadia Comaneci personally. I rarely find biographies or autobiographies that are this good. Defidently a 5-star book.

Nadia: Olympic Legend Sets the Record Straight
I sat down this afternoon and read Nadia's book in one sitting! True, it's a relatively small book, but with having two young boys to look after, rarely do I take the time to read so intensely. The style and language of the book made it seem like Nadia was sharing her story with ME, and I loved the personal stories and insights. After all the stories and media rumors, it is fascinating to hear her side of the events that shaped her life, such as her early childhood memories, the 1979 World Championships, her defection to the USA, and her and Bart's courtship and wedding. These were topics that I had heard talked about many times, but even in interviews, Nadia has never gone into the detail that she did in this book.

This book reminded me about all of the reasons why I have admired Nadia for so long and why she remains very dear to my heart, and in the hearts of so many others around the world. I want to thank her for taking the time to write such an honest book, and for sharing her thoughts with her fans. Her gymnastics career has had a big impact on my life, and has always inspired me to do my best in school, in my work and in my relationships.

One last thing: when I first purchased the book, I was disappointed that there were no photos included. Upon reading the book, however, I realize that the book is directed not necessarily at a young audience, but for her fans, many of us who are in our adult years now. While photos would always be welcome, I wouldn't have wanted photos if it meant taking out any parts of the book. Her incredible and inspiring story speaks for itself.

A great book that one should not miss it!
Yes, I finally received it today, on my sick leave day, where I suppose should have my rest on the bed, but instead I ended up spending about 6 hours reading this book until the end. I'm glad I did that, I feel better after reading the book.

Thank you Amazon.com for speedy delivery of this wonderful book. I noticed that it was well packed several layers to protect the book so when it arrived through the postage, it was in perfect new condition!

I also would like to those of you who had not seen the book yet to know that the current book cover of this book is different from this book cover picture posted in Amazon.com. Amazon.com here has a 1st drafted book cover with Teodora Ungureanu's picture. After Amazon.com posted 3 months before the book launching, immediately the mistake was correct. Now the current on sales version has a beautiful Nadia rare floor exercise ending post picture in Montreal Olympics. You may view the current book cover at NadiaComaneci.com home page.

My pal Linda was correct about the book made like being Nadia talking to me alone. The book has that special personal touch, it does not need any pictures to elebrate Nadia, the true insight and honest reveal had made it more interesting than pictures.

More important is that Nadia had shown us the important to have good education for the better future of oneself. She shows us how athlete can be intellectual people. Not that she is good in gymnastics, she is good in reading, she shared the intellectual articles of Romanians writers. Her shared her love for her country, people, family, gymnastics and Bart with us. After you read the book, you feel you know Romania better, and you could see the pride of Nadia being a Romanian. Nadia also showed us her love of gymnastics, and give us a better perpestive of the sports and her coach. She showed us her connection to Nicu and Constantin. The review of imamomofive from College Grove, TN United States was wrong to say that she was mending the fences, she showed us the honest inside stories.

Nadia her great respect for her coach Bela. It was so much different from the so called "Autobiography of Nadia Comaneci", a book that was not written by her, perpared by the communist regime to save face after Bela's defection to US.

Nadia as honest as she has been tell us what she was actually had been through. After reading it, you can feel the difficulties she went through, and the courage she had to overcome them one by one. She tried to clear the wrong perception of her after Olympics life. She told us the mistakes she made. She is truly a great figther in life.

It was not a book just for gymnasts, but for people of all ages because everyone can learned some lessons from Nadia through here. It is truly a book of the arts of mentoring! It is a great book that one should not miss it!

Finally...Nadia
I originally purchased this book for my 8 year old daughter, but read it myself overnight when it arrived. It is too advanced for her age, but I will keep it for her as she matures. In the seventies and eighties I grew up enthralled with Nadia - the young, enigmatic champion from worlds away. Reading the book decades later, I was still eager to learn more about her. But I felt castigated and patronized along with the "reader" with whom she "corresponds" for wanting simple answers to obvious questions. As a woman her age, I understand too well we have all lived lifetimes. While her accounts of training and defection were compelling, it felt more often like she was apologizing, protecting and mending fences with others (Bela, Constantin, Nicu) than mentoring any young gymnast.

