Sports Books

The true story of Dr. Sammy Lee and his journey to become the first Asian American Olympic gold medal champion while overcoming incredible obstacles, discrimination, and hardships is both inspiring and fascinating to read. Paula Yoo did a great job telling the story in a way that makes it easy for the reader to connect with the character, and Dom Lee's beautiful illustrations remind us of old photographs and are an integral part of the book. The book touches on many important themes such as pursuing your dreams and believing in yourself, even if the odds are stacked against you, and I will highly recommend it to all of my friends and family.

My kids were amazed that Dr. Lee accomplished so much after dealing with so much discrimination. He is an inspiration to everyone and is a proud citizen of this country. The illustrations are wonderful. Just a note - the book implies that his father only wanted him to be a doctor - he says his father supported both of his dreams - to become a doctor and to be a diver. He became successful at both, and more.

Before reading "Sixteen Years In Sixteen Seconds", I'd never heard of Dr. Lee. After reading this incredible book, I was moved and inspired by this courageous, fascinating human being. Though classified as a children's book, "Sixteen Years In Sixteen Seconds" can be enjoyed by adults as well as kids. With its beautiful illustration, thoughtful prose and universal themes of perseverance and beating the odds, Sammy Lee's story will continue to be enjoyed by generations of readers to come.

When my husband first picked this up, he was surprised to discover that Korean-Americans- in California- were subject to the same Jim Crow laws that African-Americans were in other parts of the country. Unfortunately, many people forget that although Asian-Americans have been a substantial presence on the West Coast for over a century, it has only been in the last few decades that we- as well as African-Americans and other ethnic minorities- have (mostly) attained equality.

As a Korean-American on the East Coast, I was moved by the story of Sammy Lee as he struggled with both his personal ambitions in a racist country and his father's desires to secure his future. Although the Korean-American father-son relationship is fraught with tension (at least in popular American literature), this story resolves it nicely, as Sam understands that his father does not endure insults and racism because he is weak and unable to change things, but because he is trying to face an unfair world with honor and dignity. This was the most important lesson of the book, I thought, and it enabled Sam to bridge both his father's desires for his future and his own desires.

The story of Sam's relationship with his coach moved me as well. While, at first glance, we can't guarantee that we will meet the mentor of our dreams, this part of the story does jibe with the saying that "luck is when opportunity meets readiness." Maybe we won't all find what we need when we want it, but we can be responsive to what we need when it arrives.

This is a short book with nostalgic illustrations that will be a pleasure for anyone ages 8 and up to read.

Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds documents the story of Sammy Lee. Lee was the first Asian American to win Olympic gold. This truly inspiring tale captures the American dream as a young person who overcame discrimination to bring Olympic recognition for a country that rejected him. Lee is the son of Korean immigrants who faced challenges just because of his skin color. Unable to practice in a whites only pool, Lee perfected his abilities in spite of discrimination. Yoo acknowleges the moment in an Olymipan's experience in which life-long training culminates in just a brief sliver of time. Paula Yoo really connects the reader to the subject. Dom Lee's sepia toned illustrations carry a nostalgic feel. This is a strong work and should be a good addition to the library collection.

Cool, to get the analysis behind what you've learned on the slopes when you were a child. It makes you aware of "good habits", and reminds you about the things you shouldn't do (that you got taught, but since have quickly forgotten).
Note, this does not replace lessons, this adds to what you've already learned, makes you think about it & understand better.

Good illustration, reader kindly explaining of its theory based on Physics, and informartive examples from famous skiers.

This book shows a set of technical skills that is based on the mechanics of skiing. I find them useful to incorporate into my skiing -- I find myself practicing one technique or another on some runs, and you can feel the difference.

This is a great book for the seasoned skier wanting to understand more on how the body-skis-works together on snow when applying different movements, pressure and so on. Good insights comparing racing techniques to recreational skiing. As a ski instructor I can use this book as a reference guide.

