Players Books

Great job on the book Mr. O'Donnell. We're very proud to see you represent Wakefield High School. Also, we don't think that you should stop writing. You're a great writer (as you can probably tell by all these wonderful reviews). Keep up the wonderful work. We love you! Best wishes from your favorite girls, Holly, Rahel, and Remela <-- (I wrote it)

quite frankly, this is the most entertaining pro football book I have ever read, and I believe I have read the vast majority of them. It has inside stories that you will not find the details on anywhere. It is funny, historical, and factual. I just wish there was an updated version. I have worn out my original copy I bought 10 years ago and am now on my second copy.

Boy oh boy, do whatever you have to do to get a copy of this in your hot little off-season hands. (Today is Feb 13) I've been a fan all my life, so I think I know a few stories, but every single page in this book is a joy ... so much I've never heard of, or have only heard of peripherally ... and ALL told in utterly entertaining fashion. I can't put the book down. I have just one complaint: when are the guys who wrote this going to do an update? When, when, when? I want the first copy.

If any pro football book deserves to be expanded and updated, it's this jewel of an effort. Daly and O'Donnell have produced a fascinating retrospective of all that makes football what it is, and reveal some little-known bits and pieces that even the most studied fan won't be aware of. A pity it's over a decade out of date . . .

There are no canonisations and platitudes here (for instance, the book criticises in detail Vince Lombardi's late-sixties draft choices and suggests he might have handed Phil Bengtson something of a poisoned chalice - an interesting theory, if nothing else), and no tedious top-ten-this or worst-five-that lists for the more mentally challenged. Instead, there are decade-by-decade glimpses of the game which, taken together, produce the best historical, fan-level portrait of the NFL I've ever come across.

My only complaint - and it's a small one - is that the book does fall back on the inevitable statistical section and identifies what it believes to be the "greatest" players. There's enough of this junk in other books ("Total Football" leaps to mind); I would have preferred more pages of esoterica and amusing photographs.

This is a book really worth searching out for if your idea of a good read is something other than a fawning biography or Officially Licensed propaganda.

It's funny how you see baseball book after baseball book exploring the past, analyzing the statistics, and uncovering untold stories. Very few football books have ever come out to fill this void, except for this great work. This book is eleven years old, and I still find myself going to it at least several times a football season. Pro Footbal Chronicle profiles forgotten stars such as Big Daddy Lipscomb and Hardy Brown. It tells of the attempt to fix the 1946 NFL Championship and of the saga of Red Grange from college to the pros. It explores the unbreakable records, the big hits, the classic rivalries and....I could go on and on, but I won't. The reason is simply that you should buy it. It is the best sports book ever writen about the greatest sport ever played. I just hope there is an updated version in the works, which would shed some new light on the largely untold story of pro football's roots.

wonderful! writing styles, details, photos, insights all
excellent. It is like reading a national geograohic article
(so many pictures to go with the stories). The depth he went
into to talk about his ideas and thoughts is really
a treat.

This book is a fascinating account of the life of Ravi Shankar. I was a little reluctant to pick up this book at first- -I thought to myself, "Ravi Shankar- pop star, a musician who lives on hype - who wants to read a fan book? If George Harrison hadn't stumbled across him, he would have been just another sitar player." But after reading this book, I have a much greater understanding and respect for Shankar and all that he has accomplished.

Shankar's early life was simply amazing. His first tour of the US was in 1932, when he was all of 12 years old. With that in mind, it makes perfect sense for Shankar to be the leader in bringing Indian classical music to the West, since he spent so many of his formative years in Paris and on tour throughout Europe and the US. During this time, he became familiar with Western audiences and their expectations, as well as with Western music traditions. It is this familiarity that has enabled him to be so successful at explaining Indian music to Westerners. But as this book details, Shankar was not only popular in the West, but long before George Harrison met him, he had built a very successful career in India. For example, he was the one who did the music for film director Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy, among so many other projects.

Shankar's influences on music in both India and the West are enormous and far-reaching. He was one of the first musicians to gain a following in world music, and he fought strongly against the marginalization of world music as a field only fit for ethnomusicologists. As described in this book, in India, he helped change attitudes towards musical performance and performers by demanding full attention from audiences and formal venues, much like classical performers in the West expect.

