Sports Books

The book was in excellent condition and the delivery time was speedy.

This book discussed many strategies and skills that are very beneficial in playing the game of baseball.
I would recommend it to anyone

This book was recommended to me by Coach "Hutch" of the University of Michigan's Lady Wolverines, and I've not been disappointed. I highly recommend this book for both coaches and players (over 16).

Great read for any serious baseball player, coach or parent. One of the BESt books I have read on baseball.

I teach high school sports psychology and have used this book as a text on several occasions. I now make it mandatory for all of my softball and baseball players as additional reading. Their feedback has been nothing but positive regarding performance enhancement. I strongly recommend this user-friendly text for any sport!

I liked this book and enjoyed reading it -- it was sad and funny at the same time, and should serve as a strong warning to would-be martial arts students.

My only complaints (why I docked it 1 star):

* It is very poorly edited -- rife with typos and other minor bugaboos. A skilled editor could have improved this book considerably.

* I would have liked to see more names, facts (court dates, etc.) and resources (Web sites, links to articles, etc.) to support the claims and stories. (Not that I don't believe them, but hard evidence would further support the book).

Also, it would be interesting to know how the schools continue to operate today, now that Kim is out of prison.

I have spent thirteen years in this cult. The worst feeling that I have(in post moo) is that I allowed myself to be compromised by the nefarious deeds of a manical sociopath and his underbosses. I denied reality and distanced myself from my family because I "believed". This is a must read for those who are searching for [true] martial arts as well as a warning for parents who are looking for an activity for their children. Stay Away from oom yung doe. Joe Smith unveils the entire charade in his service with the moo; the truth/reality is twisted and a person's life is degraded to the point of unconditional surrender to an evil PIMP. Through Joe Smith's experiences, the only way out is for someone to simultaneously embrace the truth with the conscious mind and the heart.

Chris Carreon-PA

This book provides fascinating insight into the notorious Chung Moo Doe (a.k.a. Chung Moo Quan, Oom Yung Doe, etc.) martial arts cult founded by John C. Kim (a.k.a. Chull Kim, Jack Park, or "Iron" Kim). Although the group was exposed in the CBS investigative report The Cult and the Con in the late 1980s as well as in the article "Cult of the Quan" in Martial Arts Professional magazine, the organization still exists today. Having served time for tax evasion and conspiracy, the founder and thirteen members of his inner circle have already been released from prison. No doubt fearing repercussions, the author writes under the penname Joe Smith.

"Smith" explains how he was taken in by the "True, Right, and Correct" teachings of a narcissistic sociopath. He sold his new Oldsmobile Cutlass, drove away his friends, gave up on his college education, changed jobs, and ultimately spent tens of thousands of dollars to earn a nearly meaningless black belt and become an instructor in the cult's system. Eventually he became disillusioned with the group, developed the fortitude to pull himself away from their teachings, got his life in order, and wrote about his experiences.

While the author's writing is a bit uneven and (understandably) overly vitriolic at times, there is nothing a good editor couldn't fix straightaway. His story is interesting and important. Packed with riveting vignettes of cult life, this cautionary tale is one that all devoted martial artists and aspiring practitioners ought to read.

The book elucidates why otherwise intelligent people would join a cult. Often it's because the group fulfils and/or exploits deep-seated psychological needs that victims may not even be aware of. Aspiring martial artists can become particularly vulnerable to such manipulations, since they often approach the arts with little foreknowledge, save for the ubiquitous Hollywood fantasies they watch on the silver screen. Expecting to find mysterious Asian rituals, eager practitioners hear plausible legends and see bogus displays of fighting prowess. This chicanery reinforces their predispositions. Even legitimate martial artists wear distinctive uniforms, associate with like-minded individuals, and perform activities that are nearly unfathomable to the uninitiated. Cult leaders selfishly twist the conventions and hook victims with the promise of inimitability, status, and power, and the pull to join and stay in the cult becomes very strong indeed.

