Players Books

This unique work is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the lifestyle of the pimp and prostitution subculture. In some examinations of the study subject's testimony, I thought the authors were much to forgiving. The authors blame prejudice and racism for the exploitation that the criminals involved heap upon the prostitution victims. It is very obvious that the authors were very friendly with those that they studied. This makes it the reader's responsibility to examine the activities and actions of the pimps and prostitutes to form a complete picture of the criminal subculture. There is a wealth of accurate information that can be found in the statements made by the pimps and prostitutes that were interviewed. Though this book was published over 30 years ago, the lifestyle, and motivations for engaging in it, have changed very little.

I paid this book $100 (used) and it worth it. Enough?

Milner, a white graduate student at Berkeley, working for years as a stripper in San Francisco wrote this personal and academic study of pimp culture in the Bay Area during the late 60s. As a stripper working in establishments with "player's club" sections, she had ready access to lounging pimps eager to add her to their "stable". From a dependable factual foundation of dozens of participating pimps, she writes a study amazing in scope and readable detail.

When I claim wide scope, I mean the richness of subjects spans anthropology, social psychology, and sociology. In an eye opening chapter she explains the culture's patriarchal ideology, catechism, and symbols. Drawing from Scripture, the pimps narrate the fall of Adam and Eve, reworking the story to become a symbol of the defeat of mankind by woman. The story propels a pimp system of beliefs that asserts "square" society--all of us but them--is ruled by women and pimp culture is the last bastion of male domination in the Western world. I was invigorated by this new approach to gender relations. The claims are outrageous but these men are living their bluster, and that will make them credible enough for you to rethink to your relationship to the other gender.

That's enough material to make for amazing reading but it's just introductory. A large section will not disappoint--it's probably more than you could hope when you first sought a pimp studies book. In instructional detail, the mechanisms for controlling hos are explained. For any square the psychology of control is not intuitive. Pimps do not shy away from violence but the method of operation is psychological submission. The pimp must be a master of manipulation because the relationship between pimp and ho is an inversion of gender role. The pimp builds alpha magnetism, inspiring the sexual worship of his ho, a conquest so commanding that she becomes the wage earner so she may court his affection, allowing him to have the leisure to shop for fine clothes--quite an inversion.

This is a sociological work covering the bread and butter topics of the department such as race, deviance, and law, giving the book an academic comprehensiveness. The book manages to be intelligent and pure as an academic treatment and remains readable, the prose infused with the flair of that gilded age and place, late 60s San Francisco. The sociological observations spring from wacky encounters between hippies and pimps living in the same neighborhood, pimp war and peace, and more good times.

Find a research library and find this book.

This is the book that anyone, anyone, Anyone who wants to know about the game should start out with. I read this book in a research library then purchased it. It is the only book that I have ever seen that truly depicts the life objectively and fairly. Thorough, factual, multi-faceted, "real," and scholarly. This book is truly worth $100.00.

This book was the product of an anthropological study regarding both the lifestyles and subculture of San Francisco Bay Area pimps and their prostitutes. Given the fact that the authors befriended many of the local pimps prior to interviewing them they were able to obtain a lot of information that would otherwise have been unavailable. In short, this book gives us a truly unique look at one of America's most controversial subcultures.

First let me tell you about myself, like Brooks Robinson I am a third baseman. This book has inspired me to try my best. On page 35 in the book it says, "He was once again sent down to the minors-this time to Vancouver." He spent about four years in the minor leagues, but he kept trying and later became the greatest defensive third baseman who ever played the game. This book also inspired to work on my defense. Brooks Robinson was never that great of a hitter but he made his mark by his defensive plays on the field.

First let me tell you about myself, like Brooks Robinson I am a third baseman. This book has inspired me to always try my best. On page 35 in the book it says ,"He was once again being shipped to the minor leagues-this time to Vancouver." He spent about four years in the minor leagues, but he kept trying and later became the greatest defensive third baseman who ever played the game. This book also inspired me to work hard on my defense. Brooks Robinson was never that great at hitting ,but he made his mark by his defensive play.

