Sports and Recreation Books

The New York Yankees are the most popular and successful franchise in major league baseball history. They have boasted such legendary performers as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, and Reggie Jackson. Those great players and teams can all be found in The New York Yankee Encyclopedia, the most complete record of Yankee baseball ever published.

An in-depth volume that include statistics on every Yankee player and manager, more than 250 classic photos, chapters on different Yankee eras, rivalries, ball parks, and much more

The New York Yankees are the most popular and successful franchise in major league baseball history. They have boasted such legendary performers as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, and Reggie Jackson. Those great players and teams can all be found in The New York Yankee Encyclopedia, the most complete record of Yankee baseball ever published. From their humble beginnings in 1903 as the Highlanders through nine decades of unforgettable players, teams, and classic games, noted baseball author and historian Harvey Frommer has compiled everything about the history and lore of this fabled club in the one book no true Yankee fan can afford to be without.

I bask in the loveliness of being the fan of the baseball team of the millenium! The Yankees have won for three consecutive years and there is no stopping them! I have Yankee fever. I like a book that describes the history of this amazing team and its past accomplishments. I marvel at the fact that so many great players have been part of this team. I also enjoyed reading the stats of past players and the rookies. This is a book that every Yankees' fan should own. Go Yankees!

Here is the ultimate reference for baseball's most storied team.The "Bronx Bombers" have won 35 American League pennants and 24 World Series championships, and have boasted such legendary performers as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, and Reggie Jackson. 250 photos.

This book kept me up for several nights straight. It is not a long book by any means and the average reader can go cover-to-cover in a few hours. However, one WILL find one or two things they missed upon every subsequent reading of the book.

This book is not written by a "Hard-Core" fisherman. Rather, it is the story of a "Hard-Core" fisherman. Mr. Cinquemani, a former NYC English teacher employs his grasp of the English language and writes in a way that is not only understandable, but entertaining to his readers. While the book is about fishing, it is not a "How-to" book and Mr. Cinquemani's choice to not focus on the technical aspect of fishing (i.e. equipment, knots, strategy), combined with his writing skills, does not leave one feeling empty upon the first completion of the book, or all subsequent completions for that matter.

Night Tides is about Billy "The Greek" Legakis, a legend in the striped bass fishing world. It is the story of this man's ongoing pursuit for the "Largest" striped bass. Stories of this man's introduction to this fish, his obsession with this fish, and his unparalleled pursuit of this fish grace the pages of this book. Several pictures are also included in the book, adding to the whole experience.

Having read the book several times, I am not only astonished by the sometimes unbelievable accomplishments of this particular fisherman, but grateful that the paths of these two gentlemen crossed when it did. While the stories of "The Greek" are truly amazing, without Mr. Cinquemani's abilities, these stories may very well have been untold. My utmost gratitude to Mr. Cinquemani and Mr. Legakis for choosing to share their stories with the rest of the world.

The book is a very easy read. BTG is a unique man with a true obsession with the straiped bass and the sea. A great book if you are not a fisherman and an even better one if you are. I let a buddy borrow it and he is not a fisherman. He is three quarters finished on the second day of his read. Go for it!

A quick read for anyone who enjoys catching a few "Strippahs" from their local haunts. Billy has certainly mastered the art of catching the big ones, but it also comes at a price - Fishing is 1st - everything else, I mean everything else comes after. Catching 2,500 fish with a rod during a slow season was mind boggling to me, I had to do the math twice and was sure there was an extra zero in the numbers, but low and behold this guy is a true master of the species.

It was an inspiration to read and even got me up in the middle of the nite to go for the cows under a full moon and a high tide - I got skunked and humbled.

A great gift with some terrific photos.

If you are a striped bass fisherman, this book will not let you down. I read it in 2 days. Eccentrics like Billy make life interesting. On a sad note, I can't imagine what it must have been like to fish back in the 60's and 70's before we wiped out the majority of these monster bass.