As the author so aptly states, it's a slow process, like the boiled frog analogy. Put a frog in warm water and he's happy. Increase the temperature slowly and he'll stay in, trying to continually adapt. Turn up the heat too high, throw too much cultness at him at once, however, and he'll hop out and leave, maybe telling other frogs not to go near the cult's pot. So the smart, effective cult leader slowly raises the temperature and waits until his victims have adjusted. Then, after the new norm has been established, he further refines the cognitive dissonance so it doesn't seem all that bad. What was once intolerable now becomes acceptable. Victims reinforce their new beliefs while the cult insidiously takes over their lives.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults and Martial Arts Instruction; co-author of The Way of Kata and The Way to Black Belt

Note: Originally reviewed for Clarion Reviews

I was a member of the inner circle of the Chung Moo Quan organization in the late 70's and early 80's. I found Herding the Moo to be an accurate account of the dynamics that exist at the top levels of the John C. Kim organization. These pages reveal the inner workings of the cult that are veiled from the public eye in a very calculated way. Former cult members will easily recognize the pattern of lies, deceit, and betrayal, as well as the subtle techniques of grooming that we fell prey to as loyal followers of John C. Kim.

I laughed at Joe Smith's antics which typify the ridiculous missions we were assigned. I wept when I discovered that women other than me had been sexually abused in this cult. I raged when I learned that this charismatic charlatan has continued to masquerade as a martial arts master for over 30 years.

For those currently involved in Oom Yung Doe, Herding the Moo will provide you with information to ponder. I hope that it will generate questions. Do not hesitate to pose those questions to your instructors. For parents with children in OYD, Herding the Moo is an essential read.

Kim Rieser; Helena, MT (formerly Naperville, IL)

I read this book cover to cover, and then read it again. I have to say it is a very accurate account of how the cult of Oom Yung Doe (Formerly Chung Moo Quan/Chung moo Doe), operates. It clearly shows step by step how a young beginner is slowly indoctrinated and brainwashed into the cult, and how their lives slowly decay a little at time until they have been totally swolloed up. You can see how bank accounts are drained step by step, and how lives are ruined, marriages destroyed, and ultimately how ones soul is blackend by the experience.

This is a good book not only for those who are in the cult of John C Kim, but also for those who have family members, or friends involved. Every martial arts school that is anywhere near an Oom Yung Doe school should have one as well.

It is a well written, and well chronicled book. I found it to be an enjoyable read, and the writer's sense of humor complements the all too real events that occurred in the story.

I have loved this book since a Kodiak fishermen gave it to me to read in 1995 (thanks Andy, sorry I wasn't able to return it!). Unlike Deadliest Catch, this book chronicles almost every kind of fishery in Alaska as Hank arrives as a wide eyed greenhorn in the 60's and then proceeds to try them all (halibut, crab, salmon, shrimp). Not only the fisheries but the canneries as well where he works his way up to manager before deciding to become a crab fisherman. The characters in this novel are rough, tough, and colorful and we steadily follow Hank's progress as he carves a life for himself in Alaska through hard work, suffering, and an insatiable love of the ocean. You will also learn about the politics behind fishing and how American fishermen had to compete angrily with the Russians and Japanese for the very same fishing grounds before 200 mile limits were imposed. McCloskey is not only a great educator but a great story teller as well. This is not just a text book, this is a gripping novel that you will simply not be able to put down. He will take you through the great Alaskan earthquake, the tsunami following it, and survival in a life raft in the frigid Bering Sea. If you love Alaskan commercial fishing, this is definitely the book for you. As McCloskey says, its the last true American frontier.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. I did find some of the details a bit tedious & boring...BUT the details really made the story SO realistic! I'll finish Breakers (#2 sequel) tonight & start Raiders (#3 sequel) immediately after. It is hard to believe that Hank & company are fictitious. If you enjoy watching "Deadliest Catch", (on the Discovery Channel), you'll love his books.

If you have watched and enjoyed the Discovery Channel series "The Deadliest Catch", this book is a must read.
William McCloskey uses the hero, Hank Crawford as a vehicle for telling the story of commercial fishing in Alaska. The author alternates chapters of fiction with chapters of fact.
If Hank Crawford goes `crabbing', the next chapter is filled with facts concerning the various species of crabs, their life cycle and of gear used to catch them. This is typical of Hank's work in a cannery, and fishing for various species of fish. These chapters are not dull, but just as well written as the fictional parts.
Did you know that one of a Halibut's eye moves from one side of the head to the other, and how this fish can wreck havoc on deck? It's just one of the many facts covered in this book.
Going back to the "Deadliest Catch" series; McCloskey's description of the Russian Orthodox Church, with its twin domes comes alive when you see it in the video. It's like this book was the screenplay for the series.

