Sports Books

This is a story that is more frightening than anything Stephen King has ever writter. It's a realistic 'The Bad News Bears' that will make any reader with an ounce of empathy feel like crying. The harrowing life that the children of the Cabrini projects must endure in their day-to-day existence is a bleak background of violence, drugs, and society gone wrong. The fact that Little League baseball can serve as a beacon for these kids is almost as amazing that a society like ours can let projects like the one depicted in this book exist.

A powerful, important novel, and one that should be read by anyone interested in learning about the differences that exist in our society.

Coyle gave a great story. He was very descriptive. His writing had the affect to make me able to visualize every character and setting. I've spent time in the projects on many occasions' with friends who stay there and I see these things all the time, except children are growing more love for basketball and football. Yet they still show the heart on the court and gridiron as they did in this story in the diamond.

This book is such a great find. Unlike the movie, this is the non-fiction account of a group of volunteer's attempts to organize a little league team in Chigago's Cabrini Green project, possibly the most infamous in the country. Don't expect any Keanu Reeves ex-gambler coaches to show up. Do expect great candor from the kids and an unmistakable affection from the author (who never appears in the book) for the players. Despite all the news stories you'll ever hear about urban decay, public housing and gang violence, it will never have the impact that some of these stories do (3 players lose their fathers during the season, one's is incarcerated, others can identify a gun's calibre by sound.) This story isn't unremittingly grim though and never is it preachy. Coyle's gift is to just let the children and the coaches speak as the story of the Kikuyus journey to the championships unfolds. There are so many sweet funny moments in this book: Louis' Star Search audition, the trip to the Iowa baseball camp (where hillbillies are more terrifying that gang bangers), Jalen's "Rude Dude" bat. Despite the fact that there are no sudden changes of heart, the players never quite permanently comes together as a team, and the league's two founders end up as mortal enemies, this is nonetheless an uplifting story. Some of the kids have potential, some don't, the odds are against most. Maybe a summer of baseball can't save them but as one of the League's founders poignantly notes, "If we save one, then this League is a success."

The best news is that while Cabrini itself is being razed, the Near North League continues. It's a shame this book is out of print. It is definitely worth seeking out.

In my top 3 books, sometimes my favorite. I would like to know where the author was and want to find out what happened to each and every member the team. I know i can't write, but the author and I, think alike and you will enjoy seeing life through these kids eyes.

... should make this book available again now that the movie HARDBALL has hit the screens. I read this book about three years ago or so when it first came out and thought it was a great read. I gave it to a fellow baseball fan, who is a supervising probation officer in our county. For those who feel that youth baseball (and youth sports) can often be more than just a game, this book is for you. Watching the movie last week brought back thoughts of this book. The movie does some Hollywood license on the story line (they win the title in the film) but essentially is well done and gives the essential message the author sought to convey.

This book and the film should be required viewing for suburban Little League teams which have as "must have" items the latest version $250 bats, batting gloves and all the new fangled gear that passes for "essential" baseball equipment these days.

In the film one of the kids is asked by the coach character as the kid returns to his housing project home full of problems and malingerers "What do you do for fun?" The kid responds: "I plaky baseball for you....." Ain't baseball great. This book plus the a little too sappy film shows us all why.

Hit a Grand Slam is about Alex Rodriguez as a kid and growing up. It teaches you to be kind. I recommend it to people ages 7 and up, even if they don't like baseball. It's also a really good sports book for kids who like sports. It's one of the best sports books I ever read.

I loved this book because I got a chance to learn about Alex's life and how he handled his dad leaving. I like how he expresses his feelings and doesn't keep his feelings inside. I would recommend this book to people of all ages.

This book really affects kids in a positive way. It informs the reader "It's nice to be important, but it's important to be nice!" This having been said ever so elegantly by A-Rod himself.

Alex and his team did a great job of affluently connecting the pictures with his stories in such a way that it is one you won't want to put down until finished.

Alex is a great role model, and his book is an excellent reflection of him. His positive outlook shines throughout his book, which in turn inspires the reader, the kids.

Children are constantly searching for role models in the public spotlight. Alex Rodriguez's book introduces them to an outstanding human being who has experienced many of the obstacles in life that young children face today. Alex shares his memories of his past and the events that shaped his youth. Children will identify with his struggles and the concerns that he faced in his own childhood. Wonderful pictures fill the book and are sure to delight any fans of Alex. Most importantly the book carries the message to children that they CAN succeed with hard work, no matter what hurdles life throws at you!

