Sports and Recreation Books

I picked up 2 copies of this and our team is taking turns with them. A great reference for we first time 3-dayers.

I bought this book because I was about to enter my first half-marathon, and I grasped at every straw in getting prepared. I found Dave's book to be a terrific source of information, and it helped me think of a few things that helped me be prepared on race day. The section on walker-friendly marathons is a bit dated, but I used it as a springboard for my own research. Information on foot care, pace, recovery, fuel, etc. was all extremely pertinent, and very appreciated. Experienced folks probably won't find it all that valuable, but I continue to refer to it.

Before buying this book, I'd heard about Dave McGovern, the author. It's all true. He's extremely knowledgable, has a very accessible writer style, and is goofy!
I learned a ton, even after training with a group. I just finished my second walking marathon and intend to re-read portions of this book every time I prepare for a marathon.

Being new to the whole fitness area, this book is a god-send. I have been quite pleased...it's helping me to train for the 10k portion of a local marathon that my relay team is participating in. I know that by following the guidelines and training schedule, I will be prepared and will not push myself too far and risk injury.

This book is very helpful for someone who has never done a marathon and now that I have one behind me, I'm using this to review and prepare for a second marathon. It covers everything from what to wear, eat, stretches, training schedule, injuries, recovery, etc. A great read!

Author Shawn Kovacich has exploited an important niche in his "Achieving Kicking Excellence" series of martial arts instructional texts.

Shawn is quoted as saying "In an unarmed self-defense encounter, your kicking skills or lack thereof, can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. In today's society, kicking is not only used more frequently, but it also ranks as perhaps the most versatile and underrated weapon that you have in your arsenal." I agree with him.

I found "Crescent Kick" (volume 4 of 10 in the series) to be so highly detail oriented that it overcame any presupposition of dryness and boredom to which I initially attributed to it. In short, I was "hooked." Laid out in terms that the novice can easily follow and the practicing martial artist can incorporate into his or her regimen, Shawn starts out with the historical background of the Crescent Kick and then introduces the reader to the physical and physiological body movements and mechanics associated with the kick.

Providing tips on conditioning and training, Shawn demonstrates foot movement by foot movement the Crescent Kick's basic principles and then introduces the primary Back Leg Crescent Kick to his audience and follows with eleven variations; (some of which I have never even heard of!).

Shawn demonstrates the principles of each kick with clear photographs that leave nothing to the imagination. Fortifying the text with chapters on "Warm Up and Stretching," "Training and Practice Methods," "Trouble Shooting Guide," and "Kicking Applications," to name a few, Shawn provides the reader with more than a full understanding of what could and mistakenly be known as a "simple kick."

Totally complete at 208 pages, and chocked with all sorts of valuable information from the "nuts and bolts" of technique description and demonstration to body dynamics, this is without a doubt the "gold standard" by which any examplar of martial arts kicking should be judged by.

This book can stand alone or be incorporated within the series. I rate it at five stars without hesitation or reservation. Well done!

I have just finished reading the last two books in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series. Yes, I know, the Crescent Kick and Reverse Crescent Kick books are actually books #4 and #5 in the series. I read them out of order, which is another good thing about the series; you can read any of the books in any order that you wish. They do not follow a specific pattern, although knowing Kovacich's attention to detail, he had a specific reason behind the order of each book. Which brings me to my next point.

This book leaves nothing out. It follows the same basic format as all the other books in the series. It covers everything including the anatomy of the leg, stretching, vital targets, foot positioning, timing, distancing, and the importance of correct recoil. Shawn Kovacich covers variations on the crescent kick which I haven't considered before, and I have been studying martial arts for 25 years. He also delves into training drills, weight training, speed training, and covers several ways to develop your kicking power.