As everybody who wrote review here, I think this is a great book for who go skiing in a little bit "theoretical" way. Some of your tips that helped you as a quick learner in the first week may hold you back from becoming a professional-looking skier. The author of this book is trying to convince you by providing solid physical principle.

Also, the illustrations are carefully selected to demonstrate the arguments. Many of them are taken from real competition and show the movement in a sequence.

Even you have figured out most of the principles taught in this book, I believe there are still some paragraphs flashing here and there will push you downhill little faster.

all woman runners should read this book!
it is well worth the time and money!!

These personal stories of runners are perfect to share with your running friends. They'll get you all motivated to keep it up.

I had never read this book, but after reading a review, purchased it for two running friends. It was a hit! One copy has now been passed around to at least 3 different readers. The chapters are good, motivational, real to life running adventures. I would recommend it to both walkers and runners, beginners to advanced.

I very much enjoyed the personal nature of the story each runner had to tell. One or two were a little to much brag for me. Most provided inspiration and joy at the growth the runner achieved by their running. More than a couple brought a tear to my eye. I encourage the writers to create an annual supplement. (Keep it simple and don't over do it the way the Chicken Soup guys have done.) I look forward to more!

Thanks. egm, Vermont

Great book. No matter what your sport or fitness regime, the stories in this book will inspire and motivate you to overcome whatever obstacles stand in your way.

The lessons can be applied to any struggle you might be facing, from relationships to business to yep, even learning how to run. The stories are short and easy to read--great if you don't have much time to indulge.

These amazing and uplifting stories of the power of women would make a great gift for any woman (or man). Give a copy to all your "sisters".

that's from the muppet column. hilarious. okay first off, the cover is tight ... balls in briefs ... the insides are great too. ive read most of these before, but they're all worth reading again. good stuff

There are a few good sports-writers around but I always get dried ink on my hands from their columns. Chris is different. His wit and facetious charm can be found "in the net" as well as in this book. Come on, give the kid a chance; it's a Great Read!

I'm in tears reading this book, laughing so hard. Pure comical genius. Quality stuff.

Yeah, that's right. You need to judge this book by its cover. The inside is just as hilarious as the outside. 5 stars just for that. Though it is a great read for Wilson fans, sports fans or anyone wanting a laugh.

okay, the book is great. i just keep cracking up from reading the article called "spelling for dummys xxx dummies." the wheel of fortune gag was dope and the redskins ball coach calling ifeanyi ohalete "IO, as in IOU playing time" is just mad funny. the rest of the book is just as goon and worth your reading time. out

My husband loved this book and convinced me to read it...I read his copy to pieces and have had to order another to replace it. This is a laugh out loud novel...grab your copy today!

Welcome to the way NASCAR was when men were men, the cars were men and the women were, well...women. The all-time funniest expose' on NASCAR ever, bar none. This is back before the Politically Correct corporate culture that has taken over NASCAR existed. If you know a little NASCAR history, you'll identify the people (the names were changed to protect the guilty) and howl with laughter. Will someone Pulleezze make a movie that is really based on this book, not the Hal Needham peice of junk that waw released to theaters. Enjoy.

This is the best, funniest book on racing ever. I can't believe it hasn't been memorialized. I hope Neely was paid well for the Hollywood trash-it should have been done by Newman... in the spirit of "Slap Shot".

This book is an absolute MUST READ for anyone who ever wondered how to park their car in a swimming pool. Find out what racers really think just before they smack a wall at 200 mph. Learn how to start racing in a Birdcage and wind up in the big league of NASCAR. Learn out to turn a visit to the infield hospital into a long term relationship. Also, the finer points of racing in reverse gear at night. Seriously, this book is a riot! I read it orginally in the early 70's and have been searching for it ever since then.

Not to be confused with the horrid movie starring Burt Reynolds.

This book is dated now, but it is a great read for folks who were fans of the sport in the 60's and 70's. There were lots of stories from that period that took place on and off the track that are recounted in the book.

It makes me laugh out loud every time I read it!