This is a wonderful book. This Book shows how even through adversity you can still rise above, and achieve success. It is a book for all ages, Alex had difficult times, but he did not let it stop him..that is an inspiration.

I first read Hunter's book as a teenage boy and was transported by his stories of hunting dangerous game in the African bush. Hunter's influence was one of the reasons that I became a big game hunter, myself, hunting all over the world including much of Southern Africa and Ethiopia. Still, it is with regret that I couldn't see Africa in a more pristine age as did John Hunter.

It is pitiful that Kenya, the site of many of Hunter's adventures, subsequently banned big game hunting and the traditions of one of the greatest of all hunting nations have largely been lost. I keep hearing rumors that Kenya is "opening up", again. Let's hope so.

Ron Braithwaite author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Conquest of Mexico

This is the best book on African Dangerous Game Hunting that I have read to date. John Hunter (coincidence of name and profession) hunted in Africa (mostly Kenya) in the first half of the 20th century and with his 'cropping' activities for the Kenya Game Department shot staggering numbers of the 'big five'. His unassuming old world style is engaging and I found the book difficult to put down and was disappointed when I reached the end - I was left craving more. That he survived to write his books is testimony to his skill as a hunter.

A great book, one of the best on African hunting I have ever read. Hunter is right up there with Pondoro Taylor as knowledgeable yet entertaining as well.

This book is a timeless classic and definitely, definitely worth reading. If you are a big game hunter (or an aspiring big game hunter), this book is an essential addition to your library. This is quite possibly the best hunting book ever written. Better than Hemingway's accounts, in my opinion.

I first read "Hunter" when I was in college more than 40 years ago, and I can still remember J.A. Hunter's sadness and lament when he described his feelings upon the loss of his dog. In that instance he said "that you grow too fond of a dog. I sometimes wonder whether the pleasure in owning a dog is worth the misery caused by his death." An excellent book that I would recommend to all readers, but especially teenagers and young adults.

This is one of the best hunting books I've read. Dwight provides realistic information with good detail. He doesn't oversimplify things. He discusses various hunting situations that will face each hunter sooner or later. I'm now reading his book on early season elk hunting.

This is a very good book for anyone who is a beginning open country deer hunter. It is also a good book if you have hunted open country and want to compare your tactics to someone else. I know next season I will test some tactics found in this book to see if they work better than mine. I am also going to recommend this book to my hunting partners. It was written in the mid 80's so a lot of advice on optics, bows, and other accessories are dated. If you are looking for a system to hunt open country this book may be for you.

There are several very good "how to" books available about mule deer hunting but Dwight Schuh's book deserves a spot at the top. I have hunted mulies for many years and this is the one book that I always recommend to the first time mule deer hunter. What makes "Hunting Open Country Mule Deer" especially good is that it offers solid, practical advice on spotting and hunting deer that anyone from the novice to the seasoned hunter will find useful in pursuing the 'grey ghosts'. Schuh is right when he claims that you will become a successful mule deer hunter if you follow the advice in his book.

This is a good book for bowhunters that like to hunt in the early seasons. Doesnt go much into rifle hunting or rifle hunting seasons in which deer tend to be more in the timber. At least thats what I got out of it because he doesnt actually say so. He doesnt really say anything about the regular gun season. Most of his hunts are late summer. Not a bad book though easy to read and understand, just not what I was looking for.

I found this book very useful. The book is targeted toward bowhunting but the techniques are useful for any other hunting technology you'd care to apply to deer hunting. It does not try to cover all aspects of deer hunting (tracking, weapon choice and ballistics) what it covers is a technique for locating, spotting, stalking, and close approaching big bucks in wide open country. I found the style to be sort of down home but not in an irritating way. And his style does not get in the way of conveying the vital information in this book.

