Sports Books

I truly enjoyed reading "Living the Gimmick" and have been
searching for other books by Mr. Peller. I am very anxious
to get my hands on his next book, The Pearls of Mohatama Beach.
Any way to get an AUTOGRAPHED copy? I want to be in
possession of one because we are going to be hearing more
from Ben Peller and I would love to have a book signed by him.

A few years have passed since I read Living the Gimmick. Even so, I've thought so much about it that I had to write a review! The adventures of the main character provide a lot of amusing insights into the wrestling industry. Admittedly, I'm not really into wrestling, yet I'm sure wrestling fans will enjoy this insider perspective and spin. This book is also excellent as a literary work due to it's well crafted plot and skillful writing style. Beyond wrestling, this novel is really a critique of pop culture and fame. I've read a lot of "classic" novels, but it's the scenes from Living the Gimmick have stayed with me after all this time.

Living the Gimmick is full of descriptions that are beautiful without being flowery, contains dialogue that consistently rings true, and moves at a remarkably fast pace without ever feeling frantic. Overall, it is one of the best novels I've read in a long time.

This is one of those rare gems written by an unknown author that most people will never discover. I have little interest in wrestling but became quickly engrossed into this roller coaster ride of a story. Quite the page turner.

Ben Peller demonstrates a competent knowledge of human emotion and feeling that he uses the backdrop of professional wrestling to get across.

The main character of this well written novel is quite a complex character who grows and evolves throughout a very entertaining and satisfying journey in this seemingly autobiographical story.

Michael Harding, grows from a picked on child, to an aspiring artist who rarely, if ever, creates art, to a professional wrestler. His journey is up and down. It is a great pace that keeps the reader involved and eager to get to the next page, or screen...

Yeah. I downloaded (paid for ;-)an online copy and actually read the entire book on my laptop. This is quite a compliment to the author because I detest reading online. In spite of my hard copy reading preference, I was easily able to speed through "Living The gimmick" in two days.

After completing the online version, I went out and bought a hard copy, mailed it Mr. Peller, and just a few days later, I had an autographed copy. How cool is that?

This is one of the best baseball books I have purchased-- and I have a library of them. No fluff here. Just good straightforward practical information.

I was a high school baseball coach and the first day of practice I brought this book. I told them I had read it every year before baseball season and it always seemed to help me. I had 6 of my players read this book and all of them agreed and had much better seasons that what I anticipated they would. Just like any self help book you have to have faith in it working but this book speaks for its self. With all of these positive reviews you can tell how many people it helped. I now coach football and have suggested this book to several players even thought it is not about football. I have read several books about sports psychology and self help type books. They are not my favorite and most of the time I found that they did not work for me but as a coach they were good to know for my players. This book did work for me and is the number one sports psychology book I have ever read. I highly recommend it.

The Mental Game of Baseball is an outstanding read. It is loaded with useful information. It is refered to as the "baseball bible". Anyone from little league coach, high school coach, college coach, player, or parent should take the time to read this book. It gave me (a college baseball coach) a new found respect and understanding for the mental side of baseball. I recommend this book to every baseball enthusist out there.

This book is as much about life as it is about baseball. The positive re-enforcement the book gives about accomplishing almost anything is the true message.
Whenever you or one of your players is struggling, go back to this book to refresh a slumping attitude.

A great tool for coaches & players at all levels. If you don't understand the mental part of the game, this is the book for you.

Chuck Schumacher
Owner -- Chucks Gym
Baseball & Martial arts
Training & Conditioning

Good basic reference for diving around Oahu. I got this book for my husband when we moved to Hawaii. He finds it easy to use.

This is a great book. I live in Hawaii and even I found things out I didn't know. It also has a great snorkleing section which is very hard to find. Highly recommend it!

This book is the secret that I needed after I moved to Oahu to avoid expensive boat dives. Great maps both above and below the water to make finding the site just as easy as finding the best underwater attractions. The book covers dive sites all over the island (you can always find a good site even if surf is too high on one part of the island...very valuable - especially during winter months). A "must buy" for any diver planning to explore the coasts of Oahu without a paid guide. You probably won't find this book in any dive shops on the Island...it would take all of their business!

Couldn't believe once I got to Oahu and went to a couple of these dive sites how accurate this book was from directions to reef layout and compass headings. Went on a couple of dives with Oahu divers who were also very impressed with the accuracy of this book. A great resource but I recommend always verifying the sites with locals as there were hazzards that couldn't be mentioned in a book (i.e. at one dive site I found out there is a regular boat charter that doesn't pay attention to dive flags and drops anchor wherever and whenever he feels like it... never would have know that one without the local warning). Still a great book... two of the local guys I dove with from Oahu who are dive instructors are going to buy the book after seeing mine - what better recommendation could there be?