First let me tell you about myself, like Brooks Robinson I am a third baseman. I am fifteen years old and I play baseball for my high school baseball team. I have twelve brothers and sisters. This book has inspired me to try my best. He spent about four years in the minor leagues, but he kept trying and later became the greatest defensive third baseman who ever played the game. This book also inspired to work on my defense. Brooks Robinson was never that great at hitter but he made his mark by his defensive plays on the field.

First let me tell you about myself, like Brooks Robinson I am a third baseman. I am fifteen years old and I play baseball for my high school baseball team. I have twelve brothers and sisters. This book has inspired me to try my best. He spent about four years in the minor leagues, but he kept trying and later became the greatest defensive third baseman who ever played the game. This book also inspired to work on my defense. Brooks Robinson was never that great at hitter but he made his mark by his defensive plays on the field.

First let me tell you about myself, like Brooks Robinson I am a third baseman. I am fifteen years old and I play baseball for my highschool baseball team. I have twelve brothers and sisters. This book has inspired me to try my best. He spent about four years in the minor leagues, but he kept trying and later became the greatest defensive third baseman who ever played the game. This book also inspired to work on my defense. Brooks Robinson was never that great at hitter but he made his mark by his defensive plays on the field.

When I read Cassandra Dixon's "playbook" on how to beat a player at his own game I was relieved to discover that this wasn't yet another book bashing brothers. It's an enjoyable little book that is not a chore to read. It's light, but to the point, and although it is in some instances humorous it speaks seriously to today's woman on how to navigate through the nonsense to either make it happen with the man they presently have or make it happen the way it should happen when Mr. Right comes along. I have recommended it to both men and women alike.

Finally a book that says it all! I should have had this book 20 years ago.I could have saved myself a lot of undue stress from the opposite sex. The book says in simple english what everyone woman knows but denies to herself when in love.I sincerely hopes Ms.Dixon writes a follow up but only longer and in more detail.

Ms.Dixon appears to be on the right trail in her delightful yet thought provoking essay. As a police officer with two daughters her work speaks to the young adults of today's world in the street language that they understand. It is not clinical nor is she trying to dazzle anyone with big words. Well done Ms. Dixon and thank you.

I found Ms. Dixon's book to be down to earth and to the point. She shows a remarkable sense of humor while pointing out some remarkable insight on how to stay true to yourself. I felt that she had true insight into men & women who "played the game". Ms. Dixon has explained very simply how to get what you want out of a relationship without compromising who you are as an individual. I am sure anyone who reads this book will find a piece of themselves here. Pick up the book ..learn a little, think alittle and laugh a little

MS.DIXON'S BOOK IS VERY ENTERTAINING AND TRUTHWOTHY, CONCERNING THE ONGOING RELATIONSHIP OF MEN AND WOMEN.A MUST HAVE FOR BOTH SEXES, WHO WANTS TO KNOW THE CONTINUING GAMES MEN AND WOMEN PLAY.A REAL POSITIVE BOOK THAT ALSO BOOST YOUR SELF-ESTEEM AND CHARACTER AS WELL.

The poem is an old favorite. The illustrations fit the time of the work. My 5- and 3- year olds enjoyed it as well.

Casey at the Bat tells about mighty Casey and his missing 2 strikes - like messing up in life.

This is by far the best rendition/publication of this poem that I've ever seen. The combination of the real-life looking people, but have their legs look like pencils, is quite humerous. Our particular favorite is the smoke coming from Casey's ears when he has struck out twice. The pictures in this book greatly enhance the story. Especially when Casey is standing there examining his fingernails on the first strike. Pretty cute and funny stuff.

Grab this book for all the young ball players you know - it really tells a nice tale of always doing your best, no matter how good you get at whatever you do. It made my little guy pretty sad to read this book/poem, but it definitely opens the door to emphasizing the importance of always doing your best. Highly recommend!

Thayer's classic ballad, `Casey at the Bat,' is greatly enhanced by Patricia Polacco's brilliantly achieved, big-hearted illustrations. Ms. Polacco captures emotion, action, and character through wittily exaggerated, slightly loopy pictures, and through lots of uncrowded background shenanigans. It's very cinematic: She effectively isolates action through extreme close-ups, and extends time through a montage of events occurring within a single picture. Like the auteur she is, she even adds some opening and closing story elements (while leaving the poem intact) that augment the poem's appeal to the younger reader.

