Book Description

Read by Eric Conger
Three Cassettes, 5 hours

For almost forty years, Dean Smith coached the University of North Carolina men's basketball program with unsurpassed success on the court and in shaping young men's lives.In his long-awaited memoir, he reflects on the great games, teams, players, strategies, and rivalries that defined his career, and explains the philosophy that guided him.

To listen to this audiobook is to understand why Dean Smith changed the lives of the players he coached, from Michael Jordan, who calls him second father and who never played a single NBA game without wearing a pair of UNC basketball shorts under his uniform, to the last man on the bench of his least talented team.We all wish we had a coach like Dean Smith in our lives, and now we have that chance.
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Reviews (16)

More than just a basketball book
The book was mostly appealling to me because of my love for Carolina basketball. However, the novel would be interesting to any basketball lover in that of the genius behind Dean's coaching strategies. He also sets a great standard for morals that a person should have in life. The book DOES travel into other sectors of life rather than just basketball. Dean Smith provides an excellent role model as his character is nothing less than the fine aspects of discipline, church, and honesty.

A Feel Good Book with Substance
Dean Smith accomplishes something truly remarkable in this I 300+ page book. Not a negative word. The book is a building block to help coaches develop fine young men and women. Dean Smith is a true gentleman, and a man of principles who passes along valuable nuggets to coach any sport. The hardest thing for a coach to do is to set and maintain a culture of a team. Smith does this in a focused and people-minded(caring yet pushing them to be better) way. It's not just about winning. He regularly put in his 8-12 spot players in every game in the second half regardless of what the score was. This way they had something to look forward to in each game and would work hard at practice. Carolina had a rule "pass ahead"--pass to the guy who is ahead of you to advance the ball up the floor. What a great message (team enhancing and unselfish) for young players in basketball, soccer, and hockey. What most impressed me about this book was how positive Smith is. He is so complimentary to the people who matter in his life. It is always about them not about him. The one thing which I found curious was very little mention of his first and unsuccessful marriage to Ann. But I also respect his desire to keep their married life personal. If you are a dedicated coach then read this book, and Jim Thompson's Positive Coaching. Both are testimonials to what Erik Erikson coined the "generative" capabilities of men.

a great look inside the heart and mind of a living legend !!
college basketball's greatest coach chronicles his life and details the philosophy and principles which governed his life and his approach to basketball. after reading the book you will understand why many consider him not only the greatest college basketball coach,but an even greater man.

The Dean of All Coaches
"A Coach's Life" details the interesting facts of Dean Smith's story - from his childhood memories to his first coaching job to reaching the pinnacle of his career (winning the NCAA titles in 1982 and 1993). Along the way, you meet many people who enriched Dean's life and who, in turn, were enriched by him...there's Michael Jordan, of course, but Dean also reveals details of his relationships with a number of his players, associates and opponents, including John Thompson, James Worthy, and Frank McGuire, to name a few.

To his credit, he avoids speaking negatively about others. It seems that he was operating under the axiom, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything." This would explain the virtual omission of Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski - glaring by its absence. So be warned - those looking for a mud-slinging expose' will be disappointed.

But that's OK - Dean showed that he didn't have to write a "tell-all" in order to write a good book. It's just a story of a simple Kansas boy who found a way to make a difference in people's lives. And what's wrong with that?

Rating: 4 stars.

I could wretch
This book is boring and Dean fancies himself a martyr. I don't need to read another book about someone who believes that Jesus cares about a sporting event....yuck. ... Read more

Book Description

Yeah, I'm the towering red-and-yellow warrior who revolutionized the wrestling business, the larger-than-life superhero who transformed an entire country into a horde of Hulkamaniacs™. I'm the guy who spit blood and breathed fire to help create an empire called World Wrestling Entertainment™.

But it wasn't always like that. Once I was a fat kid named Terry Bollea watching legends like Dusty Rhodes and Superstar Billy Graham, never dreaming I'd be a professional wrestler myself one day.

Find out what makes me cry like a baby and what makes my blood boil. Then tell me you know the man called Hollywood Hulk Hogan™.

Join the Babe Ruth of wrestling on a gritty, no-holds-barred odyssey from his start in the barbaric wrestling arenas of the seventies through the humiliation of his involvement in federal steroid-abuse trials to the achievement of his greatest triumph yet.

Along the way, lock up with the likes of Mr. T, Ted Turner, The Rock®...and of course, Vince McMahon™, head of World Wrestling Entertainment™. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Awesome Bio ¿ Brother
"Hollywood Hulk Hogan" is the autobiography or wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. The distinguishing trait I find that separates this bio from a lot of the other wrestler biographies of recent years is that it is the most "biographical" of the other bios, meaning that you not only get Hogan's wrestling career in review but also his real life story in review.

THE BOOK

The book will definitely appeal to wrestling fans as well as fans of Hulk Hogan. Hogan tells a very comprehensive story of his career and his life, both in wrestling and in Hollywood. Among the things you learn about are:

- His trauma's growing up as a fat kid

- His family background

- How he met his wife

- His lifelong love affair with wrestling (Dusty Rhodes was his idol)

- His careers as a musician, dock worker and gym/bar owner

- His time spent as a wrestling groupie

- His breaking into the business in Florida and throughout the South

- His friendship with Andre the Giant

- His time in the AWA

- Making Rocky III

- Leading the way for the WWF in the 80's including his status as the
most requested Make A Wish celebrity

- The lowdown on Mr. T, John Stossel, Richard Belzer, Dennis Rodman and Jay Leno

- His feuds with Savage and the Warrior

- The steroid trials and his opinion on steroid use

- Making of No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny, Suburban Commando,
Thunder in Paradise and his other B Movies

- His boating accident with Ed Leslie

- Signing with WCW

- His problems with the New World Order

- The story of his problems with Vince Russo

- His knee problems

- His rebuttal to his critiques

- His return to the WWE

THE COOL STUFF

Overall, Hogan writes a very comprehensive story leaving almost no stone unturned. Not only is this a great history of the wrestling business for the past 20 years or so but it's just a fascinating story to read. Hogan comes across as a person who's just very surprised at his own success. It's pretty inspiring to see how a former fat kid who got teased growing up grew up into one of the most famous athletes in wrestling history and how someone of "limited wrestling ability" became the person who put wrestling on the pop culture map. In all if you're a wrestling fan you'll love a lot of the road stories Hogan has to share including his tales of Andre the Giant and the time of WWF's expansion in the 80's. You'll also love the stories of his work with the other celebrities like Mr. T, Dennis Rodman and Jay Leno as you'll find things weren't as chummy as they seemed on-screen. For wrestling fans you get the benefit of seeing the industry through Hogan's eyes. This is important because Hogan, for the better part of 15 years, was at the top of the industry and his a unique viewpoint of it. His thoughts on the major promoters, wrestlers and angles are just fascinating to read if you're a wrestling fan. Overall, his is just fascinating story.