Interspersed throughout Shankar's text are short interludes from friends such as Yehudi Menuhin and George Harrison. The book includes hundreds of pictures that span Shankar's entire career, including the pre-World War II tours with his brother Uday. There is also a very informative glossary at the end, as well as a chronology and index.

Raga Mala is destined to be a classic of literature.
It is a biography, history, diary, and a basic primer
of Hindustani (North Indian) music.
As a beginning Sitar student under a Guru myself.
I appreciate Raviji's journey from student to master.
The life covers so many memorable moments of history.
His triumphs and pain are an inspiration to all who
are open enough to see it. There is not enough that
can be said to fully explain the depth of this book.
It is fair to say that most will not fully understand
it in one reading.
In closing, Raga Mala will be the textbook to be used
by all interested in Pandit Ravi Shankar, Indian music,
and how it has gained popularity in America since the
1960's. I recommend this book as in the top 5 of my
all time favorite books.

Regardless of how you come into this book, as a Beatles fan, as an admirer of Indian classical music, or someone who studies the Indian culture, you will come out of it thinking of Ravi Shankar as someone very special, but who shares the same passion for life as many of us. "Raga Mala" is his story through his words, from his days as a dancer to traveling out of India for the first time, and eventually setting a goal to spread his music and culture around the world. With celebrity comes fame, and with fame comes admiration, and there were many women who admired him, only for he to admire them back. His love of women is at times overshadowed by his love of food, which is something I never knew before this.

But he talks about his music as his core (at point during the book he compared the sitar to his wife), and gets in-depth about his mission to enlighten people with his music. He loved the hippies but hated their lifestyle, and felt that he could make them high, and higher, with his music.

"Raga Mala" shows a well-traveled and cultured man with the utmost respect for his culture, his people, his music, and life in general. At 81 years old, he knows his "old junk of a body" can't do the things it did when he was 15, but he refuses to slow down for anyone, including himself.

Raga Mala is the autobiography of pandit Ravi Shankar,told in story,profusely illustrated{some in color}], beautifully bound {with luxurious endpapers], on high quality, beautiful papers. It tells his story{introduced by George Harrison} from his early childhood, stage[as a dancer in his brothers famous troupe] to his study of sitar and Hindustani music with a master{Khan},to his gradual emergence in the west. I had no idea, that he had performed at Carnegie hall in the 1930's, that John Coltrane's son ravi was named after him, ot that he was well known BEFORE the Monterey pop or woodstock concerts[he called woodstock"terrifying'}. This is a wonderful book, it tells the ENTIRE ARC of the life of pandit Ravi Shankar{including his apparent heir and pupil, his daughter Anoushka}, and does so with such a well put together volume. The papers, the binding, the photographic reproductions are exquisite. The publisher has done a remarkable job. A classic book, both in form and content.

the book was in great condition. and as a flyers fan, i am happy to have this book in my library.
thanks!

This book is probably the best history of the Flyers that you could find out there. Full Spectrum ranks right up there, but it doesn't have Mr. Heart's personality like SCORE! does. I'm gonna miss Gene.......

Having grown up a Flyers fan and hearing Gene Hart for many years, I loved this book. It's a great combination of how Gene became associated with the Flyers, as well as a timeline of the Flyers' history from the beginning up to the early 90's.

I first started listening to Gene Hart calling Flyers games in 1968. He was a wonderful announcer when the Flyers were mediocre and was absolutely superb when they were on top. I've heard a lot of sports broadcasting in a lot of cities around the country in the last 35 years and no one else in any sport approaches Gene's work. I was disappointed when he stopped announcing and deeply saddened with his passing last year. His book is every bit as fine as his radio and television work. Of the several Flyers books in print, his supasses the others in intimacy, first hand recollections and general nostalgic value. I sure miss Gene Hart, but this book and some tapes of television broadcasts he did are my most treasured sports memorabilia. He is a Hall of Famer and his writing belongs there too.

No one can tell a story the way Gene Hart did. He made you feel as though you were a part of every experience he retells in this book. Gene's love & passion for the game of hockey and the Philadelphia Flyers is clearly evident in this book. Gene not only chronicles the Flyers history from their entrance into the NHL, he also gives you a deep insight into the pride and character of a close knit group of players. We are all truly enriched by Gene's efforts.