This book is simply great fun to read aloud; you'll find yourself wanting to memorize its evocative imagery and epic aspirations:

"Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt; Five thousand tongue applauded when he wiped them on his shirt. Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip, Defiance flashed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip."

You and your youngsters will love the humor and the drama in this a classic rendition of Thayer's beloved poem. Infants and toddlers will enjoy the bright pictures, and all readers will appreciate the perfect teaming of Thayer and Polacco.

I thought this was a wonderful book. I enjoyed Thayers use of poetry to exrpress the emotion in the story. The language used in the text is of very high quality and when read by an adult to a child, the child is able to thourghly understand. The illustrations play an important role with the text. They not only enrich the text, but they tell a story in itself. We can feel the emotion of the players and the crowd through Polacco's work. Overall I thought this was a wonderful book and reccomend it to a child of any age.

This book was given to me as a gift - a very special gift. At 42 years of age - I found this story to be inspirational and beautiful. I read this story aloud to myself and caught the magic! Ms. Hubbard catches the essence of a traditional African Ancestry family and Marcenia's dream of playing baseball. Children teach us all the time - if we take a moment and accept the lesson. Marcenia did not let any obstacles such as gender, economics or a dress deter her from her dream. Faith, perseverance and a spiritual connection are all wrapped up in this beautiful story that is enhanced by stunning artwork done by Mr. Randy DuBurke. No matter what age - we all have dreams - how we make them a reality is another story. "Catching The Moon" is truly a keepsake in any personal library!

This is one children's book that adults will learn from too.

This is the story of Marcenia "Toni Stone" Lyle, who grew up to be the first woman to play on a professional men's baseball team.

Even now women are banned from the Majors, so it's fascinating to read a story about a young girl who achieved her dream of playing in a major league ballclub.

Catching The Moon is an inspiration to anyone, child or adult, who's had a dream that seemed impossible.

The text is lively and colorful, and the illustrations match it perfectly. I enjoyed this book as much as my children did.

In the early 1930s, Marcenia Lyle was a young girl who loved baseball and could hit, field, and run better than the best of the boys. When Gabby Street (the baseball manager of the St. Louis Cardinals) came to recruit children for his baseball camp, Marcenia realized that his camp could be her first step from the sand lot to playing baseball with the pros. But Mr. Street didn't allow girls at his camp and Marcenia's parents want her to give up her baseball dreams and act like other girls her age. Dramatically told by Crystal Hubbard and superbly illustrated by Randy DuBurke, Catching The Moon: The Story Of A Young Girl's Baseball Dream is a picturebook for young readers based on the true story of the determination and passion of a young girl who would one day become the first woman to play professional baseball in the Negro league. Highly recommended -- especially for school and community libraries of the inner cities.

Catching The Moon: The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream is the story of a little girl named Marcenia, who dreams of being a professional baseball player. This ambition is most unlikely since Marcenia is a female black child growing up in America in the 1930s. Catching The Moon is a fantastic example of how determination and hard work can make any dream no matter how improbably it seems to come true. This true story of Marcenia Lyle, who really did grow up to be the first woman to play baseball in the Negro Leagues, is inspiring not just to children but to anyone who thinks it may be too late to pursue a dream. This book serves as an example to all that anything is possible. It is truly a remarkable story brilliantly told by Crystal Hubbard and wonderfully illustrated by Randy DuBurke.

Tomboy Marcenia wants to play baseball but knows the options for an African-American girl in the 1920's are limited. That doesn't stop her and in the Author's Afterward the reader finds Marcenia's persistence and love of the game prevails over adversity. Children will enjoy the acrylic
illustrations which convey the action of the game.

Ken Perlman's book has been around for almost 30 years and, with the sentimental exception of Pete Seeger's "How to Play the 5 String Banjo", is clearly the leading "how to" book on this unique style of play. However comprehensive and well written a book is if you don't get the earliest lesson down pat you're gonna be dead meat when things speed up down the road. If you don't have a competent teacher and are trying to learn from any book alone clawhammer, more than any other picking style, will beat you into the ground.

