Recreation Books

This book is one of the best guides I have ever purchased. I have used it to purchase 4 sets of grandstand seats and have had a perfect view of the field using this guide. This guide was sent from the Fenway gods.

In the interest of full disclosure, I know Tim Shea. He even wrote a testimonial on the back of my book Green Monster University: Creating Die-Hahd Fans Since 1901.
But that aside, you must believe me when I say this book leaves nothing to chance in guiding you in and around the most historic ballpark in the country.
Things have changed since I was a kid and had season tickets. For one, you could GET season tickets. But now, with added seats, and exorbitant parking rates, and a concourse containing an expanded array of foods, it's become a science to plot your day at the park.
This book is to Fenway Park as the "Let's Go" series is to travel abroad. For anyone that is about to experience Fenway for the first time, GET THIS BOOK!

If you are a huge baseball fan like I am, a visit to Fenway is absolutely a must even if you just go once in your lifetime.

Just obtaining a ticket to a Red Sox home game can be a daunting task due to the extremely high demand, so before spending your hard earned dollars READ THIS BOOK. It tells ALL the intricate details of the mind boggling choice of seats and how to avoid the dreaded "pole obstructions". The book also has a wealth of many other tips on how to make the trip to The Church Of Baseball a truly memorable experience.
A 5 Star job was done by this author and wow, thanks to him for this wealth of information!

If you are a Red Sox fan, and visit Fenway alot. You need this book!!

I never again am sad when I get to the park to see my view at home plate is a pole!!!

Dont buy the bad tixs!!! Save them for the uninformed!!!

I enjoyed learning what Tim had to say about Fenway and have passed on the copies that I have purchased to my son and daughter. I have placed my copy in my local library to share with other Sox Fans.

I have played around with tomahawks and fighting axes since I was a kid, but was never able to find a good reference for use of the tomahawk in combat until now. Dwight McLemore's "The Fighting Tomahawk" stands out as an essential reference for all students of Western martial arts and American blade arts.

The Fighting Tomahawk teaches the basics of the tomahawk as well as both the offensive and the defensive use of this unique weapon. In addition Dwight McLemore offers the reader an excellent introduction to using the long-knife in the reverse grip and in conjunction with the tomahawk.

Finally we are given a look a throwing the tomahawk. The tomahawk makes an effective throwing weapon, even if it doesn't stick. As Mr. McLemore points out "in tactical throwing the focus is on hitting the target and basically knocking the hell out of the opponent."

The tomahawk is a weapon that has been carried by soldiers since the Revolutionary War, is carried by woodsmen and others even today. "The Fighting Tomahawk" will teach those who carry this weapon how to effectively use it. Detailed text and numerous illustrations throughout make this book a foundation course in tomahawk fighting.

The Fighting Tomahawk is a must have reference for anyone who carries a tomahawk and for everyone who might like to add this unique weapon to his personal arsenal and martial skills set.

The Fighting Tomahawk by Col. Dwight McLemore and published by Paladin Press gives the reader important insight into the use of this rarely studied weapon. Col. McLemore takes his concrete understanding of sound martial principles and distills the essences of the Tomahawk into clear and concise descriptions; making even complex principles easier to understand. To follow this, he adds drills for partner and solo work as well as a sample training schedule. Finally, there are a plethora of illustrations to aid the reader's comprehension of this system.

McLemore has also riddled his work with historical anecdotes from the frontier and finished it with an excellent bibliography. Both of these show the extensive research Col. McLemore did for this book which makes it an invaluable resource. Col. McLemore should be applauded for creating a wonderful training tool to help the martial artist start his studies of the Tomahawk.

What a read! I can't wait to get my copy signed! It is refreshing to see a martial arts book illustrated such that you can understand the principles without the staged three or four side shot photos that show a perfect technique against a dubious attack at best.

The teaching structure of the book is definitely European, based on the Italian and German examples from the renaissance. It bears a passing resemblance to FMA, mostly because the FMA teaching structure derives from the same source.

Col. McLemore covers the basics of the system, deployment of the weapon, and the use of the companion weapon the longknife. He covers the history and explains his sources. I feel that the work is a fine example of a historical research and application of the principles of western fighting arts.

