Book Description

For generations of resolute adventurers, from George Mallory to Sir Edmund Hillary to Jon Krakauer, Mount Everest and the world's other greatest peaks have provided the ultimate testing ground. But the question remains: Why climb? In High Exposure, elite mountaineer and acclaimed Everest filmmaker David Breashears answers with an intimate and captivating look at his life.

For Breashears, climbing has never been a question of risk taking: Rather, it is the pursuit of excellence and a quest for self-knowledge. Danger comes, he argues, when ambition blinds reason. The stories this world-class climber and great adventurer tells will surprise you -- from discussions of competitiveness on the heights to a frank description of the 1996 Everest tragedy. ... Read more

Reviews (57)

David Breashears writes as good as he climbs!
After becoming interested in mountaineering while watching the Everest IMAX film Mr. Breashears directed, I read every book on mountaineering that I can get my hands on. I really enjoy reading the books about the Everest 1996 tragedy. When I saw this book on a shelf in a book store I knew I had to read it. Mr. Breashears book takes the reader from his childhood to Everest 1997. I've found most books that go into to much of the climbers life are boring, but this one is not. I found his personal life very interesting. Mr. Breashears wasn't anybody special, yet he's climbed Mount Everest four times. It shows the reader that it really doesn't matter who you are if you put your heart to it and train, you can reach the top of the world. Through his book he made me realize that you have to be in the best of shape to climb Everest. You can't just go up there and take a little hike up the up the hill. You earn the respect of vertern climbers, such as Mr. Breashears if you go on the mountain prepared. I think reviewer, Suzanne, was right when she said that Mr. Breashears respected women climbers. Some people belive that women or girls should not be on Mount Everest. Mr. Breashears seemed to respect anyone who was trained and ready to climb a mountain such as Everest. I also agree with the climber from Canada who said that Mr. Breashears was one of the few climbers on Everest in 1996 who gave credit to Anatoli Boukreev. Though he said he thought, Anatoli, didn't do his job as a guide, he did give Anatoli the credit he deserved. He said that Anatoli went out in the storm and single handly saved several lives. Maybe Anatoli did go down way ahead of the climbers he was to guide, but if he hadn't he probably wouldn't save those lives. I belive God sent Anatoli down so he could rest and then go out and save those climbers. Anatoli was the hero on May the tenth, 1996. As I read about him as he realized his friends and fellow climbers were dying near the summit. He delt with grief and anger. He wondered how these climbers, known for there experience, could go against all the rules of climbing and head on to the summit past three in the afternoon. As he sat with the body of Rob Hall I felt Like I was sitting there with him. I felt his tears and his pain. He felt he had to have some closing with his soul about the Everest 1996 tragedy, that's why he went back to Everest in 1997. He is a climber who loved and commited his life to climbing. Mr. Breashears is a wonderful climber and a very friendly man. He is not cocky as Jon Krakuaer is. Mr. Breashears is a top notch person as well as a climber! Thank you Mr. Breashears for being a top climber, all your great films, and for being a good all around person! Your IMAX film inspired me and got me started climbing!

Interesting, compelling, a MUST read
Mt. Everest is a passion and a curse, this is the essence of "High Exposure." While spending time developing his childhood, the author eventually gets into the best part of the book; Why climbers climb mountains? The consuming passion for climbing is elequently told by a man who has given us the IMAX images of the world's tallest mountain. His time on the mountain and in climbing recounts the good and the tears of mounteering. Mr. Breashears takes the reader on each climb as if we are taking each step and deciding on every movie shot. The time, talent and sheer guts of filming on Everest is totally facinating. If you have read "Into Thin Air," this selection is A MUST READ. I've been able to see the IMAX film "EVEREST" twice. After reading this book I wish I could go see it again, now with a deeper appreciation.

Inspirational
High Exposure by David Breashear, is about his life experiences that indulged him into attempting and doing the impossible. Breashear's passion for mountain climbing and hiking is described through his adventures in Colorado, Tibet and other parts of the world.
Breasher's book is really good for people who are interested in reading inspirational books. David describes how he pushed his mind, body, and soul to its limits through his hikes and climbs around the world.
One thing about High Exposure that wasn't eye catching dealt with David's childhood and what influenced him to climb. In his book he explains what made him develop a passion for climbing but with little detail. It makes the reader wonder why didn't he use the amount of detail described in his experience across Tibet? Overall the book was very motivational. After reading the book, you'll just want to overcome any obstacle in life.

It's All About David
I was gripped by Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air and wanted another viewpoint on the 1996 tragedy. There is a bit in here about that but it is mostly All About David -- the autobiography of an intensely self-focused individual. When he meets his future wife, his thought is, "this is the perfect partner for me" -- and that, to me, says it all. It is also poorly edited. I do not recommend this book.

Great Climbing book
David Breashears writes a fascinating book on climbing that will appeal to those who climb, those who aspire to climb and those who live out their fantasies of climbing through others exploits. The book outlines his background and growth as a climber and describes his love for the sport from the time of his youth.

He touches on many interesting aspects of various climbs he has made but they are better understood by reading the book rather than a review.

The best part of the book is the story of his climb of Everest for the IMAX film and his participation in the attempted rescue of the climbers stranded there in the disaster of 1996. There are better books that describe the disaster itself (see Krakauer or Bokoreev for example). But Breashears interest isn't in describing the events of the disaster as much as it is in trying to explain the desire to climb peaks like Everest while honoring those he knew who lost their lives in the disaster. The tale is both fascinating and heart rending.

This is a book that's hard to put down. While it stands well on its own, a reader who enjoys the book should take a look at the film that came out of it (Everest can be found in IMAX - it's best version - but also in a very good video version) and follow up with two different views of the disaster by two people who lived it: "Into Thin Air" and "The Climb." ... Read more

Book Description

Matt and Jeff Hardy have proven that a relentless drive for success can make your wildest dreams come true. While still in high school, Matt and Jeff decided to become professional wrestlers at any cost. In a business that usually prizes giants, they were told their aspirations were unreasonable and impossible. But after the tragic loss of their mother, they began to pursue their goals with unstoppable determination.

The Hardy Boyz: Exist 2 Inspire tells the story of Matt and Jeff Hardy's journey to WWE superstardom. Whether taking beatings from Razor Ramon and Nikolai Volkoff during their first WWE matches or winning the WWE Tag Team Championships against the Acolytes, the Hardy Boyz have experienced all the pains and pleasures that sports-entertainment has to offer. Their fast-moving, high-flying ring style has raised the bar for anyone who aims to follow in their footsteps.

From receiving a standing ovation for their 1999 No Mercy ladder match against Edge and Christian to winning singles championships, Matt and Jeff have succeeded both as a team and as individuals. Still in their mid-twenties, the Hardyz have long careers ahead of them. The Hardy Boyz is the inspirational true story of two small-town North Carolina boys who clawed their way to the top of the magical world of professional wrestling and achieved their childhood dreams.