I love Gaku Homma's books for their straightforwardness. This one is exactly what the subtitle says it is. I wish there were a higher text-to-photo ratio, but mostly I wish Gaku Homma had finished the series of which this was the first book. If you train in aikido already, I suspect there's a good chance you've seen this material already. But if you train in other martial arts and have an interest in aikido, I think this book could be very informative for you.

This book will deepen your understanding of how Aikido techniques are linked to sword fighting. An excellent, visual presentation of Aikido footwork, timing and mental attitude. I wish Mr. Homma would complete the series he had planned with the publication of this book. Highly recommended!

This is the best technique book I have ever read. The book is very practical in the order that it is layed out; and clear in showing the relationship between the the arts. The clearity and order of the photos make it very easy to follow each technique from start to finish. Each technique is true to its Japanese art; their does not look to have any mix of other arts or peronal change to any of the movements. This is an excelent book.

I found the book very good, useful and interesting. It shows that even though Aikido is gracful it is also dangerous.

This book shows in great detail how aikido empty hand techniques related to techniques with weapons.

This is a must read for any serious practitioner of budo.

Dave Lowry is in top form as he explains the the deeper meaning of Kanjis that a budoka might encounter as they progress in their training.

This is an essential guide to understanding what we can learn from the time spent "In the Dojo" and how it could transfer to our daily lives.

Lowry has created a series of 2-3 page mini-essays comparing and contrasting the budo and shodo, the art of Japanese caligraphy.

A wonderful inspiration for the beginning or advanced martial artist alike, he provides another delightful vehicle for reflection. A book to be read slowly and savored.

A lack of familiarity with the written Japanese language is no impediment to the enjoyment of this book. In fact, it may serve as something as a primer for the novice.

Plain and simple - Mr. Lowry lays it all on the line. This book captures the TRUE spirit of the martial arts! It's not about being "bad" or even about self-defense (although martial arts properly studied and used can come in handy when your back's against the wall) - it's about self-development. Nuff sed! Get the book - read it and learn!

Dave Lowry has written an excellent book that I've read on more than one occassion. As a bugeisha (one that studies the traditional Japanese martial ways) this small treatise on terms, kanji and philosophy used in most budo settings is quite enthralling.

I've found that as I've progressed in my own training, Mr. Lowry's "Sword and Brush" becomes even more profound. Going to my bookshelf, dusting off the book cover and reading it each year has proven fruitful. His simple and direct approach provide insight into shodo (the way of the brush), a particular kanji(s) history, which allows the reader to visualize the origins of the pictograph, and its transcendence into the combat ways of Japan. Each philosophical overview imparts a wisdom found by one who has truly studied the arts and can teach intricate meanings to the reader.

Lowry is a true student of the arts; an individual steeped in budo and bujutsu. He gets "it," and tries to share his knowledge with others.

Buy this book, you won't regret it.

This elegant book from renowned martial arts author Dave Lowry is both enlightening and pleasing to the spirit. Mixing examples of his masterful brush work with insightful and thought provoking stories, Lowry delves into the deeper meaning of common martial concepts. It is easy reading yet profound. I read it for the first time nearly a decade ago then recently picked it up again. I do not know if it is the natural maturity that comes with age or through the furtherance of my martial training but I have found it even better the second time around. If you are looking for deeper meaning in from your budo training, this work belongs on your bookshelf!

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

Guy Windsor teaches at the fencing school he founded in Helsinki, Finland (School of European Swordsmanship). In this manual, he introduces us to the two-handed longsword, one of the primary close-quarter weapons of the Middle-ages and Renaissance, a weapon highly prevalent in many ancient European martial texts.

Mr. Windsor's text explains the history of this particular sword, with commentary on the philosophies of Italian fencing-masters who wrote some of the most influential early fighting-manuals. Inside, you will recieve instruction in drills of footwork, armed-practice (alone and with a training partner), principles of fencing, and warm-up for sword-practice.