Michael Cinquemani's bio of striper fishing legend Billy "The Greek" Legakis is an engrossing story. Whether they are committed fisherman or not, readers are bound to recognize in BTG the rare combination of wits, will, and sheer tenacity that marks any person at the top of his or her field. Any die hard fishing fanatic will plow through Night Tides in a single sitting. Casual observers of the sport will love it too. Cinquemani's writing mixes humor and awe to create a realistic portrait of a unique character. The fishing community is lucky to have such a literate, and readable, storyteller!

This book is very much worth reading. I am coming up on my twentieth year of training in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu under an Okinawan master who has practiced for nearly sixty years, and now more than ever I am gaining deeper insight into both myself, my sensei and the meaning of martial arts as they all relate to what we call "life's meaning". As I read Nintai, I was struck by the universality of Vellucci's points that he gained while training in Okinawa for several years: Training is about victory over one's self, Patience is learned only when you keep going through hardships, When you think you know, you do not know, A beginner's mind is a fertile mind, Having a strong ego is the surest way to defeat, Freedom is found through adherence to a form (kata). But how did I, and the author of this book, learn these lessons? Our teachers did not sit us down and give us a list of maxims to memorize. No. They were learned through sweat, frustration, misunderstanding, devoted friendship and the examples of our sensei.

These are the types of themes that I found delightfully reinforced in this book, and if you practice any martial art, but especially one with its roots in tradition, this book will surely be of great benefit and encouragement along the Way. It is heartwarming to be reminded that Okinawa is a type of repository for this old school approach to educating us in the Way of life. While reading Nintai I was also reminded of something that the late Eastern Orthodox theologian Jaroslav Pelikan once said: "Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. Tradition is the living faith of the dead." As we train in the Okinawan tradition, the message and methods of our past teachers live on in us if we honor the teachings that have been handed down to us in sincerity of practice and attitude.

Other books of interest may include:
Sword and Brush: The Spirit of the Martial Arts, Traditions: Essays on the Japanese Martial Arts and Ways (Tuttle Martial Arts), Moving toward Stillness: Lessons in Daily Life from the Martial Ways of Japan, Autumn Lightning: The Education of an American Samurai and Persimmon Wind: A Martial Artist's Journey In Japan all by the superb writer Dave Lowry. Also, Living the Japanese Arts and Ways: 45 Paths to Meditation and Beauty (Michi: Japanese Arts and Ways) is a true gem of a book for anyone who seeks to understand the gift of the traditional Japanese Do, or ways, to one's own understanding of life.

Keep training!

Nintai offers readers another option in the martial arts memoirs arena. It proves an easy and interesting read from the prospective of someone who spent nearly a decade training in the budo in Okinawa. Although nothing contained in Mr. Vellucci's experience was dramatic or overly inspiring, if you're like me and can't get enough of reading about other's quests in the fighting arts, Nintai is worth the weekend it will take you to read it. It is a poor mans version of Moving Zen; still the benchmark on this genre of book.

Sensei Vellucci has captured in simple words and metphoric story presentation the essence of true karate-do training in a traditional Okinawan dojo. This is a great read, short and sweet. It can be read as a short chapter lesson when on the run or straight through if the time is allowed. Sensei Vellucci's insight is phenomenal. I have studied and taught alongside Sensei Vellucci and his stories of Sensei Oshiro's training methodologies are right on the money. Both men are a fascinating study into the inner training of Karate-do. Exceptional book, Exceptional author. Sensel Mike Tobin, 6th Degree, Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu stylist, Mendocino County California.

"Nintai" is a thought provoking account of a determined martial artist's challenges to overcome his most daunting opponent: himself. This author motivates the reader to join him on a spiritual journey, leave your ego at the door, and free your soul to change your attitude. This book is recommended to anyone looking to improve upon their own way of thinking.

Until reaading this book,as a student of Renshi Vellucci,I had never fully understood what he went through to achieve his karate goals. His personal experiences in Okinowa make me more determined then ever to improve in Shorin-Ryu. This is a must-read!

This is a wonderful book! The photographs are beautiful and the text is honest and touching. Each vignette makes you feel as if you are at the farm with the author that day. This is a must have for every horse lover. I recommend a full box of tissues every time you read this book. It is not a sad book but very moving and full of love an drespect for the wonderful horses represented here. As many of us horse savvy folks know...these are the lucky ones. I Just love it!

