Book Description

Reviews (13)

A nostalgic look at pro football's past
George Plimpton's account of his time with the players and coaches of the Detroit Lions offers a humorously irreverent (if slightly rose-tinted) snapshot of life as a pro-football player in the mid-1960s, before the excesses of the last twenty years turned the NFL into an overstuffed media circus. As a writer for Sports Illustrated magazine, Plimpton arranged to go behind the scenes as a third-string quarterback in the team's pre-season training camp. His portrait of the Detroit players shows them not as over-indulged superstar athletes, but as ordinary men going about their jobs in the best way they can to avoid being cut from the team. At the same time, Plimpton's often-calamitous attempts to play alongside these men demonstrate the gulf that separates the professional sporting environment from that of day-to-day living. Plimpton poses no profound socio-cultural questions with his book. However, the love for the game that he and those around him display, and their shared sense of camaraderie, reminds amateur and professional alike of the intrinsic allure behind any type of sporting activity. In today's often-disheartening sporting climate, Paper Lion provides a nostalgic and highly enjoyable view of pro-football that goes some way to restoring one's faith in the game and those who play it.

Paper Lion
I think this was a very good book to read. Plimpton achieved his dream and made it so an everyday perosn can realize what it is like to be in the NFL. Though Plimpton was with the Detroit Lion's spring training for 4 weeks and never got to play in an acrual game the book is filled with infromation. This book taught me that back in the 60's life was a lot simplir and the athletes were very laid back. Not like now when athletes are always making head line news and have multi-million dollar contracts. This book is also funny when Plimpton tells side stories that he encountered while with the team. Some of them were a man forgetting his helmat and running on the field and also Plimpton himself trying to practice all by himself. I like the author put the pictures in the middle, it helped to visualize the situation. Overall I think this is a very good book that any football fan will love.

Paper Lion
The book Paper Lion i thought was excellent. George Plimpton achieved his dream and made the reader really understand what it is like ot be a professional football player in the mid-60's. The only difference is now football has change dramatically. All you ever hear about is the biggest football players(exceeding 300 pounds, and the media covering their every move. The book really showed me the lifesytle back in the 60's, everyone was a lot more laid back and lived a simpler life. In this book Plimpton told a lot of side stories that I thought were very funny, like the player who forgot his helmat and ran on the field, or how he practiced all by himself at the park. Over all I think this book is a good read that any football fan will enjoy no matter where they live

Good read but overall unsatisfying
I was a bit hesitant about picking this one up, but my interest in sports books overcame me. I did enjoy it mostly, the highlights being the passages about George getting to ready to be the QB in the scrimmage. I think if he had actually played in the Cleveland game, then this book would end on a great note. There were interesting stories and nuggets of info about football and the preparation and how the players perform under pressure, but most of it was not too surprising. Maybe the fact that writing about football doesn't have quite the lyrical aspect as baseball does hurts the book. It was a good read, but it was missing something.

Stray notes on a classic book
This classic book is the story of a "regular guy" who was allowed to try playing professional football (sort of) and lived to tell about it. Some stray notes:

(1) He wasn't really a "regular guy." Firstly he was someone who was in a position where he could actually get the opportunity to work out with a pro football team and even get into a pre-season game. And he could REALLY PLAY, a fact that is rarely recognized. It's not that he was exactly on the NFL level -- he wasn't, and this is what is usually noted about his football ability. But, he was good enough that he could actually sort of play with those guys, which very few of us could, and good enough that it wasn't obvious for some time to the "real" players that he wasn't legit. (They weren't told the actual story about him for a while.) They could tell he wasn't great and they didn't think he was going to stick with the team, but nobody thought he wasn't for real or that his presence was ridiculous. And this despite his being 35 years old, an age at which even most "real" players can't hang in there any more.

(2) However, from the book it is clear that there were times that the players regarded his utterances as ridiculous, without there being any indication that Mr. Plimpton realized it. I wonder if he ever did. A good example is some of the things he was prattling about on the bench during the game that he got into.

