Sports Books

I love this book and have bought it for several of my coaching friends. Full of great info from one of the best. Good diagrams and great instruction on how to implement multiple offenses and defenses. One of my favorite coaching books (and I have a ton). A great higher-level resource.

I have read this book over and over again. It has been a useful tool is my basketball coaching.

This book is page after page of super basketball information. It goes into great detail offenses and defenses from simple to complex. But best of all, it is written with an emphasis on the fundamentals, which will make any team better. I really recommend this book for any coach, beginner to seasoned veteran, there is a wealth of valuable information from cover to cover.

This is an awesome book. A lot of useful information for students, professionals and athletes.

I coached a camp this past summer in which a few coaches were discussing this book and referred to it as "The Holy Grail" of basketball books. To any coach looking for new perspectives and strategies, I would strongly recommend this book. You may not be able to use everything, and some of the information is a bit dated, but it prompted a million ideas of my own, and helped me plan out some fresh drills, plays, and defenses for my team.

Everything you've ever wanted to know about snorkel swimming is in this great book, from "The Basics" to "Underwater Photography." Anyone in average health, who can swim, can don a mask and peer beneath the waters. Its low-impact aerobics and a great way to keep fit. Snorkeling has become a family affair with fish-watching and photography the main focus.

You will find tips on a variety of snorkeling trips and activities in this informative book. Choices vary from sail-snorkel trips on shallow-draft catamarans or trimarans, glass-bottom-boat tours, snorkel-with-the-dolphins tours; the list goes on and on. Each snorkeling site is graded for interesting marine life, visibility, and water clarity with one to five "starfish."

Helpful hints concerning snorkels, how to choose the proper fins, anti-fog solutions, and how to avoid sunburn are all discussed. Dos and Don'ts advise that you always swim with a dependable buddy and warnings as to what not to touch.

The best reef-front resorts, starfish-rated beaches and boat-entry sites are included as well as Manatee tours. Where to find shallow shipwrecks, the best coral gardens, underwater photo trips and snorkeling cruises are all included in this wonderful book. Also included are twelve pages of fantastic underwater photography.

If you are a snorkeling enthusiast, this book is a must have. It is a valuable guide to snorkeling sites and islands. Information includes detailed maps, photos, tours offered, and important information you need to make a wise vacation choice.

I found the reviews very helpful in deciding where I wanted to plan my nest trip... I went to the Galapagos with Aquatic Encounters, and it was so fantastic, it is beyond description

This is must-have book for both the beginner and experienced travelling snorkeler. It is a thoughtful guide to the best places to visit and great tips on what to look for in the way of unique marinelife once you get there. It should be a companion in every dive bag.

The book has very brief descriptions of snorkeling sites at a large number of different places. Most, but not all are Caribbean islands. There are also descriptions of other "traditional" snorkeling places, such as the Yucatan Penninsula and Hawaii. And there are two large sections on snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Islands. Several snorkeling sites are listed at each separate location, and useful advice and information is given for most. All sites are rated on a 1 to 5 "starfish" point system. About the only criticism I have of the book is that much of the hotel information seems to be pulled directly from the hotel's advertising about themselves. A little more independent commentary would be nice. The information is still useful as a starting point. Finally, for each location, there is useful information on weather, how to get there, and when to go. If you have the first edition of this book, I see little reason to purchase this new edition, however. I do wish a few other sites or activities had been included, in particular snorkeling with whale sharks off Northwest Australia. That's something that interests me, but there seems very little information on it out there. If you travel to snorkel, and don't have the First Edition, GET THIS ONE!

This is the best book for snorkeling I've ever found. The other books are so vague, they don't tell me much of anything. This one describes all the neat places to walk in from the beach and go snorkeling, how rough or calm the area is, how to get to various snorkeling beaches once I get there, whether the kids can safely swim in each area. It also has all the resorts that have snorkeling off their beaches, which is really nice for people traveling with small children and the airlines and travel stuff we need.

You've got to love the Berenstain Bears! This is a laugh out loud ride!