THE VERDICT

Love him or hate him, you can't deny Hogan's influence on wrestling and pop culture and you cannot say that he's had a boring life. "Hollywood Hulk Hogan" is a fascinating memoir of one man's life in the entertainment industry and man does he have some stories to share.

Total Pages: 343
Total Read Time: 8 hours over three nights

Highest Recommendation

Excellent read
I won't go into detail about what is inculded in this book, simply because other reviewers have already done that. I will say that this book is an excellent read, and it never gets slow or boring. Hogan's story is very interesting from the beginning. I found myself unable to put it down once I started it. I would recommend this book to any wrestling fan.

HOGAN FANTASY
This book is total Hulk Hogan fantasy land. Any Wrestling fan who saw the wwf in the 1980s will know full well that most of Hogan`s tales are fabrications and out and out lies. If there was ever any doubt about Hulk Hogan`s obsessive ego and self indulgence then this book settles it. It is nothing more than a big joke from cover to cover. Dont bother read Bobby Heenan`s instead.

Great depiction of Hogans career
I loved this book, I never wanted to put it down. I grew up in the 80's watching Hogan and wrestling. Then when I saw this book come out I had to get it. He takes you along starting from his band in Tampa, FL, to his start in wrestling, his entire wrestling career, and then to his last appearences. A great book for any Hulk Hogan fan!

Egomania runs wild
This is quite possibly the worst autobiography ever written. Hulk Hogan was great at dodging all of his perils in life and coming up with a nice Walt Disney version of his life. This book is the absolute biggest joke of a wrestling book ever written. So many of these books out there help give some credibility to professional wrestling. The wrestling business deserves respect, it deserves coverage in all the major papers despite what the elitist reporters may think and has deserved better treatment for years and years. This book urinates on that concept and discredits professional wrestling. Hulk Hogan may have been a big name in wrestling, but he is a terrible in ring worker and also the man who always most embarrasses wrestling and carries the least credibility of a wrestler.

If you want to read a great professional wrestling autobiography read Roddy Piper's book, Dynamite Kid's sensational piece, Foley's first book, Missy Hyatt's book, Bobby Heenan's book, Lou Thesz's masterpiece, or Jesse Ventura's book. These individuals told their story and didn't sugarcoat or patronize the reader. These books are a credit to the industry. It is a shame that Hulk Hogan is Mr. Politician in no matter what he does. He was at least able to protect his enormous ego in this book which is my guess was the purpose of the book. This was just another ego tool of Mr. Terry Bollea. It worked ten fold! ... Read more

Book Description

Americas favorite sportswriter teams up with Red Auerbach, the most successful and admired coach in basketball history, to tell the best stories of a legendary life.

Living legend Arnold "Red" Auerbach led the Boston Celtics to nine NBA championships--eight of them consecutive-- during his 17-year tenure in Boston from 1950 to 1966. The fiery coach is a unique personality--brash, opinionated, and unfailingly accurate. As a coach he never stood still along the sidelines, and in retirement he remains a lively part of the game, still consulted by coaches, players, and general managers at age 86.

For years, John Feinstein has met regularly with Red Auerbach and his friends, drawing out Reds life story in a raucous series of unforgettable sessions. From those smoke- and laughter-filled rooms come these colorful reports about all the players and coaches Red has worked with and played against over the years. Bob Cousy, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Sam Jones, Bill Russell, and Michael Jordan--you name them, the basketball greats are all here. Red Auerbachs incredible experiences in sports and John Feinsteins unparalleled skill as a sports storyteller make this one of the greatest books to come out of the game of basketball.

Red Auerbach has come across all kinds of characters throughout his years in sports and has opinions to offer and amazing stories to tell about all of them.

A book about a true sports legend by an extraordinarily popular sportswriter will appeal to all sports fans.

John Feinstein has written two of the bestselling sports books of all time, A Good Walk Spoiled (over 756,000 combined copies sold) and A Season on the Brink (over one million combined copies sold), and has regularly landed on the bestseller lists during the past two decades. His most recent book, Caddy for Life, was published in April 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (110)

Beware What This Book Might Do To You
I've been meaning to write a review of this book for a long time, but since Nick Hornby reawakened in me many of my childhood sports fan obsessions when I read it for the first time in 1999, I've been too busy. Not only did "Fever Pitch" remind me how irrationally and how much I loved my own hometown team (the heartbreaking Boston Red Sox) but he turned me into a fan of English football and his own Arsenal Gunners to the point where I follow them daily on ESPN's soccernet, LISTEN (!?) to them on internet radio broadcasts and have even gone to two games in London over the past two years. It's sick really, and I suppose it's not the kind of thing Hornby would have wanted when he wrote this quintessential memoir of growing up a soccer fan in England, but I've enjoyed it

"Fever Pitch" is an obsessive's tale as much as it is a fan's story, and so should appeal to the same wide audience that enjoys his excellent novels (It was my love for "High Fidelity" that sent me straight to this book). It is a memoir of surprising depth considering how it is organized only by the dates of soccer matches between 1968 and 1991, and it makes perfect sense that Hornby, or any true fan, should see the rest of his life (parents' divorce, his own education, romantic and career trouble) primarily as it relates to the team he spends so much time, money and psychic energy on.

The irony, for me, was finding out after I read "Fever Pitch" for the first time that Arsenal was one of the top teams of the last decade in England, so Hornby at least gets to feel the joy that we Red Sox fans are still waiting for. Sure, we're ecstatic the Pats won the Super Bowl, but our lives will change forever when Boston brings home the World Series. But after "Fever Pitch," I'll remember to laugh like the rest of the world laughs when American sports leagues crown their title-holders "world" champions.