(3) This book is perhaps the first such intimate portrayal of the life and routine of pro football pre-season camp.

A great and classic book. Thank you, Mr. Plimpton, and rest in peace. And by the way you really could play football. ... Read more

Amazon.com

John Madden was a fine football coach, and he has made his name as an NFL commentator whose enthusiastic banter often includes such well-wrought turns of language as "boom," "pop," "bang" and "wow." Although he occasionally comes across as something of a wacko, he certainly knows his pro football--he just has more fun talking about it than the other guys. One of the reasons he enjoys the game is that he doesn't get sidelined with the off-field antics of today's athletes but concentrates instead on the wins, losses, tackles, and blocks. This book offers a heaping helping of Madden in the voice that you've grown to love. ... Read more

Book Description

A compelling collection of his insightful views. Hear Michael speak on a wide variety of subjects including his modest roots, his love of all sports, his unequalled tenure as the NBA's star attraction, and what drives him on to greater heights. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Buy this tape and destroy it.
I accidentally bought this tape instead of an excellent book of Jordan quotes by Janet Lowe. The book was so good I'd pass copies out to kids that I thought could use some mentoring or role modeling. This tape, however, is hardly worth the time to listen to it, and absolutely not worth the price. A verbal 'People' magazine piece at best. In disgust, I am throwing away the 3 copies I bought so that no one else should be victimized. Please do the same.

greatest book
I like a lot this book,please,please,please... I dont know what to say,I just like this greate book. ... Read more

Book Description

"Not only is there more to life than basketball, there's a lot more to basketball than basketball." -- Phil Jackson

One of the most successful coaches in NBA history, Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson provides an inside look at the higher wisdom of teamwork with Sacred Hoops -- Jackson's philosophy of mindful basketball and his lifelong quest to bring enlightenment to the competitive world of professional sports.

A new paradigm of leadership based on Eastern and Native American principles, Jackson's approach flies in the face of the egoistic, winner-take-all attitude that has changed the face of American sports. Rather than winning through intimidation, Jackson -- who describes himself as a Zen Christian -- stresses awareness, compassion and most of all selfless team play. Filled with stories about Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Toni Kukoc and other members of the Bulls, Sacred Hoops reveals how Jackson directs his players to act with a clear mind; to respect the enemy and be aggressive without anger or violence; to live in the moment and stay calmly focused in the midst of chaos, so that the "me" becomes the servant of the "we."

In Sacred Hoops, Jackson takes us inside the mind of the thinking man's coach as he builds one of the greatest teams of all time. Not just for sports fans, this inspiring memoir is for anyone interested in the potential of the human spirit. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Thorough Review of Sacred Hoops
Phil Jackson's autobiography Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior, can inspire all people on every level. It illustrates mindfulness along with Jackson's Zen technique of living in the "NOW". He gives true-life examples from his experience of coaching the famous Chicago Bulls to six championships in the 1990s. His details of coaching such players as Michael Jordan and others bring excitement to the novel, while also intertwining spiritual and mindful lessons with the action. Jackson teaches ways to broaden and strengthen one's mind, and he explains his truly unique gift of using your maximum potential everyday. His book focuses on the strength of the mind when it is clear and not bogged down with unhealthy emotions like anger, frustration, and hate. He shows that you can make everyone around you better by having calm emotions and working with each other to make everyone more successful. He speaks on a very deep and symbolic level which is sometimes hard to understand and comprehend, but his basketball similes and metaphors clear a path to understanding his true meaning. This National Bestseller demonstrates truly thought-provoking reading which proves the importance of control and mindfulness.

Wonderfully entertaining, interesting, and informative.
Whether you are a basketball fan or not, this is an extremely enjoyable book about Phil Jackson and his coaching approach. We know that, despite his uniqueness, Phil has proved that his methods of coaching are successful. In this book, you get a peek at what he was doing and thinking while coaching the Chicago Bulls, before and immediately after Jordan's first retirement. He is quite candid also about his past as a child, a basketball player, and as a coach before he got to the NBA. He explains the evolution of his personality and personal philosophy over the span of his life. It's fascinating. I loved it, and couldn't stop reading.