Great book for beginning readers. All 3 of my children loved this. My second grader read it for school. Easy reading and easy to follow.

Would you like to hear a story about a bear who gets a new bike but has crazy lessons? I read a book called: The Bike Lesson By Stan and Jan Berenstain. Small Bear got a new bike and Papa Bear is trying to teach Small Bear how to ride a bike. But Papa Bear keeps messing up with the bike. This is a great book. One of my favorite parts is when Papa Bear goes down a hill and lands up ending in a chicken yard. I also like it because every time Papa Bear messes up Small Bear has to help him. I think the author's message is always be careful riding a bike. Read this book to see if Papa Bear will get through his lessons.

This book is one of the most humorous books I've read by the Berenstains. A father bear brings home a brand-new bike for his son Small Bear, but before Small Bear is allowed to ride it, Father Bear has to show him how. "First come the lessons, then the fun. How to get on is lesson one." Of course Father Bear promptly falls off the bike, and covers up by saying "That is what you should not do. So let that be a lesson to you."

This lesson sets the pattern that the other six lessons follow. Each lesson ends with Father Bear in some sort of trouble, which Small Bear always manages to get him out of. Of course, when Father Bear actually lets Small Bear ride the bike, he does so perfectly.

I believe these characters are a primitive form of the now well-known Berenstain Bears. Father Bear and Mother Bear are certainly wearing their outfits, and the tree house looks pretty much the same. The pictures themselves are very cute, bold and colorful. (Mama Bear's expressions are great.) The words flow well and rhyme, which adds a certain charm to the book. In short, I think it is a great book.

Loggie-log-log-log

If you've ever read the Berenstain Bears as a child, then you'll recognize the pictures in this book! The newer books have the bears a little fatter and with more children. But in this book, they're pretty thin bears and there's only "Small Bear" who is now Brother Bear. When he gets a new red bike, his dad desperately tries to teach Small Bear the lessons of riding. True to the Berenstains, Papa gets into trouble and shows Small Bear all the things he's NOT supposed to do - like landing upside down in someone's chimney! I particularly appreciated this book since I recognize it from childhood - it was first published in 1964. It's a great lesson for little ones too on what not to do when you are riding a bike. But, it's also great for beginning readers - humorous to keep their attention but also, very easy to read. Highly recommend!

This book is a must read story for any horse lover. I was lucky enough to meet Blackjack in person and he is a beautiful horse. Reading this book will take you on a wonderful horse adventure! Thank you Ellen Feld for writing such an amazing book.

This book is a must have for all who love horses! It is entertaining, heartwarming, and inspiring. No teenage girl should be without it!!

AWSOME!! I can't wait to read the other ones!!!

Its the best horse book I have ever read. Any horse lover or owner like me will fall in love with the horses and the characters. I laughed and even came near to tears in this heart filled story. I highly recommend it.

I love Ellen Feld's Morgan Horse books. I love them because they don't ask the reader to believe that teenaged girls can solve crimes, stop the destruction of rural America, or take a half-starved rescue horse on Monday and win the KY Derby on him the following weekend. OK; I'm exaggerating. It usually takes them at least 6 months before they win the Derby.
Ms. Feld's books are realistic in their portrayal of the human and equine characters, and accurate in their descriptions of tack, veterinary care, etc.
As a once-upon-a-time horse-crazy teenager grown into a horse-crazy middle aged person, and both a bookseller and tack store owner in years past, I appreciate the fact that Ms. Feld's books aren't filled with inaccuracy and improbable fantasy. It has always seemed to me that many YA stories that are, presuppose that the readers are not very knowledgeable about horses.
Five stars and a bag of carrots to Ellen Feld's books.

I first heard of Bill Irwin threw my sister and her husband as they are great friends with the Irwins. I got the book blind courage and read it , it was the most awesome book I have ever read and I have since met the Irwins and had Thanksgiving Dinner with them at my sisters and they are such a great couple with the love of God and life. Bill being blind is not a handicap at all to him , and those around him, he is the most sincere and god loving man Ive known. The book is great, I encourage everyone to read it and there is also a book called Oreint Express for the little ones.