I knew this was to be my Xmas pressie this year and so it was frustrating waiting for the 25th! As soon as I unwrapped it I couldn't put it down; in the end my wife became annoyed and told me that I would get no lunch until I put the book away. This book is a great read with lots of bits and pieces. There are various inspiring stories that make me want to get down to a beach (yes we do have them in England) and restart training. Living in this volleyball deprived nation it's great to have something like this book to get me through the long and dark winter. Just buy the book it's fabulous! Write to me! volleyball@tesco.net

If you are at all a volleyball person, this book is required reading. It's that simple. Karch was called the best indoor player in the world and proved himself the best beach player as well. What's better than hearing the story of the greatest player the sport has yet known from his own lips?

In basketball there's Jordan, in baseball it's Ruth, in Golf it's Nicklaus, auto racing's king is Richard Petty. In the world of indoor and beach volleyball one man stands alone at the top the mountain - that man is Karch Kiraly.

Karch Kiraly is the most decorated volleyball player in the history of the sport and at age 39, he's still the most feared name on the court. The Sand Man is the first book to truly capture this often misunderstood icon of the AVP.

From his first tournament at age 15 to the Atlanta Olympic gold medal in 1996, Karch Kiraly is truly the greatest player ever to spike a volleyball. I can not begin to say how great this book was.

Laced with stories and photos, this book is the tied for number one in my reviews of 1999. For the serious volleyball fan, this is the must read of the year. Best of luck in Sidney in 2000 Karch!

Karch Kiraly is simply the best volleyball player ever to play the game. So, of course, this read was very insightful, heartwarming, and humourous at times. I couldn't put my copy down at all. I have read it twice.

I say that Karch is the man with the "midas touch" because everything he touches is golden; his life with family and friends, the kind of role model he is to so many, and lastly for his volleyball accomplishments. It has been a pleasure to follow his career as well as read about his life in his book entitled, "The Sand Man."

I would encourage any volleyball fan to pick up this highly recommended book and to have it signed by Karch if they see him at an event soon!

Best of luck to Karch in the future and keep writing because your fans love it!

When most people tune in to watch the AVP, they often notice one thing - some guy out there is wearing a pink hat. The man underneath that hat is, undoubtedly, the greatest volleball player to ever step on the court (or the sand). This is the life story of Karch Kiraly and his accomplishments in life as well as on the court. Always a gentlemenly competitor, we get to see the few flare-ups and frustrations along with the glory of his storied career. Starting from birth and ending with last season's (1998) success with Adam Johnson, this book chronicles Karch's travels, his loves, the people he admires that came before, and his devotion to his children. A must-read for anyone who enjoys the sport and the man who has helped bring it to new heights.

If you have to choose just one book each year to give you as much information about the coming year in baseball: who the players are, who all the teams' prospects are, what they all did last year and a forecast of what they will do this year -- then this is THE book you should buy. Featuring analysis from some of the leading writers and analysts in the game this book has it all including situational stats and diagrams showing batter/hitter tendancies. Whether you are a ROTO-nerd, a Fantasy junkie, or (and I know there are some of you out there) a genuine baseball fan, you WILL love this book. It has it all!

The Scouting Notebook is an excellent book and a must-have for each new year for the true baseball fan. This book contains in-depth analysis of all regular major league players and many top prospects. It can give the reader an idea of what to expect based on past tendencies. A wonderful book!

If your league allows for the retention of players from year to year, this is the book to get. As a fantasy owner, I have been collecting these books for over 10(?) years and I find them invaluable in trade negotiations or just picking up that extra infielder off the waiver wire. What this book gives me is not just the stats, but observations on why a batter is hitting like he is, or why a certain pitcher should be performing better.

Also, pull out the book while watching a game on TV, the pitching charts for both the pitcher and hitter add an enjoyable twist to the game.

This is THE book for fantasy baseball nerds. This will be my third year in a row using this book as my primary tool preparing for draft day. But, you don't have to be stat crunching geek to enjoy it - the book will be enjoyed equally by "lovers of the game."

For anyone out there who loves hard core baseball this book is for you. Every player from every team has a biography and a scouting report. If you did not know him before the season you will definately know him by spring training. This is a must for baseball fans.

The nun completely cracks me up! There were a few times while reading this gem when I thought I would die laughing!

A nun in the major leagues? No way! But Hanson makes it happen, and with hilarious results. The combination of burly athletes who aren't always on their best behavior, and a devout Catholic female who insists that they behave, is truly entertaining. I look forward to more books by this author.