Fortunately for those of us too cheap to hire an instructor Perlman has produced a 2 DVD (originally VHS) set that bests most teachers for clarity and continuity in following the text of this excellent book. I can't recommend highly enough just how effective the book and DVD combination is. You'll save years of struggle and have a great time learning this most fascinating style of play. A great book made much better with the available video.

This book takes you to an incredibly advanced level from the very basics. It is hands down the best instructional book I've ever read- not just for clawhammer, but out of all books I've read for guitar, Dobro, autoharp, etc... You will be a wonderful frailer if you buy this book and stick at it.

Pete Seeger's famous little book got me started frailing and picking, but it was this book that really taught me how to play clawhammer. I can't recommend it highly enough. Besides teaching the basics, Perlman presents a full repetoir of well-known traditional songs- enough for a couple of sets. I can't recommend this book (and Perlman's other banjo books) highly enough.

As a bluegrass player this book totally demystified the process of clawhammer. I highly recommend getting the DVD with the book. I was up and running in no time. I'm still working thru the book as we speak, but I feel like a I have a good grip on it. Ken starts off very slow and dissects the action and rythmn of clawhammer banjo. The best part is that this book keeps giving, plenty of tunes and much to learn after you get the basics.

This book is the most well organized, clear, and fun book on clawhammer I have ever encountered. If you are a clawhammer banjo teacher, as I am, this book is absolutely essential for you and your students. I especially apprecite Ken's attention to detail, the accurate rhythmic notation (which is often less then desirable in clawhammer books), and the generous amount of songs within the book. If there's a clawhammer equivalent to Earl Scrugg's book, this is it.

I started watching basketball in 1990 and always looked forward to Mr Hollanders book right before the season started. However, the 1998 handbook seems to be the last one that has ever come out. I've searched and searched and the 98 season appears to be the last one. Does anyone know what happened.

I like this book because it's about basketball and I love basketball. This book teaches you a lot about rules in baketball and it teaches you about what it's like in the real NBA and it tells you a lot about some of the best basketball players in the world. I really haven't read this book I'm just typing this because I wanted to!!!!!!

I think the series of books are great. I live for them every year at this time of year. I wish they had gone ahead and done one for last year's truncated season. When will this year's book come out???

Hollander and Compton's book is THE BIBLE for all true NBA fans. Casual followers need not apply - this is the one that gets down to the level of detail reserved for us hoops-crazed junkies. Props to the authors for this ongoing series of frankly written, insightful and often hilarious synopses of every team and player in the league. Here's hoping the new version comes out soon, and if the 1999 edition is released, I'll snap that up too!

I have had Zander Hollander's book since 1986. It has proven to have the most complete coverage on a per player basis. It's greatest strength lies in the individual player profiles that it provides. The combination of analysis of a player's skills (though I know there will be disagreements as I myself do not always agree with the assessments) plus career statistics of the individual player provide individualized information that only few magazines and other books have. Most magazines have team profiles with only a few words or phrases dedicated to the not-so-famous players. Mr. Hollander allows us followers of the NBA to have more information not just on the stars but also on the mid-level and bench players. He also includes details outside of basketball, and his writing style mixes factual reporting with humor. My only complaint about the book is that it goes to publication a bit too early and is mostly outdated as far as the pre-season trades and player movements are concerned (though I understand the publication requirements). All in all, this is my favorite basketball book in my 15 years of following the NBA. Unfortunately, however, he seems to have stopped publication after the 1998 edition. There was no book for the lock-out shortened season as well as for this past 1999-2000. Hopefully Mr. Hollander will again produce this book for this upcoming season.

Exceptional. Damon does a wonderful job explaining ideas and concepts in great deal with fun, true-to-life stories that are real and applicable to anyone's life journey. He shares his intellectual thoughts in a clear, concise manner that is easy to follow and will make you want to keep reading.