Review by: Evan Finer, author of "Effortless WellBeing"

Into the Mind of a Great Leader
When a person picks up Phil Jackson's "Sacred Hoops" for the first time and reads the first few chapters, he or she will find it very difficult to categorize. Is it a sports biography? Is it a guide to Zen and Native American spirituality? Is it a manual on leadership? The answer is that it is all of these things and much more.

I read "Sacred Hoops" through the lens of how it could make me a more effective leader in a school setting. I found anecdotes in this story applicable to the classroom, the athletic field, in the boardroom, and my personal life.

While "Sacred Hoops" does chronicle Phil Jackson's numerous triumphs as a player, a CBA coach, an assistant coach, and eventually as the head coach of the 3-time World Champion Chicago Bulls, the most important elements of this text are not the accolades won, but rather the means by which they were achieved. The two primary lessons of Jackson's that can be directly applied to the field of leadership is to teach one's employees/players/students about the essential nature of awareness and selflessness to the success of the organization. Of course, these two tenants were a difficult sell in the NBA during the Michael Jordan era just as they are today in the age of Kobe and the Lakers.

By educating his players on the basic Zen Buddhist principles of visualization and awareness, Jackson is able to create a workforce that is better at communicating with one another, more creative and innovative even under highly stressful situations, and more solidly unified in a "sacred" cause that they are personally and collectively invested in. A manager who could instill these values in his or her workforce will become the leader of an extremely successful and efficient organization.

It is no coincidence that Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal did not win their first NBA titles until Phil Jackson became their coach. Phil's second major theme of "Sacred Hoops"--the concept of selflessness--is the key that enabled two of the game's greatest players to finally reach "the promise land." He instills in his superstar player through the 11th and 12th man on the bench that "The power of We is stronger than the power of Me." Coach Jackson's discussion of the numerous team-building techniques that he has used over the years is the most valuable facet of Sacred Hoops for me. His schooling of his players to learn how to play with compassion instead of fear, and to reconnect with their pure love of the game of basketball is absolutely inspiring.

Reading this book in June of 2004, it is hard to imagine how torturous it must have been to work with the Los Angeles Lakers during this year's NBA Finals. The attitude projected by his star players--Kobe and Shaq--is the antithesis of the principles of awareness and selflessness that this book so passionately endorses. It does not surprise me in the least that Coach Jackson and the Lakers have now parted ways. Perhaps he will have some more time to relax in Montana and pen another insightful and spiritual tome like this one.

Awesome!
I could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting it was so amazing, then I reread it becuase I was afraid I missed something I read it so fast! This book not only talked about coaching but about life and philosphy. I though Coach Phil was just a talented Coach with many rings, but this books explains why he wins so much! It makes you feel like you know him and it's just an amazing read, I've recommended it to friends who don't like basketball and they loved it! I recommend to everyone!

Zen and the art of Basketball
This book by Phil Jackson offers an interesting insight into how he has successfully managed to incorporate Zen and Native American philosophies into his coaching style. The traditional Zen concepts of 'compassion and selflessness', 'living in the moment, 'emptying the mind' etc. might not appear to have any place in the modern sports world, but after reading this book, I am convinced that they can be applied to almost any walk of life. Phil also talks about his own internal conflicts with his very Christian upbringing and his fascination with Zen concepts and how he has finally managed to embrace both, and now considers himself a 'Zen Christian'. He walks us through the Chicago Bulls championship years using some very interesting anecdotes and aphorisms, and overall the book is a great read. ... Read more

Book Description

In Red: A Baseball Life, Red Schoendiest details all of the events that shaped his life, on and off the field, as he moved from the playing field to the managers office to his currant position as a special assistant to the general man- ager of the St. Louis Cardinals. Schoendiest played, coached and managed in nine World Series. He played 10 All-Star games and managed the National League squad in two. In 1989 he was inducted into baseballs Hall of Fame.--This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It was funny,sad,and it was great.
It was fab. when he talked about his children and grand-children ... Read more

Book Description

All-American Girls

Join the winning team

Score the winning goal with superstar Mia Hamm. Chart the plays and take to the field with co-captain Julie Foudy. Go for the gold with the champs -- Michelle Akers, Carla Overbook, Kristine Lilly, and the rest of the stellar 1999 World Cup team! Read all about our favorite players in the first authorized book on the members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team.