Crescent Kick is very well written and easy to follow. So many of the technical martial arts books are so dry and boring that is is a struggle to get through them, but Kovacich uses a lot of analogies and great photographs which makes his books interesting and easy to follow. I especially found the "did you notice anything wrong photographs" and the trouble shooting section to be very helpful. The pictures really helped to drive home specific points and demonstrated specific mistakes, as well has how a good crescent kick should look.

Shawn Kovacich obviously knows his stuff! Kovacich's having earned a 4th degree black belt in both karate and Tai Kwon Do, and holding world records for endurance kicking is proof of his expertise, but sometimes this doesn't translate into the ability to relate that knowledge to others. In Kovacich's case, he has the expertise and the talent to put his knowledge into writing in a way which everyone can relate to.

I am totally impressed with Kovacich's attention to detail and passion about his subject. The whole Achieving Kicking Excellence series is well done and I highly recommend this book, as well as the whole series, to every martial artist who wants to improve his or her kicking skills. Buy it. Read it. Study it. Apply it!

Dr. Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior

Like all the titles in Shawn Kovacich's Achieving Kicking Excellence series, book 4 Crescent Kick is a comprehensive study of one of the important kicks used in modern martial arts today. The book is incredibly thorough with numerous photos demonstrating the every aspect of the kick in minute detail. Mr. Kovacich knows his stuff and it is obvious that he has spent many hours honing his technique. The book provides an in-depth study of the bones, muscles and mechanics involved in the kicking technique.

In addition, the book contains a wealth of supplemental information on strength, speed and power generating exercises to enhance the technique. There is also a section on stretching as well as the application of the technique.

This book is ideal for any martial artist who wishes to perfect their crescent kicking ability. The beginner will find a wealth of information to assist in developing proper mechanics while the advanced practitioner will glean some vital knowledge from an accomplished teacher.

Be sure to check out the other books in this series. You are sure to find one that addresses the specific kick that you need work on.

Aaron Hoopes
author of Zen Yoga: A Path to Enlightenment through Breathing, Movement and Meditation

The fourth volume of Shawn Kovacich's Achieving Kicking Excellence series is Crescent Kick, and like the first three it is an excellent resource regarding this specific kick. Like other books in this series, Kovacich wrote a text with detailed explanations on the execution and application of the crescent kick and its variations. Also like the others in the series, this is the most complete written description with photographs of the crescent kick that I know of, and is an excellent addition to any martial artist's library. It will be especially beneficial to those that teach the crescent kick and variations in their curriculums.

The author, Shawn Kovacich, set two world records for endurance high kicking that were certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and has an impressive record in the tournament circuit having competed in tournaments such as the Sabaki Challenge among others. With those credentials, I expect him to provide solid instruction on the execution and application of kicks, and he definitely delivers.

Crescent Kick includes brief chapters on basic anatomy, warm up and stretching, strength, speed, and power. Many martial artists, especially instructors, will have more complete references on these topics. However, it is nice to have these brief chapters that have the basics all in one volume, especially for those that do not have a large martial art library. I feel it is important that Kovacich includes these if for nothing more than to introduce the basics and encourage the reader to seek out more instruction on these important elements to kicking. I have said the same thing about the other volumes in the series, but include it here as well to make this review stand on its own.

The reason to include this book in your library is for the instruction on the crescent kick. Kovacich starts out with a very good description of the basic principles of movement for the crescent kick including target areas. He then delivers an excellent description with pictures of how to perform the back leg crescent kick. I don't think a person could give a better explanation with pictures in written form than Kovacich does here. I also like that he uses a clock face to help describe the motion and positioning of the kick. I thought this was a very good way to deliver his information to the reader. The next chapters teach variations of the back leg crescent kick including: Step-Back Crescent Kick, Back Spin Crescent Kick, Spin Back Crescent Kick, Hop/Slide Forward Crescent Kick, Hop/Slide Backward Crescent Kick, Front Leg Crescent Kick, Switch Crescent Kick, Off-Setting Crescent Kick, Cross-Over Crescent Kick, Butterfly Crescent Kick, and the Back Spin Crescent Kick (with the left leg).