For sports fans, obsessives, and everyone else
I assume this book would be a joyous, justifying experience for a devoted fan of any sport - "I'm not alone!" - and I can assure you that it's a fun, educational read for someone who has no interest in any sport. It's a look at the way fanship can be created by, and in turn create, a person's life, and as such should be required reading both for fans themselves and for the people who can't understand them. In other words, if you completely understand why an important win could turn your entire life around, or why you would have to miss your sister's wedding if it coincided with a game, Fever Pitch is for you. And if you don't understand this at all, the book is also for you.

Now, having said that, there are a few problems with this book for Americans who don't know much about football. (You know, soccer, not American rules football.) If you don't know thing one about the game, you can still read the book, but you won't understand big chunks of it. Hornby either never expected this book to be published in America, or he can't imagine an audience that isn't intimately familiar with football argot. (And, having read the book, I'm betting on the latter.) So you'll need either to read a book about football before you read Fever Pitch, or to have on call a person who knows football. As it happens, I had both. I read the decent book The Miracle of Castel Di Sangro before Fever Pitch, so I knew about, for example, relegation and promotion. And I happen to know a person who watches football. And still I didn't get everything; what the heck is the Arsenal offside trap? What was the Ibrox disaster? (Double whammy, since apparently it also happened before I was born.) What's the penalty spot? I don't know, and Hornby didn't take the time to tell me. So - not perhaps the best book to introduce you to football.

Still, this a fascinating book, a book that contains a wealth of self-knowledge for the obsessed and astonishing revelations for everyone else. Read it. If nothing else, you'll learn that the person in your life that you thought was as obsessed with team X as it is possible to be is merely a fly-by-night fan.

Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby is one of the best football books
Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby is one of the best football books around. But it is about much more than football, it gives a rare glimpse into the psyche of the British football fan. In his book, football is a metaphor for all aspects of life, romance, family, and career. Hornby¡¦s amusing narratives perfectly encapsulate the unique relationship a football fan has with their favorite team. Even as a Manchester United fan I find it fascinating to read about his obsession with and dedication to Arsenal.
At the most superficial level, this book provides a very detail account of Arsenal from the late 60s through the beginning of the 90s, and the increasingly violent behavior by football fans during the late 70s and early 80s, and the negative impact it had on his feelings for the games.
Hornby describes vividly how his life was related to Arsenal's achievements. When Arsenal was doing good, Hornby was doing good. When Arsenal was having an off-season, Hornby fell into depression. It is interesting to observe the development of Hornby's obsession, because it can happen to anyone. With the backdrop of his often witty accounts of Arsenal games, Hornby talks about how his life evolves with his family, his girlfriend, and his students. Football is like a common world language, and Hornby uses it to interact with his students. And watching football with his father was one the highlights of his childhood.
Every game has an analogy in life for the football fan. For Hornby, a tight game ending in defeat is a painful reminder of a break with his girlfriend.
While this obsession with football is almost innate, sometimes Hornby felt immature, especially when he was unable to control his overwhelming passion for the game in front of his students.
In humorous pros Hornby highlights how football and life come together on the pitch and is definitely worthy of reading.

black and white and read all over
This is a cool book, and a very good book, but a tiny little "je ne sais quoi" keeps me from giving it that last and final fifth star.

To summarize the book superficially in a sentence, it's an autobiographical retelling, in a very witty first-person voice, of the author's (London journalist Nick Hornby) lifelong love of soccer and his passion for the English pro soccer team Arsenal (which plays in London). Thrown in are side stories about his boyhood, his relationship with his parents, and his posse of friends, love interests, and workmates who either do or don't share his love of the sport.

One problem for North Americans is that this is a truly English book, in that it contains tons of references to little villages in England, little UK customs, judgments and descriptions of London neighborhoods, etc., that left me feeling like a Yankee hick who'd never left the trailer park. Indeed, that is my problem and not the author's, but North Americans who don't know English culture well will feel lost at times.

Another problem is that the book, like the TV show "Seinfeld," isn't really about anything. Sure, there's a lot of chatter about soccer, but not in any sort of methodical or educative way. It's basically a willfully disorganized diary about 20 years in the life of a clever, witty Englishman (from about age 10 to about age 30) who allows soccer to dominate his worldview and, alas, his whole life. It comes down to the amusing musings of a 30-something Londoner, which makes the book fascinating but not monumental.

The obsession with soccer is the strength and the weakness of the work. If you want to learn about English pro soccer, you will be disappointed. If you want to learn first-hand, from a very imaginative and clever soul, about what it was like for one particular person to grow up soccer-mad in southeastern England the 1970's and 1980's and how it impacted the rest of his life, then this is the book for you.

I'm a big fan of Nick Hornby, and a better book of his, and a better "starter book" for him, is "High Fidelity."

Painfully, painfully boring
This book was extremely pointless. Since each entry is a memory, they are written like them so they don't have an insteresting story-telling narrative. Also, some of the entries were just how the game was played and who won, with absolutely nothing interesting to say. And that for 300 pages, completely redundant. This book has no beginning, middle, or end. Just entry after entry of complete pointlessness. Now, it may be because I am not interested in sports, but this is just a football (soccor) journal and nothing more. Hornby was able to shove in a little bit of angst and childhood problems, but it is not nearly significant enough to keep the reader interested.

Though the book had some very funny parts, it doesn't make up for the ennui I experienced while reading this book. You know, they made a movie out a this.....HOW?!! It barely works as a piece of fiction or reference book...but a movie?! Jesus. I'm sorry but this was one of the most boring books I've ever read. ... Read more

Reviews (84)

Pretty Good!!!
When i checked out this book i thought hey it's a movie i'll just watch the movie but for some odd reason i started to read the book and liked it! The book i read was THE BASKETBALL DIARIES by Jim Carroll. It was a good younge adult or maybe a mature teen book. The story is the diary of Jim Carroll about his struggle with addiction. His playing basketball and his desire to be pure. I have never really read a book like this before but compared to most books i've read it's a whole lot bolder. When i first started reading this book i thought hey he said the F word but then i found out theres so much more to it and the language doesnt make it the good piece of literature that it is. This book is a good book and it really made me think about my life and was i in control of it. Most people would say this book is mainly about a kid doing drugs but i believe the book is mostly about a kid and his struggles to be pure. On page 210 his quote "Then i stand up to puke, I just want to be pure....". Jim Carroll Has a great style of writting and i will be looking in to reading another one of his books. I liked this book but it is a very volgur book with alot of sex related situations alot of drug use and a whole lot of bad language. If this type of writting offends you i strongly suggest reading something different.