Find the latest stats, action-packed photos, bios, and advice from the hottest stars in professional sports today. Follow these all-American girls from their earlest days in soccer to their record-breaking careers, with Q&As, and personal info you won't find anyplace else. It's all here, in the book that's a must-have for every soccer fan! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An inside look at true American Girls
This book is fantastic.It gives an inside look at each player to pass through the National team program for an extended period of time.Includes player interviews and a sort of "rap"sheet for each player, like their most embaressing soccer moment, their favorite number, and other interesting facts.I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Womens National team.Don't Miss it!!

All The Secrets Of The US Team Come Out
If you are a fan of any player on the US womens team and wonder what they do in there life (Yes they do have a life out side of soccer)this is the book for you.Your brothers picking on you saing girls cant play sports. Will now you can prove him wrong.Hand him this book tell him to read thefirst page, it will make him think twice before he makes fun of womenssoccer again.This book has each player tell about there life in and outof soccer.They tell of all the interesting hobbies they have and some ofam even rat on there team mates.If you buy this book and dont enjoyreading it you are not a true womens soccer fan.

The Best Book in the WORLD!!!!!
If u don't have this book, u must buy it because i never liked soccer untill my friend bought me it. I was hooked. I read it 5 times that is how good it was. Please buy the book. If u don't, you are missing out.......BIG time.

interesting book
This book will give you the facts and inside scoop of the wonderful ladies. Some of the stories the team tells are hilaroius. It's not the best book I've read but it's great for young girls to see how they got to thehighest level.

Great way to learn what makes the USAwomen players tick
It's a fun read. You can jump in anywhere and learn how the players approach the game. I like the pictures of the players when they were kids. The childhood story about Lori Farr stealing the ball from her own teamplayer, who was playing slow, and scoring cracked me up!!! Niffty price-for a lot of entertainment. ... Read more

Book Description

In addition to leading her teams to two World Cups and an Olympic Gold, Michelle Akers is a spokeswoman for the cause of soccer, women in general, and Jesus Christ.Her award-filled career, including the physical, personal, and spiritual struggles she has overcome, is the subject of this audio version of the book. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Best Book EVER!!!
I play select and I alway enjoy reading books on awsome soccer players. When my friend told me about this book I jumped at the oppertunity to read yet another soccer book. I read it and couldnt put it down. As a Catholic I diffently could relate and found it pretty cool we share the same faith.
It was a very good and inspiring book! IM GONNA BE THE NEXT MICHELLE AKERS SO WATCH OUT AMERICA CUZ HERE I COME!!!