Kovacich includes training and practice methods, a trouble shooting guide, and crescent kick applications in subsequent chapters. This rounded out the book to make it a complete stand alone volume on the crescent kick, and by far the best resource out there on this difficult technique.

One of the things I really enjoy in this series of books is the note section. Each chapter has notes and in these you find excellent gems of wisdom. Not only will they help your kicking on the described kick, but are relevant to other kicks too. I might not agree with every one of his notes, such as your first line of defense being kicks, since I believe it really depends on the situation. However, the all make you think, and some are right on, such as one in this volume that states: "For optimum results upon impact, you must use a combination of proper technique, along with an explosive combination of speed and strength." I wrote about similar issues in the kicking chapter I wrote in Fighter's Fact Book 2 with Loren Christensen when I said to kick `em hard and kick `em fast.

Like the other books in this series, a person could criticize this text regarding the repetitiveness of some of the pictures and descriptions of the wheel kick variations. If you are reading this book straight through cover to cover, yes, the repetitiveness could become boring. If you are using the text as Kovacich intended, as a learning tool, this should not be a factor. I much rather have each kick explained in its entirety, rather than be referred to a different part of the book for the elements that are similar or the same. There is a big difference in a book intended to be read from cover to cover and a book intended as a resource guide. The Achieving Kicking Excellence series are guide books, and the format is perfect for this kind of instruction.

Shawn Kovacich's Crescent Kick is the fourth book of the series and an excellent instructional text for any student or instructor of the kicking arts. Its detailed descriptions and photographs are clear and easy to understand, while his kicking notes provide quality instruction and advice to improve one's training and execution of this important kick. I am definitely looking forward to future volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series

Achieving Kicking Excellence

If you are a novice martial artist, a kick-box exercise video nut, or someone who wants to advance their knowledge of martial art kicks, this book looks as if it would be very helpful.

The series of books is organized by type of kick: back, wheel, axe, crescent, reverse crescent, front, hook, hatchet, roundhouse, side kick. Ten books in all.

The volumes are absolutely loaded with pictures of not only kick technique but also of helpful strength-with-weight exercises, especially gym exercises with machines like the hack squat and leg press sled and of course the all-important lunge. So you get not only a discussion of how-to, but of what exercises can improve overall performance by gaining muscle strength. There are pictures with overlays of angles and axes, giving you an idea of proper form, though there is no substitute for a sensei giving you real-time feedback, of course. So these books are a good adjunct to martial arts class in the dojo; something to read and then take to practice and work on with real-time help.

There is a section on sparring--right and wrong. There is a suggested reading list in the back. A very complete series.

The only thing these volumes suffer from is slightly dark and low contrast black and white photograph reproduction due to pictures being on paper stock and not glazed plate stock, in order to keep costs reasonable for publishing. And the cover photo is wonderful but the graphic design (showing the title being shattered by the someone doing the title kick) was a GREAT concept but you can't read the title on the front cover (because it's being kicked to bits!) This is annoying; you have to read the spine to see which kick the book is about. If this bugs you, it's easily fixed: get some stickers or a Sharpie and mark the front cover with something like SIDE KICK VOL 10 or whatever works for you.

Author Kovacich is a black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do (which of course is one of the martial arts for which the kick is the premier technique.)

Thoroughly enjoyed John's book. It left me wanting more! Great visuals of the eagle and even more of the crow, could just see the crow gaining confidence, the light bulbs flashing, and him flying back and forth, settling in to listen some more. You read a book or a quote or see a picture that moves you and you are inspired, but that fades and you need to be reminded. That's what this book did for me. Loved the quotes about the future. Instead of loaning my copy, I'm ordering more as gifts.

A good gift for someone starting their business career with an extra kick for the sports enthusiast. The book is easy to read and the lessons relevant.