Barbara D. Livingston, Old Friends: Visits with My Favorite Thorougbreds (Eclipse Press, 2002)

Reviewing books of photography often makes me feel guilty. As brilliant as someone like Romain Slocombe or Joel-Peter Witkin (for example) is, and as good as his books are, it seems kind of cheating to put a big photography book on one's list of books read for a given year. After all, how long does it really take to get through a book of photography?

Not so with Old Friends. While it is, in fact, packed with the gorgeous photographs of horses for which Barbara Livingston is so deservedly well-known, every horse in here also has a small essay from Ms. Livingston, making this more a trip down memory lane than a photography book. Some of the horses in here are some of the best-known horses on the continent (Spectacular Bid, for example), some are well-known in their region of the States (Zuppardo's Prince, the leading stallion in Louisiana most years), and some even the most hardcore horseplayer has long forgotten, or never heard of in the first place. Livingston treats them all with equal dignity, and by the end of the book, we feel like we know these horses, too.

A number of the horses here, since (and in a few cases before) the book was published, have died, and any of the rest of them are going to succumb to the ravages of old age within the next few years. But while some of their names will live in the lore of horse racing forever, Livingston has here ensured that many of the others will also not be forgotten.

A fantastic book, and well worth having. **** ½

Old Friends sits right next to Hillebrand's Seabiscuit in my equine library. It is a modern day classic.

These noble horses get loving and magnificent treatment from Livingston's prose and photographic talent.

Old Friends is a joy; a treasure. No racing enthusiast should be without this incredible book.

I bought this book after hearing about the death of the great Ferdinand.
This book shows many of the great ones that have come along, many that are still breeding and many that are living out the rest of their days in quiet comfort. Livingston is a fan of all of these horses, writing as if each one is her own. I read this book in one sitting, crying and laughing all at the same time.

I can't help but think of all the horses that didn't make it, the horse that met the same end as Ferdinand. The one's that were bred for speed but couldn't quite turn it on at the right time. The horses in this book were and are all very, very lucky indeed.

I had the pleasure of meeting the author at Gulfstream Park . She was doing a book-signing at the Florida Derby and I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. She is a kind and gracious lady. She took her time with everyone who approached her. I was already planning to purchase book and was so happy to get an autographed copy! The pictures are incredible and the grace and dignity she conveys with them is perfect for such beautiful animals as thoroughbred horses. I recommend this book to anyone who loves horses or horse racing. As Ms Livingston signed in my book : Track fever is a good thing!"

I laughed. I learned. I loved Open Net.

Plimpton summarizes (page 254) his experience with the Bruins to Junior Achievers in Edmonton, "I described some of my brief forays into sports as a participatory journalist, and what it was like, and how I envied the athletes their skills and the fellowship, but how I had always left their camps with a faint twinge of relief that I was returning to my own world..."

Plimpton is the vanguardist for creative-nonfiction/participatory journalism, and Open Net is the standard by which other hockey books should be measured. I envy not his weak ankles, for they're as instable as his writing is strong, but rather his wit and way of balancing humor and enlightenment.

I didn't grow up in New England, but I suspect those that have will still enjoy the way Plimpton brings back to life the boldness and brashness, the grit and the glory, of the Big Bad Bruins.

From Plimpton's interaction with the likes of "Grapes" and "Taz" and with goalies "Seaweed," and "Cheesy" to our hero's own moment in the crease, you'll want to stand up and cheer!

If you enjoy Ice Hockey, especially from a historical perspective, this is the book to read. Fans of Don Cherry will love this book.

George Plimpton once again dons a uniform and plays a game. This time he tackles hockey while training with the Boston Bruins.
Plimpton does a wonderful job of painting a realistic view of life as a goalie. He uses the voices of other players to help the story along, rather than as just filler from big names. He also tells his tale without a lot of false excitement. You can tell he totally loves the experience, yet at times, you can see the effort does drain him (naturally).
His comments about and conversations with the likes of 'Seaweed' Pettie, Garry Cheevers and Don Cheery really add a lot of depth to the book. In conversations I have had with some of these men, I clearly got the point that they enjoyed this as much as Plimpton did and as much as I did as a reader.
This is a great read for the unfulfilled athlete in all of us.