GARY SHEFFIELD DOES A GOOD JOB WITH THIS BOOK. INSIDE POWER IS ABOUT HIS LIFE AND CAREER. ONE THING I DID LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK IS LITTLE IF ANY PROFANITIES. I CAN ALSO APPRECIATE HIS HONESTY ON MANY SUBJECTS AND AGREED WITH HIM ON MOST. I FOUND SHEFFIELD TO BE QUITE HUMAN WITH A BIG EGO AND A BIG MOUTH. I AM GLAD HE HAS FOUND A LOVING WIFE AND GOD, BUT HE IS STILL A PAIN TO DEAL WITH AND A MAJOR HEADACHE IF HE DOESN'T GET HIS WAY. I ADMIRE HIS TALENT AND HE WILL AND SHOULD BE IN THE HALL OF FAME SOME DAY. GROW UP GARY AND BE MORE LIKE YOUR WIFE. I RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL BASEBALL FANS.

one of best books I have read. So many life lessons and intriguing story

If you like baseball, then read this book. This book describes most owners and GM's are just business men. It shows really how cruel the Yankees baseball staff is and how great the players. It shows how baseball is unfair to a lot of players and how it is becoming more of a racist sport. This book also shows inspiration and how money isn't everything. This book also shows that Barry Bonds is a really egotistical power-hungry maniac(no offense Giants fans). This is a great book. I picked it up and i didn't put it down until I finished it.

Gary Sheffield Is one of My Favorite Players and David Ritz is One of Favorite Writers as well. bring there two Worlds together and you have a strong Book. what I dig about Gary Sheffield is that He is One of the very Few true Soul Brothers around who speaks his mind. I miss that from so many cats who are only too happy to grin and get the Money and Be Bought off. Sheff stays on the real.I dug what he said about his Grandpa I can relate to that. Great mentions of his Uncle Dwight "Doc" Gooden. a Strong Book from a Strong Minded Soul Brother.

This is a very brief story about the earlier years of one of baseball's premier players, Gary Sheffield. It is written in very short chapters along the line of Jose Conseco's book, but is more about a maturing process than anything else. Dwight Gooden is Gary's uncle, and that must have been a riot growing up with a role model like that. Gary has alot of baggage he brings around that resembles a chip on his shoulder-- and seems to blame everyone else for any problem that comes along. Sometimes, you have to admit to yourself, that your life is better than most people's and let little things not bother you so much. Eventually, he learns this, and becomes a better person from the "inside". The Inside Power title is to signify his change into becoming a man from a kid. Gary Sheffield is/was one of the world's greatest hitters...when others talked of going 0 for 20, a bad streak for him was 0 for 3. It was an interesting book, but nothing really remarkable about it. You are not going to get any secret tips on how to bat or hit, but you will get a journey on how baseball will make you grow up or you will be very unhappy your entire career. How many people in this world would trade for a career like this guy instead of complaining about 90% of the time about trades and owners? The time he spent with Barry Bonds must have actually made him worse, and is interesting because it was at the wrong time in his career. When I think of Gary Sheffield, I think of a line drive double hit---HARD. guyairey

I was so pleased to see that Dr. Kraus's biography had been published, I bought this book last year, read it in three days and truly enjoyed it. A mix of history, medicine and the joys and dangers of climbing mountains. A lovely account of a memorable, inspiring personality, whose name lives on thanks to his innovative ideas in the medical field and the thousands he cured, including President Kennedy, all the way through his beloved family and friends and, of course, his beloved mountains.

I looked into the points raised by Mr. Franz Kraus, Dr. Kraus's younger brother, as reported in his own review and found them interesting. I felt that, coming from such a close family member, it was only fair to print them and add them to my own copy of the book, to give it a sense of completeness which at first sight did not seem to lack upon finishing the book, however his comments made me think twice about a few facts/details not accurately reported by the author.

In any case, I feel that the missing/incorrect details didn't tarnish the essence of this book and I truly think it is a must-read. Historically and medically interesting, it's also an inspiring, beautiful read, for all of you out there who love the mountains. Enjoy!

"Into the Unknown" is a compelling read for both the casual reader and for anyone interested in modern presidential history. As a biography of a fascinating character, it is difficult to put down. More significantly it is a 'must' for anyone interested in unravelling the mysteries of President Kennedy's health and the conflicts amongst the crowd of doctors who treated him.

What a life Doctor Hans Kraus lived. His climbing and medical accomplishments are amazing and Schwartz has given us a wonderful look into his life. If you are a climber, have back pain, enjoy presidential history, or love a great story you need to read this book.

Schwartz has done a fine thing recording this remarkable life. This is a great read for anyone who appreciates the unsung hero. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in biography, the outdoors, and good health.