This is a great work of fiction by the author that follows the main character Hank Crawford who comes from college to go to work at a salmon cannery for Swede Scorden in kodiak with the story following along as hank moves from opportunity to opportunity on fishing boats that catch salmon king crab shrimp and hailbut this describes also many of the characters he works with and comes in contact with and even though this is fiction seems to be right with all info about commerical fishing compared to books i have read on the real thing. This is a great book and i definitely recommend its sequel Breakers.

I make my living teaching about commercial fishing. I am glad to see this book still in print so I can continue to recommend it to my students. It is, by far, the most entertaining and historically accurate account of Southwest Alaska and fishing from the 50's to the 70's. It should be required reading for anyone who fishes crab, salmon, and groundfish out there. Bill is a great writer, and this book is more or less his own experience. It is good for both its historical accuracy and the personal story of what is was like to see our fisheries develop to what they are today. He continues to come here and go out on boats to learn and write more. There is no else one who has the combination of great writing skill and experience in these fisheries, and this book is well worth reading. You will enjoy the story, you will learn something, and you will want to be Bill McCloskey (and live through it, like he did).

Crude, vulgar, rude and perfect !!! Great story about what really goes on behind the scenes of a professional sport. This is a book that can be enjoyed by men and women. Be sure to pick up Homering in the Clutch when you are done with this one. Brad knows how to leave you hanging and begging for more !!!

ok, now that i've caught your eye with that attention-getter title i can tell how superbly awesome this book is. Well, its not superbly awesome, but it sure is a good time. After spending the last 7 1/2 months sittin next to this guy at work, having him badger me over and over to buy his book, i finally did so. Now im not the type of guy go give praise where it isn't due, and Mr. Bauer knows this. What started out as a skeptical reading of a book for a friend soon became a thoroughly enjoyable experience. In no time i felt like i was a member of the Daimandbacks boy's club. The journal-esque style made it a quick and easy read that kept me wanting more(and also perfect bathroom reading, a #1 for a #2 so to speak.) By the end of the book i was riding the Clutch roller coaster. I am now eagerly awaiting the sequel...

This book is hilarious! I have not yet finished it, and I can already tell you I will buy every book Brad Bauer ever writes. Bauer is a cross between Dan Jenkins and Peter Gent. I reccommend this book to anyone who likes to laugh. This book is the funniest book I have read in at least five years. I cannot wait for Bauer's next book to come out.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (12/06)

I laughed my way through "Hitting in the Clutch." This is a story about baseball player Jack "Clutch" Thompson. He loves the game, playing pranks and monkeys (women). Jack is writing his own story as this story progresses. He hopes to publish an autobiography about his experiences in the game. Jack is most successful at playing ball when he is in clutch or pinch hit situations. However, he is always successful at playing pranks on people, especially the other players. I don't know if real baseball players are anything like Jack, but I suspect they are. That is a scary thought!

The author Brad Bauer does an excellent job of bringing this story to life. I could easily visualize everything that was happening. He easily conveys the emotions of the other characters, especially in regards to how they relate to Jack. He makes Jack a likeable person, someone that you would definitely want to be loyal to, because God help you if you aren't! I really enjoyed the other characters as they are played in this story. Some of the other interesting characters include: other players on the team, a team wife, a team [...] and Jack's family. Bauer also fills everything in around the story. He does not waste any space on the pages. There is always something happening. You can really tell that he loves the game.

This is a great book for baseball fans. They will really enjoy the story. This is definitely a great gift idea. I think that the next time I go to a baseball game I will look at things a little differently. In addition to the game, I will also be paying attention to what is happening around the dugout. Reading "Hitting in the Clutch" has me convinced that there has to be more going on than crotch scratching, tobacco spitting behavior. I hope so anyway!

It has a cover, pages, and typed words inside! it certainly qualifies as a book! Also this book is quite hillarious; Bauer(who i think infringes on the "24" copyright by using that name) makes you laugh with his quirky and lovable, yet outrageous characters. I aint gonna lie i actually had fun while reading this tale...which is more than I can say for most other books out there. Go out there give "Clutch" a read!

This book is a must have for coaches of any level and experience. The book contains so many good ideas and skills to work with.