Disturbingly honest
For a teenage diary, this is extremely well written. Jim Carroll was clearly a gifted writer, and his diary brings the New York City streets of the mid-60's to life. His vivid descriptions of growing up as a street wise kid on the mean streets of the city clearly paint a picture of the period.

That said, this is was NOT a fun book to read. There is much about Carroll's life in this period that is not pretty. His growing dependency on drugs is readily apparent as the book progresses, as is his willingness to do almost anything to pay for his next fix. There are graphic descriptions of both the drug use and his sexual encounters, but even so there is a sense of honesty in the account that somehow seems to be redeeming. In the end, this is a powerful glimpse into a life on the streets.

the basketball diaries
The Basketball Diaries is an extraordinary book. It takes place in New York City during the mid 60's. The main character is Jim Carroll. He is a teenager who loves to play basketball and get wasted with his friends. As he grows older in the streets of New York, he becomes more and more of a junkie. I liked this book because it's so real. It made me laugh a lot, and at times I actually felt bad for Jim. His diaries were very well written and never left out any details. This book was definately one of the best books I've read so far, and I hope that after reading this review, many of you would pick up the book and see what all the fuss is about. I've read many books that just wasted my time and I just didn't enjoy, but The Basketball Diaries is one of the books that I absolutely DO NOT regret reading.

Compelling and Disturbing
This book was sooo super. It was very nutso to read and I'm a crazy guy. When he sodomized his teacher in that giant tub of potato salad I was like WHOA

Not what i expected . . .
I could simply not be impressed with Jim Carroll's diaries. The events don't seem to invoke any sort of depth of character, rather the choice of entries seems to be based on pure shock value. I've read the other reviews and simply do not see the depth here that others claim to find. There is no search for purity, only a chance to find the next high, starting with his roof-top escapades and ending with his body riddled with drugs. What purity he had was lost before the book started (so we have no particular pity invoked) and each claim for the search of purity is negated within a few entries by yet another escapade into debauchery. Street-wise he may be, a decent writer at thirteen, yes, but nothing to engage the mind and make you think. Just looking to shock one more white-color suburbanite. ... Read more

Book Description

Hailed as the greatest to have ever played the game, Michael Jordan reigned supreme over the NBA for eleven seasons. While his achievements on the court have made him a basketball legend, his activities off the court as businessman, movie star, and pitchman have made him an American icon. In this unique biography, the author of the bestselling Speaks series sheds light on the drive and determination behind the incredible success of His Royal Airness by bringing together original Jordan quotes culled from articles, newscasts, and interviews.

Possibly the most recognized celebrity on the planet today, definitely one of the greatest sports figures who ever lived and, by far, the most effective product endorser in the history of business, Michael "Air" Jordan is the stuff of legend. But it is more than his unrivaled skill in basketball or his phenomenal success in business that have earned him the love and respect of billions. Whether on the court or the sound stage, Jordan embodies all the qualities that people most admire in a winner and role model: quiet dignity and consummate grace, driving ambition and a heartfelt sense of fair play.

In this book Janet Lowe, author of the bestselling Warren Buffett Speaks and Oprah Winfrey Speaks, offers us an inspiring look at the man behind the Michael Jordan image. Drawn from hundreds of sources, the quotes gathered together in this book reveal Michael Jordan's views on everything from sports and winning to love and family, to teamwork and individual initiative.

Here's a sample of what you'll find inside:

"People can fly. Some fly higher, that's all."

"You can practice shooting eight hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you get is very good at shooting the wrong way. Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise."

"My heroes were my parents. I can't see having anyone else as heroes."

"Confidence allows you to progress in something you're attempting to accomplish, whether it's playing basketball or baseball, or whether it's trying to succeed in business."

"Mental toughness and heart are a lot stronger than some of the physical advantages that you may have."--This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title ... Read more

Reviews (5)

excellent competitor
Michael Jordan Speaks is a very good book because Michael lets you know what he went through as he looks back at it all. As I read it I kept on thinking to myself whoa!. Mike had that God- given talent that comes naturally and he was determined to become a better player. He started to put a lot of work in and had that ability to make it. Micheal said "It's not how you start, it's how you finish." "It's not what's on you, it's what's in you." The stuff that he went through I didn't think that he would be able to conquer it. Mikes words made me think positive and how things in life will work out. His sophomore year he faced a bad thing that he felt like not playing anymore. He got cut from the basketball team. Micheal's coach felt like he wasn't ready, so he worked at it. As time went by money started to come and people were amazed on how this boy turned out to blossom.

Michael Jordan Speaks
Many people know Michael Jordan as a legend, but did you know that even this legend has failed. As a sophomore in high school, Michael was cut from the varsity basketball team. Though he may have had thoughts of giving up, it inspired him to work even harder. Michael Jordan Speaks by Janet Lowey tells the story of Michael's life, and what obstacles he has overcome. Throughout the book, Michael faces many struggles, not just physically but emotionally. This sports superstar had to deal with the murder of his father, his business (Jordan), and entertaining the fans of the Chicago Bulls. No matter how bad the problem looked, he never gave up.
Follow Michael Jordan through the ups and downs of being the worlds most known person. See what it's like from growing up in a small town in North Carolina to packing NBA stadiums in almost every city he goes to. Michael has a storybook of a life, from what the general public knows. Find out what conflicts Michael came upon on his journey to the top.
Michael faces many challenges throughout his life. The most difficult challenge brought upon the superstar was the murder of his father. Though Michael did retire from the NBA after his fathers' murder, he didn't just give up. He needed a break from the spotlight while he got his emotions in sorts. Later he did return to the NBA, but in my mind that isn't even close to giving up, because he returned to the Bulls to win three Championships in a row. Michael also faced some trouble with his gambling problems. Michael denies that he has ever had a gambling problem, though many NBA officials beg to differ. Reporters have tried to get him in trouble with the contract he signed with the NBA in reference to gambling. In the end the NBA couldn't try Michael for anything because he would make bets on legal things, such as a private golf game, or a card game. Throughout the whole conflict, Michael never lost his cool to any reporter, though many reports goal in life was to try to get Michael to explode at them just to get a good story. Michael hasn't once lost his cool in the public eye, because he believes that he is someone who kids look up to. He wants to give out a positive image, so that kids will follow his lead of being a polite and respected person.
Janet Lowe took a different type of approach to writing this book. She based the book on quotes that Michael has said, and then went off on a tangent to tell his life story. It is a different type of read, but it is interesting to see what Michael is feeling in his quotes, compared to what is happening in his life. It took me a couple pages to get used to the style, but it is an interesting way to look at his life.
Through all the ups and downs in his life, Michael never once gave up or lost his cool. He kept his eyes on his goal, and remembered his role in society as a role model. Kids look up to him, and he realized it, so he wanted to set a good example for the kids to follow. Nothing was handed to Michael on a silver platter, he had to work hard and never give up to achieve the level he was at.

muwhahahaaaahaa (just started readin)
I just started reading the book, spenbt about 20 minutes on it, im on page like 60 something . But its aight, gives facts and true stories about his life. Pretty tight, you find out soem interesting stuff, like he NEVER has had a job his entire life.