While the book is not what I expected (would've loved to see more...ANY!...pictures), I will say this: Bravo beautiful Nadia for the remarkable inner strength that made you the champion you are today as well as yesterday. Unfortunately, with that championship spirit often comes impossibly high self-expectations and I hope that by writing this book you will be able to put those feelings to rest and finally let us love you! ... Read more

Book Description

Fans of Illinois basketball spent the 2004-05 season celebrating the program’s 100th anniversary, with hopes of making something very special happen during the historic centennial season. They got their wish, beginning with an early December victory over top-ranked Wake Forest giving the Illini the number-one ranking in America, a position they would never relinquish for the remainder of the season.

The magic continued, with the team’s second-straight outright Big Ten championship, an emotional championship in the Big Ten Tournament, the overall number-one seed in the NCAA Tournament, national honors for Coach Bruce Weber, and an amazing run to the 2005 Final Four, highlighted by the "Revival in Rosemont," when the Illini overcame a 15-point deficit with four minutes to play to defeat Arizona in overtime for the Chicago Regional championship, a game widely considered to be one of the greatest ever played in college basketball history.

During the most historic and record-setting year in Illinois basketball history, the Illini captured the hearts of fans everywhere. Those fans can now celebrate the 2005 championship run in One for the Ages: The 2004-05 Fighting Illini's March to the Arch. The first title to be available on the market following the Illini's nearly perfect season and run to the Final Four, the book is full of vibrant full-color photos from The News-Gazette in Champaign, taking readers through the regular and postseasons. Included are statistics and game recaps for the most significant games as well as complete coverage of the Big Ten Tournament, the NCAA Tournament, and the Final Four. In addition to complete game coverage from the award-winning News-Gazette sports staff, fantastic player profiles featuring the Illini starting five and key bench contributors are also included. ... Read more

Book Description

The Rock is layin' the smack down! With unapologetic honesty, and inimitable style, The Rock tells his story from his boyhood days traveling around the world with his father (professional wrestler Rocky Johnson) to his years as a football player at the University of Miami and his less than glamorous professional days in Canada, to his meteoric rise through the ranks of the Federation. The Rock also takes fans on a guided tour of big-time wrestling, and provides a breathtaking, minute-by-minute account of WrestleMania, the Super Bowl of pro wrestling, including an intimate backstage look at rehearsals with his opponent, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and discusses in heartfelt detail the loss of his friend and coworker, Owen Hart. ... Read more

Reviews (363)

Smells Good!
When I was young I loved wrestling as entertainment. My dad always said it was "fake" and as I got to be a teenager I realized that is probably true. I remember I began to get turned off by it simply because the characters were not all that exciting any more and the stories had gotten too cheesy. When I was 25 I was "re-turned-on" to the WWF. Due to 2 people: Stone Cold Steve Austin and the Rock.

The Rock (aka: Dwayne Johnson) is one of those truly great stories in entertainment and sports--not unlike the story of NFL's Kurt Warner. This book is really for those fans who like to take an inner-look into what it takes to develop into a WWF wrestler superstar. There is plenty in this book for anyone interested. He goes from his childhood, having a father and maternal grandfather who were professional wrestlers. He is a All-American football player at Miami. Being an avid college football fan, I loved his memories of the Miami program and the other big-time players he played with (Warren Sapp, Russell Maryland). I am glad he including the instances he felt the hard times being on the practice squad in the Canadian Football League and having to sleep on used hotel mattresses and eating only spaghetti. Don't know if these accounts will inspire any would-be young wrestlers, but they give the Rock some depth.

I felt the most inspiring moment in the autobiography is how he wanted his father, Rocky Johnson, to train him to become a professional wrestler. Like all caring fathers, he was reluctant, but eventually decided to help. If his son was going to join the business, as a father he was going to manage his progress. A true fatherly attitude.