Bill Irwin and Orient leads us down the trail over the mountains and into the forest unlike any other author. We see what he feels and senses around him. With every step we walk along with Bill and Orient, and we camp along with them and met some wonderful people along the way helping Bill and Orient along the trail. Wonderful story. Would love to meet Bill and Orient.

The story told in this book is truly mind-boggling, on several fronts. First, there is the adventure of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Secondly, there is the story of a BLIND man doing it! Third, is the whole topic of seeing eye dogs and the bond that develops between them and their owner. It blew me away, that this dog was able to do what he did, thus enabling Bill to complete this hike. Last but not least, it shows what is possible if we put our faith in God. Most of us rely on our own selves--Bill put his faith and trust in God in order to complete this journey. The book is easy to read, short chapters (which I like--makes it easier to pick up and put down), written from the heart. A great gift book!

I just finished reading "Blind Courage" for the second time. Bill Irwin's story offers a timeless story of courage, faith, and a triumphant spirit as he was the first "blind" person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. I write "blind" because Bill may not have the sense of eyesight, but throughout the book has great insight into persons he meets along his walk, and relates the greatest insight into his own self and his strengths and weaknesses, on a hike (he was not an experienced hiker) all possible by his enduring faith in our Lord and his confidence in his Seeing Eye dog, Orient. The book flows well,doesn't sound "preachy", and reads quickly--almost too quickly as we want to hear more. This is a great story by a great man who spent his first almost 50 years in turmoil, broken relationships, and losing his eyesight, but he finds himself and encourages and uplifts others along his hike. By the way, if you have an opportunity to hear him speak, Bill Irwin is an outstanding public speaker with a great message and is a very friendly individual. In summary, read this book if you are looking for modern heroes and uplifting people of faith doing the "impossible" regardless of whether you enjoy "outdoor/hiking/camping" books or not.

My review of this book is one of pure joy and inspiration. From the moment I laid eyes on this book I knew it had a great message written in it. I meet Bill and Orient when they came to the Lititz Grace Brethern Church. Even after reading his story and hearing his testomony it was totally indescribleable. Bill is a wonderful speaker and Orient is just the most lovable dog you could ever know. To have a dog like that which leads you over that terrain from Georgia to Maine is a true friend.

They both had a good friend in the Lord and he truly lead them on a spititrual path and from all of this a remarkable story. Again I personally give this book FIVE STARS.

The most insightful book on what makes or made the US Womans National Team such a success. Great read for Club Directors and Coaches alike to develop their own program based on a proven training model.

Read this over a year ago and re-read recently. In concert with Anson Dorrance's Training Soccer Champions, this is really a terrific book for all soccer coaches - men and women. Very inspirational and informative.

Finally a book that deals with the biggest part of any sport...mental! They say that being a goalkeeper is 90% mental yet very few books give you tips on the ins and outs of getting in touch with that part of your game. This book is great at giving you ideas on reaching your champion and bringing it out on the pitch. Not only a great book for directing coaches in this aspect of the job, but also a valuable tool for players to reach their individual successes and full potential.