Most all the dive shops here have their own boats they want you to dive from, that's fine, but can get pricey. So being a cheap SoB I love this book and have done quite a few of the dives in it since picking it up a few months ago. Great planning tool for folks coming from off island too since he tells you what time of year it is best to do what dives. As always, leave your vauables at the hotel/house, I advise bringing only your drivers license, c-card and about $10-15 per person for postdive water/gatorade, pineapple or coconut and snacks.

My son very good at sports BMX,Soccer,Football He started playing Football 5 yrs ago pop warner He follows NCCA,NFL I told him about Walter Payton & how his stile of running was simular to yours. I bought the BOOK/DVD if he would watch it at the begging of the football this year. He didnt take his eyes off the T.V . He ended the year leading scorer & played in the div. champ. game & All- Stars. My opinion on Walter Payton Great Book, Great DVD, The Best Running Back.

Payton
EXCELLENT, a must have for all Walter fans. The book is very well written and I just loved it. He was an awesome man and a devoted father and husband. Well done Connie and family!

Great book and DVD. Highly recommended for Bears fans across the nation but most importantly, to any sports fanatic period! Walter Payton was and is the greatest sports player who ever lived! You will be inspired to do your best and never give up at whatever you do in life! A great unselfish man who did so much for others; inspiration for the world!
Walter Payton: A True and Genuine Role Model (34)

This book/dvd is a must own for any Walter Payton fan. The 1 hour dvd brings back alot of memories watching Walter bust through defenses. The book is well written and gives some insight into his background as well as his character. I paid $15 less at Amazon than what this package was going for on E-Bay. The best part is that my son got to watch the dvd and see what hard work is all about and where it can get you. He could'nt believe the way Payton could "fly" in to the end zone.

I actually knew Walter Payton. He was my neighbor. This book is a great tribute to him, without any doubt!! He WAS as classy as you may think, too. Still hard to believe he's gone.

If you are a true fan, then this book is a MUST own for your home.

Some people may shy away from this book because they think its about basketball. Wrong -- it's about life, about a person who happens to play basketball.

I think every girl should read this book, because it deals with Cooper's issues with self-esteem and confidence, overcoming poverty, and her pursuit of excellence. I also think every mother should read it, because the book shows how effective a role model Cooper's mother was to her. Maybe mothers and daughters should read this book together, and have discussions about it.

This is not an overtly Christian book, but Cooper is a Christian and does not hide her faith. It is not really an evangelistic book, though one can say it is pre-evangelistic.

This autobiography is one of the best, if not the best, that I've read. It's amazing how Cynthia Cooper writes her own story to motivate and make readers have more confidence. She's a real example of a true athlete hero, someone that can be a role model to all. Thanks to her and her success in the WNBA, she's given Women's Basketball a new meaning. Her determination and motivation to become successful is admirable. This book is really an inspiration to those who lack self-esteem and self-confidence. I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone because is really interesting and inspirational. I'm proud of Cynthia Cooper because she's a real good representative of Women's basketball and a great example of determination and success. She also proved that with God's help, anything is possible.

Cynthia Cooper could be a role model for anyone. She knows how to play the game of life as well as basketball: when to hold, when to fold, and a whole lot more.
What impressed me most? Signed to play in Italy, Cynthia didn't hang around being homesick. She took the opportunity to learn and grow.
My favorite scenes:

(1) New to Italy, she'd never even heard of famous cathedrals that someone asked her about. Later, she could have discussed the architectural history and features -- in Italian.

(2) She asked Ford to give her a marketing internship -- and she felt right at home with the men. I use this example a lot when I talk to parents who are concerned that their daughters are more interested in sports than school.

(3) She takes us behind the scenes of the championship Comets.

Hard to put down, well-written, honest -- the perfect gift for any WNBA fan or any young woman looking to her future, in or out of basketball.

Cooper's book has made me relieze that nothing can turninto something. Also Cooper provides a positive role model for anyonewho wants to better themselves and improve their way of life. This is a book that can be enjoyed by all. There was problems growing up, college, overseas (work) love, and death of loved ones. This tells the reader that everyone faces problems at many different stages of life. Also how they could be overcome with the correct outlook. END

This book is about the story and life of a great know person and athletic. It has its good times and bad times. It tells you what happened in her life till the time she published the book. It tells you from her first time she touched a basketball until she became the leauges MVP. If you want to read a great story about a player and her good times and bad times this is the book you should read. It is for sure the best book I've read about a great person and a life she lived. You should get this book no doubt.

Best approach to doubles ever. Highly recommended.

I bought your book "Unlimited Doubles"last winter. I loved it and showed it to the pro at our club. He was impressed with it and said he liked the way it was presented. I have used everything in this book and passed it around to all my friends.