Reviews (33)

Takes You On A Journey Through Hardyville
Exist 2 Inspire, the story of the WWE Wrestlers; The Hardy Boyz may indeed be the best wrestler biography that I have read to date. This book is organized very well in chronological order showing what Matt and Jeff faced on their long journey to the big time in the WWE.

The growing up years is as poignant as I certainly can feel the Hardy's pain of losing their mother at such an early age. Matt and Jeff certainly acted out quite a bit with only their firm father around to guide them. Nonetheless, they never indulged in the evils of alcohol and drugs showing the intestinal fortitude that they would need later on.

Probably my favorite part of the book was the Hardy's transition from preliminary wrestlers to big time stars and their struggles to find their place in the WWE lockeroom. I found it very interesting how Matt and Jeff reflect upon the slow path of being accepted by The Undertaker, Bradshaw, and the other wrestlers in the lockeroom. Especially noteworthy are the behind the scenes maneuvering regarding the many critical matches of the Hardy's career such as the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs sagas. I especially enjoy reading the Hardy's relationships with Edge, Christian, The Dudleyz, Lita, Austin, Triple H, Hurricane Helms, and Shannon Moore. It's touching to read about how The Hardy's friendships with Edge, Christian, Helms, and Moore have evolved over the years.

Whereas the approach is quite simple, I definitely prefer this book to Mick Foley's masochistically approach to the world of wrestling. Yes, the Hardy's do discuss their injuries. However, the Hardy's refrain from the unnecessary gory squeamish manner that Foley utilizes in his two biographies.

Therefore, to distinguish this bio as the best of the WWE series, I have rated it five stars although four and a half would be more appropriate.

Priceless
The minute that I found out that Matt and Jeff Hardy were releasing an autobiography I became excited, as a mark ( a wrestling fan ) and as a smark ( a smart wrestling fan ). I am fifteen years old and I have been watching professional wrestling since I was three years old and of all the superstars that have passed through, all have had great stories, and few are able to tell them but I guarentee that this is a story worth hearing.

Matt and Jeff grew up in a remote town in North Carolina, their mother died when they were just children and they were raised by their father. As they grew older, they developed a passion for wrestling and were determined to find away to follow their dreams. From the TWF to O.M.E.G.A to the WWE, this book tells of the trials and tribulations that these two brothers went through in order to achieve what they desired most - a job in the WWE.

Whether is be Matt's relationship with Amy Dumas ( Lita ) or the rumors of why they were taken off televsion in late 2001, all the rumors are adressed and in between these covers is an amazing journey that these two brothers have experienced all before the age of thirty.

Whether you are a wrestling fan, a closet wrestling fan or just an occasional reader, I guarentee you that in this book you will find not only that the fake world of professional wrestling is more real than you could ever imagine, but that you can achieve anything and that your options are limitless. It may have been a rocky road, but for Matt and Jeff Hardy, it was one worth walking.

One of the best I have ever read
I have made it a goal in my life to actually read as many wrestling biographies as there are. No matter who it is or what its about. I choose to read them even if Im not a fan of the wrestler. Well Im not a big fan of the Hardy Boy Characters but I am a huge fan of what they can do. They can bring a unique style of wrestling to the ring and this is definently a good book.

When I picked up this book I couldnt put it down. I honestly read it in 2 days it was so good. Mind you I only had to put it down to watch wrestling and go to school. Other than that I was reading this book and it was one of the most interesting things I have ever read. The book details on how the Hardys grew up and how they started with there own little promotion. It tells about the good times and the bad times.

I love the aspect of the book on how instead of being one long read its more of a script. You get to hear the story from both Matt and Jeff's thoughts and its interesting to see where they agree and where they dont.

I insist to everyone out there who is a wrestling fan that they need to pick this book up. Trust me you wont be dissapointed.

When is Billy Gunn writing a book?
I only give this book two stars to be kind. I don't understand why everyone has an autobiography. They should be reserved for icons and legends who are willing to be honest and will write a piece of literature that will contribute to the history of wrestling. Much like Chyna, Lita, Bill Goldberg and Diamond Dallas Page, this is another novelty joke of an autobiography. Writing a book used to mean something and these people are urinating on what it takes to be author.

It is hard enough to fight for the respect of the business when there are really good books out there for the business. However, we got these mock authors who write their jokes of an autobiography. It is not right for these pieces of to be published. I am waiting for the useless life stories of Bill DeMott and Billy Gunn. I guess I ever have a 3 legged table they will come in handy.

WELL WORTH THE 265 PAGES
THIS BOOK EXPLORES THE LIFE OF THE HARDY BOYZ, WHO ENJOYED SUCCESS IN THE WWE AS 6-TIME WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS AND SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS. I LOVED HOW THE BOOK ACTUALLY TOLD ME SOME THINGS ABOUT THE HARDYS' PAST THAT I DIDN'T KNOW. LIKE, HOW THEY STRUGGLED IN THE WWE SINCE 1994 AND HOW THEY FORMED THEIR OWN WRESTLING COMPANY, CALLED THE TWF. THIS IS A GOOD BOOK. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECCOMEND THIS BOOK FOR ANY PERSON OUT THERE THAT'S THINKING ABOUT GETTING INTO THE WRESTLING BUSINESS. TOO BAD THAT JEFF HARDY IS NO LONGER WITH THE WWE. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As "The Golfer of the Century," Jack Nicklaus is arecognized authority on the game's history and direction, and in his 13thbook, My Story, he shares the details of his most impressivevictories. With 20 major championships under his belt, he has plenty ofhighlights to share, including shot-by-shot analyses of his classic battles withfellow legends Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Tom Watson. Indeed,Nicklaus seems to recall every shot of his illustrious career, and he is able toinfuse his discussions of final round action with suspense, even thoughwe've known the outcomes all these years. To this erudite study of golf theGolden Bear adds personal elements that reveal the man behind the one-iron.Nicklaus describes his business dealings--both successes and failures--hislove of golf course design, the effects of celebrity status, and his childhood.Written with his longtime collaborator Ken Bowden, My Story isanother eagle for the man whose name fills the record books. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Very good book, hits all the highlights of his great career.
In fact, I have only very minor complaints about the book. One is that his "contributor", Bowden, uses some phrases ad nauseam. I don't know how many times we read that Jack finished the third round 3 shots "adrift" of the leader. Not trailing by three, or behind by three, but "adrift" by three. Using that term for variety is okay, but it's used to death. I think he's a golfer, not a sailor.

Again, though, that's a minor distraction that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of reading about the greatest.

An Incredibly Charming and Informative Book
Jack Nicklaus' career is one of the greatest in all sports. Especially famous are his 18 major victories (20 if you count the US Amateur), and this book is a story about those victories, and his life in between. His book is divided into 20 chapters - one for each of those major victories, and in them he discusses the events which transpired before that particular tournament, and the tournament itself. What a natural yet perfect structure for a book like this!

The best aspect of the book, I felt, was the immediacy with which Nicklaus writes. When you read this book you almost feel as if Nicklaus is talking to you, just yourself, at points.