As a player and a coach, it is outstanding. The book contains ideas for practical skills development - including theories and specific practice plans.

from basic conditioning to advanced play development, this book will help the coach bring his players up a level. the player reading it will see improvement in their game. the drills are explained in a clear manor and will definately improve the ability of the player. the section on play making is outstanding. when teaching some of the plays to my bantam and midget players, it was like a light bulb went on in their heads when they caught on to the play. this is a must have book for any one involved in the game of hockey.

This book covers all of the basics very well. Essential reading material for any level of hockey player and coach. I have read it over and over again.

evry word is important, the previous edition was better, in my opinion, than the current version. A must for every student of the game and anyone who is serious about coaching. I have not found anything else like it and read it over and over.

When I wanted to improve my game I asked people around for the best book to get. They recommended this one and after seeing myself improve I recomend it to.

I was looking for a book that was geared for people who want to work out at home and couldn't find anything until I found Home Bodybuilding. The format is based on three steps which are the mental, physical and nutritional. The book also has separate sections for men and women as well as exercises with weights, without weights and even infomercial equipment. I liked the author's straight forward approach which doesn't have any agendas like other books I've read (i.e. like Body For Life which the author of the book is also the founder of the supplement company EAS which is promoted in his book) and he provides lots of good information which works. He is also very motivational and the book is filled with inspiring observations, quotes and affirmations which are helpful. The last part of the book is devoted to the mental aspect of being successful working out at home and while being a bit apprehensive about it at first, I'm a believer now. All in all, a well done book I'd whole heartedly say "get".

I've read the reviews on this site about Home Bodybuilding and have a few observations people may find helpful.

First of all...

1) If a book is rated five stars, look to see if it's rated with just one five star rating or many. Chances are, if there's more than one glowing review, many other people have found the book equally as helpful.

2) When there are negative reviews, check and see how many there are and if there are commonalites between each of them.

I bought this book many months ago along with the Men's Fitness Home Workout book and have found each to have their strengths and weaknesses.

While the Men's Fitness book has more photos and exercises, it lacks much of the periphery elements of the mental components of motivation and just how hard it is for many of us to get started and stay motivated working out--especially at home AND by yourself...HELLO!

I like both both books very much. There must be a reason why amazon.com pairs Home Bodybuilding with the Men's Fitness book. They compliment each other quite well.

Finally, I'd like to give a few observations on what the reviewer "Judge Knott" wrote regarding the Home Bodybuilding book and how this reviewer must not have read the same book I'm looking at right now as I write this review. Specifically:

"There are many exercises shown that can only be done if one has access to expensive, complicated gym machines. (Yo! Isn't this supposed to be for h-o-m-e workouts?)"

If this reviewer would've read the book and understood its purpose, the author Robert Wolff states in clear language that he wants to give readers exercises they can do with freeweights (barbells and dumbbells), without weights (bodyweight only), with machines (if they have those in their home), and even informercial equipment.

"There is a sloppiness and an imprecision in the way many of the exercises are described."

I've got a library full of nutrition, exercise and physiology books and the exercise descriptions and illustrations Wolff uses in Home Bodybuilding match how the others illustrate how the exercises Wolff Describes should be done.

"The whole book is written at a reading level equivalent to that found in "The National Enquirer" or "The New York Post."

I'm reminded of a quote that a 20-plus million copy bestselling author once said, "Don't worry; If you write for the seventh grader, the Ph.D. will understand it too."


"It's also filled with cheerful, peppy, Oprah-like self-help sayings and anecdotes that recall Dale Carnegie in an extremely good mood. They bored and annoyed me."

Look at the other reviews who seem to greatly enjoy this author's writing style. Then click on reviewer Judge Knott's other reviews. For such a scathing review of this book, it was surprising how many of this person's reviews fall into the scope of fine arts and NOT nutrition, fitness or health. Perhaps returning Home Bodybuilding and getting a book on the order of the "New York Metropolitan Ballet of Workouts" might be a better fit?

My purpose is not to deride of belittle the above reviewer. All of us are entitled to our own opinions. However, when coming to this review forum, my only request is that any of us have a fully formed and educated opinion that doesn't selectively omit the good or not so desirable points of any book. That way, we can all learn and be helped by what anyone says--good or bad.

For my money, Home Bodybuilding was money well spent. Thanks for letting me have my two cents worth. Best to all!

I almost quit working out (again) if it weren't for Home Bodybuilding. I have two kids, a full-time job and no time for a gym and I needed to find something that would help me keep in shape. I'm so happy that I found this book.