THIS IS ONE OF PLIMPTON'S BEST. I REALLY ENJOYED HIS STORY PLAYING GOAL FOR THE BRUINS. HIS CONVERSATIONS WITH VARIOUS PLAYERS AND COACHES ARE EXCELLENT. HIS DESCRIPTIONS OF THE EVENTS MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE RIGHT THERE ON THE ICE WITH HIM. PLIMPTON DOESN'T WASTE TOO MUCH TIME DESCRIBING HIS SURROUNDINGS LIKE HE DOES IN OTHER BOOKS. HE GOES STRAIGHT TO THE POINT. SOME HIGHLIGHTS ARE DESCRIBING HOW HE PUTS HIS UNIFORM ON IN A DETAILED ORDER, OLD STORIES ABOUT EDDIE SHORE, AND HIS ACTUAL TIME ON THE ICE PLAYING GOAL DURING A COUPLE OF EXHIBITION GAMES MAKE THIS A GREAT READ.

As a big hockey fan, and a goaltender, this was just required reading. Yet, it turned out to be more. This well written, quick read was a gas to enjoy and quote. I will be glad to read others by George Plimpton, and I'm already on the hunt for PAPER LION.
I guess thats my ringing endorcement. If I'm looking to read a book on football, the author must be wonderful. Quick, funny, well written, and vastly enjoyable, you wont regret buying this book, no matter what the price.

I am not one of those men enamored with sports, particularly team sports, so I was not sure how much I would empathize with a fictional, outed, high school star quarter back. I found myself immersed in Bobby Framingham's world. I wanted the experience to last and deliberately took my time reading the novel.

I came out around the age of 28, after I met my current partner of 21 years. I cannot imagine how I would have handled such public exposure as a star athlete in high school, but Mr. Konigsberg takes the reader through the many emotional twists and turns of the process and brings you and the main character through it all intact, but changed. You don't have to be gay to benefit from reading this coming of age story.

Recently my partner's ex-co-worker called to tell him that her 16 year-old son had just come out to her. While she assured her son of her love, she was concerned about his happiness. He told her he is not ready to come out to classmates, not sure of how they will respond. In addition to telling her that she may want to contact her local PFLAG organization, we suggested that she read "Out of the Pocket" and perhaps share it with her son.

A high school football star, on the brink of college, has gotten to know himself well enough to be sure that he's gay. When he's just about to tell a few people closest to him, an act of betrayal takes it all out of his hands, and his secret becomes "news" in an ever-widening circle of exposure.

What happens to a talented athlete, who wants a team sports career, when this information gets out before he's ready to share it? What happens to him emotionally, and how will things go with best friend, teammates, girl pals, parents, coach, college plans? And -- what's he going to do about the guy who betrayed him?

In my adult life I've heard many, many stories about what things are like for a gay kid, and this book gets it just right. And: from my teen-age life I can remember the charming, youthful, manly self-possession of the high school quarterback -- Bill Konigsberg gets that right, too.

Among the many strengths of this book are a protagonist who both feels deeply and can roll with things -- I especially liked the writing of scenes in the universal male locker room, with their endless "jokes" involving words like "gay" and "faggot," as seen through the eyes of a gay young adult who is their friend and teammate - and then also the awkwardness among them all post Bobby's unplanned revelation. Here and elsewhere, the book's strong messages about time and tolerance shine through.

"Out of the Pocket" is one of the most realistic gay coming-of-age novels I've read. There's no extravagance, no hyperbole, no over-the-top emotions, no stereotypes. This is a tale that rings true on every page. And probably even truer than I know since I'm not a sports fan (there are a lot of details about high school athletics and the game of football; the author is an Associated Press sportswriter--and a gay one, at that). The lead, Bobby Framingham, a high school senior football stud, is eminently likable, and his emotional hand-wringing about being gay and coming out is compelling. Being outed adds a tremendous layer of tension to the story, forcing Bobby to have to come to terms with who he is and how it may affect his future. He is surrounded by a supporting cast of well-drawn characters; his close friends on the team are very real, as are their reactions to the news their close friend and teammate is gay. And I appreciate, only in the sense of storytelling, that not everyone is happy with Bobby's announcement--this is authentic, as opposed to some gay coming-of-age tales where everything comes up roses. Speaking of which, the end of the tale does not tie everything up neatly, another nod to real life. My only complaint about the book is that I wish the budding relationship between Bobby and his unexpected boyfriend Bryan was developed a bit more. What there is of their relationship in the book is fantastic. Bill Konigsberg is a wonderful writer with a clear knack for realism. I hope he can put down his sports-writing pen again to make more contributions to gay fiction.