Lauren Gregg's "The Champion Within" is filled with realistic knowledge about how to become the best soccer player you can be. This nonfiction book contains inspiring insights from current and previous National Team members. Lauren uses experts in each field to handle ever aspect of the game of soccer. It is also full of special lessons for the athlete and coach. The champions reveal their secrets, how they organized their training and the challenges they overcame along the way. Every page has useful information, like how to be competitive, sports psychology, fitness drills, and tactics. Carin Jennings Gabarra's describes the quatlities of a champion, "A champion is someone who trains when no one is watching," (Gregg xvii). This is just one of many inspiring quotes writen by the leaders in the sport, which really add a personal touch that any young player should be able to relate to. Lauren's belief, and the premise behind successful teams,is that players have a responsibitlity for their own developlement. In her book she provides essential information about training that can be done on your own. It is a comprehensive and innovative soccer training book, desighed specifically for the athlete. The theme is about taking responsibility for perosnal development, that the ability and responsibility for greatness rests with the individual player.
For me this book was hard to put down. I lost sleep over this book. "The Champion Within" is by far the best instructional and inspirational guide to the game of soccer I have ever read. It lets you know that with hard work and dedication you can achieve you goals no matter how high they may be. The book also lets you know what kind of hard work and dedication you must have depending on what you are striving for. I will remember and apply the information in this book in my daily life. I cannot think of one thing I would change from how Lauren Gregg constructed this book. For me, it is absolutely perfect in every aspect.
If you are serious about playing or caoching soccer this is a must read. Probably 30-40% fo this book is appropriate for a player of caoch in any spor, but there is definately plenty of soccer-specific information also. "The Champion Within" is a book for the individuals who are willing to work hard to succeed. This book enpowers players to organize their environments, make approriate choices and understand the scope of what is involed in training for excellence.Lauren Gregg's "The Champion Within" is filled with realistic knowledge about how to become the best soccer player you can be. This nonfiction book contains inspiring insights from current and previous National Team members. Lauren uses experts in each field to handle every aspect of the game of soccer. It is also full of special lessons for the athlete and coach. The champions reveal their secrets, how they organized their training and the challenges they overcame along the way. Every page has useful information, like how to be competitive, sports psychology, fitness drills, and tactics. Carin Jennings Gabarra describes the qualities of a champion; "A champion is someone who trains when no one is watching," (Gregg xvii). This is just one of many inspiring quotes written by the leaders in the sport, which really add a personal touch that any young player should be able to relate to. Lauren's belief, and the premise behind successful teams, is that players have a responsibility for their own development. In her book she provides essential information about training that can be done on your own. It is a comprehensive and innovative soccer training book, designed specifically for the athlete. The theme is about taking responsibility for personal development, that the ability and responsibility for greatness rests with the individual player.
For me, this book was hard to put down. "The Champion Within" is by far the best instructional and inspirational guide to the game of soccer I have ever read. It lets you know that with hard work and dedication you can achieve you goals no matter how high they may be. I will remember and apply the information in this book in my daily life. I cannot think of one thing I would change from how Lauren Gregg constructed this book. For me, it is absolutely perfect in every aspect.
If you are serious about playing or coaching soccer, "The Champion Within" is a must read. Probably 30-40% of this book is appropriate for a player or coach in any sport, but there is definitely plenty of soccer-specific information also. "The Champion Within" is a book for the individuals who are willing to work hard to succeed. This book enpowers players to organize their environments, make appropriate choices and understand the scope of what is involved in training for excellence.

Absolutely the best book I've ever read on coaching. This is not soccer 101. It's 451G. I found things in the Psychological Section that I've never seen anywhere else. Dittos for the chapter on Reserves(Subs). The sideboxes, written by the leaders in the sport, really add a personal touch that any young player should be able to relate to. Absolute must read for any player that is serious about the game.

This book is far superior. If you want a book on boxing, get one from someone who knows what he's talking about. Jack Dempsey's technique was so developed that Mike Tyson and other famous boxers took their cue from him. If you want to know how to deliver a powerful punch and prepare for excellent defense, Jack Dempsey will show you how. The other books on boxing, such as Ned Beaumont's, are written by guys who probably never got more involved in a real fight than eating popcorn in front of the television. If you're in shape, with no fat on your gut, and if you got the equipment, nothing should stop you from profiting from this book. Don't waste money on any other book.

If you want to learn how to really punch, and if you can find a copy of the following book in either its original hardback version, or the reprinted paperback version, I strongly recommend that you purchase it and read it. However, be advised that it has been out-of-print for sometime and can be quite expensive if you are lucky enough to find one to purchase in the first place. Just exactly what book am I referring to, well it is the book called "Championship Fighting" by Jack Dempsey and it was originally published back in 1950. The edition I have is the 1983 paperback edition published by Centerline Press.