Book: "Into the Unknown, The Remarkable Life of Hans Kraus" by Susan Schwartz
copyright 2005

This book is a must read for any bodyworker, physical therapist, orthopedic doctor or mountain climber. Dr. Hans Kraus was a pioneer mountain climber and pioneer bodyworker who is one of our most unknown and unsung twentieth century heroes. He rejected our commonly accepted treatments for musculoskelatal conditions of drugs and surgery for hands on bodywork and exercise. Time Magazine listed him as one of the prominent medical pioneers along with Dr. Salk of the polio vaccine and Edward Jenner of the smallpox vaccine. His contribution to health research was simple and easy. It was bodywork and exercise. He became the Back Doctor to President John Kennedy. When Janet Travell was promoting her trigger point theories she was giving Kennedy trigger point injections with procaine and lidocaine. Kennedy had had two failed back surgeries and this was kept secret. When Travell's treatment stopped working, Hans Kraus was called in. He began doing trigger point injections of saline solution only with big needles. Very similar to what we do with elbows and knuckles. Then he did bodywork, massage and began an exercise program. Kennedy said this was the most benefical program he had ever done. And Kraus had to sign a confidentiality agreement so the press did not find out how injured Kennedy was. The anecdotes in this book are remarkable and professionally notated. Hans noted that Kennedy's back pain got worse when he was home with his wife and mother. He seemed to be able to handle averting World War Three easier than dealing with his family. This is of interest to the Hellerworkers and others trained in dialogue.
Some of you may remember the Presidential Fitness Program of Kennedy's. This was inspired by Hans Kraus.
Hans Kraus also put together a series of 6 postural muscle tests that he claimed would predict back pain incidents. These simple exercises could be used as part of a physical exam in just the same way that we do blood tests to predict health conditions. If a person could not touch their toes or hold a sit up for 10 seconds then exercises were prescribed to correct this situation. Hans attempted to get these included in the public school system of New York. The resistance won out. I'll bet the insurance companies today would love to have access to this kind of testing and study. We (Hellerwork) could be the ones to promote this.
Hans also has some very good techinques for not immobilising, casting or splinting broken or sprained bones. He said and practiced that muscle work and movement was much more efficient to repairing broken bones and sprains.
The book is an easy read, fun and professionally annotated with a complete bibliography.
I got reinspired to our work (Hellerwork) and am looking forward to some current research projects we could in this area.
The book is available in soft or hard cover from Amazon.
Enjoy.

Dr. Jim Dohn

A must have for everyone going to Isle Royale. Of course, it is the best book until I write one.

I am planning a trip to Isle Royale and couldn't find much information searching the web. My friend and I are debating whether to make the trip a hiking trip, a canoe trip, or a packraft trip. Whatever we choose, this book provides enough information to make any of these trips will be successful. One thing is for sure, the book inspires you to plan multiple trips.

This book helped me prepare for my first backpacking experience at Isle Royale. I was able to plan my routes and camping areas and knew what to expect as far as climate conditions, wildlife, and overall options of the park. It gave me realistic expectations and advice that definitely helped me to enjoy my Isle Royale experience.

I have never been to Isle Royale and this book did a fantastic job talking not only about the trails at the park, but also the history too. The author goes into detail about the 3 main trails and gives good descriptions about what you'll experience while hiking. He also rates the trails for difficulty which helped me in planning my trip.

This is a great book to pick up if you've never been there as it has a wealth of good information for you to plan your initial visit to Isle Royale. I know I can't wait!!!

I used this book to plan my last trip to Isle Royale and found the author's descriptions to be very complete and accurate. I am planning to return to a different part of the island this year and have little doubt that this book will be right on the mark again.

Fred Neff has done a commendable job drawing together commando techniques and tactics for self-defense in his book Lessons from the Fighting Commandos. It provides training built on centuries of development of fighting techniques and tactics in the western sports of boxing and wrestling. When Fred Neff wrote this book in the 1980's it was a pioneering effort that made people aware of the rich heritage of fighting moves available from western sources. Since this book's publication through modern kick-boxing, tough man battles and other fighting tournaments that allow contestants to use Asian and/or western fighting techniques, the strengths of western fighting have been proven. Fred Neff's Lessons from the Fighting Commandos provides valuable information in a coherent, brief and well-composed manner. There are chapters in Fred Neff's book on answers to common questions, physical conditioning, fighting posture, manner of movement, punching, kicking, dodging, blocking, combinations of fighting moves, combining boxing and grappling and strategy. One really unique aspect of this book is the information it supplies on fighting an opponent once you have been thrown to the floor. Another valuable chapter deals with fighting strategy. Fred Neff has crafted a book that brings out the best of western self-defense in an interesting and useful manner. Woven throughout the book is a non-violent approach to defending oneself, which is commendable in and of itself. Lessons From the Fighting Commandos is a book that is well worth reading and studying.