Give Me More!
A quick and easy read about one of our true sports phenomonons. This book leaves us wanting more, infact when I finished my reaction was that now, I wanted to read a book about Michael Jordan.

What more can be said about the great one
Being a fan of the game but a Knicks fan, I can say this was a decent read about Jordans career. I always had great respect for the man and think he is the best basketball player of all time. This book will let you see in writing what he did over the years. Well put together by the author and worthwhile for anyone even those who are not fans. ... Read more

Book Description

George Allen was a top-ranked NFL coach throughout the sixties and seventies, coaching in turn the Chicago Bears, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Washington Redskins. Raised in a home dominated by her three football-obsessed older brothers and her father's relentless schedule, Jennifer Allen came of age in a cauldron of testosterone and win-at-all-costs mentality.

Buffeted by the coach's tumultuous firings and hirings, the Allen family was periodically propelled to new teams in new cities. And while her French-Tunisian mother attempted to teach Jennifer proper feminine etiquette, the author dreamed of being the first female quarterback in the NFL. But as she grew up, she yearned mostly to be someone her father would notice. In a macho world where only foot-ball mattered, what could she strive for? Who could she become?

Allen has written a poignant memoir of the father she tried so hard to know, about a family life that was willfully sacrificed to his endless fanatical pursuit of the Super Bowl. What emerges is a fascinating and singular behind-the-scenes look at professional football, and a memorable, bittersweet portrait of a father and his daughter, written in a fresh and perceptive voice. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Personal Football Book
As an avid football fan, George Allen is one of the greatest NFL Coaches of all time. Throughout the book, Jennifer Allen describes they storybook life of an NFL coach from a footbal and personal perspective. George's rough-and-tough attitude made two winningless teams, the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins, into champions. However, his personality as a coach effected his role as a father, which created tension between him and his children. As the his only daughter, Jennifer tries to win her father's affection as she struggles of being a product of an NFL coach and well-known celebrity.

Not what I was expecting.
As a lifelong football fan I was hoping that "Fifth Quarter" would include more about football than Allen puts into her memoir. However, the book is well-written and engaging. If you're looking for a book about George Allen, this isn't really the book to read. However, if you're looking for an interesting book detailing the childhood of a coach's daughter, "Fifth Quarter" might be the book for you.

What a depressing Whine-fest
This entire story could have been written on the cover of a matchbook and saved me the time I wasted reading it. Endless complaining about her parents and siblings, If the peoples identities had been with held until the end, one might have expected to find out this was the childhood of a serial killer or some one else you might have expected to have a miserable childhood. Why would anyone even bother to write a book about people she seemed to care for as little as her family is beyond me except to possibly capitalize on her Dad's famous name and make a few bucks. A depressing read.

This is a chick book, not a sports book
I was misled by a review in SI that said this was a great book. If you're an Oprah fan, then it's a great book. If you want to learn about the life of an NFL coach, the Washington Redskins or football in general, you're better off buying a subsciption to Sports Illustrated or reading the sports page.

About 80 percent of this book is about the struggle of the writer to get her father's attention and approval. Another 10 percent has to do with her mother, her brothers and the writer's life away from her house. Maybe 10 percent has to do with football. It is a maddening experience to put up with the "I was a girl, girls weren't important to my dad, someone please pay attention to me" anecdotes and thoughts in the hope of getting to, say, the Washington Redskins' 1972 season where the team finally made it to the Super Bowl, and then when you get there have Jennifer Allen say in almost these exact words, "I don't remember much about that the season the Redskins went to the Super Bowl." I almost hurled the book across the room.

It is unfortunate that George Allen essentially ignored his family in his obsessive quest to do what he believed he was born to do: coach. No kid should have to grow up with that kind of home life, and it's obvious that her father's inattention has left its mark on Ms. Allen. But darn it, this is an Oprah book of the month selection, not a sports book. Someone should be clear on that!

A few words about George Allen ... I am about Jennifer Allen's age. I am a lifelong Redskins fan and grew up in D.C. When Mr. Allen took the team to the Super Bowl, it was a highlight of my young life. I remember him licking his fingers, tugging his hat and mentioning milk as his drink of choice. I had no idea that he ignored his family. I'm sorry he did that, but I am also grateful that the man came to my hometown and coached my favorite team and finally made it a winner. I wish the book had a little more about what made George Allen such a successful coach and a lot less about the struggle of a little girl to get close to her daddy.

Your dad would be proud
Yes, I'm an old Redskin fan and was mildly curious about the George Allen era. I was not prepared for this powerful story of George Allen the father and his arms length relationship with his daughter, Jennifer. Yes, the mother Etty and the sons, George, Bruce, and Gregory, are in here too, but Jennifer you finally have the starring role in the George Allen Story. This is a sometimes gripping and often humorous story of a daughter's search for self. My only criticism is of the title which suggests a sports book. It is not worthy of this well-told story about a daughter's search for meaning in her life and, coincidentally, her dad's struggle to make sense of his own life too. ... Read more

Book Description

In Final Rounds, James Dodson offers a touching, heartfelt, often humorous tribute to his father and the game they both loved as he tells the poignant story of his father's last days and how they set out to celebrate them with the golf tour of a lifetime.

To James Dodson, an editor of Golf magazine and a premier authority on the sport, his closest moments with his father were on the links. With his father approaching eighty, Dodson planned a dream golf trip through England and France, where the elder Dodson had first discovered his love for the game as an airman during World War II. But when he learned his father was suffering from an advanced form of cancer, the trip took on an added urgency. For Braxton Dodson had been given only a month or two to live.