Each chapter talks about a particular tournament and what happened before it. Particularly amazing is the clarity with which Nicklaus can recall those tournaments he describes. He describes individual key holes, what was going through his mind, and the general up and downs which accompany a round of golf. After reading this book, we know Nicklaus is a champion: he can win not only when he's up, but also when he's (to some extent) down. Also, as an interesting side note, Nicklaus also gives a few golfing tips - perhaps no one can become as great as him, but it never hurts to try!

And the last aspect of the book I found enjoyable were the photographs. True, they were black and white, but show how he changed over time, and chronicle some of the most memorable moments of his major career wins.

You come away more convinced than ever of Nicklaus' greatness. A great book to read anywhere, anytime.

One of the greatest tells his story
Insights into this champion and our time in golf will be read by the future generations through the Bear's eyes. Humble yet intense, this guy never quits. Especially enjoyed his sharing of what was going on inside with his famous finish at Turnberry in 1977. He's a guy you respect for his game and his person.

If you like Jack, this ones for you
Having been a golfer for 26 years and taught by my Dad, I can relate well to this book. Jack is one of my top 2 favorite players, the other being Tiger Woods. This book tracks Jacks career from kid to Senior Tour. To look back at it, he was a tremendous player. Tiger has his work cut out to surpass Jacks career achievements. Good stuff about his family, mentors and fellow players. A must for Jack fans.

A golden treasure about the golden bear!
Who won 2 U.S. Amateurs, 6 Masters, 4 U. S. Opens, 3 British Opens, 5 PGA Championships and countless other golf tournaments? Who was honored and the greatest golfer in the 20th century? Jack Nicklaus and nothing more need to be said.

This 13 tape, that's right 13 tapes, collection is a truly one of a kind audio book, that I will hold onto for years to come and pass on to my children. Jack Nicklaus exemplifies every that golf stands for.

Reading the book was a great experience, however listening to it added even more to the already exciting and glamorous career that has spanned over 40 years. I enjoyed each and moment of the audio book.

One thing I think may have added even more to the recording would have been if the Golden Bear himself has done the reading. Overall this ranks as one of the great books I have reviewed so far! ... Read more

Book Description

Known for decades throughout North America as "Mr. Hockey," GordieHowe played 32 full seasons in the NHL (and WHA). During that time, he (and theRed Wings) won four Stanley Cups and nine Prince of Wales Trophies (most pointsin the regular season). He won the Hart Trophy (League MVP) six times, the ArtRoss Trophy (most individual points) six times, and appeared in 20 All-Stargames. His career statistics (including the WHA) are (with the singularexception of Wayne Gretzky), unparalleled in the history of the sport.

Howe's numbers for total games played (2,421) and total penalty minutes (2,419)are extraordinary. He was among the strongest, toughest and most talentedplayers on the ice. In his late forties he was still feared and revered by menhalf his age.

Lavishly illustrated with images from the Harold Barkley Archives plus dozens ofpieces (photos and memorabilia) from the Howe family's own extensive collection,"Gordie" is a fitting tribute to "Mr. Hockey." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Mr. Hockey, plain and simple...
I read this book back in November of 1999. The co-author Frank Condron did an excellent job with Gordie Howe in putting this historical book together. On top of the simple fact that a picture is worth 1,000 words. The whole book is a Hockey Pictoral Treasure. Mr. Condron did an excellent job of writing this book. What I mean by that is. Simply because you don't feel your reading Gordies words. Its like Mr. Howe is right next to you and he is pointing at each picture as you turn every page. Also it is quite obvious after all the press, awards and fame, Gordie Howe is still a gentleman.

TRUE HOCKEY MEMORBILIA!
This work represents the finest photo collection of GORDIE HOWE'S career to date. If YOU are old enough to remember the epic battles between the Montreal Canadians and the Detroit Red Wings of the 1950's-60's, YOU can relive these times in photo concepts - eg. Howe's 545 goal in the Montreal Forum eclipsing Rocket Richards's record and the 15 minute standing ovation by Montreal fans; Howe's commentary on the Montreal dynasty once Jacque Plante and Jean Bellevue arrived on the hockey scene; the skilled fis-ti-cuffs of Gordie Howe against bad boy, Lou Fontinato of the New York Rangers; and Howe's best picks of NHL players he most admired! ... BUY TWO AND MAKE A FRIEND! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Leslie Heywood wants to be seen for who she is--by her family, by her coach, and by the boys in her new high school. Of the latter she writes, "They don't see me. They see some blank girl instead, some chick." A talented runner, Heywood quickly finds in the high-school cross-country team a sense of purpose, and eventually some authentic friendships among the group of guys, "long, gangly misfits" who run with her. But that's not enough--this girl is itching for greatness. Faced with family troubles and the pre-Title IX sexism of high school athletics, her drive to conquer her sport grows ferocious. She tears up the mountains in her Arizona town (in 110-degree heat, no less), she piles weights on in the gym "like they were dimes," and, finally, afraid of not being quite fast enough or fat-free enough, she stops eating.

The painful consequences of Heywood's relentless drive toward physical perfection are at the center of this heartfelt memoir. But the moments of exhilaration and strength that running brings to Heywood suggest whatwomen--given the right support--have to gain from participation in athletics. Regardless of her missteps, the author, now a professor and bodybuilder, remembers the boon sport brought to her shaky teenage sense of self. "Running was the way I first carved myself into the world," she writes, "how I learned to claim a space, throw my shoulders back, and fly." --Maria Dolan ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Couldn't put it down
I couldn't put it down. I literally read it cover to cover in less than a day. It was an honest look into her life that was absoltely brilliant. It's the best book I've read in a long time.

very true to life, a must read
This is a wonderful book. It may be a bit deep for some people (judging from one of the reviews), but go ahead and jump right in as long as you're not afraid to think outside of the box. I have been a female athlete since I was 8 years old, and totally understood everything Heywood writes about. Performing... the drive to make a name for yourself... the way life can seem to get out of control when you're trying so hard to control it... this book is very true to life. I really think any parent of a hard-core athlete should read this; it just might help them understand where their daughter is coming from.

An excellent story about one girl's need to be #1.
I suggest every father or mother who has a young girl interested in sports read this book. It is apparent everyone can take something away from Leslie's mistakes and triumphs. She has written a clear,captivating and disturbing memior. It is truly an eye opener and a page turner. Leslie, "Keep on Rocking in a Free World."

A memoir of a true champion and a role model
I am a 17 year old girl and a distance runner on my high school track team. I found Leslie Heywood's book to be an abosutley incredible memoir that touches the soul. There are so few people in this world with the drive, determination and dedication to make themselves the absolute best they can be. It is obvious that Heywood has the true heart of a champion, that not only made it in the world of athletics but struggled and conquered things like sexual harrassment, (and just harassment in general), bulemia, the tourturous colligate track life, and made it through all of it to write an extremly powerful and well written novel. She is a role model to the girl athletes who strive to do what she did.