As the Rock quickly rises to the top of the WWF the book goes into some pretty entertaining periods describing life inside the professiional wrestlers tour. I enjoyed the choreography sessions between him and Stone Cold Steve Austin as well as the very well done tribute chapter to fellow wrestler, Owen Hart, who died in the wrestling ring in 1999. He also goes in and out of Rock character to describe particulr important matches for the Intercontinental Title and Heavyweight Title and gives the fans some insight into how he writes and does his promos--probably one those distinguishing characteristics that has built the Rock's popularity more than any other trait.

Wrestling has grown since I was a fan as a kid. It probably is not appropriate to anyone other than those over 16 years old. There is simply too much swearing and T & A (not Test and Albert!) now than there use to be. Perhaps good or bad, I am not going to judge. However, this book is no different...

I would NOT recommend any kid to read this book--parents reading this thinking about buying it for their 10 year old! Like an R-rated movie, this book is not recommended to anyone under 17 unless your parent knows what is in it. There are several cuss words used through out and he talks some about the loose sexual attitudes as a college football freshman. Again, I am not questioning the judgement of what he puts in his book, because he also devotes a 2 page section to parents that should be monitoring what their kids watch and he also concedes that the WWF is NOT for those under the age of 16.

All in all a very entertaining book and a refreshing change of pace from all the history books and literature I tend to read. Wrestling is an indulgence for me--a college graduate and former-history teacher. Just take it for what it is--pure entertainment at it's finest. Nothing more and nothing less.

Phil Yochim says ....
While the Rock may be one of the greatest wrestlers in the game today, he's neither a great writer or storyteller.

The Rock Says ... follows closely on the heels of Mick Foley's successful autobiography, and apparently he believed because Foley wrote a great book, he could too. Too bad, but he was wrong, and ghostwriter Joe Layden didn't help any either.

The most annoying blemish of the book is the character shifts. All of a sudden, the voice goes from being plain ol' Dwayne Johnson to THE ROCK, which is unfortunate. Mr. Johnson is often more interesting than THE ROCK. When writing as THE ROCK, he repeats many of the catchphrases WWF fans have heard for years, and while they're exciting to listen to, they're tiring to read.

Another flaw of the book is just its timing. THE ROCK is at the height of his career, and he's got a lot more to come, much unlike Foley, whose wrestling career was beginning to wind down. So why write your memoir when you've got so much yet to accomplish?

The book isn't a loser, though. The reader has a good look and understanding of Mr. Johnson's personal and professional history, and his heritage, which probably plays a larger part in his career than most realize. Under the shadow of THE ROCK, most fans have forgotten he is the WWF's first third-generation champion and superstar. It was also interesting read about his daily routines and a few of his personal beliefs, something Foley neglected in his first book.

The Rock Says ... is also a story of dedication and success. Mr. Johnson arose from his status as a mediocre student and washed-up football player to becoming a near-overnight success.

I would recommend this book to any wrestling fan, especially aspiring wrestlers, just to show them success can be had, but it can be a long and miserable road to get there.

I smelt it, and it smelt bad!
Dwayne Johnson may be one of the best WWF wrestlers to emerge during the 90's and maybe one of the best ever. But this book is on no recomendation list by me.

Firstly, this book was released probably cause of the fact that Mick Foleys hillarious best seller "Have a nice day" was a suprising, and funny book to read as Mick told his carreer history. But the rock obviously just decided to jump on the band wagon with this book. But it sufferes terribly.

It is way too early for a young superstar like the rock to bring out a biography type story already. This should have been held off for many years, instead it just seems like a quick way to make a buck!

The first half of the book tells you about Dwayne grwoing up, and his life story ect.... but just as things seem to be getting intresting...the book stops, theres nothing more to tell, and it pretty much goes into the charater of the Rock , and is written subtitles to things he has done in the wrestling world. It is just word for word dialog that he had said during WWF shows.

So the jib here, is that for the first half, your reading about Dwaynes life, from his young days to his college football days, then how he got into wrestling. Then it just turns into dialog from his charactoer THE ROCK's WWF performances.

Dont pay too much for this if your intrested. It is basicly a story of the real dwayne, then hundreds of pages of written in text ,word for word dialog from the wrestling shows. I'd suggest buying an autobiography od somebody when there storys are full and not just a few pages of there lives , then word for word scripts from the WWF days. You go from the kind man that is dwayne, to the ego charactoer of the rock which does not go well IMO.