Thoroughly illustrated with black & white photos, as well as historical line-drawings from the original Medieval manuals, you will find this to be a true gem among the new wave of Eurocentric martial-arts books.

Also to be recommended: Medieval Combat by Hans Talhoffer, translated by Mark Rector

This is an excellent book. The demonstrations of the techniques are clear, and easy to understand. Guy Windsor intended for this to be a workbook for the Historical Western Swordsman, and this is. He does an excellent job at conveying the subtlety of the Italian longsword tradition. I look forward to other works by Windsor on the Longsword and other weapons used on the battlefields of medieval Europe.

The broadsword in s good place to start for anyone interested in learning Historic Swordsmanship. This book is well written for those who want to learn the basics. I personally found many new drills and new ways to teach my students.
Personally I have been in the martial arts for over 20 years and have been doing Western Martial Arts for about 8 and I really liked this book. It is always good to return to the basics and make sure they are solid.
I would recomend this book to anyone who is starting or thinking about getting into Historic Swordsmanship, also and well equiped sword library should have this book.

Although I read this a few years ago, it remains for me the best book on the subject of swordplay that I've ever picked up. Although I may disagree with some of his interpretations (and that may simply be the result of his models handling blades too long to accurately demonstrate some of Fiore's guards), his decriptions of the fundamental principles of swordfighting are both elegant and insightful. This book was a pivotal experience in the evolution of my understanding of medieval swordplay.

When I saw this book advertised on Amazon, I said to myself...oh no!!! not another one of those books written by these whackos who think they can swordfight, just because they played with metal bars in their backyard !!!! Then as I looked through it I said .....Finalmente ....Finally....a well researched book written by an intelligent man who has studied the period manuals and presented his theory on the subject!! What is great about Guy Windsor is that even on his discussion forum he admits that he is learning everyday, and that he feels no shame in changing something that he might be wrong on. Great book written by a great author !!! If you want to learn to fight with the Longsword by this book !!!!!!

I first read this book just after it was first published some 50 years ago. It was, I recall, a pleasure to read then and doubly so to re-read the account of Corbett's adventures again today. Jim Corbett's somewhat matter-of fact, understated style is a delight to read and his simple yet vivid descriptions of the Indian locale and the people, who play a part in his story are those of a man that loves and deeply understands this land and its people. Corbett is no wanton destroyer of wildlife but a protector of impoverished and often terrified communities who understands and explains with sympathy, why the prey he hunted were forced to become what they were.

Any book by Jim Corbett is an interesting read. Although, nowadays, big game hunting is a thing of the past (I reckon), yet it is through the eyes of the author that the reader can seamlessly go back to the times when it was not so.

The stories are beautifully detailed in their descriptions of the expeditions, the customs of the hill folks, their traditions, courage, and (some interesting) superstitions. More often than not while reading the book, I have wondered whether whether I would know what happens in the end because of some absolutely incredible situations and circumstances described.

HOW THIS MAN COULD MOVE THROUGH THE JUNGLE SO EASILY I DON'T KNOW..HE MUST HAVE HAD BAZOOMAS LIKE BASKETBALLS...LOL

In a few words Jim Corbett can transport you back 60-100 years & make you feel like you are right there beside him tracking a Tiger in India. There is no bravado, he comes across as very humble. I had read his "Man-Eaters of Kumaon" several years ago & thought it was without a doubt one of the best books I had ever read. Even knowing how good his books were I was still highly impressed with this book as well. It isn't just the tigers he describes but the whole Indian country-side & the people & animals that habitat the place. He takes you there. Don't hesitate to read one of his books.

Once again in this book Jim Corbett has proved it, he was a awesome incredible gentleman. I have never seen anyone who could write like him. Amazing man with amazing courage. His modesty is revealed throughout his book. He goes through so much suffering and pain, but never once writes about it. From his book you can feel how much concern he had for people. People trusted him with with their lives. His book teaches us a lot about jungles. I would recommend this to anyone who likes animals. Once again Jim Corbett you were and still are the best writes of adventures.