Jack Dempsey, as you may or may not know, was the heavyweight boxing champion of the world in the early 1900's. Being rather small for a heavyweight, Dempsey more than made up for it with the devastating power he had in his punches. Over numerous years both during his boxing career and after, Dempsey kept meticulous track of just exactly how to develop punching power not only through his own training and experience, but also through numerous others. What he discovered is contained within the pages of this book.

Now if you keep in mind that this book was originally written over 50 years ago, you will be even more amazed at how profound and relevant the information contained within is to our current day and age and with a little adjustment, is even relevant to perhaps any and all martial arts and combative systems in one form or another. That is perhaps the one single thing that stood out and impressed me the most about this book and its author, and that is the fact that the information provided was and is way ahead of its time and soundly based in fact and principle.

Dempsey starts out his book by giving you some background into his punching prowess and his reasoning behind writing this book and supplying you the reader with such a treasure of punching information. Dempsey teaches you all of the various components that you will need to learn and practice in order to improve your punching power and give you the ability to knock out your opponents. These various components include; the different types of punches, the correct stance, how to drop your body weight, proper body movement, etc.

Being a practicing martial artist for over 25 years, I saw a lot of relevant information in this book that could be applied to the martial arts with just a little bit of modification for the technique being used. Even though Dempsey is talking about punching, a lot of the principles he teaches can also be applied to kicking, throwing, grappling, etc.

Here is a list of the chapters that are included in this book.

1. Explosives at Toledo
2. Good and Bad Toledo Aftermaths
3. Punchers Are Made; Not Born
4. Why I Wrote This Book
5. Differences Between Fist-Fighting and Boxing
6. You're the Kayo Kid
7. What is a punch?
8. The Falling Step
9. The Power Line
10. Relaying and Exploding
11. Stance
12. Footwork
13. Range
14. Straight Punching from the Whirl
15. Purity in Punching
16. Hooking
17. Uppercuts
18. Punch Ranks First
19. Your Sparmate
20. General Defense and Blocking
21. Deflection
22. Evasion
23. Feinting and Drawing
24. Training
25. How to Watch a Fight

No matter what your own level of expertise or experience is, you will benefit from the information contained within this book. Do yourself a favor and locate a copy of this book and purchase it, and then read it from cover to cover numerous times and practice the information contained within after reading it and you will see a noticeable increase in your punching power. Don't take my word for it though, buy the book and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

I recently purchased this used book from Amazon. It is the best boxing/punching book out there, bar none.

This is the classic work and still one of the best on how to improve your punching. For me it occupies a similar place in sports history that Ted Williams's book on batting and hitting does, a book truly written by one of the greats in his field. It isn't just about punching, either, as it discusses the importance of stance and footwork and other factors on punching. Another writer here mentioned how Dempsey said he preferred a non-leaning stance; this is similar to the stance and strategy in the kali and escrima knife-fighting arts (which I teach), where this approach is preferred also. And in tai chi, which pays more attention to the fine details of balance than any other martial art, learning too far forward is normally avoided also. (I say normally because advanced students are allowed to take a front stance in which the knee extends further than the middle of the foot, which is usually avoided).

And last but not least, the late, great Bruce Lee's style of kung fu that he invented, Jeet Kune Do, has its footwork based primarily on western boxing and western fencing. Even today JKD's punches are still more boxing-like than Wing Chun-like, the style of kung fu that influenced Jeet Kune Do the most. (By the way, I have to mention that I am a certified instructor in Kali/JKD under Chuck Gonzaga, one of Ted Lucaylucay's senior instructors, and who himself was a student of Bruce Lee and Danny Inosanto. Chuck is a great martial artist himself who is skilled in several martial arts and also in the healing massage arts).