Easy to read with lessons worth noting. A good gift for someone starting their career in business especially if they are a sports enthusiast.

As someone with no interest in any sports I still enjoyed this book. The advice given applies to life in general and would make anyone a better person if followed. Like all of us Bob Turley has had his ups and downs, but he never gave up and came out on top!

I've never bought one of these books, but having been given The Crow and the Eagle by a close friend, I'll be buying the next Danenbarger book I see. It's marvellous and inspirational - what more can I say!

I was in my early teens in the years covered in this book and the participants covered were heroes to me. I came across this title reading an obit for Phil Hill and went to Amazon to see what the general consensus was on the book. I read the reviews and ordered it and I agree wholeheartedly that it deserves five stars. This being an opinion from someone who was familiar with the drivers and the era covered in the book so the nostalgia factor influenced this review. YMMV.

Being born in 1982, I wasn't around for this era of Grand Prix racing. Sure, I'd heard the stories about how dangerous a period it was and how drivers put it all on the line every time they got in a car. However, this book made it clear just how dangerous Grand Prix racing - and all motorsport for that matter, was. The driver biographies are certainly not full length, but they provide a snapshot of what was going through the driver's minds when they were racing. I enjoyed Phil Hill's comments, especially the statements talking about Enzo Ferrari.

Above all, this is a picture book. That is not a negative to the book though, it is the main feature. The photographs were all taken by the author through the course of his covering F1 during that era as a writer/photographer.

This is one of those books that I read cover to cover within hours of receiving it. It tells the amazing story of early Grand Prix racing. After reading it, it really had me wondering why anybody would have been a driver back then. Too many drivers died while racing, and this book has these stories in photographs. In the book, Daley's articles on Alfonso de Portago and Wolfgang von Trips are excellent.

I really enjoy this book and would recommend it to anybody who is a fan of the old Grand Prix era.

I picked up an original copy of Daley's book, The Cruel Sport, many years ago. The 1st edition was a milestone in motorsports writing, for it without reservation addressed racing's rather dirty little secret- drivers were needlessly dying at the wheel of fragile cars at incredibly unsafe tracks that in turn were run by owners / organizations that were too often criminally negligent when it came to basic safety precautions. Scores of drivers, both then and now in well-earned retirement (if lucky enough to have survived), talked about how dangerous the sport was, but there was no concensus among drivers as to how to proceed. Circuit owners more often than not did not want to discuss their role in improving track safety. Long after the printing of Daley's original book, drivers were still paying the ultimate price for someone else's shortsightedness- Jochen Rindt, Roger Williamson, Tom Pryce, Jim Clark, Bruce McLaren, etc. Those drivers that did champion for change (Stewart, Rindt, Bonnier, G. Hill, etc) were often ridiculed for their efforts. The current crop of safer drivers and fans (remember LeMans '55!!) have these pioneers, and Daley, as the author of The Cruel Sport, to thank for their willingness to expose what was going on. Far from a reprint, the new edition is sufficiently revamped and updated to make it an entirely new read. Daley's photos still hold up well against the best of the big-time professionals of his era. If you love F-1 from the 1960s, this is an essential book for your library; in no way will you be disappointed. As the author of many titles unrelated to motorsports, you'll also be impressed with Daley's enormous talent for painting a picture with words- if only more motorsports writers were half as talented. To think these 3 1/2 decades later, there is still no similar work in motorsports literature.

This is an incredible book for any F1 fan. It is straightforward in its delivery and still conveys the emotions of the author and drivers. The pictures are great and will transport you through time just as the writing does. Amazing!

34 years of being a Cubs fan - this book made a lot of sense to me. Really well done. I devoured this book in two days. People on the train looked at me as I laughed my way through it.

If you consider yourself to be a Cubs fan, you must read this book. It is an amazing book depicting the life of a Cubs fan. It is especially good at helping all of us Cubs fans laugh at ourselves!