Pretty Annoying for a Girl
I am the same age as the author of this book. I graduated from a high school a few miles from the one she attended. I should have enjoyed this book more than I did. I found Ms. Heywood's prose style irritating: "It is 4pm. I am writing a customer review for Amazon. My feet are cold but I do not put socks on. Breathe, deeply breathe." One sentence in the book simply reads "My legs are big in the world." In the world? As opposed to Mars? Annoying prose style aside, I felt that the book lacked a truthful core. I feel that the author presented herself in a positive but not entirely honest light. Did she abuse drugs as a teenager? Was she promiscuous? Though she was taken advantage of by a reptilian coach, one wonders how impaired this girl's judgment was. I did not get a strong sense of Ms. Heywood as a person, of the time and place in which the events of the book occurred, of the other people in her life, or of the particular difficulties women athletes face. For me "Pretty Good for a Girl" was not a very successful memoir. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

An Inside Look At Horse Racing
If you love thoroughbred horse racing and are hungry for an inside look this book is for you. Gary Stevens discusses the great horses he has ridden and the great trainers he has worked for. At the same time he is still a working jockey and I believe he went to great lengths to not offend anyone. It is a shame because you can't help but believe that Gary has a strong opinion on just about everything in his industry. He avoids saying much about his fellow jockeys except for kind words regarding Bill Shoemaker and Pat Day. And Chris Antley is discussed in detail.

Perfect Journey
After reading The Perfect Ride, I felt so much respect and admiration for Gary Stevens. He describes the athletic demands jockeys must meet and the injuries they must endure with grace. His determination and humanity come through when he writes about his personal life. I also liked his sensitivity to the horses he rides. It's a great read for an inner glimpse at jockey life.

Perfect ride not perfect read
I admire Gary Stevens as a world class jocky, but world class writer he is not. At times he comes across as quite cocky, maybe he has reason to be proud of his success but he sounds conceited more then proud. Often he writes as though he knows more about the horses he rides then the trainers or owners, that he is a better judge of their capabilities then either of the others, and he has been proven wrong on that score. He also seems to be trying to give us a smattering of his philosophy on success and I think he fails. What has worked for him, a God given ability to ride horses well and an incredible tolerance for pain can not be applied to the rest of us. I have to say, I hope Stevens does not follow this book up with any others. He is a much better jocky then writer.

The Perfect Ride: a perfect read for racing fans!
I have long held a great measure of respect for Gary Stevens as a professional racehorse jockey. I've watched him ride some great races on television (having grown up in an area with almost no horse industry at all, I have not had the fortune to see one of his races live). My respect for the man only grew when I saw the movie Seabiscuit (where he plays jockey George Woolf, who rode Seabiscuit in his famous match race with rival War Admiral) and realized he had a bit of acting talent as well. So when I saw his autobiography in the store, I snatched it up right away and am certainly glad I did. Reading it, my estimation of this great athlete went even higher.

Stevens begins with his early childhood, living in Idaho. His father worked with Appaloosas, then moved on to Quarter Horse racing, and later to Thoroughbreds. Gary's older brother Scott began a career as a jockey, and Gary soon followed in his footsteps. He was riding Quarter Horses in races (under Scott's name) before he was legally old enough to obtain a jockey's license. The boy fell in love with the sport, and soon made the switch to riding Thoroughbreds. At seventeen, he left home for California, rode a dismal season, and returned to Idaho. There he got married, and over the next few years his career began to take flight and the book describes all his significant wins, losses, and other experiences.

Though his career soared over the years, Stevens talks of his constant battle with pain. A series of riding accidents over the years left him with terrible knees, requiring frequent surgery. He endured many breaks from riding in order to undergo rehabilitation, and often returned to the track prematurely, riding despite the pain. He even retired for a short time and tried his hand at training, but found he just couldn't stay away from riding. Stevens' frank discussion of his pain is one of the most inspiring things I've ever read. No matter how much he was hurting, he kept pushing forward, and made more than one amazing comeback in the sport.

In addition to race riding, Stevens discusses other major events that helped shape his life - his children, his divorce, his remarriage, and the death of a fellow jockey and close friend, Chris Antley. He also talks of his relationships with various trainers and jockeys; how he makes decisions on which mounts to accept, how to ride his races, and what directions to take with his career; and he evaluates some of the great horses he has ridden, including Thunder Gulch, Point Given, Winning Colors, Serena's Song, Silver Charm, and others. He talks about his struggle with weight, and how he has managed to stay in shape for riding. Stevens has ridden in the United States, Hong Kong, and Great Britain, and he compares the atmosphere and racing procedure in these very different places. All in all, this book is an excellent inside look at the life of a top racehorse jockey.

The epilogue touches briefly on Stevens' acceptance of a role in Seabiscuit, the new movie based on author Laura Hillenbrand's best-stelling book. He mentions a few things about the early stages of filming - what it was like to act for the first time, to work with co-star Tobey Maguire, to see an inspiring true horse story come to life on film, etc. My one criticism here is that he does not tell us enough. I really wish he had delayed the publication of this book another year so that he would have been able to include more about his work on the movie.

A few reviewers here have commented on a lack of accuracy in the book. Stevens himself tells us early in the book that his accounts are based largely on his own memories, which are fallible. He acknowledges the fact that he may have made some mistakes in his recollections. I don't really hold this against him. I suspect that any autobiography will contain some inaccuracies. The author is relying largely on personal memory, spanning a very large period of time. Stevens' goal here wasn't to provide us with a data sheet on the races he's ridden; he wanted to share the experiences of his life - to show us what's brought him to where he is today. And I think he's done an excellent job at just that. Having a date off by one year here, or not being entirely clear on the legalities surrounding building rights on a certain racetrack there don't detract from the messages the book has to offer. I would highly recommend this book to any horse racing enthusiast.

I really like this book
I really Liked This Book. I Ride And my trainer recommended this book cos she used to work on the race track ireally liked it
~Bria~ ... Read more

Book Description

In Foley Is Good, Mick Foley -- former Commissioner of the World Wrestling Federation, aka Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind -- picks up right where his smash #1 New York Times bestseller Have a Nice Day! left off, giving readers an inside look at the behind-the-scenes action in the Federation. With total honesty and riotous humor, Mick Foley shines a spotlight into some of the hidden corners of the World Wrestling Federation. From the ongoing controversy surrounding "backyard wrestling" to the real story behind his now-infamous "I Quit" match with The Rock, Foley covers all the bases in this hysterically funny roller-coaster ride of a memoir.

Reviews (124)

"Foley is Good".........at writing as well as wrestling
The man has a gift. Following up his #1 bestseller biographical debut, "Have a Nice Day", as well as his first in a series of children's Christmas books, Mick Foley has graced us with his 3rd title, "Foley Is Good".

Foley breaks down the fourth wall for wrestling fans, in his own witty way, and grants us a peek into the other side of professional wrestling. Literally following right where his former book left off, we don't miss a minute of the final run of Foley's active wrestling career - including achieving a lifelong dream of main eventing WrestleMania. We get to follow him through his retirement and are right there as he re-enters the Federation as it's new commissioner.