Dempsey has been described as the first modern boxer, one of the smartest fighters to ever grace the ring, and a true gentlemen. In fact, one time, as a 12-year old boy back in the early 60s, he once sent me postcard. My father had stopped for a drink at his bar, it might have been in Chicago, and got to talking with the champ, and happened to mention it was my birthday. So Dempsey sent me a card. :-) So I had to post a comment here about Dempsey's classic book and a man who was a great fighter and a true gentleman who went out of his way to send a kid he didn't even know a birthday card.

In this book, Dempsey proves himself to be one of the most intelligent boxers the ring has seen. His knowledge of the physics behind a punch is impeccable, and his book is based around using these elements to your advantage. The best example is bodyweight, and Dempsey describes in the opening chapters how a baby dropped from a 10 story building onto a person's head can easily kill a grown man. You've got 20 times a baby's size - imagine what you can do!

The rest of the book details how to throw pure punches, with body weight in motion behind each to ensure maximium damage. He knows quite a bit about preventing punches from losing their power by keeping skeletal structure optimal, and throughly discusses this in the chapters about the power line.

In addition, this book isn't just about boxing. It is written with fist fighting in mind, where K.O.s are much more prevalent. In these situations, being a "fancy Dan" is begging for a knockout. Each second you're fighting exposes you to more danger, and so ending the fight via power punching is the best exit. And boy does he show you how to do it.

A side note - the basics of a punch where the fist lands vertically isn't known by many modern fighters. This punch predominated in bareknuckle boxing because it allows for a cleaner strike with more of the fist, whereas horizontal punches tend to connect in smaller areas and increase the likelyhood of breaking a knuckle. When you consider the pinky is most skeletally reinforced part of the fist, a fact Dempsey explains in the book, this is even more dangerous (he teaches you to aim with the ring to prevent pinky breakage while still allowing for high power). He doesn't mention this protective benefit of vertical punching, but he clearly knows how to throw them. Then again, this may be due to the fact gloves were around 6 ounces in his day, so they're not quite as protective as they are now. Horizontal punching is somewhat an artifact of the sport, and since Dempsey grew up fighting people in bars, you get to see an entirely new vertical punch most people won't expect. He calls it a straight jolt, and it's like running into someone with your fist. It's faster than my jabs but with serious stunning power.

This book is great for anyone who wants to learn how to punch in a fistfight, as well as a boxing ring. The vertical punch and Dempsey's falling step were both admired by Bruce Lee and incorporated heavily into his Jeet Kun Do system. A cursory look at this book and that martial art easily shows that Lee's ideas about counter-punching were heavily modeled after Dempsey, as with his basics of throwing a punch. And for good reason - if you spend a week on the heavy bag trying Dempsey's advice, you'll notice remarkable gains in power. After a year, you'll be vicious.

He also goes over training and conditioning, including sparring, and the proper way to watch a boxing match. He says he wrote 384 pages for the book then trimmed down the worthless info to the essentials behind strong punches. In addition to having good advice, it's a pleasure to read. The book is well-written, interesting, and gives many insights into how Dempsey thought about boxing (and the popularity of it after his fight with Willard).

When I started taking boxing lessons, I had drilled from this book and studied fights for a year. Apparently this book helped me punch hard from the beginning. I managed to start with few corrections to my general punching form, and since those minor adjustments (the first lesson) I haven't had to spend additional time on basics. The second lesson we moved straight to advanced combinations (the first was more getting me used to the idea of fighting someone). It's very useful to start boxing knowing how to triple jab. And thanks to this book and long arms, I'm told I have good power in either hand.

When I first met my trainer for a lesson, he had me, a friend, and someone who had trained MMA for years jab him in the arm. I was told that I hit harder than the MMA fighter (I had 15 pounds on him but this was my first boxing lesson). I had been training on a heavybag and shadowboxing for about a year with this book and others as a reference, and am pretty athletic. So assuming you have some natural strength or athleticism, it is certainly possible to teach yourself fight using this book. However, timing, distance, accuracy, and defense are hard to learn on your own. But you can develop a head start; by practicing parries and glance-offs as described by Dempsey, I apparently started out tricky to hit (usually new people are punching bags).