No bells and whistles or complicated, superficial language. This book is straight forward and if followed is sure to bring success to its readers! I have not read a book in some time (and very few) from the perspective of a person who is realistic and focused on the true tools to achieve. I will be purchasing one of these books for every athlete I know as well as struggling professionals. If at such an age this man has this much wisdom, it would be a sin not to share. If I were you, I wouldn't let another day go by without this information...this is if you truly want to succeed, or just want to sit around and talk about how you "wish" you could. Buy it today!

Excellent! I really needed this type of book in high school and college. His personal stories about his personal struggles were amazingly insightful. Everyone can relate to this book! This book is great! plain and simple!

It's about time someone writes a book that truly reveals the importance of perserverance. Not only for young black males but everyone. I kind of relate this book to a recent convention I watched on CSPAN. Bill Cosby was speaking At the Rainbow Coalition convention on CSPAN, during this speach he talked about people being overcomers, especially the African-American community. But he explained somehow over the years African-Americans have started to point the finger and make excuses. Rev Jesse Jackson who I am not a big fan made an interesting point that young athletes succeed in athletics because of the training, discipline and preparation but when it comes to education young people specifically young athletes do not have the same approach, therefore they do not experience the same level of success. Point being people succeed because of their level of will power, preparation and discipline which this book explains perfectly. This book "Don't stop the Swagger" is wonderful it actually gives the needed mindset to succeed in not only education, but in athletics, business and beyond. This book is required reading for all people not just athletes. Damon J Smith's website is excellent! Just type "iswagger" in the search engine. This is the type of material we need in our educational system.

"Don't Stop the swagger is a great read! it gives an interesting relationship between corporate moguls and professional athletes. This is a must read for all athletes young and old. But the Author's personal stories can relate to anyone from all walks of life. It's refreshing to see an athlete who can really write and articulate a message that anyone can learn from. The last chapter titled "Inner Man" is honest, thought provoking and different than anything I have read. This is a must read for all people! In the Second portion of this book he talks about essential career skills. He actually breaks career into an acronym meaning: C for communication, A for Attitude(positive), R for Relationships, E for Education, second E for entreprenuerial mindset and the last R for relationships. Just a well thought out book! I found these chapters relevant for the business person, student or whomever.

Fantasy Football has been a major pastime for football fans and those who dream to be a coach. "Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football" is a complete and comprehensive strategy guide for those who have taken a liking to the game and want to get an edge on their opponents. Covering the history of the concept alongside the strategies, "Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football" is an ideal gift for any fantasy football player and recommended for community library sports collections.

Fantasy Football Guidebook is a great book. I have participated in fantasy football for several years. This year, however, my wife decided she wanted to learn the "game" and draft her own team. She bought the Fantasy Football Guidebook to help her learn the game. Eventually, she was spouting strategy and making decisions based on issues I'd never considered. So I decided to read the book, too. Wow! Not only did I learn a great deal more about the game itself, but I have continued to use it as a reference throughout the season. This book is the only source you need, whether you're a rookie or a veteran. Many thanks to Sam Hendricks and his team of professionals. His style is smooth and light, and the added humor is refreshing.

This is the first book to explore every possible fantasy football topic. I know that sounds ambitious but that is exactly what this book does!!!!

Four hundred pages of theories, strategies, tips and rules to make you a better player and a better commissioner or owner. This book has it all.

Chapters on:
-Scoring systems
-Ranking players
-Advanced Draft theories (VBD, AVT etc)
-Start/bench strategy
-Free agency upgrades
-Auction tips
-Auction strategies
-WCOFF, NFFC and AFFL
-Rule variations
-Commissioner tips
-IDP Leagues
-Keeper/Dynasty Leagues
and much more. It has something for every level of player.

This book has been described as a "thinking mans fantasy football book". I take that as a huge compliment. That is exactly what I set out to do. I wanted a comprehensive book that went beyond the basics of fantasy football. A few years ago, I searched for a reference book to explain everything about fantasy football and when I could not find such a book, I decided to write it. Over two years later and you have a hardback or paperback, 400-page reference book to refer to year after year, authored by an individual with a .725 regular season winning percentage at the prestigious World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF).