It is a good read and should be added to the shelves of any western Martial artist and in fact would even benefit the eastern martial artist to understand the dynamics of one of the first American martial arts.

Scott Wilson
Professional Swordsmith

This is an excellent book. The techniques within are understandable to someone completely inexperienced with the weapon, yet still challenging and resourceful to someone who has worked with it a great deal. Mr. McLemore's research is admirable. I have studied various styles of historic combat as my cognate studies for my PhD, and can attest to the lack of written information with regard to these weapons.
I have done a great deal of study in military sabre, which is referred to numerous times in this book. Mr. McLemore's references to it are spot on, and to adapt the tomahawk moulinets and angles of attack to those used in sabre seems to me to be the most plausible way to approach this weapon.
Mr. McLemore brings forth many historical points in this book. Having done a great deal of research in these areas myself, I do not find any inconsistencies or blatant errors in his facts. He also is very clear that some points he brings up are educated guesses, as there exists no actual documentation. This is good scholarship. In historic combat, there will always be instances where there is no documentation for our theories. This is where we apply our study of combat theory, and the weapon itself to fill in the holes. So long as we acknowledge to our readers that we are hypothesizing, there is nothing wrong with this type of research. This is what Mr. McLemore does in these instances, and I could not possibly argue with his findings.
This book is extremely valuable for the reader interested in becoming proficient in this weapon. I would encourage all students of martial arts to read it, especially those students of Filipino Martial Arts. Similarities to Kali do exist, however, the axe head alone gives a dynamic that is missing from Kali, and it is always interesting to see how two styles of fighting, such as Tomahawk and Kali, or even Katana and Longsword, can be so similar in their concepts even though there is no evidence of one influencing the other during the period of their inception.

The Fighting Tomahawk is a unique book as it focuses on close fighting instead of the usual throwing of the Tomahawk. This is a must for any person interested in Hand to Hand combat, Frontier fighting, the Historical Old West or Western Martial Arts in general. With only two movies that I know of: The Last of the Mohicans with Daniel Day Lewis and The Patriot with Mel Gibson that show actual realistic close quarter fighting with a 'Hawk it is about time a book was written that taught this to the aspiring Tomahawk fighter.
Having trained with Mr. McLemore I can definately say his concepts work AND WORK WELL! I can't recommend this book enough! The concepts in this book could easily be applied to all sorts of weapons (hachets, hammers, crowbars, etc). So whatever your reason for buying any martial arts books make sure this book is on your shelf. Don't leave an empty space in your knowledge!

My fiance had seen this book recomended in one of his fishing magazines, so I got it for him for Christmas. He LOVES it. He said it is a great and easy read.

Reading this book has given me a new perspective on fishing; the memories with family, great friends or even the solitude when alone in the quiet of the winding rivers. I marvel at the stories of Bob's closest friends, many of whom are famous through their accomplishments and others including Bob who have demonstrated the importance that fishing with family and friends have on a prominent business man. I enjoyed the stories, the awesome pictures especially that beauty of a 13 pound brown trout "caught" by President George H. W. Bush while fishing with Bob and Mindy Rich. The retrospect of his thoughts in his conclusion conveyed all the feelings we as anglers have when we think of our passions for fishing and sharing those fond memories with our closest friends.

Well done Bob!

This book is a classic, a quick read full of great tales. It's fascinating to read the life of the anglers featured in this book and Bob did a fantastic job keeping the reason for the love of fishing until the very end. Anglers and non-anglers can easily connect to the reason we love sports and other hobbies. This book is inspirational, thought provoking and a lot of fun. A MUST READ!

Not that author Bob Rich asked, but to me fishing is about dreams: the dream of catching a fish, and the dream about it after I do.
"The Fishing Club" set me to dreaming about fishing past and future through his cast of famous (and near famous) anglers. Rich's characterizations of the fisherfolk and their fishing DNA is fresh and thoughtful stuff, hence this new book is a very enjoyable read.
Enjoyable enough, in fact, for me to hope for more.