Final Rounds takes us to Royal Lutham, where Bobby Jones captured his first Open championship in 1926; to the Royal Birkdale, where the same rains that swirled around Arnold Palmer in '61 fall upon the Dodsons; to Carnoustie, where Hogan played peerlessly in '53; and finally to the legendary St. Andrews, where the younger Dodson discovers something of the secret of the game's mysterious allure over pros and hackers alike.

But like golf itself, Final Rounds is about much more than just a game: it is about a journey of discovery between a father and a son, about long-held secrets shared, and about the valuable lessons a middle-aged man could still learn from his father on the importance of life, love, and family.

James Dodson is a contributing editor and regular columnist for Golf magazine and golf editor for Departures magazine. His work has appeared in Gentleman's Quarterly, Travel & Leisure, Outside, and numerous other national magazines. He won the Golf Writers of America Award for his columns in 1995. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I could not put the book down. James was me.
As James and his Dad take a final trip to Scotland, he and his wonderful Dad get to know each other and the love for each other, which had always been there becomes very personal. Golf is the game each loves and becomes the expression of their love for each other. They communicate and connect for long or short drives, it doesn't matter. The game of golf is there spoken and unspoken language. Opti, Jame's dad, has a few months to live, and his pain is numbed by playing and being near his son. They truely connect and James reads his dads words and remembers every detail of his life. The man is certainly teeing of with Bobby Jones, Julius Boros and Old Tom Morris. Waiting and watching are Love, Strange, Watson and a host of others who have shown the same respect for the game. Every golfer who was taught the game as a child by a parent (my Mother was my Opti) will relate and cry thru the last chapter, just as I did.

One of the most touching stories I've ever heard.
Truly an outstanding story wonderfully told. A love story about Dad's and son's that anyone with a heart will enjoy.

I listened to the tapes on a long trip. Upon returning home, the last tape was not complete so I sat in the car for 30 minuites to hear the end

Poignant and relevant to father-son relationships and golf
Even though I'd read the book, I recently bought the audio for a new long commute. James Dobson's reading of his own words is a poignant description of the journey he and his father make towards the end of their relationship. As with many aspects of life, golf and this journey reflect upon each other. The goals on the course mirror those in life; balance, harmony, relaxation while trying to achieve important goals. James Dobson narrates this journey, on and off the golf course, with compassion and humor. It has helped me in my thoughts about both golf and my father.. ... Read more

Book Description

He was The Intimidator. A nightmare in the rear-view mirror. A seven-time Winston Cup champion. A driver whose personal success story and dedication inspired the adoration of millions of fans. Then on February 18, 2001, just seconds from the Daytona 500 finish line, the world of stock-car racing suffered a devastating loss as Dale Earnhardt fatally careened into a track wall.

Beginning with Earnhardt's early days growing up in small-town North Carolina, veteran sports writer Leigh Montville examines how a ninth-grade dropout started on the dusty dirt tracks of the South, went through two marriages and a string of no-future jobs before turning twenty-five, then took about a million left-turns to glory. Through the pitfalls and triumphs, Earnhardt would ultimately become a celebrated champion. The son of a legendary racer, the father of a NASCAR star, he lived a total autoracing life filled with triumph and sadness, great joy and great pain.

Transporting listeners to the colorful, noisy world of stock-car racing, where powerful engines allow drivers to reach speeds of 200 m.p.h., At the Altar of Speed vividly captures the man who drove the black No. 3 car, a man whose determination and inner strength left behind a legacy of greatness that has redefined his sport. At the Altar of Speed is a tribute to both the man and his unbeatable spirit. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A Book for ALL Nascar Fans...Not Just for Earnhardt Fans
I love books about NASCAR. As a female fan of the sport, I love to learn about not only the history of NASCAR but about the men who make NASCAR so popular. This book is not only for Dale Earnhardt fans but I would recommend it for those people who didn't like him. I think they will be surprised at how different Dale Earnhardt was off the track. "The Intimidator" only describes his on-track persona.

What makes this book a great read is that with each story you can almost hear the sadness in the voices of those folks who have lost a very special friend. Some of the tales told are humorous and with each recollection you learn more about Dale Earnhardt the man, husband, father, and friend.

Leigh Montville has put together what I can honestly say is the best tribute to a man who is missed by so many of us. He made me realize NASCAR will never ever be the same without that Goodwrench Black Number 3 Monte Carlo of Dale Earnhardt.

Dale, Rest in Peace!

Great Book for Casual Fans
First off, I need to explain that I'm a big NASCAR fan. Every NASCAR fan, no matter what they thought of Dale Earnhardt when he was alive, understands what a terrible loss took place the day of his crash. He is impossible to replace and was the one of the toughest competitors in all of sport.

That being said I looked forward to reading this book hoping to get a new insight into Earnhardt's life and the man. Unfortunately, I didn't read much that I didn't already know. If you were already a big fan of Dale Earnhardt and followed the sport closely, this book will add little to your knowledge. Mr. Montville is a great writer and he does a great job in writing about Dale Earnhardt in this book. In many ways, this is much like a good article in Sports Illustrated that has been lengthened to fit a book. If you are a casual fan or have just started to follow the sport, I would recommend the book to you.

As for myself as a long-time fan, what I liked best about the book was the stories about Dale and fellow races Neil Bonnett. It brought out the human side of two very close friends who both left the world far too early. The problem is that there isn't enough of that in the book. I already know about Dale's racing history and it's not hard to find out from many sources.

In addition, I had a few problems with the book. The problems I had is that Andy Petree is misidentified in one of the book's photos and there seems to be an effort to smear Earnhardt's business manager Don Hawk. Yes, Dale Earnhardt managed to make millions of dollars in his career, and one reason that happened was because of Don Hawk. It seems as if there is a bit of resentment out there because of Earnhardt's success off the track as well as on it.

While I recommend this book to new fans, I would urge long-time fans to find the article that Ed Hinton wrote in the Orlando Sentinel immediately after Earnhardt's death. As this book brings out, Hinton and Earnhardt were often at odds with one another, but Hinton wrote a beautiful story that shared a number of great anecdotes about some of the unknown stories in Earnhardt's life. That's what I want to read about and I wish this book would have had more of it.

At the Altar of Speed
This is the first Dale Earnhardt book I have found that was NOT a coffee table book filled only with captioned photos.

This book covers Dale's life from the beginning, discussing his friends and family. It tells the story of his struggle to become so successful.

Dale was always a very private person, and until now, it was difficult to find anything about his personal life away from the racetrack. The book even mentions that Dale advised Dale Jr. that he would regret living his "Club E" image in the public eye.