Whether he's rattling off another Al Snow joke, expressing the sheer pain of double knee surgery, being questioned in a courtroom, or reflecting on the passing of a wrestling colleague, Foley has the gift of making us feel as if we're right there beside him and are fortunate enough to be experiencing the same roller-coaster of emotions as he is.

Truly a must-read for any wrestling fan and a solid follow up to "Have a Nice Day" (dare I say, even better?).

Not as good as I hoped
As a Mick Foley and WWF fan, it's hard to give this review anything other than a 5 star rating but I don't think this one deserves it BECAUSE his first book was about 10 times better.

I think that the appeal of his first effort "Have a Nice Day" was his vivid depiction of so many popular characters in pro-wrestling....from Vince McMahon to Ric Flair. But in this book he tends to shy away from that and instead concentrates a lot more time on his family life (he talks about rollercoasters for 20% of this book) and on the image of wrestling as a whole.

I enjoyed the backstage views and thoughts on the creation of wrestling angles and characters. However, he really disappointed me by skimming over his final Wrestlemania match in TWO SENTENCES!!!! I mean come on, I wanted to hear much more about that than I wanted to hear about his battle with the Parent Teacher's Council.

If you're a Mick Foley fan buy this book because it gives you information that any real wrestling fan should have at their fingertips. But if you're expecting "Have a Nice Day" think again. For some reason it seems like he's writing the book from a distance, constantly removing himself from the book and talking about "While I wrote this chapter I was...." Why does he do that? Just talk about what I bought the book for.....WRESTLING!!!! I don't care about your children's favorite Pokemon character, but I do care about your thoughts on Austin, Kane, etc! Give us more of that!

Almost as good...
Foley IS Good, but this second attempt at an autobiography falls short of his first. That is not to take anything away from this attempt, but simply to say that his prior work "Have a Nice Day" is definatley superior. A great read for any fan of professional wrestling or a great story from a boy from Long Island, NY. Read his first autobiography first, though.

Foley, indeed, Is Good
Mick Foley's tenure in the WWF surely left him with more stories to tell than he could fit in his first novel 'Mankind - Have A Nice Day' -- which weighed in at a respectable 700 pages. And Foley Is Good proves just that.

While Have A Nice Day was a more chronological autobiography of Mick Foley and his adventures in the world of blood, sweat, wrestling, true love and amusement parks, Mick Foley Is Good expands the story and adds new material to it. It also touches subjects that obiviously were not mentioned before, such as the success of the first book, drugs, alcohol and steroid use in wrestling, his retirement from WWF and the semi-comeback etc. They add depth to some of the stories discussed in the first volume and, admirably, raise new subjects of discussion.

The tone and in-imitable writing style of Mick Foley remains the same, and luckily we are again treated with the occasional Test and Al Snow jibes. As opposed to the first novel, this one is more like a collection of columns, which makes it an easy pickup. Especially enjoyable is the nearly 100-page Epilogue, which is a half-serious study on 'bad' implications of wrestling: sex, drugs, violence and foul language. You cannot help but shake your head in disbelief and laugh out loud at the same time.

If you bought 'Have A Nice Day', you have to get this one. Foley Is That Good.

A Rate Book
Foley did it again with this book. he proved yet again what a great author he is and how well spoken he is. a def must have for any wrestling fan or autobiography fan. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

must have
Wayne Rainey is my favorite Road Racer. This book really let's you know what it takes to be a World Champion and the struggle when its taking away. For any race fan this book is a must have!

Honest & touching
I met wayne as a fan in 1987 at Road Atlanta when he rode for Honda after having read so many magazines about him.I never Heard of Kevin Schwantz until that weekend and Wayne despite being very busy, courteously found time to have Shay take a photo of both of us and give me an autograph.He was so receptive and pleasant.That weekend I watched in awe his amazing battle against Kevin's Suzuki and would never forget that day for the rest of my life.Then I continued to watch him on TV from 1988 to that fateful day.The book brought tears and lumps in my throat.This book tells it all and is a must buy.I am also a racer a know the will and the determination to win at all costs.This book also helps us analyze ourselves and our personal relationship with GOD.A precious collector's item to have.

Perserverance - the trait of a Champion
It's been some time since I last read this biography of Wayne Rainey, but I certainly remember the emotions, and especially the growing pride, I felt with each turned page. The writing was very easy to read, and the content flowed well from Wayne's childhood and foundation of a Champion in the making, through his personal relationships, and to the present (time of writing). I recommend this book to all that loved to watch his battles with Eddie Lawson, Kevin Schwantz, Freddie Spencer, and Mick Doohan, and wish to simply know more about the Champion. And I recommend it to anyone that thinks the world and life aren't fair. Perservere!

Wonderful and Sad Story!
This is a must for every motorcycle racing fan. I am a GP fan but unfortunately Wayne's career ended a couple of years before I started getting into bike racing. This book is an amazing tale of courage. I could not imagine going through what he had to go through. One of the best biographies I have ever read.

A great book on a Great Racer
Wayne Rainey was certainly one of the greatest GP Racers to hit the scene in the late 80's-early 90's. With 3 consecutive world championships under his belt he had his 4th wrapped up when tragedy struck. Rainey's career was cut short and thus began a new chapter in this champion's life. The book deals with his youth, and his early racing years on the dirt tracks of Southern California and later, the dirt tracks throughouit the US. His entry into GP racing makes for some of the most intriging and blatantly honest reading you will find. With Kenny Roberts as team manager, Wayne Rainey's career began to open up and the more you read the better this book gets. This is simply the best book on the "inside" of a GP racer and the entire lifestyle that goes with it. (Ever wonder how "team-mates" get along when they BOTH want to win? ) Don't pass this one up. It deserves to be read. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Perfect I'm Not is, indeed, not a perfect book, but as in baseball, literary imperfection can make for a thrilling ride. Part Horatio Alger, part libertine, Wells peppers the narrative of his rise from poverty in Ocean Beach, California to baseball fame and fortune with numerous prurient tales from behind the locker room door. He is frank about the use of steroids among his fellow players and he's not afraid to burn major bridges (one must assume they were already on fire) in his ferocious attacks on such baseball luminaries as veteran general manager Pat Gillick. And the story behind his woozy perfect game is legend. All this is entertaining stuff and worth the price of admission.

The book, however, falls too often into a pattern of explication and justification for Wells’s "entertaining" run-ins with the law, baseball management, players, and even his own family. We learn that young Dave Wells once punched his sister and broke her jaw, but, he explains, this was because his sister had scraped his sunburned back with her fingernails. This childhood story is then repeated--in a grown up form--several times. In many cases, it does seem that he is justified in claiming innocence--or at least in claiming he got an eye for an eye. But repetition of these explications--which even include bad pitching performances caused, we learn, by nascent physical problems (elbow, shoulder, bone chips, gout, back)--take away his agency in his own story. The hero is always a victim. In the end, then, the book is as flawed as its author, offering entertaining insight--some perhaps unintentional--into the man and his game.