I loved this book. The author's got a great sense of humor that carries the story, even in the more serious parts. While it's not likely that we'll see a nun pitching in major league baseball anytime soon, Hanson did his homework and came up with a scenario that could happen: a woman knuckerballer playing major league baseball. Why not? The Spring Habit's got a strong storyline with real conflict. It combines religion and politics and America's favorite pastime. What's not to love?

The Spring Habit is an irreverent yet upbeat novel featuring a most unlikely heroine - a chaste and virtuous nun with a singularly amazing knuckleball. The big league Washington Memorials grudgingly accept her, yet as she strives to make headway in an all-male world, she develops a bond with the team's female beat reporter. With the World Series underway, tension promises to be high amid a gender-redefinition of pro sports!

This book is really a fun read. If you like baseball, it has enough baseball to keep you interested. If you don't like baseball, you'll still enjoy it. Hanson is a really fine writer and the story is funny and moving.

One of my memories of Hank Aguirre is his pitching in relief of the first major league game I saw in Detroit in 1958. After completing a game in Yankee Stadium in which Al Kaline broke his collar bone to make a diving catch to win the game the headline read "Tigers Find A Starter But Lose A Star", the Tigers found they had a legitimate starting pitcher for their staff. Hank's inability as a hitter are legendary, but the author spends a great deal of time on Hank's humanitarian efforts on behalf of Hispanic minorities in the Detroit area. His business efforts were ultimately successful, but the time spent away from his family took its toll. People are remembered for what they give, and Hank gave of himself to others. This is a very easy to read book, and one that would be beneficial to high school libraries even though the name of Hank Aguirre is an unknown to them.

i was fascinated by the title itself. the tall mexican should be a must read for all minorities who struggle under the lash of predjudice. i thought i was going to read a story about baseball, but discovered TTM is a story of hope and of love for our fellowman that goes beyond the ordinary into the realm of the spiritual. Hank Aguirre was, pure and simple, a giant of a man whose work for other Hispanics made him an apostle for the underpriviledged -

Bob Copley paints a vivid and moving picture of a man who showed us all how to be better human beings. Hank Aguirre was no more perfect than the rest of us, and that made him the perfect role model for real people. He had talent and determination and compassion and he parlayed those qualities for the benefit of those less fortunate than himself. Aguirre showed us all how to be better managers and better citizens and better friends. Copley's biography brings us into the world of Hank Aguirre and allows us to experience life as a friend, neighbor, and colleague of Aguirre. And as such, in the end, we grieve Hank's untimely passing with the same sadness. Hank's legacy lives on, through his family and through all of us who are willing to share our blessings and opportunities with others. The Tall Mexican lets Hank Aguirre continue to provide a powerful role model for generations to come. Share it with your children.

the tall mexican is heart-lifting biography of a big-league, all-star pitcher who brke the mold of professional athletes by startin a business in crime-ridden section of Detroit and providing jobs for the jobless and hope for the hopeless and turned thousands of lives around in so doing. A deeply spiritual man, hank aguirre befriended many and exploited no one

an inspiring account of The Tall Mexican, Hank Aguirre, who was a true professional baseball star; but who dedicated his post-celebrity life to helping his fellow Hispanics in Detroit by starting a business and providing jobs for the unemployable. He started his business in 1979 with eight employees and one run-down former bump-shop in the Mexicantown barrio. Today, there are eight locations emoloying over 1500 workers - 87% of whom are Hispanic. Sales this year are projected at $156 million. Hank succumbed to prostate cancer in 1994, but his legacy prevails.

This is an excellent book mixing current day tennis with tennis past, the light with the serious. Player profiles and background are quite interesting. His observation and points of view are well thought out and cogent with the exception of his infatuation with Pete Sampras. As much as I personally detest the stuff, to a lot of the world, playing tennis means playing on clay. Pete Sampras (like John McEnroe) was not an all time great all court player. Overall, a real FEIN book!