The book has five parts and they are:
Part I--Getting Started
Part II--Nutrition
Part III--The Basics
Part IV--Body Specific
Part V--The Mind

It is also broken down into giving workouts and advice for women and men (a good thing since I have no desire to have big muscles) and it has lots of good workouts and exercises you can do at home or in the gym.

It seems to cover all the basics by featuring exercises and workouts you can do with barbells, dumbbells, machines, no weights and exercises with just your body and even using infomercial equipment.

Yeah, I admit it. I bought the Total Gym a year ago and after a few months of using it (it now sits in the garage, thank you) it's more like the Total Joke, but that's a whole different review.

Anyway, this book has been really helpful and if anyone is looking for a no non-sense way to get themselves in good shape and do it at home, this is the book I'd recommend.

I like the Men's Fitness book a lot and thought it woould be all I needed for working out at home, but I have to say I was wrong.

While the MF book provided lots of tips and plenty of exercises, it didn't give me the missing pieces I was wanting to help put together an effective home workout program that took into consideration my need for having a thorough exercise, nutrition, AND motivational program.

It's tough for me to go to the gym and even tougher for me to work out by myself and at home. But the Home Bodybuilding book has made it so much easier and enjoyable. It not only gives lots of information about exercise and nutrition, it also convincingly explains the ways of how to get started and stay on a home workout program. It's been those ideas that have helped me reach my goals quicker than I imagined possible.

I'd like to see the author do a follow-up book with more information on home workouts. I've noticed that as I've gotten into to workoing out more, I'm wanting more and different ways to work out.

This book works and is highly recommended.

This book is great for someone who is starting out.
However, I found that the book was lacking in variety of exercise for a person who already knows the basic weight training exercise.

I found that the book did not go into much detail in all the chapters, it was more like a breif summary.

I guarantee after 8 weeks you will be looking for another book that provides a variety of exercises so that you can alternate and stay motivated.

Dryden and MacGregor have penned a non-fiction examination of Hockey (meant in capital letters) and how it is intertwined with Canadian life. It does a good job of exposing how both Canada and hockey are changing, and touches on topics such as the minor hockey league system, the '72 Super Series, the Gretzky trade, and our enjoyment of the game. For those hockey fans out there, it's an interesting read, even if it is nearly 20 years out of date at this time.

Give me any Ken Dryden book and three hours, and I will return with peace. I love his books about hockey. His commentary on hockey and life in Canada is true to the point. There are books that you read and then there are books that you relive. Dryden's books are expereinced. The flooded pond, the neighbor games, the eternal dream of playing in a old timers league, the continued goal of scoring another goal to win, of coming back in overtime to secure victory. I am 30 years old, and I still skate out on the practice rink with a Canadian jersey on with the imagined roar of the crowd cheering for my favorite player-Sidney Crosby-or really me. I might be 30, but my heart when it comes to hockey is still 10. This weekend I watched my nephews play hockey for the first time, one of them scored his first hockey goal ever in league play. He will never forget that goal. I know, I still live hockey, it lives in me, for I am Canadian. The cold chill of playing on cold rinks flows through my blood. It is more than hockey, it is "The Game."

Although the title causes Americans of my acquaintance to laugh, this book really does a wonderful job of examining (if not always explaining) what the game of hockey means to Canadians. If you have read "The Game" and thought there was nothing more to be said about hockey and Canada, think again.

Especial highlights are the early sections discussing small-town Saskatchewan and the importance of the rink in drawing the community together; the stories of particular players with NHL dreams; and the memories of members of Team Canada during the 1972 Summit Series. Phil Esposito, the heart of that team, is not surprisingly the guy with the best stories about what it all meant. The following section about Soviet hockey, which elevates the faceless Russkies into real guys and fellow players, is almost enough to make a Canadian root for them. (Almost.) And the writers' take on their own recreational play, and what it means to them, is illuminating and sort of touching. Once again, as in "The Game," Ken Dryden manages to depict himself as an amazingly inept Hall of Famer, always panicking under pressure and getting in the way of his defensemen -- "I could talk and chew gum at the same time, but breathing did me in." There's no false modesty here, the reader gets the impression that Dryden held himself to impossibly high standards. Still, when he explains that he now plays defense because he has fulfilled his goalie fantasies, and playing defense allows him to have new ones, it's nice to know he still enjoys the game. (And I have to admit, I howled when I got to his dry remark on playing defense and who's responsible when a goal is scored: "I've changed my mind -- it IS always the goalie's fault.")