Reviews (35)

Keep Crying, Sox Fans
3 reviews, 2 from people who obviously have not read the book and are Yankee-haters. The simple fact is, David Wells is a flake, but he's also a winner. He's the kind of guy that many a baseball fan would like to share a beer with, and I mean the regular fans, not the luxury box-sitting, shrimp cocktail-eating and leave in the 7th inning to beat the traffic "fans". The stories are about Wells' experiences, not what the media has spun to represent their own points of view and axes to grind. I applaud him for speaking his mind. There is going to be fallout from it, from people who object to the way that he portrays events, to the players and fans of cities and teams he has lit into, and he'll have to live with that. I appreciate his candor. He's no role model, certainly. And reading about his experiences, a sane, rational and sober person will conclude that it is not the way to make it to the major leagues. But it is how he chooses to live his life and as long as he's not hurting anyone I say "hoist another one, Boomer".

PERFECT I'M NOT
Being a lifelong baseball fan, I read anything I can get my hands on regarding it. I personally found this book extremely entertaining and very enjoyable. David Wells has much to tell about his rise to the top of AMERICAS GAME. He brought me on a wild ride from the beaches of southern California to the bars in Manhattan. His writing about baseball is excellent as well. If you are a fan, READ IT. If the boring RED SOX had a few characters like Wells, maybe it could spark them to winning something.

A homerun (even though he's a pitcher)!
I was interested in David Wells' life. This book satisfied that. To my astonishment, it is incredibly well-written, funny and insightful. The stories and revellations are great. Best baseball player's book I've read in years. Superior on all accounts to the recent David Cone book.

BOOMER BELLOWS
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK BY DAVID WELLS. SOMETIMES CRUDE, FUNNY, SAD, HONEST, AND GROSS. HE TELLS IT LIKE IT IS DESCRIBING IN DETAIL HIS LIFE AND CAREER. HIS LANGUAGE LEAVES MUCH TO BE DESIRED AT TIMES, BUT OVERALL THIS IS A VERY ENTERTAINING BOOK. HIS INSIGHT AND OPINIONS ARE VERY CANDID AND CONTROVERSIAL. I THINK HE NEEDS TO BE IN REHAB FOR ALCOHOL AND FOOT IN MOUTH ADDICTION. BUT STILL VERY WORTH READING. HE IS NOT A BAD GUY BUT JUST HUMAN AND VERY OUT SPOKEN. TURN IT DOWN A BIT BOOMER.

A surprisingly funny and candid read. I loved it.
I never liked David Wells, mostly because I only knew him as a Yankee player. That alone is generally enough to get me not to like someone. :) I wanted to check this out solely because of the "hype" surrounding the book. And after having read the book, I have to wonder if the negative press surrounding the book and some of it's "expositions" weren't self inflicted. Read the book. It's a wonderfully entertaining read. He talks about all the problems he had in his life early on, from his time in the minors, to the boredom in the bullpen (although his story about getting women in the stands to flash them is awesome) to his battles with team management, and lots on the Yankees. I also got a charge out of his comments on former Reds owner Marge Schott, and her dog.

I have to admit that this book goes on my recommend list. It was a funny read, and for a baseball fan like myself, gives me some insight into the mind of a baseball player. I really enjoyed it. The link here is for the hardback edition of the book. There is a paperback version scheduled for release, but it's not currently slated until Mar 1, 2004. The hardback is available now.

Oh, BTW, if you're someone who isn't into the liberal use of foul language, you might want to stay away from the book. It's not like every third word is f this or f that, but there is definitely more than a smattering of f-bombs and the like in the book. ... Read more

Book Description

"During my boxing career, you did not see the real Muhammad Ali. You just saw a little boxing. You saw only a part of me. After I retired from boxing my true work began. I have embarked on a journey of love."

So Muhammad Ali begins this spiritual memoir, his description of the values that have shaped and sustained him and that continue to guide his life. In The Soul of a Butterfly the great champion takes readers on a spiritual journey through the seasons of life, from childhood to the present, and shares the beliefs that have served him well.

After fighting some of the fiercest bouts in boxing history against Joe Frazier and George Foreman, today Muhammad Ali faces his most powerful foe -- outside the boxing ring. Like many people, he battles an illness that limits his physical abilities, but as he says, "I have gained more than I have lost....I have never had a more powerful voice than I have now." Ali reflects on his faith in God and the strength it gave him during his greatest challenge, when he lost the prime years of his boxing career because he would not compromise his beliefs. He describes how his study of true Islam has helped him accept the changes in his life and has brought him to a greater awareness of life's true purpose. As a United Nations "Messenger of Peace," he has traveled widely, and he describes his 2002 mission to Afghanistan to heighten public awareness of that country's desperate situation, as well as his more recent meeting with the Dalai Lama.

Ali's reflections on topics ranging from moral courage to belief in God to respect for those who differ from us will inspire and enlighten all who read them. Written with the assistance of his daughter Hana, The Soul of a Butterfly is a compassionate and heartfelt book that will provide comfort for our troubled times. ... Read more

Book Description

"A Great book...the reader sees through Marty's eyes, feels his joy and his pain, experiences adventure racing close up." - National Geographic.The Raid Gauloises - an eight-to-twelve day adventure race in remarkably inhospitable environments - is an event in which simply finishing is a victory. Experience every exhilarating step in Surviving the Toughest Race on Earth, Martin Dugard's highly praised, intensely personal account of this grueling and remarkable journey. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Misleading
I was boiling with anticipation to read this. It seems I can't get enough of Adventure Racing whether it's watching the Eco Challenge, reading about the Raid Gaulioses or participating in the Hi Tec Series. However, most of my anticipation was destroyed during the first part of this book. I'm happy for Mr Dugard in that he was able to escape corporate America and do what he dreamed of doing. But he beat the issue to death. Factor in his story on the Concorde and he has no right calling this book what he did. It's the classic bait and switch. I wanted a first hand account on what it's like to train, participate in and then finish an Eco Challenge and/or Raid. I just didn't get that. In the end he finally did give me a little taste of what I was after when he described his experiences with Team Lestra Sport. But it just wasn't enough. I do give him credit there as he did finish the race even after the rest of Lestra Sport was forced to drop out.

Rockin Great Book
I just want to say that I think this is a great book. I like to adventure race and I probably wouldn't have hear of this book if it wasn't for Survivor. I'm glad I did. It was uplifting, motivating, and about far more than just adventure racing. I was interested to find out Dugard and Mark Burnett had such a long history together, which is catalogued in the book. It's like the Survivor story actually begins with this book, with the show as the next generation of outdoor survival.

A Passion For Living
There is a message in this book much greater than that of finishing the Raid Gauloises. It's the journey that's important, not so much the finish.

If your looking for a how-to book on adventure racing, this may not be for you. However, if your looking to read the story of one man's accomplishments and how those accomplishments relate to adventure racing, this is certainly a book to read.

The author takes us through his experiences of adventure racing both on and off the course, sharing the essence of his human spirit.

It's a story of dreams that became a reality. A story of teamwork, discipline and friendship. A story of love for one's family and a passion for life.

Thanks Marty and enough with the ibuprofen, that stuff will kill you.