When Dwaynes carreer is near or at an end, then he should write an autobigraphy....and HE should probably write it too. This book is not written by Dwayne. It is him sitting down talking to someone in an interveiw, and then they worded it for him. Then time ran out and there was nothign to talk aboutl, so they put in the subtitles from a few WWF performances.

My only way to describe this book: Avoid at all costs, borrorow it maybe? or dont pay alot... it is a real rip off.

the rock says read this review......
This is one of the best books that i have read maybe i feel this way because I am one of the biggest rock fans anyone will ever meet. But this book was really written well and it told a very good story describing the rocks(Dwayne Johnson)life story in its entirety. From his days growing up watching his grandpa and his dad compete to where he is now as the most electrafying man in sports entertainment. The one thing that I do believe is that this book could have waited a little bit longer before it was written simply because he has accomplished so much more since then. Other than that it was a great book and i reccomend it to anyone with an interest.

THE ROCK RULES
THIS BOOK IS ABOUT DWAYNE JOHNSON AKA THE ROCK OF THE WRESTLING WORLD. HE DOES A GOOD JOB TELLING US ABOUT BOTH HIS LIFE, CAREER, AND BEHIND THE SCENES IN PRO WRESTLING. A NICE READ WITH PLENTY OF PHOTOS AND INFO ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE STARS IN THE WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION. A GOOD READ FOR ALL WRESTLING FANS. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Replete with facts, figures, and statistics, this revised and updated edition of Great Jews in Sports documents the contribution of Jewish athletes to the world of sports over the past two centuries. From home-run king Hank Greenberg, star of the 1930s and 1940s, to figure skater Sarah Hughes, surprise winner of the gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics, this new edition of a perennial favorite presents intriguing portraits of sports stars from around the globe.

Bestselling author Robert Slater’s more than 150 major profiles and thumbnail sketches include such a fascinating and diverse mix as gymnast Kerri Strug, gold-medal winner at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics; Daniel Mendoza, the father of modern boxing; Esther Roth, the first Israeli to reach the Olympic finals; Sidney Franklin, the first Jewish bullfighter; Sandy Koufax, the youngest player ever to be admitted to the Baseball Hall of Fame; Hungarian gymnast Agnes Keleti, who earned an impressive five gold medals in the 1930s and 1940s; and power swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg, who won two gold medals for the United States at the 1998 World Championships in Perth, Australia.

For those particularly interested in the Israeli sports scene, Slater devotes an entire section of biographies to outstanding Israeli sports figures, including pole vaulter Alex Averbukh, figure-skating couple Galit Chait and Sergei Sakhnovski, tennis player Anna Smashnova Pistolesi, and track and field stars Zehava Shmueli and Uri Zohar. Also included are lists of the winners of the Maccabiah Games and of members of the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

First published in 1983, Robert Slater’s new edition of the classic Great Jews in Sports will continue to delight seasoned sports lovers while introducing a whole new generation to some of the finest athletes of all time. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Encyclopedic!
Outside the names of Sandy Koufax and Mark Spitz, it's hard to rattle off a list of great Jewish athletes. For me, this encyclopedia of Jewish athletes (complete with photos) offered encouragement in the field of athletics, and I think this can be a very empowering book for aspiring Jewish athletes in any sport. It's fun to flip each page and learn about another exciting career! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In his second memoir, climber Joe Simpson reveals a lifetime of flirtation with danger, from risky childhood stunts to an astonishing number of near-death climbing accidents. Simpson revisits his many brushes with death while climbing: a 2,000-foot fall in the Courtes, the collapse of a bivy ledge on the Dru, a 150-foot fall on Nepal's Pachermo, and his nearly fatal climb in the Andes, covered in his Boardman Tasker Award-winner, Touching the Void.