The photos that decorate this book are equally beautiful, from the prairie kids playing on a frozen slough to the professionals displaying their remarkable ability to a member of Team Canada (1972) jumping for joy as a Russian player offers a wry yet respectful salute. The photos are grouped according to section and I find it telling that the only photo of Dryden as a Montreal Canadien is one of him and a bunch of his teammates grinning in delight at having apparently won some kind of inter-squad scrimmage trophy. This photo is grouped with the recreational player section and tells an enormous amount about how Dryden felt about the game even as a professional.

Dryden and MacGregor describe Canada as "an improbable country," and they mean that in a good way. What holds us together as a nation are the bonds we have made among ourselves, and hockey is one of those bonds. I was reminded of that this year during the Stanley Cup playoffs, when a mailing list I subscribed to for the CBC news reminded subscribers of schedule changes because "there's hockey tonight." I hadn't watched much hockey in years but somehow, living in Texas surrounded by US culture, it felt like home to watch Larry Robinson hoist the Cup once again.

These are two great hockey writers, and they have produced a book that, even ten years later, is a joy.

I can see why Canadians love there game so much through this group of essays they are very interesting I wish americans loved hockey as much as the Canadians do then I wouldn't be the only hockey fan I know

"So what can a 10-year-old book on ice hockey really teach me about the sport and Canada?" I wondered as I started Home Game. The answer is pretty much everything. Dryden, who writes in a delightfully unhurried style, takes us through the game as it is played by enthusiastic amateurs, by teenagers desperate to break into the NHL and by the professionals themselves. And by probing how hockey took root here, Dryden provides the best analysis of what it means to be Canadian that I have ever read. My job in Ottawa is to explain Canada to the outside world and of all the tomes I have read so far, this must be the most illuminating. Rarely do you come across a book which so clearly explains what fires the soul of a country. Buy it now!

I have never been a sports fan. A few years ago some of my friends became avid fans of the Astros, the Rockets, and the Comets, going to the games and having fun. This made me wish I knew more about sports. After reading Teri Burns's book I am going to try going to games and see if I can become a late-blooming fan.
THANKS TERI!

I just finished reading "How to Become an Athletic Supporter", and loved it! This book is actually a informative, and well written, handbook to provide the basics (and lots of interesting details) of all of the major sports a wife is likely to encounter!

It covers each sport, and keeps your interest with it's pithy commentary (primarily aimed at the man of the house).

Overall, both I and my husband recommend this book. I just enjoyed reading it, and my husband actually learned a few things from it!

This book is GREAT! It shed a whole new light on the sporting world. Also, it should make the upcoming football season a bit more enjoyable in our home now that my spouse has also read the book.

This book is great! Not only is it hilarious, it is jam-packed with sports facts that I was able to use to totally impress my boyfriend. (And, with my limited sports knowledge, that's really hard to do!) Hats off to Teri Burns for delivering a book that is long overdue!

One of the funniest sports books I have ever read. This is a straight-forward succinctly written guide to the major sports ~ but with an attitude. I'm certain the author had her tongue planted firmly in her cheek as she wrote each page. She obviously knows her sports, and you will, too, after reading this. That you had so much fun learning about those sports is the beauty of this gem of a book. This is a must have book for anyone who wants to learn about sports or anyone with a sense of humor. It works on both levels.

Even though I haven't broken 100, this book has given me the areas to focus on to break both barriers (100 & 90). Wish this was on Audible, so that I could hear it over and over. Great Job.

I can't believe that I am writing a good review for Mr. Tomasi. I loved this book. It is better than a lot of his other books. I recommend this book even if you want to break 100. It tells you what you have to do to get there. I liked how Mike Adams writes. it is simple and makes you want to go on the course to try out what you read. Get this book. I can't believe this is the same TJ Tomasi. If you want to break 100 or 90 then get this book. it will help you.

The first golf book that I have really understood when reading it. It breaks down many of the mysteries of golf in easily read, easily understood English. The touch of humor, here and there, also adds to the enjoyment of reading this book. In the space of 90 days from first read, I was able to reduce my handicap by 6 shots, win 3 competitions at my club and begin to really enjoy the game. It does work and I have recommended it to many of my golfing friends.