I first bought this book because it seemed amusing but after receiving it I discovered a well written book with great facts and anecdotes. It did make me laugh and I felt at one with the Cubs Nation. It is one of my favorite books to send to friends.The Cubs Fan's Guide to Happiness

This book is a MUST for the person interested in becoming a better Cubs fan. I work with a group of women that LOVE to go to the Cubs games. They invited me last year - I had fun, but didn't know much. I was given this book to "teach me" about the Cubs and how a Cubs fan exists. Ellis gives details about being a Cubs fan that are so helpful such as "TANY - There's Always Next Year" and "Beer Will Make it Better". The illustrations were great, and the glossary will come in handy when I go to my next game. I got a lot out of the book, but I know that even the most knowledgeable fans will find lots of new and interesting information in this extremely funny book. You won't be disappointed - it's any easy read, and entertaining. Highly recommend!

This is a delightful read for Cubs Fans. (I happen to be one living in exile in New Jersey!) It offers comfort for Cubbie fans woven with good day to day advice for living in general. I do have two beefs with the author though. A) He suggests that the Cubs are pretty much a White Collar Team. (B.S.!) and B) He winds up the book on a downer. "A Century of Losing: 100 Years 100 Frustrations". Other than that, It is a must for any Cub fan.

'Fly fishing is solitary, contemplative, misanthropic, scientific in some hands, poetic in others, and laced with conflicting aesthetic considerations. It's not even clear if catching fish is actually the point' is what the author shares and what I 100% agree with!

Loving Scotland and fly fishing (as well as New Zealand) I love his Chapter 8 titled Scotland and where he writes on page 89 of how the river was held in private hands and 'rented' out which was a subtle reminder to me of how fortunate I am to be able to drive a mere six miles to the Mokelumne here in the Sierras of California and with my California fishing license and my rod and a few flies, fish to my hearts content for native trout no less.

The book is well written and part diary, part educational how to and in an odd way but a positive way, a lesson in the mysteries of fly fishing and the people who are drawn and hooked for life.

You don't have to be a fly fisherman to enjoy Gierach, though it does help. When he waxes ecstatic over bamboo rods, or explains how the Green Drake mayfly (Ephemerella grandis) is differentiated from its cousins, E. doddsi and E. flavilinea, perhaps only a fisherman can understand exactly why this is so important.

But reading Gierach isn't something you do to learn about the technique or the science of fishing, or how to select a rod, or how to cast. He's more about the philosophy of fishing, about why we are willing to stand in the middle of a cold stream wearing silly clothes and waving a stick over our heads. He's the ultimate Trout Bum, to quote an earlier book, a man for whom there really is no other life, and who has made a modest living for years just celebrating this life. And of course he does this in a wonderfully witty way; no jokes, just a lot of observations that will still make you smile the umpteenth time you read them.

"Dances with Trout" is not just about trout fishing, or about fishing, for that matter. The "Scotland" chapter doesn't have much to say about how to fish for salmon; "Fool Hen" is about grouse hunting, and "In the Woods" is about still hunting for deer.

What ties all these stories together is Gierach's feeling of comradery with his hunting and fishing pals, and even more so, a real connection with the outdoors. In a time when for many, "outdoor sports" means something like racing through the woods in a snowmobile, tearing up the peace and quiet of a lake in a jetski or "four wheeling", Gierach writes about the simple pleasures of being outdoors and absorbing the world around you.

Gierach has a way of lulling the reader into a world of strange illusion. I keep forgetting I'm reading and start thinking I'm eaves-dropping at a campfire. The rhythm of a writer is important and can fan the flame of imagination or dowse it like cold beer on your last match. Dances fans, man...it fans! The stories within the covers are told like stories should be told...easy with lot's of real words. There's too many writers,today,who write like evil spawn of New Age English classes! John bucks 'em all and writes like a story teller...taunting us with worlds filled exotic adventures...like killing porcupines with rocks. Good stuff!