Simpson writes in an effort to understand his own reasons for taking such risks. He describes what it is like to face death, and works through the guilt of being spared so many times when other climbing friends and mentors were not. Simpson also copes with the frustration of having his climbing ambitions cut short by injury and the resultant feelings of uncertainty. Complete with photo documentation of key events in the author's life, This Game of Ghosts is a gripping account of honesty and fortitude that will keep both mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts in suspense. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Excellent
About 10 times better than "Touching the Void", the writing is so much better, it's hard to believe that it's the same author. Simpson touches on his childhood as well as his early climbing years. You really get to know the author thorough many events instead of just one covered in his first book. His narratives are extremely funny and entertaining. What an incredible cast of characters. Simpson talks about what climbing meant to him, and how in changed his life. Truly a fantastic read.

A thoroughly enjoyable read
Although the story is not as dramatic as his "Touching the Void", the writing style is better and Joe gives us an inside on his life and his climbing. He is honest and and paints a colourful portrait of his life and encouters with danger. His story includes a funny cast of climbers who share the same lifestyle and sport.

His life stories are funny and interesting. However he also deals with the dark side of climbing, the loss of his comrades. Joe is honest and shares with us his recollection of his life after the accident. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Fear is the Key
From Simpson's introduction to this book we realize that it is perhaps fear, and overcoming fear and the accompanying exhiliration that drives him. Or is it?
Touching the Void was a brilliant book, detailing a horrific climb and fall in the Peruvian Andes. But at the end, you do wish you could know more about this guy. This Game of Ghosts fills in the blanks. Beginning with his upbringing as the youngest of 5 children, we get to come along as he is introduced to climbing, and adopts it more as a lifestyle than a hobby. Simpson comes of age literally and figuratively in this book. His writing is more polished than in his first book, he is older and wiser, and has gone on to experience more peaks, more true friends, more loss. He explores these things in an effort to describe the allure climbing holds for him, while admonishing us not to assume all adrenaline junkies are the same.
Don't worry, this isn't a philosophy book. It's chock full of fantastic adventures and once again we get to accompany him to dangerous places where we feel the cold, the fear, and the companionship of like minds. This is a must read for anyone who liked Touching the Void. Highly recommended.

Good reading
This is a delightful book. Not that the writer's more well-known TOUCHING THE VOID is badly written; it isn't, and it remians on my short list of the best mountaineering/adventure books I've read. But in THIS GAME OF GHOSTS Simpson stretches out more fully, more autobiographically (is that a wrod?) in an attempt to explain (to himself, to the reader) what it is about climbing that is so attractive, so essential to his existence. While he is honest almost to a fault, Simpson is smart enough to not fall (no pun intended) into the cliches and pseudo-mystical parrot talk that waters down an awful lot of mountaineering lit. For Simpson, there is no short, definitive answer as to why he is drawn to steep, icy mountain walls. On the other hand, the whole book is an answer to this question, which he poses, dismisses, returns to, and obliquely answers over and over.

This is not just a good mountaineering book; it is a bood book, period. At first I thought Simpson was being a bit self-indulgent by detailing his early life. ("Who does this guy think he is?" I asked myself. "This isn't Winston Churchill or even Frank McCourt, but an unknown Brit who thinks we care about his schoolboy years.") But he won me over through his strong sense of humor and good storytelling. And the whole thing is full of good stories. Part of the book's appeal is in the stupidity of Simpson's climbing mistakes, many of which lead to life-threatening accidents. But through all his many incidents, Simpson proves to be as resilient as a rubber ball.

This Game of Ghosts
As the follow-up book to 'Touching the Voids' Simpson details his life with the emotion and detail you would expect from a truely remarkable individual. From his early childhood to his most advanced expeditions this book takes you on a journey through the highest and lowest points of Simpsons life. Truely blessed with the ability to write with a fine balance of humour and compassion 'This game of ghosts' captured me with three basic emotions; extreme happiness, sadness and a great deal of dispondoncy to finish the book, Perfect! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Appearing within months of golfing sensation Tiger Woods's record-shattering win at the Masters, this appreciative portrait benefits from the author's friendship with the Woods family. (California-based sports journalist John Strege has been covering the 21-year-old golfer since he was 14.) Tiger comes across as genuinely nice and capable of being just one of the guys, despite the astonishing abilities already evident when he first swung a cut-down golf club as a 9-month-old toddler. Strege's snappy prose captures the excitement Woods has brought to a sport most Americans used to consider dull. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I
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.