Books that are excellent for complimenting this are "The Art of Boxing" by George Carpentier. It goes over snapping punches and more. Carpentier was friends with Dempsey after their heavyweight title match, which was one of the original superfights and million dollar gates (in the 1920s)! It's clear Dempsey organized his defensive chapter based on conversations with Carpentier, who uses the same categories for defense as Dempsey.

The best thing about these books are the little tricks they throw in that are valuable for advanced fighters. They casually mention weakpoints of certain builds, styles, and dirty shots you can use outside of the ring. Dempsey's book, Carpentier's book, Tunney's autobiography "A Man Must Fight," and other Dempsey biographies are chalk full of these references. Find all of them you can and study them - all three were amazing world champions (Carpentier fought in around 6 weight classes and Dempsey and Tunney speak for themselves).

That said, this book is my favorite. It's helped me appreciate a sport I'd neglected for years. Reading about Dempsey's life ("Flame of Pure Fire") and this book, it's clear he was a smart guy. He's so friendly you can't help liking him, yet in a boxing ring he was murderous. He walked 20 miles in the desert for a match when he was starting out. He's the real deal as a champion and a gentleman, and my only personal hero.

This book is a pleasure to read from cover-to-cover. The author clearly loves her subject matter and infuses the history of cheerleading with fun and good humor. I especially loved the photographs. The book would make a great TV documentary. Since reading "Cheerleader", I have ordered all of Ms. Stein's other books.

I loved this book! The pictures are great where did she find them? It's a great gift for anyone interested in cheerleading and a fun read even for people who aren't.

From matching sweaters and pompons to coke and candy posters and ads, the allure of cheerleads in culture and advertising has long been evident in American culture, and here is captured by Elissa Stein in her visual celebration Cheerleader: Ready? Okay! From a history of cheerleading to cheerleader fashion, Cheerleader: Ready? Okay! captures the energy, excitement and changes of the best.

The photographs are amazing. The content is witty and well researched. A great gift for anyone who was a cheerleader--or for those of us who just looked on from the bleachers.

I loved this book! The great illustrations brought back memories of freezing at the big game, yelling myself hoarse when our team made the goal, and thoroughly enjoying myself. It's a must to take to your reunion.

What a wonderful book about a man who loved basketball and the Lakers. Chick Hearn was a very gifted announcer. The way he would describe the game would seem to put you court-side along with the other 17,505 at the fabulous Forum! I started listening to Chick during the 70's and into the 80's. Living in Arizona I had to try and find the L.A. station when possible. When one of the local stations started carrying the games in the 80's, I was estatic. The book does a nice job starting from his youth into his last days. Reading about the last few months of his life just broke your heart for the man----and I didn't know him!! That should tell you how the fans could relate to Chick. The Los Angeles area had two other announcers that were also great in my book---Dick Enberg doing Ram games and Vin Scully doing Dodgers games. The Los Angeles area was blessed with many great teams and announcers, but none will be able to replace Chick Hearn.

I grew up watching/listening/simulcasting to EVERY GAME for the Lakers from 1981 through about 2003 or so (still try to catch them on tv, but no longer live in the L.A. area). It seems that since he passed away, the Lakers were suddenly cursed. But this book brings back the Memoirs of one of my favorite idols. Chick was the best announcer, period. He was so good that even people who were simply not into the game, or even disgusted by sports in general, would get into it and watch because of his sharp apt to connect to the viewers/listeners with ease and comfort. I've seen this myself firsthand more than a plenty of times. His ability to bring the game to you in a simple and enjoyable fashion was priceless. My mom even loved the guy. So Laker fans, Angelinos, basketball and sports fans -- buy this book!

This book really brought Chick Hearn back to life for me...I LOVED IT! It contained so many facinating memories from Chick and those close to him. Also, the accompanying CD with excerpts of Chick's calls from many games cleverly strung together...his Chickisms....was an added treat. For anyone who followed Chick during his career I highly recommend this book!