I'll be honest... there were a couple parts in OUT OF THE POCKET that made me feel a little uncomfortable. But they also made me ask myself why, and my answers were more about me than they were about the protagonist, Bobby Framingham. I think this book is monumentally important and that every high school library should stock multiple copies. There are kids out there who are dying to connect, to find books that are about them and their experiences, that don't trivialize or demonize their issues, that can put everyone -- gay, straight, and any shade in between -- a little more in touch with the relevance of human acceptance and compassion.

Well done, Mr. Konigsberg.

This is an important book. I hope that all high school students have a chance to read and reflect on this moving story of a high school football star coming to terms with his sexuality, the world and his future. This book deserves to be in every high school library, including small towns where students who are struggling with their sexuality so often feel isolated and alone. In addition to being a "good read" this book will provide support and understanding for all students, parents and teachers.

Jonathan Cohen, Ph.D.
President, Center for Social and Emotional Education;
Adjunct Professor in Psychology and Education,
Teachers College, Columbia University.

There is a lot of good information in this book, but most of it can be found toward the beginning. The tips on predicting the weather alone could be worth the price of the book. However, the maps of the various waterways were absolutely terrible. I would recommend this book for a general overview and lots of tips and tricks for paddlers, and the two "Canoeing and Kayaking the Streams of Florida" guides for detailed information on specific waterways.

Well, I've typed this twice, I think. Anyway, the writer has a good sense of humor, and I'd like to paddle with her sometime. Each chapter has a story to go with it, from Indian history to digging fossils to fishing to how NOT to cook on a week long canoe camping trip.

I'll use this book often.

I found the book "Paddler's Guide" easy to find ones way around in through a well organized index. The locations that I looked up i.e. Chassahowitzka and Weeki Wachie rivers had all the info that one could possible need to set off on a paddle.
Very important though is to read first the initial chapters on Tips for Paddling. Their is a wealth of information in this book. Congratulations.

After much looking around, this is the first book I actually bought. Its got very detailed, practical information on most of the waterways, but doesn't even mention some beautiful rivers that I've paddled in the central area of the state. While the text was excellent, I found the maps to be confusing and lacking in detail about ramps and access roads, compared to my personal knowledge of the roads and waterways of some areas. Its one of the most recently written books on this subject, so the information is probably the most current. It is not just a dry info book, but includes humorous stories about paddling and camping, altho the author writes as if she would enjoy the outdoors much more without all that pesky wildlife! Still, I highly recommend this book for planning your next outing.

The lady who wrote this book must be a lot of fun to paddle with. Her dry humor shows up in every chapter. I'd like to meet her in person.
Besides a great deal of advice about problems specific to Florida, she gives a number of safety tips. I almost felt like I was being mothered.
Obviously an experienced writer, Sandy Huff has a story to tell about each destination, ranging from history to botany to birding to how NOT to cook while camping. I also intend to put a stick of hot glue and a book of matches in my emergency kit from now on.
Very enjoyable reading, and probably the most comprehensive where-to book ever pubished for canoers and kayakers about Florida waters. I'll go back to this book often

This is the second book that my wife brought home from the library to assist me in building a car with my son.

Each section is broken down into a basic, intermediate and advanced approach, allowing you to invest as little or as much time as you want into the pursuit.