Paul Fein has done it again. He has written an excellent sequel to his earlier tennis books. This new book provides both an insightful history of the game of tennis, from its origins to the present, as well as in-depth interviews with many of the game's luminaries. He rates both men and women champions,giving impeccable reasoning for his choices. (The only quibble this reviewer has with the list of male champions is Fein's exclusion of Lew Hoad among the top ten.) Bringing his analysis right up to the present, Fein asks the questions of Roger Federer's place among the tennis greats. The author will have to write Tennis Confidential III to address the issue of Raphael Nadal's place in history after the latter's stunning victory over Federer in the Wimbledon 2008 finals.

Among the many fascinating topics in the book, Fein covers the skills peculiar to doubles and the incongruity of doubles which is favored by recreational players, but relegated far below singles by tournament directors. Another interesting point is Fein's comparison of tennis to golf. Tennis, he asserts, requires a much higher degree of athleticism (hand speed, reaction time, conditioning), as evidenced by the fact that tennis players such as Althea Gibson and Ellsworth Vines have been successful at golf, while no golfers have been successful at tennis at the highest levels. The book is replete with fascinating details on such subjects as the history and progress of women in tennis, the decline of the serve and volley game, feuds between players, and the direction that the U.S. must take to produce the game's elite, as it has in the past. Even tennis fanatics will wonder where Paul Fein got all of his information, including the priceless anecdote of Art Larsen,U.S. Open champion in 1950, being excluded from a tournament and then hiring a plane to create rain over the tennis courts as a way to gain revenge by forcing a rain-out.

Fein is quite strong in his opinions about the future direction of tennis (such as the use of tiebreakers and the place of doubles in the game). As a lifelong player and lover of tennis, Fein gives valuable tips on how to "fire up" the game such as bringing back serving and volleying, connecting players and fans more closely, and stopping the persistent stalling in major matches.

All in all, very highly recommended.

In his inimitable style, Paul Fein analyzes the issues, arms himself with the facts, and then lets his opponents have it. Whether it's taking a sledgehammer to the misguided advocates of on-court coaching or exposing the flawed thinking that's given rise to the absurdity of player challenges, Fein made me feel like standing up and applauding.

As a coach, I found myself actually cheering when I read his enlightening chapter entitled "How America Can Produce Champions Again." I was fascinated to learn why "the best two-handed backhands are much superior to the best one-handed backhands," and why we should "ditch the flawed, open-stance, two handed backhand that Venus and Serena use regularly." This chapter alone should make the book required reading for any tennis coach with an interest in US junior tennis development.

However, what I liked most of all about the book is that Fein clarified my thinking on many of tennis' controversies. He takes seemingly grey issues, quickly separates the black from the white, and then presents well-reasoned arguments with a certainty that must leave some of tennis' "dogmatists for change" looking for the nearest sewer to slither back into.

On the other hand, if you're an advocate of introducing no-ad scoring, replacing deciding sets with tie-breakers, or sacrificing the integrity of the game to the mindless masses in the name of television and entertainment, whatever you do, don't buy this book. It'll be much too dangerous for your health.

Paul Fein is nothing short of a master. His latest book, Tennis Confidential II, will make you chuckle at times (don't miss the Fascinating Facts at the end of most chapters), it'll make you cry at others (What! Get rid of player challenges? Let's talk about that!), but most of all it will fire you up and make you consider--and re-consider-- the great tennis issues.

I especially enjoyed the chapter on Famous Feuds in Tennis History. Who knew that Renaissance painters even played tennis, let alone that one murdered his tennis opponent over a disputed score? I loved re-living those nasty McEnroe/Connors days. And, by the way, Anna Kournikova fairly drips acid. Oh, it's delicious!

Mostly, I learned a lot. Fein is as instructive as he is entertaining. I didn't know about the 13 factors that make line calling difficult. Even when I thought I understood an issue, Fein gave me more to think about. In my opinion, this book is one that will be enjoyed both by novices and seasoned players. You can check out stories about people who have changed the sport, Fein's list of top players of all time, and some intriguing ideas about how to fire up the game.

Fein says tennis players love to argue. Well . . . we agree on that!

Paul Fein is one of the best and intellectually sound tennis writers today. As in his previous two books, he has proven this again in his latest, Tennis Confidential II. The player profiles are both intimate and informative, his analyses of the great players' records and achievements are based on thorough research, his discussion of the hottest topics of the day is provocative, and the player interviews are revealing. By frequently quoting leading players, journalists, and officials, Fein makes the various articles much more interesting and buttresses their objectivity . The sidebars "Fascinating Facts" offer numerous, previously little known tennis tidbits. While many of the articles appeared in tennis publications several years ago, they are not only timeless, but actually rekindle wonderful memories.