Dianne O.
La Canada, CA

For 3,338 consecutive games Chick Hern was the voice of the L.A. Lakers. He became as famous as the best of their players. As the voice of the lakers, he essentially was the lakers to millions of fans. He brought the team, the coaches, and the rest of the organization to the millions of fans. He lived Lakers basketball, and it showed in the way he talked.

This book presents Chick in two ways: One is the writing about Chick, his life, his stories of the team, people, and life in general. Second is the CD included with the book that gives some of his greatest calles, along with narration by Al Michaels. Normally the voice of a sports broadcaster is a transient thing. You hear what he said, or maybe you miss it, and it's gone forever. Here are some of the best of his work, recorded forever.

As a lifelong Laker fan, I've felt like I've known Chick for most of my life. He was like the eccentric uncle that explained things to you when he visited, and in Chick's case, what he explained was basketball.

If you're not a Laker fan, this book probably won't be as meaningful to you, but it's filled with entertaining stories and poignant nuggets about broadcasting, basketball, and life in general. Some of the material I'd read about before, but a lot of it was new to me. It gets quite emotional at times; it's not strictly about basketball or play-by-play announcing, although he looms very large in both fields.

The book is mostly a compilation of other people recalling their memories of Chick, with some first-hand quotes from him as well. It doesn't really have a narrative, so it's a nice book to pick up and read from occasionally. I think the structure of it really suits the subject well. Chick was great at describing basketball and relating to people, so to a large extent the book is basketball people talking about him.

If you're a Laker fan, it's a great read. If you're into sportscasting or basketball, there's something for you too.

This book, unlike other books about Taiji and weapon forms, describes the sword form from the application point of view. How has the Jian developed to become what it is per today, who used it and what techniques are used in combat? He describes clearly the differences between the Yang family style and the public sword form. What I find remarkable are the differences between the public form described in the book and the public form described by (for example) Chen Wei-Ming. This book is worthwhile studying for those who want to have more background in Taiji sword.

I bought this book, read it and was utterly amazed that someone with the knowledge and skill level finally wrote a reference guide for those of us who haven't been able to go that extra mile because of lack of the information available. I really recommend this book for someone who is learning Taiji sword (from a teacher of course), because it will be of big help to you when you need to refer back to it.

The book is about the Yang Family Taiji Sword Tradition. Two different styles are presented: one which most of us are familiar with that was down from Yang Chengfu's lineage and taught to Mr. Rodell by Master T.T. Liang; the second one came from Master Wang Yen-nian of the Yang Jianhou (Yang Chengfu's Father) tradition. Those that are familiar with the history of Yang Taiji will understand that there is a difference between father and son's technique.

The book begins with the Author's Introduction and then History, Sword Ettiquette (which I found particularly interesting), Jian (sword) Anatomy, how to hold the sword and perform the secret sword fingers, basic stance and sword cuts. Then both forms and their applications(!) are shown using real antique weapons from the Ancient China. There is also some interesting stuff in the Appendices.

I hope you buy this book it will be of great benefit to your training.

You can not learn a martial art by reading a book. That said, this book is a wonderful companion to a class.

Without a doubt, Scott Rodell has written one of the most accessible and comprehensive books on swordsmanship (Chinese or otherwise) I have read. The book welcomes the novice reader and makes him feel comfortable with the subject, while the seasoned martial artist immediately understands the author's intended message, without feeling lectured to. Scott speaks the language common to traditional martial artists with quiet elegance and confidence.

Andrew Winston

This is an outstanding contribution to the field of publications dealing with Chinese martial arts. Not only is it a meticulously-written and well-illustrated guide to sword technique, this remarkable book also supports the topic with information which "flesh out" the art's social and historical context. It explains not only the "what", but also the "who", "why" and "when". In this way, it is not only an invaluable guide to serious students of taijiquan and its sword techniques, but will also appeal to those readers who are interested in the role that martial arts played in late imperial China. The author's experience as an instructor and his dedication to scholarship ensure that the information in this book is accurate and well-reasoned, with none of the unsubstantiated and fanciful lore which has been the bane of martial arts writing for years.