I actually laid down and read the entire book in one sitting. I highly recommend this book...unless our sons will be racing against one another, in which case I say save your money, this book is a waste of time, all of the tips and tricks will just slow your car down. =)

With my childhood derby losses and humiliation well done and gone and my 8 year old ready to take on the big world, I needed help in a big way. This book was just what the doctor ordered. My son learned all the tricks of the trade on how to make a winning car. If you are looking to be a winner, then this is the guide to success in the pinewood derby world. Easy to follow illustrations and instructions make this a great book to have.

I purchased this book due to a very poor showing last year (one of the first out) After reading the book and selecting what I thought to be the most critical components of a fast car, my son and I took third place in our pack and are headed off to district. The smile on his face was priceless and of course Amazon sells it cheaper than the scout store. Just make sure you know the rules so you do not get DQ'd.

David Meade's book is fantastic. I had no idea you could do so many things to a pinewood derby car. The instructions are easy to follow, with lots of photos. I am not someone who is comfortable building things, but this book makes me feel like I can help my son build a competitive car. Mr. Meade explains the physics involved with the techniques, making this project a very good teaching opportunity. Using this book was time well spent.

Pinewood Derby has been an American tradition for Cub Scouts since it was originated in 1953, a fun event for Scouts and their fathers. There are many books out there that tell you how to make Pinewood Derby cars, giving you helpful hints and serious suggestions on how to increase the speed of your car. Well, of all of the books that I have seen, I must say that I do think that this is the best of them all!

This excellent book covers all of the suggestions that I have seen in all of those other books, ALL of them. But, what really sets this book apart is that it is filled with many colorful pictures that show you exactly how to do each step in making the best Pinewood Derby car that you can. Yeah, this is a great book.

So, if you have an up-coming Pinewood Derby coming up, do yourself a favor, and buy this book. I give it my absolutely highest recommendations!

This book was a favorite of my two daughters, and now my 18 month old son loves it as well. The rhythm of the text, and the realistic illustrations, are very appealing to toddlers. Although my son can't say the words yet, he tries to "sing" along. This is one of those books that a child will consistently bring back to you again and again!

My 7 month old LOVES this book. The pictures are beautiful and the words are lyrical. They really keep him captivated!

This is a favorite of my daughter's! When we sit to read, it is one she reaches for again & again! The rhyme makes the book a joy to read & my daughter gets into the "beat"! Now that her vocabularly is expanding (2 yrs old) she loves to "read" the book herself, exclaiming in excited tones the "boom, boom, bang" clatter of pans! A "must-have for a toddlers library, you won't be sorry about this purchase!

This book can be read very quickly for the impatient baby, or savored for the older toddler. The pictures are cute, and the main adult in the story is the father. My toddler liked the presence of the dog and cat. She enjoyed the book since she was 8 months old. It is not one of her favorites now at 2 1/2 but we still read it occasionally since it only takes about 2 minutes to get through. The rhythm and rhyme flow well.

This would make a great baby gift!

Jennifer Clauson

We just received this book as a gift a few days ago and my 2-year old son has asked Mommy to read it no fewer than twenty times already! The sing-song rhyme pattern is lots of fun, somewhat similar to Boynton in Barnyard Dance, another of our favorites. We get loud and crazy when we read this one! The illustrations are lovely and provide lots of scope for discussion and I Spy games. This is a terrific book and I would be surprised if your child didn't enjoy it tremendously!

Very easy to read and well laid out. A brilliant book for beginners like me, keen to learn not just the right techniques, but also the theory behind them.

If you want to learn to catch trout in almost any situation you will encounter then this is the book for you. Written in Tom's low-key style. Solid information. I have been trout fishing, and reading trout fishing books for forty years. I learned more from this book than anything else I ever read. Another must have is Rosenbauer's "Reading Trout Streams.

Once you've figured out what rod, reel, line, leader, tippett, etc, to buy and you've learned to cast half way decently then this is THE book to buy. After you've finished reading it, go back and STUDY it. Excellent advice in a very readable straight forward manner.

I think this book shows you the art and science of fly fishing. this one was best among the books I read for flyfishing. It changed what I see at the stream. After this book, the streams were not the same as I had seen before..

A great guide to approaching the river in a strategic way with methods that can be adapted to whatever conditions you face on the water. I think it's the most useful book on the subject, and is great for anglers of any level of skill.