Informative and Sometimes Inspiring
This book is really two stories within one. The author starts by telling how he changed his life by taking a chance and pursuing a dream. It is a story of a corporate professional who grows disillusioned with his job, and spends his days daydreaming about a more exciting and fulfilling life. Taking a leap of faith, with the support of his wife, the author decides finally to pursue his dream as a free lance writer. We follow the author's adventure first as a correspondent for a new sport, and then listen as the author is drawn into the sport as a participant. The author is very informative when it comes to describing the adventure race experience. If you have ever wondered what an adventure race entails, and what motivates people to undertake such an endeavor, this book is for you. If you are stuck in a deadend job and dream of doing something different, then you may want to read this book as well. The editing could be better (I often times wondered if the author used the same editor on "Survivor"), but this is only a small distraction from the material contained in the book.

Participate In Life-Multi-Sport Maketing & Coaching
Surviving The Toughest race on Earth -This is the first real information source on adventure racing a sport that began in 1989.This offers the perspective from a freelance writer who has covered many of the different Adventure races in all parts of the most difficult terrain the world has to offer. Writer Martin Dugard also describes the process from the perspective of a racer having finished One of these events.The Information on personalities,perserverance,team-dynamics,and the mind numbing difficulty level of andventure racing is brought out in it's truest form.The descriptions of the people,places and emotion bring adventure racing to life. If you are a multi-sport athlete this will peak your interest in adventure racing. ... Read more

Book Description

"Never die easy. Why run out of bounds and die easy? Make that linebacker pay. It carries into all facets of your life. It's okay to lose, to die, but don't die without trying, without giving it your best."

His legacy is towering. Walter Payton—the man they called Sweetness, for the way he ran—remains the most prolific running back in the history of the National Football League, the star of the Chicago Bears' only Super Bowl Championship, eleven times voted the most popular sports figure in Chicago's history. Off the field, he was a devoted father whose charitable foundation benefited tens of thousands of children each year, and who—faced with terminal liver disease—refused to use his celebrity to gain a preferential position for organ donation. Walter Payton was not just a football hero; he was America's hero.
        Never Die Easy is Walter Payton's autobiography, told from the heart. Growing up poor in Mississippi, he took up football to get girls' attention, and went on to become a Black College All-American at tiny Jackson State (during which time he was also a finalist in a Soul Train dance contest). Drafted by the Bears in 1975, he predicted that he would last only five years but went on to play thirteen extraordinary seasons, a career earning him regular acknowledgment as one of the greatest players in the history of professional football. And when his playing days were over, he approached business and charity endeavors with the same determination and success he had brought to the football field, always putting first his devotion to friends and family. His ultimate battle with illness truly proved him the champion he always had been and prompted a staggering outpouring of love and support from hundreds of thousands of friends and admirers.
        Written with veteran journalist and author Don Yaeger in the last weeks of Walter Payton's life, Never Die Easy presents Walter's singular voice—warm, plainspoken, funny, self-aware—along with the voices of the friends, family, teammates, and business associates who knew him best at all stages of his life, including his wife, Connie, and their children, Brittney and Jarrett; his teammate and friend Matt Suhey; former Bears head coach Mike Ditka; and many, many others.
        Walter made Don Yaeger promise that his book would be "inspirational and leave people with some kind of lesson . . . and make sure you spell all the words right." Never Die Easy keeps all those promises. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A touch of sweetness
I was a bit caught off guard when I first picked up Never Die Easy, and saw it was comprised of narritives from various people in Walter Payton's life. I quickly put any aprehensions aside as I became enthralled in the descriptions and recollectons of Payton and others. I was gratified to find that the Walter Payton of real life was close to the Walter Payton I had come to admire and respect. Many people contributed to this book, and added layers to the story Walter Payton told. Along with the voices of coaches and fellow players, the voices of his wife, his children, and his siblings. The passages that deal with his life before Chicago...a Soul Train dance contest winner?... and after football are candid. They are very frank with descriptions of learning he was sick and how they dealt with the struggle as his health declined. No one ever gave up hope. This is a fitting tribute to one of the finest football players to ever play the game and a pleasure to read.

Unique Format for a Biography, Touching, Read it
This book was enjoyable and touching. I read it from start to finish without stopping. The structure of the book makes it easy to understand and follow. Specific topics are addressed in each chapter with separate accounts of the narrator and then by Payton and Payton's friends.

Payton was a warrior on the football field and a philanthropist and businessman after his career ended. This book will give you a glimpse into his entire life. Walter Payton was a man to be admired for his playing ability and his sweetness as a person. If you are a Walter Payton fan read this book!

"The Greatest Bear of Them All"
In this book about Walter Payton there is a lot of good information about him. The title "Never Die Easy," means that when Payton was sick with cancer he fought as long as he could and didn't complain about the pain. When Payton was diagnosed with cancer they told him he had a certain amount of time to live but he overcame that and lived two more years. He has one son (Jerrett Payton) and one daughter (Brittney). Walter's brother Eddie would come to the hospital and talk with him but when Walter was let out, him and Eddie would go out and hane a good time. Although Payton was one of the greatest football players he was a better person to his family, friends, and people. In the book there is a picture of Payton running up a hill, this picture shows him training as he works toward his accomplishments as a running back in the NFL. At the 1987 mark in the picture is where he retired form football. The famous hill in the photograph is named "Payton's Hill," his honor. Walter Payton was inducted in the Hall of Fame in July of 1993. His life was one of the roughest but he made the best of it and has the book to prove it. This is one of the best books I have read and probably will read.

Never Die Easy
Shaun V
Book Review

Never Die Easy by Walter Payton with Don Yeager is a story of a boys childhood and how he got to where only a selected few go. The NFL.
Walter Payton grew up in Mississippi where sports was the only thing that kids could enjoy. Walter grew up with his mother, father, sister Pam, and brother Eddie. Every summer Walter's mother would have a truck load of topsoil delivered to the front yard to keep them out of trouble. That's how Walter developed all of his leg power. Walter loved to play baseball and football. He and his brother, Eddie always played sports.
During his first two years of high school, Walter was in the band and played soccer, until his brother Eddie became the star quarterback of the football team. Since then he only loved to play football. Walters junior year he was the starting varsity running back. He broke many school as well as state records. He trained non-stop because football was his life.
College was Walters time to shine. He went to Jackson State University. During his freshman year he shared a dorm with his brother because he was currently attending that same college. At Jackson State, Walter met his future wife, Connie. They were inseparable. Walter went on the TV show "Soul Train" because he love to dance. He was an excellent dancer due to his center of balance which helped him as a running back. Playing football in college wasn't any different than high school ball to him. He still dominated the playing field. Up next was the NFL draft.
Walter was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears. He has never been in such a cold city, he had to adjust quickly. He was so nervous of making a good impression to the loyal fans of Chicago, that his first year wasn't so hot. He rushed for under 300 yards that season. While playing for the Bears he broke Jim Brown's all-time rushing record . During his football career he only missed one game due to a slight ankle sprain. After every game Walter would stay after to sign autographs for his fans. " Nothing is as important to me as spending time with my fans. They are so loyal". Retirement came thirteen years later.
After football, Walter became a business partner for several small business chains across America. He donated to a lot of charities for diseases and he also donated a lot of his time to the city of Chicago. It wasn't only money that he donated. He donated a lot of his time to fans that were sick in hospitals and became a motivational speaker.
A few years later he was diagnosed with a disease that effected his liver. There were thousands already in line for a transplant, he was at the end. He was a very wealthy man and could have paid for thousands of treatments that would slower the process. He did as much as he could but the cancer had spread. He put those thoughts behind him and continued to do his charity work. Walter's son Jarrett was going to a Division I college at the University Of Miami. Walter couldn't have been any prouder.
Soon after Walter died on November 1, 1999.
In Never Die Easy, it shows you how to live life to it's fullest. Everyday Walter lived his life as it were to be his last. He didn't let anything or anyone stand in his way. When he had cancer he just told himself that he still had enough time to accomplish more. This book also showed how important family is. It isn't everyday you see someone's son announce their father's introduction speech in to the Hall of Fame.
In my opinion Never Die Easy was a really good book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys sports.