Really cool book. I was intriqued by the different backgrounds and stories of the fisherman profiled. It really hits home how universally loved fishing really is. Bob seems to be able to capture the essence of each of the anglers. There is hope for us amatuers afterall!

Dan Holthaus

Mr. Mares now teaches at my high school, in fact he is my Western Civilization teacher (and U.S. Foreign Policy next year). I must say that I am quite impressed with Bill Mares, both as an author and as a man. His resume is longer than one would expect. The result is an excellent book and, more importantly, an excellent educator. He is a graduate of Harvard, part of the United States Marine Corps, photojournalist, adventurer, marathon-runner, and statesman.

As for the book; it is intelligent and enjoyable. I often found myself belly laughing at what I, as a typical American teenager, would find disinteresting

Five stars for a great book! Learn the full story of the "killer rabbit" and many other not commonly known stories about our presidents and their characters. An enjoyable read for all and especially for those who have fished, whether with worms, plugs or flies, or who are interested in American political history.

I purchased five additional copies for my fishing friends

Mares obviously loves his sport, and, loves presidential history. Readers will learn a side of America's leaders they were probably unaware of. And, they'll learn a thing or two about fishing.

First, and most obviously and most crassly, it shows how other United States Presidents have enjoyed (and could enjoy) their leisure-time in less controversial ways. Secondly, it's a lot of fun. Along with the fish-tales and other anecdotes, the book is filled with wonderful political cartoons from long-ago. The issues keep changing, but the presidents keep on fishing! Lastly, it introduces the reader to the tip of the iceberg that is fly-fishing literature. Three presidents have enjoyed the art of fly-fishing so much, they have been moved to write books on the subject. Hundreds of other authors have rhapsodized, philosophized and just plain instructed on fly-fishing, that this book will serve as a good primer for the person just wading into this pool of literature.

I've rode bulls for quite a while and thought this book was great.

Highly recommended, excellent book about a misunderstood sport. While Rodeo and Bull-Riding fans will enjoy this book, it is a great book for folks not familiar with Rodeo/Bull Riding and the culture that gave birth to it and sustains it. As the PBR circuit grows in popularity it will be interesting to see if the PBR stays true to it's Western Values and Culture. I hope so...

Just finished the hardback version. As a bullrider and saddlebronc rider I have never read anything as painfully accurate about our sport as this book. The only drawback is I couldnt put it down and as i finished I wanted MORE. I hope he writes a second book..because Jeff Coplon knows more about rodeo than some cowboys. NICE JOB.

I just finished the book and I have to say this is the best I've ever read. If you watch the PBR, you have to buy this book. Donnie Gay, Tuff Hedemann, Ty Murray, Charles Sampson, they are all here.

This is a very good and captivating book and something every rodeo fan should read. If you want to learn more about bull riding legends like Don Gay, Myrtis Dightman, Wacey Cathey, Tuff Hedeman, Lane Frost, Jim Sharp and Ty Murray, this is probably the only place you can find it told so colorfully and honestly. It is also nice to read about the days when the world's top bull riders were cowboys and actually competed at rodeos, and not the pretentious PBR events. It also takes a look at how bull riding's popularity surged in the 90s. I just hope a similar book on bronc riders comes out soon.

I don't know if it is "The Best Instruction Book Ever" as I have only read a few but it is most certainly informative and well set out. The many pictures are very helpful and clarify the instructions. The way the book is set out makes it very quick and easy to look up . I think it would be helpful to most levels of golfers.I think value for money, it is excellent.

This is a superb collection of instructions, tips and lessons. I have personally benefited by reading this and implementing at practice.

I am a serious golfer with handicap index. When I read this book, I know this information inside is really good. Including everything you need to know about improving your golf swing. A great product.

The book came along something I did not expect. Bonus DVD! Although it is not long in length, it gave me some a real insight into my swing.

Ive just started dabbling in golf- I've picked up an inexpensive set of clubs and wanted to get the basics down before I started to retain any bad habits- and this book has helped my practices become more productive. Each page is filled with large pictures and easy to understand descriptions. The only downside is that the book is filled with tips from multiple golf pros- and some of the tips seem to contradict those from other golf pros within the book.