Tiger Woods a Superstar
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.

Good biography
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

I think that this book and i would recomend it
I thought that this book about tiger woods is a good book because it has alot of information on him from when he was a baby to when he turned into a pro golfer. In the biography tiger starded golfing at three years old ,tiger was even on a tv show to show the would how good he was at four years old. as he was growing up tiger entered into alot of tornaments and because he was so good he became pro after coming out of stanford college. i would recomend this book to people who are wanting to know alot about tiger woods.

Excellant Book
This book is very well written. And besides the facts may be a little off. It is a must read for any golf fan!!! ... Read more

Book Description

An historical novel based on the true life story of Frank Gotch, world heavyweight wrestling champion from 1908 to 1915. Gotch was the number one athlete of his era and as well known then as Michael Jordan is today.This book takes the reader on a nostalgic tour of the United States and professional athletics at the turn of the century and shortly thereafter. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Amazing Book!
The book Gotch:An American Hero is extremely well-written.Chapman is VERY descriptive.His use of details puts the reader right in the middle of the action.He conveys emotions very well.Even though it is a historical novel,the book is full of information about the world of professional wrestling in the early 1900s. If I could have given it more than five stars,I certainly would.Mike Chapman has written a very impressive book. I urge all people interested in the history of wrestling to read this. ... Read more

Book Description

Paul O'Neill was the undisputed heart and soul of the four-time World Series–winning New York Yankees from 1993 to 2001. A champion and an icon, he was a dedicated, intense athlete who not only wore the trademark pinstripes with pride, he bled blue and white. O'Neill epitomized the team's motto of hard work and good sportsmanship, traits instilled in him by the man who was his friend, confidant, lifelong model, and biggest fan: his dad, Chick O'Neill.

Paul O'Neill has rarely spoken publicly about the significant role his father played in his baseball career. But now, in Me and My Dad, he speaks from the heart about the man who inspired in him a love for the game and a determination to always play his best. For some, baseball is more than a game -- it's a way of life. Chick O'Neill was one of those people. Paul recounts how his father, after serving as a paratrooper in World War II, pitched in the California minor league, until he discovered that his true passion was his family. Later he was devoted to his son's dream of becoming a professional ball player and was always there -- from coaching Little League to being in the stadium when Paul played for the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees.

In Me and My Dad, Paul also remembers the highlights of his amazing career: being called up to the majors by the Reds, his first World Series, being traded to the Yankees -- and taking part in their phenomenal four World Series wins. He also reflects on his father's untimely death during the 1999 World Series and the farewell tribute given to him by his fans during his last game in Yankee Stadium.

Reviews (9)

Bleeding Yankee blue & white
I hardly remember Paul O'Neill as a Red's player, he's always been a Yankee to me. Never have I ever seen any one bleed Yankee blue and white as Paul O'Neill did. This book is a great book. He brings the same perfection to writing a book as he did on the field. His story brings new meaning to father/son baseball relationships.

Indians fan changes mind, thinks O'Neill is okay!
Being an Indians fan I have never been a Yankee or Paul O'Neill fan. This was mainly due to O'Neill's actions of emotion of breaking water coolers or throwing his helmet after he failed on the field. After reading his book "Me and my Dad". I still hate the Yankees but I do respect Paul O'Neill. He was a great ballplayer and he loves the game just like his Dad taught him to. This book gives a good capsule of a journey of a little kid and his Father by his side from little league to the majors. One side note, there is a typo in the book about the 1997 Yankees - Indians playoff game. Sandy Alomar hit the home run off Mario Rivera not Robbie Alomar. As an Indian fan I will never forget it!

Top Ten Baseball Book of the Year
The father-son baseball connection has been done many times but usually in connection to fans, not a major league player and his dad. This original & touching treatment of the topic makes Me and My Dad one of the 10 best baseball books of year and worthy of its Finalist nomination for the 2003 CASEY Award.