My first introduction to Lessons from the Fighting Commandos was after I had acheived a black belt grade in Japan. When I first started graduate studies here in the United States, I found there was no one to practice my style of karate in the area where I was going to school. After a few months, I did meet another graduate student who had also earned his black belt in a style of Okinawan Karate that in some ways was very similar to my own art. One night we were at a local nightspot and a local tough guy picked a fight with my friend. My friend proceeded to fight this guy in the same way he handled me in sparring, which proved to be a disaster. The tough guy ended up taking my friend to the ground and pummeling him. After the fight my friend and I agreed that he had failed to assess his opponent's strengths and weaknesses and used the one-type-of-fighting-fits-all approach that we had both been taught. A few weeks later my friend found a copy of Fred Neff's Lessons from the Fighting Commandos. This book teaches you to adapt to the needs of the moment. While my previous training in karate had taught me technique, it did not teach me the all-important lesson of adaptation. The more my friend and I studied Lessons from the Fighting Commandos the more we appreciated its lessons. Frankly, this book's messsage of learning how to size up an opponent's strengths and weaknesses and develop a strategy is essential to good self-defense. A few months later my friend and I ran into the supposedly invincible tough guy at a local fast food joint and again he proceeded to pick a fight with my friend. They had a rematch, but with much different results. This time my friend used a hit and move strategy that eventually resulted in the tough guy finding himself on the ground hurt and worn out physicallly and mentally. My friend had not used the one-strike-will-end-the-fight approach that we had been taught in our respective arts, nor the charge in and hit with a quick series of open hand blows taught by some other schools; instead he used an approach taught in Lessons from the Fighting Commandos--that of out-thinking and manipulating his opponent. It has been many years since graduate school and I now live in an area where finding people to work out with is much easier. I still practice and greatly appreciate my style of Japanese Karate, but I also regularly work into my practice routine techniques and strategies taught in Lessons from the Fighting Commandos. I have introduced Lessons from the Fighting Commandos to my sparring partners, who also find it a valuable resource. This book is truly outstanding and well deserving of a 5-star rating. It is an essential resource for those interested in martial arts and self-defense.

A super present that I got for Christmas this year was a book by Fred Neff on the Fighting Commandos. I especially like this book's coverage of topics not normally discussed in other books on fighting techniques such as defending against hand and foot attackes from different ranges and in prolonged fighting situations. Unlike the typical karate books, Lessons from the Fighting Commandos covers basic grappling maneuvers and defenses when forced to fight on the ground. This book is solid platinum from cover to cover in its exploration and explanation of how to fight.

The other day I again came upon Fred Neff's book "Lessons from the Fighting Commandos," a book that I can best characterize as a classic in the field of self-defense. Years ago, as a high school wrestler, I thought I was really a tough guy until I took a beating at a party from a bigger guy. To add insult to injury, he told me that the next time he ran into me I could expect an even greater beating. Given the size of my hometown, it was inevitable that I was in for another beating. My pride was hurt and I made up my mind that if we were going to fight again, I was going to be on the winning end. A friend of my older brother, who had been away from town for several years serving in the military, recommended that I read a book on fighting commandos written by a great fighting master, the book was Fred Neff's Lessons from the Fighting Commandos. I read the book cover to cover and then started to use it as a practice guide. Every day I practiced the fighting moves from boxing and wrestling contained in the book. Within a short time, I felt confident enough to take on the bigger guy that had given me the beating. We ended up running into each other at a local hangout in a shopping area and as expected he picked a fight. This time I used the fighting tactics that I learned in Lessons from the Fighting Commandos and won. My friends made a hero of me because of my win. Lessons from the Fighting Commandos gave me more than fighting skills, it taught me the value of practice, adapting a winning strategy in dealing with an opponent's aggression and the power of thinking your way out of a problem. This is a five star book all the way, that really packs a powerful punch and will be appreciated by anyone who takes the time to read it.

A friend recently purchased this book for me knowing my interest in hand-to-hand combat and fighting techniques. This is an excellent book! It is jam packed with useful information while at the same time it is concise and to the point. The photographs illustrating each step of the techniques is terrific. The pictures provide step-by-step illustrations of the described techniques. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about hand-to hand fighting techniques. I found the approach taken by the author to be one that I can highly recommend to anyone, from child to adult, who is interested in self-defense.