Am I biased? You bet I am. I wrote this book. But over 500 other people have bought it in the past 6 months so I wanted to invite you to check out the "Search inside feature" on this web page or ask a friend about it or go to a bookstore and leaf through it and make up your own mind.

I promise, you will not be disappointed.

This book is excellent! I am new to fantasy football and I usually purchase a few books on any new subject, but not in this case. It is the only book I've needed to feel comfortable on all aspects of the game. Every phase is covered in great detail, and I was very prepared for the draft - more prepared than some of the old timers in our league. Now that the season has started I refer to it constantly and I'm doing great. It also covers advanced topics so I know I'll be using this book for many seasons to come - I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about learning and winning in fantasy football!

This comprehensive guide to playing fantasy football is about mastering the game by following the strategies and rule variations in this book. The author writes this resourceful reference book for all fantasy football fans who desire to succeed at the game. It discusses leagues, scoring systems, draft theories, auction tips and much more. It has all the information you'll ever need to play the game. This book is user friendly and easy to understand. What better way to enjoy the game of football on a higher level. The author is an expert at the game. A Must Read!

Paul Byrd is living proof that Professional Baseball Players can and do have talent in areas off the field. Christians are not perfect.
They recognized they are sinners deserving hell, they have repented of their sin to God, asked forgiveness, placed their faith in the blood of Jesus as payment of their sin-debt which guarantees their eternal salvation, then asked that God begin to make them into the person He always wanted them to be.
We are real people, in a life-long struggle, fighting real temptations. We are just doing it with the awesome help of The Holy Spirit. Paul doesn't rely on religious systems to guide his Christian walk. He goes right to the source of all knowledge and all the wisdom we need for life in this world and for eternity to come, God's perfect and Holy Word.
Paul, you nailed it. I just hope and pray you keep writing.
Thanks for your testimony.
Tim Billheimer
Alliance, Ohio (Tribe Country)

I attend (and work for) the church where "Counselor Frank" is pastor. As Paul releases the LIFE that we learn more about every Sunday, we are watching him in the Grace lab class. As Frank says, sometimes grace is messy, and Paul doesn't try to put it in a pretty package. His candor is so refreshing, and I'm excited for people to read that loving and being loved by God doesn't mean never screwing up. Instead, it means we know who and whose we are even when we do screw up! Bravo, Paul!

My husband was reading this book and kept saying, "Come here, you have to read this." or "Listen to this paragraph" and he would proceed to read excerpts. So interesting and inspirational were the stories I began to read the book as well, and I am happy I did. Paul Byrd's book is honest, emotional, raw, intelligent, and funny. It's a great read and I can only imagine how much a father and son would get out of this together. Dads get this book for your sons and sons share this book with your father - you won't be disappointed. Thanks Paul for sharing your life with us and helping us learn, grow and laugh with you.

I bought this book because I love baseball and the Lord and because I have much respect for those seemingly few players who are successful both on the field and in their spiritual lives. The book is filled with great stories about Paul's baseball experiences, but what touched me most was how Paul recognizes how his relationship with his earthly father has shaped his view of his Heavenly Father. This is so true in my own life and it is comforting to know that someone as successful as Paul carries some of the same burdens as the rest of us. In this book, Paul writes, "I had spent most of my life imitating my living legacy, Larry the Legend (his father), by being a good, honest, and just person apart from Christ, which is impossible." I couldn't agree more! I too want to live "from Christ." Thank you Paul for sharing your stories, your insights and your life experiences so that we all learn from them. Your Father is proud!

Forget the whole HGH thing! If the publishing world had drug-testing, they'd be checking Byrd for manuscript-enhancing substances. He's that good. Where does this guy get off scribbling out a masterpiece like this between starts for the Indians? In the process of addressing the most relevant issues shared by men today, Byrd combines the candor of J.D. Salinger with the wit of Donald Miller (makes you wonder if Miller has hidden baseball talents?). Most refreshing of all, Byrd's not out to preach or "fix" the reader. He's just sharing (amazing) stories from his life - along with the lessons he's learned from life on the mound. Prediction: Byrd will become the writer for the "Christian everyman" in the new millennium. Baseball was just his warm-up act.