Rorion Gracie created the "Ultimate Fighting Championship"event in 1993. This no-holds-barred tournament pitted all the different martial arts styles and traditions against each other in free form combat of no rules and no time limits. This iconoclastic approach created a furor within the martial arts community and from this unique approach arose one particular martial arts as being superior to all the others. It was called 'Gracie Jiu-Jitsu'. This unique approach to the martial arts in all of the associated moves of both defense and offence are thoroughly illustrated with step-by-step photographs in "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu", a 275-page compendium of instruction that is enhanced with the inclusion of Grand Master Helio Gracie's life story, his teaching principles, and the 'Gracie Diet'. As thoroughly 'user friendly' as it is Informed and informative, "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu" is strongly recommended for personal, academic, and community library Martial Arts reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

This book is not the tell all to those looking for indepth look at BJJ and technique. It is a great table book to have for all BJJ guys that want a slice of history. Gracie JJ was created and molded by Helio and his bro Carlos to be used as a self defense art. It has taken shape today into a whole new beast. As beautiful as the art has become...this book touches on the self defense aspect of BJJ. There is a ton of stand up defense and a few chapter on the basic Gracie JJ techniques we all know and love..arm bar, triangle etc. Buy this book if you are a true fan..plain and simple!

This book covers jiu jitsu fundamentals and self defense as good as any. For what it aims to do - preserve the simplicity of Helio's high leverage innovations - it is a fanstastic, if slightly pricey, book. There's answers to many questions that don't appear in daily jiu jitsu training. ("How do I use what I know to defend a knife attack?") It's also great for reminders - "What's the perfect posture to avoid a triangle?" - Helio demonstrates the correct way.

All this said, do buy the book for what it is, not what it isn't. It isn't a manual on modern innovations - there are better places to learn the X-guard, the De La Riva Guard, the Rubber Guard, and other no Gi techniques. The focus is on gi jiu jitsu fundamentals and self defense. For that, it succeeds greatly.

Excellent...

Must have for any level of Jiu-Jitsu.

This is clearly the best book on Brazilian jiujitsu I've ever read, or even seen. It covers everything and really makes clear the process of going from first touch to winning pin. Everyone should have this.

I am not sure why some of the other reviewers look at this book as written only for BJJ fighters wanting to add judo into their game. It is expressly written equally for judo fighters wanting to add BJJ into their game. He quite rightly points out that both sports are excellent and devastatingly effective for fighting in their own way, and that at the intermediate level in both you can combine them together, winning judo tourneys with jiu-jitsu and jiu-jitsu tourneys with judo.
What this book does is select the moves that are equally effective in both combat sports. A great number of them are movements initiated standing up that become submissions as you hit the ground. Thus, throws to submissions and flying submissions are emphasized. But, also throws to pins are treated in some detail, and ways for a judo fighter to avoid a BJJ athlete's pulling guard, and for a BJJ fighter to handle a judoka's ultra-solid turtle defence.
The book is absolutely brilliant, and it is endorsed by quite a few big names in mixed martial arts and grappling. This brings me to another important point: the book is not only written for judoka and jiu-jitsu competitors, but equally for mixed martial artists. Dave Camarillo has trained 12 UFC victors. He knows what he is talking about.
Being a judo guy I like reading books that say good things about judo for MMA and grappling, but I actually have one small problem with the book from a club training perspective. The moves are so devastating that I can't imagine subjecting some of my less-competitive training friends at the club to them on a regular basis. Throwing someone to the ground while cracking on a submission hold is brutal! My friends would hate me. But I think this all goes only to show just how effective Dave's arsenal of killer moves is!
WOW! Great job! What an excellent fighting book!

Obviously David Camarillo is Bruce Lee on the mat and his moves are simple though different then the ordinary brazilian jiujitsu,

Wow,

I bought this book, not expecting the most out of it. Well I was wrong, I could not put this book down. Dave, ties all the transitions between the throw and ground. I would recommened this book to anyone who wants to greatly improve their BJJ game.