I've been coaching Little League for five years now, and loved reading this account of Little League from about 20 years ago. The stereotypical depictions of coaches that Geist uses are still dead-on accurate, as are his descriptions of how bad the catching equipment is, and how to hide a bad ballplayer that you have to play in the infield. This is a priceless look at Little League ball that anyone who has ever coached should enjoy.

There are lots of laughs to be had, and you'll find yourself sharing parts with other coaches you know.

I am sure the book is great-the book was purchased for a gift.

I do a ton of reading and just went back and re-read this book. This is probably my favorite all-time book. This book has to be the funniest one I've ever read. Geist is not only a gifted writer, he tweaks all the right people and no irony goes unnoticed.

The humorist columnist Bill Geist had many years of experience coaching his son's little league baseball and kids basketball and his daughter's softball team. He relates his experiences with his usual wit, sarcasm and humor. The book focuses on a particular season of little league baseball where he was able to work with his son Willie's team and actually win the league championship by upsetting Knavery's team in the final game of the season. The tale tells how he bends the rules (though not as much as some other) in a way that still allows the weak players to have fun and yet stay competitive. There is a large degree of truth to the various caricatures of players, coaches and parents that he presents in this tale. But some of the stories are so incredible and it seems like fiction is mixed with reality but clearly it is based on real experience. I relate to many of the issues he brings out. ...
In the epologue Geist confesses that he want his son Willie to be a star player but was satisfied that he made the high school varisty teams. In the end no matter how good or bad they are in little league they all eventually stop playing to do other things that interest them more or they find to have more success and rewards.

To illustrate the humor in the final game losing 12-4 Geist gives the kids sugar treats to pick up their energy. A rally starts but thinking ahead with the worst hitter Monique likely to come up with two outs, Geist gets a 40 ounce drink and gets her to leave on a bathroom break. ... This book has short easy to read chapters and integrates Geist's softball and basketball experiences in the theme of the little league season whereas Dunow had long chapters going back and forth from little league with his son to his childhood experiences with his father. Both books are good in their own way. But this one is much easier to read and more light hearted.

At least, I'm half of Mean Gene Huffman. Gene Ret and I were conglomerated into one large, gawky intimidating Little Leaguer. Who was the more large, gawky, and intimidating is one of the great debates of our time.

Great story. I never knew my drunken high school antics were witnessed by Bill Geist until I got to the end of the book. Geist saw me crash through his bushes and play some sloppy basketball with his son and friends for a few minutes while reminiscing about the old Little League days. And, he parlayed my mishap into a convenient parable on lost youth to wrap up his story.

Well, he's just lucky they were playing basketball that night and I wasn't trying to unload my ferocious fastball or swing a bat. Stay young, eat flax, and long live the glory days of Little League.

I truly enjoyed reading "Living the Gimmick" and have been
searching for other books by Mr. Peller. I am very anxious
to get my hands on his next book, The Pearls of Mohatama Beach.
Any way to get an AUTOGRAPHED copy? I want to be in
possession of one because we are going to be hearing more
from Ben Peller and I would love to have a book signed by him.

A few years have passed since I read Living the Gimmick. Even so, I've thought so much about it that I had to write a review! The adventures of the main character provide a lot of amusing insights into the wrestling industry. Admittedly, I'm not really into wrestling, yet I'm sure wrestling fans will enjoy this insider perspective and spin. This book is also excellent as a literary work due to it's well crafted plot and skillful writing style. Beyond wrestling, this novel is really a critique of pop culture and fame. I've read a lot of "classic" novels, but it's the scenes from Living the Gimmick have stayed with me after all this time.

Living the Gimmick is full of descriptions that are beautiful without being flowery, contains dialogue that consistently rings true, and moves at a remarkably fast pace without ever feeling frantic. Overall, it is one of the best novels I've read in a long time.

This is one of those rare gems written by an unknown author that most people will never discover. I have little interest in wrestling but became quickly engrossed into this roller coaster ride of a story. Quite the page turner.

I had low expectations for this when I downloaded it for my Palm eReader. I was hooked after the first chapter! The author is frank, the subject is fresh, and the pacing is zippy. I'd give it 5 stars, but after all, the subject is professional wrestling . . .