I been a huge Nascar fan for over 20 years, and admired Dale since he finally cast the monkey off his back by winning the Daytona 500.

All in all a very good read, leaving me the desire to find out even more about Dale.

Montville informs well
I just finished this book, and I absolutely loved it. It had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. I'm an avid NASCAR fan, and Dale Earnhardt is and will always be my favorite driver. I am following the path of his son, and I have also read Driver #8. Both books are fantastic, and a lot of fun to read. Very hard for me to put down!

This Book was Written by a NASCAR Outsider
It's obvious that this book was written by an (admitted) outsider to NASCAR. After finishing the book, I felt like Leigh Montville sat around listening to stories about Dale and then decided to write a book about those stories. I'm sorry, but I feel like the only reason this book was written was for compensatory reasons.

In one section, Mr. Montville writes that whereas other NASCAR drivers said that they were friends with Dale, Dale did not feel that they were his true friends (saying that you would always see them hang out at his trailer, but you would not see him hanging out at theirs). Dale did admittedly hang out with other drivers (outside of race weekends) and go vacationing, hunting, and fishing with them.

Being a huge NASCAR fan, I was overall very disappointed with this book (though I did enjoy the section about Dale and Neil Bonnett). If you want a brief overview of Dale's life, then this may be the book for you. If you want to find out the real/more in depth story, then I would suggest you buy a book from an author who either really knew Dale personally or has spent most of their life affiliated with NASCAR. That's what I plan to do. ... Read more

Book Description

There has never been a golfer to rival Arnold Palmer. He's the most aggressive, most exciting player the game has ever known, a dynamo famous for coming from behind to make bold last-minute charges to victory. To the legions of golf fans known around the world as Arnie's Army, Palmer is a charismatic hero, the winner of sixty-one tournaments on the PGA Tour and still going strong on the Senior PGA Tour. But behind the legend, there is the private Palmer--a man of wit, compassion, loyalty, and true grit in the face of personal adversity.

Writing with the humor and candor that are as much his trademark as his unique golf swing, Palmer gives us the deeply moving story of his life both on and off the links. He recounts his friendships (and rivalries) with greats of the game, including Jack Nicklaus, hisenduringly happy marriage with Winnie, his legendarytriumphs and his titanic disasters, and his valiant battle against cancer.Returning to the Senior PGA Tour with unmatched zeal after his recovery, Palmer reminded fans of his unfaltering heroism--and the world of golf is thankful.

From small-town boy to golfing legend, Arnold Palmer has lived one of the great sporting lives of the twentieth century. Now, with the help of acclaimed golf writer James Dodson, he has created one of the great sports autobiographies of our time. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Arnie's charisma and bold game put golf on the map.
Arnie's book is well-written, entertaining, and great reading. It unveils the nuances that enabled Arnie to be the man who hoisted TV golf on his shoulders and elevated the game to the status it enjoys today. The book is well-balanced in that it reveals Arnie's roots, both golf-wise and developmental, growing-up in Latrobe PA and his conflicted relationship w/his father, Deacon Palmer. Arnold's love of life, fierce competitiveness,and his charsimatic personality are all thoroughly revealed in this terrific book.

Five for Arnie Only
I have to give this five stars because Arnold Palmer is my all time, all time sports idol, but I think the writing could have been better. That is evident in the people who thought Arnie was not candid about his feelings on Jack. In numerous other accounts, those feelings are explored in depth, so if there is a problem in that regard it is a failing in the author, not in Arnie. Also, I disagree that he doesn't see Jack as the best of all time, because he's said that numerous times. If there was rancor there on Arnie's part, it was probably because he felt that in Jack's younger days he didn't respect the fans enough, which is probably why I sense some rancor in some of the things Arnie now says about Tiger. In any event, this is a purely classy guy, who deserves all the accolades he's gotten, and this book gives a good glimpse into his soul.

The Caretaker of the Game Recalls His Life
This is fine book about a man with deep principles that have continued to deepen and nourish his life. What a life! From golfing legend to aviator to business entrepeneur to course designer to philantropist to family man to cancer recoverer et al.

One of the true heroes of our time. Growing up with this guy, we baby boomers need one like this to exude what it truly is about -- not the titles or record or such, but how one played the game and treated others.

Such neat memories from AP's life: earning nickels hitting over the ditch for ladies when young; his detest for media's microscopic view; his leaving the French Open after being mistreated by the Frogs (guess things never change); his opinion of the PGA's historical problems; his committment to his word; his enjoyment of piloting immediately after tournament, whether win or lose.

Guy is first class and leaves us with much to emulate and pass on. His family roots run deep and it's evident. Maybe influence some parents to such as well.

More enjoyable read than assumed. This guy has given so much to the development of the sport we love. His views should not be lightly glanced over.

A top-rate book for any sports follower
Palmer deserves his reputation as one of the most respected figures in professional sports. This book, with its down-home style is far above the mind-numbing blow-by-blow accounts of careers hardly justifying the ink and paper which clog the sports book shelves. For this, his collaborator, golf writer, James Dodson, must be due for a large share of credit. Arnold Palmer looks back over a fantastic career with no lack of humility, but with personal glimpses in sufficient depth to maintain the interest at all times. But more than this, Palmer gives fascinating insights to his business life and associations with the famous in other fields, from presidents to show business personalities, to his fellow-golfers over six decades, always making it clear that his first love is his family. Palmer may be a little old-fashioned in his outlook for some of today's readers and indeed the schmaltz might be a little thick at times, but this still rates as a sports book of excellent quality.

A good book if you want to get to know Mr. Palmer.
No doubt Arnold Palmer will always live in the history of golf's greatest players. This is a great book if you want to see the golfing world through a player out on the tour during the days before all the hype and sponsors. Palmer's raw talent has always been his strongest asset on the golf course, and his warm, wonderful personality shines through in this book. The only thing that this book lacks is that page-turning component that keeps one from putting the thing down. Despite it's few boring points, I would still reccomend it if you want to know about the man. ... 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™. Amy found people who saw her determination and her heart, and agreed to train her. 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 Lita™ -- joined Matt and Jeff in WWE™, and the three friends become 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

Book Description

It's Good To Be The King...Sometimes is a no-holds-barred personal account from the "puppies"-pantin' King of oneliners, who steps out from behind the announcer's desk of WWE™ Raw® to hold court about everything. His passion for art that first drew him to the ring of a rundown West Memphis movie theater over thirty years ago. The comic adventures and tragic bumps endured journeying down the "Music Highway" of Interstate 40 with the National Wrestling Alliance. Earning his royal personage in the Bluff City of the Mighty Mississippi against his own mentor, "Fabulous" Jackie Fargo.