A True Inspiration
Michelle Akers writes a truly inspirational story. As you read The Game and the Glory you feel as if you know Michelle personally. The book is easy to relate to because she tells her story on such a personal level. We see Michelle grow through her relationships, her spirituality, her CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome), and of course soccer.
Michelle is honest about the carefree wonders of childhood. She tells about two of her childhood dreams: One of being the next Mean Joe Green of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the other dream of being an Olympian. Although, for Michelle, childhood is not always carefree dreams. When she is only in the sixth grade, she struggles to understand the reason behind her parents' divorce. Ironically, even Michelle herself cannot believe when she goes through her own divorce. Michelle, with the guidance of a few friends and through her struggles, finds a relationship that will help her cope with all of her problems.
As a child Michelle always found mass to be boring and going to church on Sunday was never something to look forward to. It is not until Michelle is in high school, with the guidance of a teacher, that she truly finds a relationship with God. However, she gets distracted from this newfound relationship quite soon. After her divorce, Michelle realizes that there is something missing from her life: God. She turns to God at this point in her life, and this time she holds on to what she has found. Michelle promotes her Christianity in a way that no one else has ever done. She founds an organization called the Soccer Outreach International. An organization to promote Christianity in sports especially soccer. Michelle did not only turn to God for answers about relationships and soccer, but also about her CFIDS.
Not long after her World Cup experience in 1991, Michelle begins to suffer from CFIDS. However, Michelle is not diagnosed with CFIDS until 1994. From 1991 to 1994 she did not know exactly what was causing her to feel always fatigued and never well. Michelle has done what no other athlete that competes at the level she competes at has done. She played while suffering with CFIDS. This truly shows her unstoppable compassion for the game.
Michelle played many sports as a child, but soccer was her first true love. When she was only nine years old she attended a soccer camp. During the soccer camp she competed in a juggling contest to see who could juggle for the longest. Michelle stayed out at the field juggling for hours without once loosing control of her ball. The camp director stayed and counted her 5,392 touches, which shattered the previous record set by boy who went on to play collegiate soccer at Duke. This is only one of the amazing stories about Michelle and soccer. Through soccer Michelle has traveled to many countries around the world and established lifelong friendships. She is an original member of the first United States Women's National Soccer Team of 1985. With the National Team she has won many individual awards and is a 1991 World Cup Champion, a 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist, and 1999 World Cup Champion. Michelle admits that God has carried her through it all and without Him she would have never accomplished everything that she has.
It is amazing to think of how great a person she is and how truly human she is. Michelle has accomplished so much for women's soccer. She opened up a new door for girls around the U.S. by using her position as the best women's soccer player to promote the sport. She is one of the reasons that women's soccer become an official Olympic sport. Michelle is a role model to many not only as a world class soccer player but also through her display of Christianity in her every action. In reading her story I have learned that sometimes you just have to "show up" and let God take care of the rest.

Michelle is awesome, and her faith is unsurpassed
I know I would love this book even if the writing sucked, which it doesn't...it's beatiful. Still, I'm bias. Michelle has been my role model as a soccer player for years, and I've always her respected her deep faith in Jesus Christ. I'm Catholic. I think Michelle's faith is wonderful, after all she has been through. And the fact that she is grateful for her suffering makes her, in my eyes, a true follower of Jesus.

You will enjoy the thoughts of this excellent (tough as nails) soccer player, and Christian who inspires many others who share her faith. Go USA!

PS. Since this book was written, Michelle has retired.

And I'm not even a soccer fan!
This is a great book for a young girl because it feels like Michelle is talking to you. I felt like I was her best friend, because I could relate to her family situation, and like her, I'm a tomboy. I don't care for soccer, but now I have a giant Michelle Akers poster hanging in my room, and I feel like I know her well even though I've never seen her play. I recommend this to any girl, ages 8-15.

Excellent! From tears to cheers, this book has it all.
The Game and the Glory is an outstanding book. The life of Michelle Akers is an incredible story of courage and faith. This autobiography shares intimate details of Michelle's life which allow you to feel the passion, the pain, the glory, and the love this special person has shared with so many. It was a pleasure to read and very gripping, you'll have a hard time putting it down.

By reading this book you will clearly understand what makes an athlete - WORLD CLASS. You'll experience the training process, the playing field, the locker room, the awards ceremonies as well as the pain of CFIDS, multiple injuries, and some of her hard life experiences. There are many great players in the world but it takes something special to make it to the top. Michelle has that something and you'll be inspired when you experience her story first hand. She not only made it to the top but stayed!

I also listened to the tapes which are read by Michelle (mainly) and it was just like she was riding along in my truck, sharing her life with me. The passion alone took me from tears to cheers - I HIGHLY recommend you read this one! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very Honest Account
Having been a cricket fan since the black & white days, I found Dickie's story to be most sincere in its writings, which in essence is how Dickie Bird "ran" the games for which he was in charge. A most interesting read for the diehard cricket fan, though don't expect a masterpiece. ... Read more

Book Description

A story with a big heart about a boy, a coach, the game of baseball, and the game of life.