A True Role Model for Today's Youth
I have always respected Paul O'Neill and looked up to him as a young Reds fan growing up outside of Cincinnati. His book gives you a heartfelt in depth look of what made Paul O'Neill the humble, hard working, family man that he is and that is none other than his father, Chick O'Neill. Their father-son relationship is bonded by their love for one another and their love for America's favorite pastime. This is a great read about family and baseball.

Great Book
I am not a Yankee fan at all but I loved Paul O'Neill's book. It brought back memories of playing in little league and brings hope and inspiration for me as I attempt to play college baseball. I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone interested in baseball or developing a good relationship with their father or mother. ... Read more

Book Description

Positively Page is the story of the life and times of one of America's top professional wrestlers living the American Dream. It is not only a book for the avid wrestling fan, but, also serves as a motivational tool for anyone looking to rise above adversity and achieve their ultimate goals. ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Take the Journey and Feel the BANG!
What can be said about Diamond Dallas Page? He's truly a great wrestler, a great performer, a great role model, and after reading his story, a great author! This book is filled with so much information about Page's life that after it you honestly feel as though you know the man. Unlike the Rock's book, this book is done in real life and it isn't some wrestling story driven book that insults our intellect. I put over a great deal of WCW's products simply because somewhere along the lines I grew a strong dedication in my support for the product, but this time I can honestly say it is something you MUST read to truly appreciate not only DDP the wrestler, but DDP the person, and a remarkable one at that.

Diamond Dallas Page really is the man...
I may be one of the few that remember seeing page on the old Florida Championship Wrestling Show. Even then something about him left an impression on me. When he reemerged on the scene in WCW a few years ago I was immediately drawn in by his arrogant, over the top self reliance. When he hit it big with the Diamond Cutter heard round the world on Scott Hall a couple of years ago, I became a fan for life. In this day and age, who would have thought that a professional wrestler would be a good role model? This book entails everything that I admire about Page. His self reliance, His refusal to quit in the face of adversity, and above all his commitment to the people who support him week in and week out. This book is not just a biography, it's an inspirational and motivational story of someone who has worked for everything he has. If you read this book and don't get excited and pumped up about following your dreams, nothing will. Buy the book, and encourage everyone you know to do the same. FEEL THE BANG!

Positively Biased
It is a well known fact that DDP is a no talent in the wrestling business who got to the top by kissing Eric Bischoff's ass. They were next door neighbors for godsakes. DDP's book is full of crap. He never drew flies. His workrate sucked. He was over, but not to were he drew money. The book itself is bad. 400 someodd pages of his life. 200 of it on wrestling. He writes about how he was a bar manager for 200 pages. This was incredible dull. He puts himself over so much that it is tiring and he positively sucked. He was a product of the WCW Bischoff era and we now know why WCW went under. DDP you will never be in the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. And that's not a bad thing, that's a good thing.

Why?
I guess everyone and their mother decided it was time to write their gripping life story. This poorly written book is yet another discredit to the wrestling business. This is a business where so many people have given pride back to the business and then Page Falkenberg produces a book written on a third grade level full of wrongful facts.

The question is obvious, why does Diamond Dallas Page even have a book? I can't answer that one. If he has a book then why doesn't Marty Jannetty, Pat Tanaka, Buff Bagwell or even Scotty Riggs? Why don't they? Because with all due respect nobody would want to read a full book about these wrestlers. Certainly one shoot interview on video or 4 page one on the Internet would be enough for a fan. Just like Bill Goldberg, Page is another guy who was convinced by Eric Bischoff that they were a star and even though he is by the way one of the worst champions of all time according to the ratings, Page bought it.

This book was the fire back from WCW to the WWF at the time for having Mick Foley's book. Well if that is the case, that is a bigger joke of a fireback then the debut of the Maestro. If you are looking to buy a good wrestling autobiography, pass on this one at the bookstore. It is a terrible book!

Only a Jersey Girl understands a boy from Jersey
All the History comes flooding back with each word. The times and places so easily parallel life and it's many hits one takes, leading to a the ultimate take-down. We all wish the best and try our best, some deal with the injuries better than others...some will always keep the bag of ice handy so the swelling doesn't show. We can all take a lesson and hope that our trials will bring us back to the same familiar places so near and dear someday. Here's to happy summers on the shore with those we'll always treasure. One Jer