It's time you lackeys pay heed as the King reveals the schemes and outrageous storylines to many of wrestling's most fantastic theatrics and all-too-real moments. Lawler tells of his legendary "feud" with Andy Kaufman. Be sure to honor his royal proclamations regarding former wives, and his mother's opinion of wrestling; and the body part he truly worships on a WWE™ Diva. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

A Kingly Read
I want to completely disagree with the Publishers Weekly review of this book by wrestling legend Jerry "The King" Lawler. In my opinion, this is the most well-written book of all the WWE biographies.

Lawler is amusing with his stories and gives us great insight on how wrestling territories used to be ran. Lawler is a legend and this book is a good education for anyone that doesn't realize what an impatc he has made on wrestling.

My only beef is with some of his sexual exploits. He admittedly lusted after other women when he was married and basically cheated on his first two wives. When the roles got reveresed with the Kat, I can't help but feel he got what he deserved in some regards.

However, this book is a great read and I highly recommend it to everyone.

A book fit for a King
This was a great book, perhaps one of the better wrestling books that have come out lately. Jerry Lawler goes into his personal life with great detail as well his great career. This is a book that will have you laughing and shaking your head at some of the stories. Learn about all the ribs (pranks) that he played on people and even the ribs played on him. He goes into great detail about why he left the WWF when his wife Stacy Carter AKA The Kat was released for no reason. He talks about his painful ongoing divorce.

This was a great read and I would highly recomend it.

Interesting Life
"It's Good To Be The King...Sometimes" is the autobiography of legendary wrestling personality Jerry "The King" Lawler. For fans of wrestling or biographies Lawler's got a lot of stories to share and does not disappoint.

For longtime wrestling fans Lawler takes a sweeping view back across his life and gives you the lowdown on just about everything from his childhood, his multiple marriages, his family, his hobbies and interests and - of course, his life in wrestling. Among the things he shares with the reader are:

1. His interest in art and how it kept him out of Vietnam

2. His time spent as a radio DJ

3. How he broke into the wrestling business with in the Tennessee territory

4. How he met each of his wives

5. His connection to "The King" Elvis Presley

6. TONS of road stories with guys like Jackie Fargo, Jerry Jarrett and Sam Bass

7. The REAL story of his infamous feud with Andy Kauffman and his later filming of "Man on the Moon"

8. A few stories about his time in the WWE

9. The Story Behind the firing of the "Kat" and his divorce from Stacy Carter

10. His running for Memphis Mayor

11. Some of his "Ring Rat" stories (oh boy...)

THE COOL STUFF

If you're a Lawler fan you'll definitely love the stories King has to share (he's got a lot of them). The book reads very much like a sit down chat with a friend as Lawler doesn't hold much back. For old school wrestling fans his stories of the old Memphis territory are the real gems in this book. For WWE fans Lawler really doesn't share too much about his WWE experiences (he does cover his Bret feud and that's about it really) that most long-time WWE fans already know about. A comic at heart Lawler does spice the book out with a bunch of his one-liners he'll use of commentary which was pretty funny.

THE VERDICT

If you love bios Lawler's a good one for you. You come away from the book knowing the guy's poured his heart out to you (kudos to him for being able to open up his heart about all his failed marriages). You get some nice stories about art, music, wrestling, life on the road, a bunch of good one liners and some pretty nasty tales about all the ladies he's met over the years. Yup, this one's got it all.

Highly Recommended

Total Pages: 384
Total Read Time: About 9 hours over 6 nights

If there's one thing I can't stand about 'The King'
I didn't read his book, I didn't even buy it or ever open a page of it, I just figured this is the perfect place for viewers to hear my opinion out on what I think of him on RAW.

He seriously annoys me nowadays, ever since I really, fully noticed he is extremely biased and constantly favors the guy booed and never shuts up about it. It's not that I find his voice annoying, it's that I hate hearing him constantly cheer for those Evolution members and then put down all those who oppose them.

For example, when Goldberg had an extremely unfair 3 on 1 handicap match with Evolution with Ric Rlair being at ringside, Jerry started blabing how it was wrong for Goldberg to go after Flair after Flair slammed Goldberg's injured ankle into the steel ring post. Isn't it bad enough Goldberg has Batista, Randy Orton, and Triple H to worry about? Ric Flair had no business out there. Goldberg should've hospitalized him.

Also, the way Jerry 'The King' Lawler puts down Edge, Shelton Benjamin, Shawn Micheals, (and the list goes on and on) and how he severely verbally abuses Chris Jericho. Just listening to him makes it torture for my ears when he does that.

And of course, he also picks on Chris Benoit. Chris Benoit had 3 or 4 members of Evolution in that ring all around him, and when Benoit had a steel chair to slightly improve his odds, Jerry is all like 'he can't do that,'. Isn't bad enough they'd beat him as bad as they want?

I am so tired of his prejudice. He's got a big mouth. Because of him, I hit the mute button whenever Evolution or Christian face off in a match against their opponents. At least on Smackdown, the ring announcers Micheal Cole and Tazz are much more fair to the wrestlers. If anything, they'll always agree that the booed guys are out of line.

Why don't Jerry 'The King' Lawler just join Evolution and be the fifth member if he likes them so much?

charles review on its good to be king sometimes
this book is a great book if u want to fin out how a wrestlers life is. Jerry (the king lawler) has a lot to talk about in this book he talks about his divorce in memphis. the main reason why his wife broke up wit him. jerrys life is matched up to the title its good to be king sometmes. His life is great because of his sports entertainment job as the comentator with jr his ife is great sometimes. that is my reaview
charles fowlkes ... Read more

Book Description

In 1998, David Hempleman–Adams became the first person to complete the explorer’s Grand Slam, conquering the North and South Geographical and Magnetic Poles and scaling the highest mountain in each of the seven continents, including Everest. Now he offers this riveting account of his record–breaking expedition to the North Pole by balloon. ... Read more

Book Description

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

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 listeners 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.

Written with the assistance of his daughter Hana, The Soul of a Butterfly will provide comfort for our troubled times. ... Read more