I first started training jiu jitsu at a Ralph Gracie school and even though Dave Camarillo had already been at AKA for several years the grizzled veterans still loved to swap stories about Camarillo's legendary jiu jitsu (even the newer students were well aware of his legendary exploits at the academy - I was once kicked in the face by a blue belt attempting to hit a flying triangle that he'd seen Camarillo pull off!). The introduction alone was practically worth the cover price for the detailed description of the BJJ scene in the Bay Area circa 1990s.

As for the content itself, Camarillo provides a great explanation of how the rules in judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu have lead the two arts to diverge to the point where one could train for several months in BJJ without learning basic forward rolls, throws, and breakfalls (as I did), or earn a black belt in judo and possess lesser ground skills than a BJJ blue belt (though of course many judokas have wicked ground games, albeit not necessarily ones well-suited to jiu jitsu). I agree with other reviewers that the book assumes some prior knowledge of BJJ. At the same time, it assumes virtually no knowledge of judo, which was perfect for me. The book became a great way to tighten up my technique on moves that I hadn't extensively drilled due to my BJJ-focused background. And by this I mean basic, basic things (forward rolls, grip fighting, ippon seioinage, osoto gari) that most judoka do in their sleep. Most of the introductory sections are essentially "judo for dummies," which was exactly what I needed to develop some semblance of a standup game in jiu jitsu.

My one caveat is that, though the book contains relatively few actual techniques, the level of assumed mastery increases fairly rapidly. For example, I have yet to read through the impact control section in great detail because at this point I am still trying to solidify my ability to establish basic grips and execute simple throws. Similarly, I imagine that the flying attacks section will be much more relevant once one has established a strong gripping/throwing game.

In sum, this book is a terrific resource for BJJ players who might need to fill in some gaps in their knowledge, as well as judokas looking for good ways to translate their skills into quick submissions in the context of BJJ. At the very least, you should develop some good alternatives to simply pulling guard every time you find yourself on your feet.

This book was put out by Victory Belt Publishing, which is fast becoming my favorite martial-arts publishing company. Dave Camarillo have been practicing Judo since before his teens, and is a world-class competitor. He combines years of experience in this sport with the techniques of BJJ, creating a system of gi-based grappling that is more than the sum of its parts.

The book begins with Camarillo sharing his philosophy of judo and BJJ, and giving a brief biography of events relavent to the creationg of Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu. After that, he begins the technical work of the book, which is split up into three parts. The first part, "Incorporating Judo and Jiu-Jitsu", is by far the longest section. In itself, it might almost be a complete book of introductory judo. Dave starts by giving basic instruction on rolls and falls. Next he covers grips, both how to establish them and how to break the opponent's grip. The next bit is on the basic judo throws, such as Ouchi-Gari and Seoi-Nage. He finishes up the first part by showing how to mesh the standing techniques of judo and BJJ, and how to find opportunities for Judo throws in BJJ competitions.

The second part of the book is how to transition from throws to submissions. Dave first shows a series of drills to increase one's odds of tapping an opponent out after the throw. He then continues this section by showing the "impact control" possition and a number of variations. The chapter is rounded out by showing other throw-lock combinations.

The third part is on the very flashy flying attacks. This is Camarillo's specialty, and I can think of no one more qualified to write on them than him. Dave shows a number of flying attacks, including triangles, armbars, and omaplatas, and gives the reader options on how to defend against flying attacks.

I have two minor complaints about the book; both regard its readership. First, one must have a working knowledge of the ground game, because the basics are skipped over in this text. Second, I'm not certain how easy it would be to pull off some of these flying attacks against a trained opponent.

Overall, this is a very good book. The picture quality can't be beat, the subject matter is relavent to the competitions, and the reading style, like most books where Erich Krauss is author or co-author, is easy to read. This book was written so that BJJ students could incorporate judo into their arsenal. The section on grip-fighting is invaluable, and the way the author sets up his flying attacks gives these flashy moves a higher percentage of success. I'd recomend it mostly for BJJ competitors, but I'm sure Judo and Sambo competitors could learn from it, too.

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.