But, what I want to tell you is that at the time I bought the book, I had just been elected captain of a 2.5 women's USTA team. This was our first year playing competitive tennis. Well, in four weeks, our team is going to the National Championships in Palm Springs. We won the Pacific Northwest Sectional Championships last month.

Your book really helped me get a good grasp on the doubles strategies needed to improve my game. Thank you again,

Fran Wooldridge
Salem, Oregon

After reading or hearing many good things about this book, I thought it was a no-miss. However, this book has to rank in the bottom quarter of my collection, not to mention overpriced. Other doubles books are far superior in translating the essence of doubles. Tourdo simplifies doubles to twelve lessons (aka Point Control System): the essence is being proactive in moving in and to the ball, taking control of the tempo, and aggressive consistency. There is very little on the importance of serving and returning, neutralizing volleys vs attacking volleys, different poaching cues and doubles formations, etc. Since it is so simple, it is actually quite palatable for the singles player trying to become a bit better at doubles or for the 3.0 player trying to become a better doubles player. However, since it offers so little, most players might be wanting to digest a bit more (check out Blaskower's or Braden's doubles books which are superior). I would also recommend it to "mindless" players since often 2-3 (rather than 50) simple cues might make a significant difference. Not recommended for serious players, doubles specialists, or coaches.

Dear Steve, The book was fabulous. This book is for everyone wishing to improve their doubles game and definitely helped both my teammates and I improve our games. Speaking for myself the three areas it helped me with were: 1) better understanding of the 3 zones from baseline to net 2) the basics of service angles i.e. emphasis on serving down the middle more often and 3) the do's and dont's of poaching -- on both serve and returns. With my partner now serving down the middle more, I have become a more aggressive and smarter poacher -- again, on both serve and returns. Never in any other book, article, or video has a book helped my doubles game so much. Thanks Steve!

I've read several of the popular books on doubles including The Art of Doubles by Pat Blaskower, Laugh and Win by Vic Braden, ect. In my opinion these other books are interesting at best but don't hold a candle to Unlimited Doubles. The author's way of breaking down the game into simple concepts REALLY helped me to understand. I no longer worry about all the other things most coaches try to get you to think about like "Who takes the ball in the middle?", and "Should I play the add or deuce court?" I no longer worry about all that because I FINALLY UNDERSTAND THE GAME! I'm poaching more than I ever have, I'm taking the initiative to win and I LOVE IT! No longer do I stand on the court hoping something good will happen. I'm closing into the net and using angles for the first time in my life! I'll be reading this book over and over again. Thank you SOOO much!

the book was great son and husband read it fast shipping and in good shape

this is a must read for the bill elliot fan and nascar fans

i am reading the book and so for i have enjoyed it very much and i am finding out what a hard time bill had in his racing career

It was very interesting to read Bill's own story on NASCAR racing and his career. He has not ordinarily been to loose with his words in the past, so it was refreshing to get his views and opinions first hand. He was generally very complimentary towards his fellow competitiors, but was quite critical of NASCAR concerning the safety issue and the death of Earnhardt. A good read from one of racings finest and classiest drivers.

All I can say is...AWESOME BOOK. On a scale of 1 to 10, it's a 15.

I found this incredible interview regarding how the game of Golf has changed over the years. You wouldn't believe the evolution! If you have any interest in the history of Golf, this is a must read. If you want to become even more knowledgeable on the subject, scroll to the bottom of the interview and get in touch with the author. After reading, I guarantee you will be able to lead the most interesting discussions and impress your friends!

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/interviewroden.html

I had read that Hogan would tell other golf pros that came to him seeking golf swing advice that they should "dig it out of the dirt" like he did. What sounded like a brush off may have been simply the truth. Hogan dug his swing out of the dirt by putting more work in on it that anyone else. Perhaps that was his real "secret". Hard work.

This book puts a positive spin on a personality that was respected but was not uniformily well liked. Along the way the author gives enough well reseached detail to put human flesh and bones on an iconic figure. A good read. I recommend it.

I would greatly recommend this book. It is a very comprehensive study into the life of a true legend and is also a very incisive insight into America during the thirties and forties. In the course of reading about such an outstanding career the name Tiger Woods inevitably enters one's thoughts. Just how would Hogan have compared to Woods during the prime of his career. Woods continues his gallop into history but Hogan's name will always be the one who was responsible for taking golf out of the country clubs and into the municipal courses.

An outstanding insight to the life and times of Mr. Hogan. So much was presented that never came to the public eye. And even though a discredit was given by one reviewer in his May 9, 2005 review, based on the fact that 10 birdies in an US Open on a par 74 course was not possible, this individual did not do his homework. The US Open was played on a par 74 course in Savannah, Georgia in the early 1930s. A great book, a wonderful revelation, a must read for those interested in golf history.