I'm an avid bass angler who has never done much flyfishing, but after reading a good Gierach,(they're all great,) I'm ready to head out to that little creek in Montana, or that bass pond in Texas, or even Scotland with a fly rod and join him. This was the first book of his I read and now I'm on my fourth. I love how relaxed and fun his writing is, and I, personally, can relate to a lot of his views and feelings about things. Even for the non-angler, John Gierach is alot of fun, even if you have no idea what the heck a #14 Royal Wulff is. If you're looking for some great reading, go with Gierach.

Eyes getting tired from tying those #18 cahills? Too Cold to fish? Sit back and go fishing with Geirach. Great Book, great stories!

This is just spot on. When I meet anyone on Denali who hasn't read this I just shake my head.

I ordered the book about climbing Mt. McKinley for my son, as it is his dream. The book came quickly, it was brand new and everything worked out perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you for making things run smoothly in December!!! That doesn't happen every time, but this was super. I was very pleased.

I've just received it and haven't had the chance to really "get into it". BUT ... the little I've read it seems to be just what I was wanting.

Very detailed description of the classic route.
The very accurate photos are good complements to the map (not included with the book)

This is one of only two books I would trust for reliable information about the West Buttress route of Denali. Very informative and practical!

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK BY EMMITT SMITH FORMER DALLAS COWBOY. THIS WAS WRITTEN BY EMMITT VERY EARLY IN HIS CAREER. ALONG THE WAY HE TELLS US OF HIS BOYHOOD IN FLORIDA AND FROM THERE TO HIS COLLEGE CAREER AT FLORIDA. EMMITT DOES A GOOD JOB TELLING HIS STORY AND IT REALLY GETS INTERESTING WHEN HE GETS TO HIS TIME WITH THE COWBOYS. FROM THERE, EMMITT WOULD BECOME THE ALL TIME LEADING RUSHER IN NFL HISTORY ALONG WITH INDUCTION TO THE HALL OF FAME AND TO WIN 3 SUPER BOWLS. JUST AN AMAZING CAREER. JUST A FEW YEARS AGO, HE ALSO WAS THE WINNER ON THAT NAUSIATING SHOW DANCING WITH THE STARS. I RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL FOOTBALL FANS.

excellent book. very open and honest. inspiring, but boring in parts

If you are into sports books then The Emmitt Zone is a great sports book to read. It is probably one of the greatest sports books i have ever read. In this book Emmitt talks about football being a contact sport and discribes the sport of football. He tells you some records about some players that play in the NFL. He also tells you about his College Football and National Football career and records. Then finally Emmitt talks about his life style when he was grewing up from a little boy to a Football Star.

Emmitt Smith has gone through many ups and downs in his career. Some of include three Super Bowl titles and a rushing record. Some of the downs include living in the projects and having a semi-rough childhood. Emmitt grew up in Pensacola, Florida. He lived in the projects for a few years. Emmitt had a very large immediate family; all of them were very close and helped Emmitt through a lot. Emmitt attended the University of Florida for college, where he broke numerous rushing records. Emmitt was the Dallas Cowboys' first round Draft pick in 1990. In the NFL Emmitt Smith is one of the premier players.
This autobiography gives a great insight to life. Emmitt Smith really did a great job writing this novel. This book gives you a good look at the NFL - from the top. I recommended this book to anyone who wants to read a warming story about someone who worked hard to get where he is today.

As a Cowboys fan for over 20 years, I really loved this book. It's a great portrait of a great running back and a role model we should all emulate. My only criticism is that it was written a bit early in his career - the book doesn't cover a great deal of events that readers are sure to want to hear about, such as Super Bowl XXX, Michael Irvin's retirement, Troy Aikman's retirement, the rushing title, etc. But, I still recommend the book highly for Cowboy fans who want to smile and remember the early 1990s, when Dallas established itself as one of the most dominant football teams ever.