"There are teachers with a rare ability to enter a child's mind; it's as if their ability to get there at all gives them the right to stay forever."

There was a turning point in Michael Lewis's life, in a baseball game when he was fourteen years old. The irascible and often terrifying Coach Fitz put the ball in his hand with the game on the line and managed to convey such confident trust in Lewis's ability that the boy had no choice but to live up to it. "I didn't have words for it then, but I do now: I am about to show the world, and myself, what I can do."

The coach's message was not simply about winning but about self-respect, sacrifice, courage, and endurance. In some ways, and now thirty years later, Lewis still finds himself trying to measure up to what Coach Fitz expected of him. 14 illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

For Parents, Athletes and Coaches...(In That Order!)
Having previously read Moneyball, I was keenly interested in Michael Lewis' tribute to his high school baseball coach.He did not disappoint.It is a brief, almost essay-like book that gives us snapshots of his coach and himself that reveal worlds about life, coaches, athletes, parents and rising to meet the challenge.

He contrasts very effectively the experience he had with the experience of present-day players, and sets the coach and his ways in graphic relief against both. His admiration for his coach comes through the telling of the story, and not through a simple list of his accomplishments.

The book does give important lessons on the game of life, thus fulfilling the promise of its' title.

One of the book's strengths is also a weakness.It is too brief!This will make it more easily accessible for many, but this reader was left wishing for more...but isn't that the grand goal of most good authors?Michael Lewis has given us another gem.

Highly recommended for athletes, coaches, and especially parents of athletes!Read, enjoy, learn...

I had a high school basketball coach just like Coach Fitz
If you are a parent and are wondering if you're kids are going to grow up to be happy, but aren't sure if you're doing the right things for them, read this book.Coach Fitz is much in the same vein as Herb Brooks, the legendary Minnesota Hockey Coach - if you've seen the movice Miracle - I've lived through a wind sprint marathon myself when I played High School basketball.I can tell you unequivocally that this type of insistent compassion is rare but absolutely essential for people to learn to deal with pain.I have seen this type of leadership in the organization where I work as well, and can tell you it makes all the difference in how well an organization performs.

I know the coach
I have recently began to train with Coach Fitz. Yes he is intimidating but i dont see why the parents would be mad at him. I understand why he pushes his players. His ace pitcher this year has already signed with Stanford but will probably go high in the draft. His pitcher wouldnt be what he is today if it wasn't for Coach Fitz. I am goin to pick up my copy of this book as soon as I can.

Great book
Author Michael Lewis does a great job showing how perseverence and determination leads to success. With illustrations and an easy to read approach, this book conveys a message of hope and stresses the importance of one's formative years. Highly recommend. ... Read more

Book Description

Great competitor, top shotmaker, the only player to win the U.S. Amateur three times, a smashing first year on the pro tour at age 20-Tiger Woods is a sports phenomenon. Now discover how he did it and what it cost him in a riveting story that captures the heart and soul of a magnificent American athlete.

-The poignant love story behind his parents' marriage and a soldier's promise to name his son "Tiger"
-A son's talent, a father's ambitions, and the tough mental games geared to either break him or make him a champion
-The truth about college and his decision to go pro
-A revealing close-up of Tiger under pressure, his most dramatic play-offs, and his worst rookie-year mistake
-The big money: $40 million Nike deal and the hot Titleist contract
-The race card-who played it and why-and how Tiger changed the game forever...
-His journey to the 1997 Masters and a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup Team
... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Very Well Written Book
Although the story dragged in the beginning, I found the book Tiger Woods The Makings Of A Champion very interesting and entertaining. It was also a very well written book. It struck me with awe when I read that Tiger started swinging a golf club at 10 months. The book also shows people how hard Tiger's childhood was. That he couldn't even play at some golf courses because he was black. It showed how great a golfer Tiger Woods is, and how he could possibly be the player of the future.

Impossible to put down!!!
Im 13 and this was a very exciting and dramatized book. Parts of the book were dry especially when the author was explaining Tigers childhood. This book should reach out to others about Tiger Woods struggling life. I reccommend it!