I bought this book looking for a guide of some kind to help me know what to exspect, equipment I needed, and how to plan a trip. I got all I was looking for and more, I live and have grown up what most would consider a typical countryboy and have been hunting, camping, and fishing since I was old enough to walk, but I had never been on a long backpacking trip and have really always wanted to try it and this book is a great way to do it, it tells you everything you can think to ask and some you hadn't.I am going to head out on my first trip with confidence and ready for things that are going to happen. I have to say this guy knows what he is talking about andI would recamend you to buy this if you are planning even a short day hike. also the book is made to carry along in your pack with its plastic covered covers and pages. I would like to thank the auther in closing for this book it may have saved me alot of problems and maybe alot of injures.

In 1996 I took my first backpacking trip ever. It was in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Became lost, carried too much weight...but enjoyed myself anyway. Two years later was on Katahdin in Maine. A big smile on my face...had just completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

After that first fun, yet disaster prone trip, stumbled upon the first edition of this book. Read it cover to cover and quickly learned many aspsects of backpacking I was woefully ignorant about. All that summer put into practice what was in the book.

Over the years since I've read that book have done much backpacking. Two end to hikes on the Long Trail, a thru-hike on both the AT and the Pacific Crest Trail. From reading the book was able to get the confidence to tackle longer hikes...and be fired up for them as well.

Now that I head up beginner backpacking trips myself, I always reccomend the book to anyone starting out with this past timne that has become a lifestyle for me.

I rated this book 4 stars, but would actually give it 4 1/2. Why not five? Berger is still skeptical of lightweight hiking (despite her new book about the subject) and it shows in not only in book but hiking videos, articles, etc. But, for the beginner, the solid info about traditional backpacking will get them on to a great start! Worked for me!

This book is a terrific resource for those just starting out or those who would like to know more about hiking and backpacking. The author's topics cover everything from the complete basics like, why you should hike, straight through to the more complex, like how to adjust your compass for declination. She also makes extremely helpful suggestions on purchasing products such as tents, sleeping bags, water purifiers, stoves, and basically all types of gear. The author has a writing style that generates interest in the reading material. She also focuses on particular topics, like handling problems only women encounter in the outdoors, or what you should know before taking children hiking. This book is a must have.

I bought this book recently to expand on what I know about hiking and backpacking. I mainly do day hikes, and living in the desert of the southwest, I obviously end up doing a lot of desert hikes.

This book is very comprehensive, but by no means an all-inclusive description of what you need to know about hiking and backpacking.

It puts great emphasize on backpacking and not so much on hiking, although both activities are very similar in their nature. The book puts its main focus on backpacking in the Northeast of the USA, and talks a lot about the Appalachian Trail, which the author has hiked from one end to another.

The book contains all types of useful and important details about equipment, behavior on the trail, personal safety etc. Personally, I would've liked for it to mention more about travelling by foot in the desert, but that said, you can still find the most important information about desert hiking scattered around the book.

Pros:
* Very comprehensive - Contains information about most things you need to know about hiking and backpacking
* Easy and fun to read - very nice format
* Contains checklists
* Author is very knowledgable on the subject and an accomplished hiker/backpacker
* Good value for money

Cons:
* Not enough information about desert hiking/backpacking
* Very heavy - not something you'd want to bring in your pack unless you had to. On the flip side, it makes it more durable than your average book.
* Not all that good as a reference - best read from beginning to end.

All in all, I would rate it a 4 since it's a quite well written and comprehensive book. It covers what most people would expect to find in this type of book. It falls short of a rating of 5 mainly for the reasons mentioned in CON above.

(This review is of the February 2003 edition)

I'm new to backpacking. I bought a few backpacking books recently, and none of them are more interesting and clearly written than this book. Karen Berger has a great, down to earth writing style without being too "breathy" or wordy. She gets down to the point, shows specific examples,and breaks things down in a way that can be understood by anybody.