Never Die Easy ( the Walter Payton autobiography)
Being so ignorant of football, I did not even know who Walter Payton was until he died. When I read the book I found how important he was to the football association. It gave a better understanding of his disease that attacked his liver. It told the story of a once unstoppable football player to someone only a fraction his normal size and weigt, but he never lost his faith and continued fighting until his last days in his home with his family. I had no idea how hard it is to find a donor for a liver. Also the medications he had to take and how sick they made him, and also having to have a cathiter placed in his chest to draw blood and for IVs since his veins were so weak. This man touched the lives of millions and even though he was sick he never asked why and made it a vow to never die easy. ... Read more

Book Description

As one of the biggest stars to burst into U.S. theaters, Jackie Chan has wowed audiences with death-defying stunts. But who really is this lightning-fast Charlie Chaplin of martial arts moviemaking? Now, in I Am Jackie Chan, he tells the fascinating, harrowing, ultimately triumphant story of his life: How the rebellious son of refugees in tumultuous 1950s Hong Kong became the disciplined disciple of a Chinese Opera Master. How the dying art of Chinese opera led Jackie to the movie business. And how he broke into Hollywood big time by breaking almost every bone in his body.
... Read more

Reviews (81)

So incredibly engaging, I read it in a single day.
I'm not the type to read "Hollywood bios," (or Hong Kong ones) but after seeing Rush Hour and a dozen other Jackie movies, I couldn't resist giving the book a whirl. What a surprise to find such a well-written and thought-provoking story! I literally couldn't put it down. I spent all day sneaking around reading it at work, then stayed up until 3 a.m. to finish it.

As a student of traditional kung-fu (thanks to Jackie's influence), I've met practitioners who trained under the same abusive system as Jackie did. Although infused with humor throughout, the book really made me appreciate the suffering--most of it imposed by others--that goes into making a top kung-fu artist. I'm so glad that Jackie's life has followed the old adage "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger." He survived numerous hardships, poverty, and lots of really badly directed movies to emerge as the confident and successful star we know today. Jackie, thanks for giving Americans a much-needed HERO--not only in movies, but in real life!

Although it was Jackie's story, I really applaud the fabulous job that Jeff Yang did on the writing end of things. Great work!

YOU are Jackie Chan
I didn't know what expect when I started to read this book. I've read several biographies and although I pick interesting people to read about, none come close to Jackie Chan. His life from early childhood to manhood has been a difficult ride.

If you've ever seen any of his movies and find them filled with action, drama, and comedy, this book is no different. It's like you're reading the script of a movie. He paints vivid pictures in your head as he describes his life, his loves, his career. I have developed a better appreciation for Jackie Chan after reading this book. It is so inspirational that anyone can read this book, fan and non-fan alike and enjoy the man known as Jackie Chan.

I encouraged all my friends to buy this book and add it to their library, its definately a must have.

Great Book for All Ages
I have read this book about 5 times (for class book reports), and every time I read this book, it is still good. This book just helps solidify Jackies roles, and hardships he went through to achieve greatnesss. He had a pretty interesting life, and after I got started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. I gave it to a friend and he got hooked also. The story starts off with Jackie at an early age living with his parents in a French ambassadors home. Then it shifts to Jackie at the Drama School, where he gets in fights with the older borthers, who one of them end up being a huge influence in his life. I won't tell you who, you'll have to read it. You'll thank me for this. This book is definatly a keeper.

origins of jackie chan
This book really takes the reader into many aspects of Jackie Chan's early life from China, to the Peking Opera House where he was schooled in his martial arts, to Australia, and even a mansion where he lived a few short years after being born. There's more to one of the best action heroes in Hollywood than just punches and kicks and this book will keep you reading and sometimes laughing from Chan's antics as a mischevious kid. Also you'll read about other Chinese cinema superstars such as Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao growing up with Chan in the opera house. All in all a very solid book very much worth reading for any fan of Chan.

Chan's origins very unique
This book really takes the reader into many aspects of Jackie Chan's early life from China, to the Peking Opera House where he was schooled in his martial arts, to Australia, and even a mansion where he lived a few short years after being born. There's more to one of the best action heroes in Hollywood than just punches and kicks and this book will keep you reading and sometimes laughing from Chan's antics as a mischevious kid. Also you'll read about other Chinese cinema superstars such as Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao growing up with Chan in the opera house. All in all a very solid book very much worth reading for any fan of Chan. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Top Shelf (4 1/2 stars)
David Dupuis does an admirable job in marshalling the facts in this eminently readable biography of one of hockey's most difficult subjects, the incredible Terry Sawchuk. Illuminated with generous contributions from Sawchuk's family and colleagues, it captures both the highs and the lows and should set the record straight regarding the life, death and career of perhaps the greatest goalie who ever lived. Even though we know how the story ends, the book builds up momentum to become a page-turner, and one almost wishes there were more pages. Its only small shortcoming is a somewhat static style that abruptly jumps back and forth between sporting and domestic scenes. Dupuis makes an earnest effort to understand the roots of the inner rages that drove Sawchuk to excel on the ice and to self-destruct off it. One is left wondering if the lives of Terry and his family might've been any more stable had he been born a couple of generations later; in that sense, his story becomes something of a cautionary tale as well. This compelling biography and hockey history is worthy of addition not only to the shelves of Red Wings and Maple Leafs fans, but to that of anyone who wants a better understanding of Sawchuk's incomparable legacy to the game.

A GREAT ATHLETE WITH A DARK PAST
Before I read this book, all I ever knew about Terry Sawchuck was that he was the greatest goalie ever to play the game of hockey. After reading this book I found out how a great athlete of the past is so much like the athletes of today. Sawchuck was an alcoholic womanizer who physically and mentally abused his family. This book tells a compelling story about his personal life and the greatest moments from the games he played. This book is a must for any hockey fan.

Honest and Interesting Book, Good
I started reading this book because I ha