A CHAMPION RISES
At age twenty-one, Eldrick "Tiger" Woods became the youngest individual to win the Masters Tournament. This young phenomena ushered in a new age for golf and sports fans all over wanted to know, who is this rising champion? Sports writer Tim Rosaforte provides that answer by penning one of the first biographies of Tiger.

Does a young man of twenty years of age deserve a 70,000 word biography is the question Rosaforte raises. His answer is a resounding yes as he presents before the phenomenal rise of golf's greatest champion of all time. He tracks the early career of Woods from his Junior Golf years all the way up to his 1997 victory at the Masters. Through his journalism you get a comprehensive overview of his career.

Rosaforte divides his book into three sections which entail a biographical sketch of Woods' parents and their impact on him. His second section is devoted to his wins in junior golf, high school and college. Finally we deal with Tiger coming out on his own by turning professional. As one of the first biographical books on Woods, the author does a decent job in giving us insight on this remarkable golfer.

I would caution readers to not look at this book as the "definitive" work about Woods. Rosaforte admits that he didn't have the help of the Woods family in compiling his work. In many instances the author's voice takes on a self-serving attitude as if his writing is responsible for taking Woods to greater heights. Although he shares with us little known facts about Woods such as his mugging at Stanford and problems with the NCAA regarding his eligibility, we are left without a clue about the young man himself. His golf achievements and statistical records are reported but what is absent is the inner life of Woods and little interpretation as to his importance for golf's future years. Perhaps Tiger and his family were wise not to work with the reporter.

Regardless of those faults Rosaforte's book is worth having in terms of getting some insight about Woods as a champion golfer. In this area the author does a great service but as a biographer he falls short of the task. Obtain this book as a collector's item on one of Golf's finest players.

Insights into Pre-Dominant Tiger
Rosaforte is one of the very astute watchers and commentators on the PGA Tour. He admits here that much is rehash of publicity we've all heard over and over. Yet, he places it into the context of what has and was going on inside Tiger's family and circle during his transition from college player to pro.

I found this valuable towards how one views this amazing talent, especially his views of parents and how his fellow competitors accepted him from the start. The personal insights here are well worth the read. We all now know what Tiger did about fulfilling some of the potential spoken of here prophetically.

His continued climb into golf's greatness will be more easily framed and understood with this foundational look.

Should have been called resitation of quotes
Although I found this book decent reading, it was to heavily dependant on reprinting quotes that Tiger had already said throughout his young career. At points it seemed that the author had an ax to grind, in the way situations were presented. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

this might just inspire you
If you let it, this book will grab you and you will definitely get something out of it. Valvano was head coach of the 1983 NCAA men's basketball champions, the N.C. State Wolfpack; after N.C. State he was an analyst for ABC and ESPN before succumbing to cancer in the early 1990s. Valvano mixes humor, inspiration, some regrets, some victories, some hope, some disappointment, and some triumph in his recipe. If you're a general college basketball fan, I think you'll enjoy Valvano's book and gain at least a little more respect for him than whatever level you had before.

Great Book
This is one of the best books I have ever read it should be a inspiration to us all this will be a book that will move you

An inimitable voice brimming with life and good humor

The Audio cassette version of Jim Valvano's book, THEY GAVE ME A LIFETIME CONTRACT AND THEN THEY DECLARED ME DEAD, features the inimitable voice of Jim Valvano telling (not reading--TELLING) the story of his life with all the enthusiasm we remember and cherish. There is a laugh in his voice and genuine humor in his stories, most of it at the expense of the author; there is sadness, of course, and hurt; but there's no cynicism.

The listener will be, perhaps, surprised by Valvano's early desperation to achieve goals he set for himself--and entertained by the lengths to which he went to reach them. The result is both inspiring and enlightening, considering the cloud under which he left his position as the head basketball coach at N.C. State.

The brew of life, joy, and good humor at the top of the sports world has made this tape a favorite among my family and friends. It's the only one we can all agree to hear in the car on long trips; I can't keep a copy in the house. That's why I'm ord ... Read more