I started golfing regularly (about 3 times a month) last summer, practice at least once a week at the range, took a few lessons and finally broke 100. At that point I purchased "How to Break 90".

This book does an excellent job at teaching course management to avoid the dreaded blow up holes which ruin our scores. You will learn how to break down each hole to avoid hazards and to play within your ability. Instead of blasting a long iron or fairway wood on your second shot to the green of a typical par 4 hole, the author advises you to layup with a shot within your means to achieve your "personal par". There will be situations in which you can take chances and "go for the green", but in most cases, the risk doesn't pay off for golfers of our ability.

This book, together with practice will help you lower your scores. In fact I broke 90 (84) for the first time last month. I still hit plenty of bad shots but instead of trying to pull off a heroic shot to save par, the book has taught me to take my medicine and I usually do no worse than a double bogie.

Besides the outstanding course management help, "How to Break 90" also teaches you a variety golf shots in easy to understand language with a sense of humor. Highly recommended to all weekend golfers who want to improve.

I bought this book, even though at the time I was trying to break 100 rather than 90. I really liked the way the authors focused on course management and the short game rather than swing changes. I also liked the little bits of humor scattered throughout.

The authors make the point that if you average a 5 on every hole (something they call "Level 5's"), then you will shoot 90. I took this a step further and told myself that if I could shoot Level 6's, that's a 108. So if I could shave a few strokes from there, shoot 5 on a few holes (which isn't that tough, even for me), then I could break 100.

Sure enough, using thier course management advice and focusing on shooting 6's, not thinking about par, I broke 100 several times in the my next few rounds.

I'm now re-reading the book, and practicing some of the advice I thought was too advanced back then, and refining some more to hopefully break 90 soon.

This book truly helped my game....one of the few books I can say that about!

It's a memior of a man who skies and wrecks. Lots of wrecks. Both on and off the slopes. The skiing is how he deals with the mess of life and it is both his balm and his bane. His mother's multiple attempts at happiness, his own struggles of identity often find him wrestling it out going downhill at 70 mph, often out of bounds, never wearing a helmet.

Wayne Sheldrake's philosophy of dealing with the junk of life? "No goggles. No helmet...All I needed was a pair of skis. I didn't stop for food. I didn't stop for water. I didn't use sunscreen. (Only [expletive] wore sunscreen.) I never worried about getting hurt."

Then something changes and you realize that the book isn't really about skiing. Okay, it is about the skiing but it's MORE than just skiing. It's about healing and hope and living in the moment with people who are just jacked up as you are.

It's about the messy, funny, painful redeeming process of healing.

Simply put: what can I say about a person who took the oppurtunities that life gave him and milked them for MORE than they were worth. It was a nostalga trip to the Rockies of MY youth as well as some of the same places/experiences!
Just because YOU were born too late to see/experience those days - read this book and see how it was done BEFORE all that great gear you have today!

Wayne transported me back to the ski area of my youth. Through his eyes I was right there powder skiing Alberta's Face with all of my friends. It is apparent through Wayne's book that the ski bum life is not all hot tubs and bikinis as depicted in the movies; rather it is a deeper experience for him with Vreni at his side.

The snow stopped swirling around me when I looked up from Instant Karma and out the window from my home in central Texas where I now reside. There was no snow outside of the window, so I plunged back into the words where I rejoin Wayne standing at the top of the continental divide just before he jumped off the cornice into the powder.

Wayne has really captured the thoughts of most die hard skiers in this writing. But as I read the book, which I picked up - after meeting Wayne, where else; but on a ski Lift at Wolf Creek Pass ski resort, I realized that its meaing was deeper. I could see paralells into other aspects of daily lives.
Wayne is a great writer, who connects with the reader.
I am glad to have met him, and to have read Karma.

P.S. I am heading back out to Wolf Creek Pass this Holiday season, as they now have over 14 feet of snow.

Wayne's history as a poet and wordsmith serves him well as he weaves this amazing adventure tale of his personal journey of the heart and soul. Chock full of descriptive passages: dirtbag chic, near death experiences and winter storms in the Southern San Juans that had me shivering in my slippers! And then....between the lines and pages there is Vreni and the heartwarming love story that exposes our Mr. Sheldrake for the hopeless romantic that he is, binds first his wounds and then the yarn itself into a fascinating whole.