I am a huge fan of Derek Jeter's. That's why I chose this book. I gave it five stars because Matt Christopher described every part of Derek's life accurately. I had already read Derek's autobiography and in that book I learned that his Dad made him sign contracts. In these contracts with his father, Derek had to promise to get good grades -- or else he didn't get to play in any All Star games or anything. Later, dude!

This series in general, and the Jeter book in particular, are great for a 5-10 year old sports nut. I read this with our 6 year old, a chapter a night for a couple weeks.

It's well written and moves quickly.

It makes reading fun by being about something a sports fan kid will really enjoy.

And Jeter in particular is a good story because he's such an great role model for kids -- he crosses racial divides, espouses the virtue of hard work, respect and not taking anything for granted.

Highly recommended

It's a grand slam! Baby. If you like nod slam Yeah baseball you are going to love this book. It's called on the Field with Derek Jeter. It's about a boy who has a fantasy to become the greatest short stop for the New York Yankees. His dreams come true. This book is cool and it is for all Ages. You will like this book but baseball Fans will love this book at One point in he book I all most cried I
recommend this book to you because I am a big baseball fan.

On the Field with Derek Jeter

On the Field with Derek Jeter is my favorite book because it is about my favorite player dreaming to be the player he is today! The setting is mostly on the baseball field. This biography is written by Matt Christopher and he has lots of good biographies. Derek Jeter is the main character and there are lots of people that helped him make his dream come true, like his dad! My favorite part is when he is assigned to the Minor Leagues! The book starts when his mom and dad meet. The theme of the book would be Derek Jeter's comes true. The book starts very exciting even thow it is very serious.
And I think anyone who is a baseball fan or a Yankees fan will love this book!
- Natatlie,9

The book I'm reviewing is At the Plate with Derek Jeter by Matt Christopher. I think this book deserves five stars. This book is a Derek Jeter biography. A problem that occurs in this story is when he's in high school. He almost gets cut from the team. This tells you how Derek Jeter became a pro baseball player. I would recommend this book to anybody.

Emerson N.J. fifth grade student

I recently purchased a bike and wanted to learn more about cycling. Gears confused me and I had no confidence.

The book is great. I am now becoming more confident riding hills and have learned to use my gears better and spin! I've also learned about eating to ride and a bit about maintenance. Being specifically oriented to women it suited me down to the ground.

Just 2 days ago I went in a 35km charity ride. I was concerned I wouldn't make the distance, the longest I had ridden before was 20km. Well, I did it even the dreaded hill I had heard about! Oh what a feeling!

Morning rides watching the mist over the paddocks and the sun coming over the horizen. No children constantly calling Mummy. Riding along singing a song -- just a brilliant feeling.

Wouldn't have the confidence without reading the book.

Great book. Great sport.

This book was fantastic..... Selene is amazing....
I follow her blog on bicycling.com as fit chick.... She really knows her stuff.
I recommend this to all levels of cyclist!!!!

I own a copy of this book and it made me want to take getting in shape seriously. I have no intentions of being in a race but I do plan to lose some weight. I bought a bike before I bought the book but I know that my next bike I will be following Selene's advise. I love this book. It is so helpful. Even to my boyfriend! I just wished that it talked about racing and road bikes less and more about the other aspects of riding and biking.

I have always ridden a bike from Walmart but am training for a triathlon and thought it was time for a "real bike" so I bought this book. I know next to nothing about the bike scene, so this book was perfect. Everything was covered from which bike to buy to training for a race. There were some secrets on how to actually be comfortable on a bike and be able to walk straight the next day even if you're a beginner. I continually go back to this book for info.

I purchased this book with the intent of getting back into cycling and learning the appropriate techniques. It is exactly what I was looking for!! The info on buying women specific bikes made me feel more confident while shopping. The tips on shifting, etc. has really helped me riding. I highly recommend this book for anyone new or just getting back into the sport.