As both an avid golfer, and Ben Hogan admirer, I was more than satisfied with this book. Once i turned the first page I couldn't put it down. The information shared on the life of who I consider to be the greates golfer ever is unparalleled. Although this will instantly become a cherished part of any Ben Hogan fan's book collection, anyone who enjoys American history, sports history, sports in general, and golf in particular, as well as those who like true stories of sucess against all odds, will enjoy this book. It's a well-written portrait capturing all the good and bad of Ben Hogan and his life, and there was plenty of both. Anyone who thinks they know anything about Ben Hogan the man owes it to themselves to read this book. As Arnold Palmer himself said of the book: "I thought I knew Ben Hogan pretty well, until this book came along...". If you were interested enough in this book to read the reviews, you should buy it. You will not regret doing so.

While hiking and taking nature photos for a school project, Lisa
stumbles across a badly abused horse in a paddock. She, Carole and Stevie call the local animal rescue league who impounds the mare. As the mare dislikes men, Lisa assumes most of the care for her. This is a very poignant tale, and I won't give away the ending.

This is the most beautiful Saddle Club book yet. It shows how important love is naturally, as ALOT of books do, but it also shows how important it is to be willing and brave to let yourself love totaly. Lisa risked alot of saddness if Eve would have died, but it wasn't until she named Eve and let herself be vulnerable to the saddness of losing her that Eve started to realize Lisa cared and look forward to life.
The part with the brush was my favorite, like one reader said before. It was the first time Eve showed any sign of wanting to live.
I know Lisa loves Prancer, but Eve and her seem like such a perfect match.

This was an excellent book!The story was very heart felt but not as much realistic and correct like most of Bonnie Bryant's Saddle Club books. But overall this was a great story to sit down and read.In my opinion,the problems that Stevie,Lisa,and Carole have are very rare but can put you in a good mood somehow. BUY THIS BOOK! IT'S WORTH IT!

Hi!!! We're the Stirrup Stars. We love this book because it shows that if you just believe and do your best, you can reach your goal. Lisa took wonderful care of Eve. Also, it was full of suspense that made you want to keep on reading and never stop! Please, read this book!!! It's a great example of a horse/rider bond.

I thought this book was really heart warming. It really showed determination and love for a horse. I think Broken Horse is one of the best books in series.

dominique moceanu is the best gymnast anyone could ever know.i'm a gymnast my self,and reading about her,seeing her on tv,seeing her smile,makes me wan't to go out there and do the same.and i do!saying this,you probubly won't believe me,but being a fan of hers,seeing her doing the things she does(smile)has inproved my skills in gymnastics!i hope she has done the same for you,cause if you don't know her.you better know her to day,cause she is the best you'll ever love!i used to hate gymnastics some times,and till i saw dominique moceanu with that beatiful smile.i've loved gymnastics ever since then.every time i compete.i act like her,smile,and show that i love doing what i'm doing,cause i know dominique moceanu~and you gotta know her too!thanks dominique,for making me win my first silver(on floor),cause seeing you smile all the time,and always being happy,has made me do the same,and it improved only because i love you!

You will find this book to give many details on the young gymnast at a professional view point. If you are looking to get more personal information such as characteristics, personality, etc.. Get another book. This is about her and the sport of gymnastics from the time she started up to late '96. I enjoyed the book a great deal and was amazed to find out how very succesful she is in every day living at such a young age. That is much to be said for our day and age!

Also recommended: Dominique Moceanu: An American Champion: An Autobiography Dominique Moceanu

The book was fully detailed and was a very easy to read book. I read it in a matter of hours, and I am 11 years old. I love gymnastics and Dominique. Since the first time I saw her on T.V. I wanted to be just like her. Now I am taking acrobatics at a great little studio. even though we only do floor excersises, I still someday would like to be just like Dominique! The book has really encouraged me too succeed, and I really hope that anyone that wants to be something, jumps on it, you only live once!

This book is perfect for any fan of Dominique Moceanu. You learn so much about her, starting from her birth all the way up to the 1996 Olympics. This was a very vivid and detailed biography. I really thought it was cool to read about the gymnastics school she used to train at before she went to Karolyi's. It tells about all her early compititions and experiences. It felt like I really knew Dominique Moceanu! I learned so much from this book, and like Krista Quiner's other gymnastics biographys, this was a great one!

This book was truly awesome. Krista did an excellent job writing this book. You feel that you actually know Dominique. I reccomend this book for ALL Dominique fans. A must read book!!

Also recommended: Dominique Moceanu: An American Champion: An Autobiography Dominique Moceanu