Fein does not shy away from expressing firm opinions. However, rather than simply imposing his views in a dogmatic fashion, he challenges the reader to at least reexamine preconceived positions. Have you been wondering how to improve line calling? Read this book. Are you opposed to no-ad scoring? Fein will tell you why you are right. Do you need to convince your golfing buddy that his hobby is less of a sport than yours? You will find help in this book.

As far as the numerous profiles of people who have made their important mark on the tennis landscape, it would be difficult to point to any one as being superior. Having always been impressed by Andre Agassi, - the man, my admiration was strengthened after reading Fein's wonderful piece. And what about the stories of the great bunch of Aussies, their sportsmanship and camaraderie during those simpler amateur days. Also, Fein's descriptions of the sports most enduring characters - Nastase, Tiriac, Connors, McEnroe, Gerulitis, and others - invoke a nostalgia for the "good old days".

As an interviewer, Fein has few equals. The questions he poses reflect his sound judgement and great knowledge of the game. He obviously makes his subjects comfortable so that their responses are both honest and revealing, thus enabling the reader to gain a new perspective on these stars. I enjoyed these interviews so much that singling any one out would not be fair. However, having said that, I did find the Noah and Wilander interviews particularly insightful.

To the tennis nut, the book offers an enjoyable trip down memory lane, to the casual fan it illuminates previously unseen vistas. I truly believe that anyone even remotely interested in the game of tennis will enjoy reading this book.

Harry R. Kirsch

Things Change gives a very worthwhile message to readers by showing how life will not always predictable and you must adjust. It also shows the rewards of never giving up. The bottom line is that this is a quality book by a Hall of Fame quarterback.

I think this is a great book for all to read. It is an especially good book for all children that look up to Mr. Aikman.

By recounting events in his childhood, he teaches us all that, no matter what obstacles are put in our path, we can achieve greatness. Not by becoming famous; but, by becoming a great human being.

This book also shows adults how, by taking and active role in the lives of our children, we can greatly influence the kind of human being they will one day become.

I have purchased 10+ copies of this book. Whenever someone has a baby, they get this book as part of the baby gift. The lesson we all learn is the greatest gift anyone can receive from any literature and I am an avid reader. In fact, I will be purchasing another copy for a friend who has a brother in his mid-thirties who is austitic, but can read children's books. We should all live by Mr. Aikman's words.

I thought this book was worth reading. This book is about a guy that plays football for the Dallas Cowboys. This book is about his whole life,from when he was a little kid and until now. I would recommend this book for others to read because you can relate his life to your life. I liked it and i hope you will read it and like it too.

Greg Brown has started a wonderful series, I've bought several for our grandson, who definitely needs to learn to be a better sport!! It isn't just the specific athlete, but the lessons they teach in these books, that make them attractive to me. But it is the athlete on the cover that makes the boy want to read them. Also, these books are something that "Dad", a sports fan, actually enjoys reading to son. I highly recommend any book in this series.

This guy can flat-out write. the first 100 pages or so are wonderful. After that,it flattens out to good. He is very adept at weaving real historical figures(Babe Ruth, Ernest Hemingway,etc.) into a fictional setting. A fun read

Amazing...I'd love to meet the guy who wrote this!

This book transports the reader into the era of pre-Robinson, Mexican baseball and beautifully portrays baseball legends, writers, and dreamers.

At the risk of being overly enthusiatic, this book should be considered a classic. Its many characters, many of whom serve as narrators, all assist in telling many truly American stories. For theorists, the story can be interpreted from a racist, marxist point of view. The magic of this novel is almost matched by the short lived utopia that the players in the summer of 1946 shared, playing in a world where color didn't matter, and the players had fun. Like any utopia, the Mexican league was only a mirage, but the humor and wisdom of the novel is not

This is more than a baseball book, but ... that's, sadly, how people will read it. Even given that, this rich, historically detailed book makes even the best other good baseball novells -- The Natural, D. Hays's The Dixie Association, The Southpaw, DeLillo's Pafko at the Wall (which is the 2nd-best baseball novel) -- look slight in comparison. A great novel about race and American imperialism and sex. That a book this good could go out of print is a scandal, but maybe Winegardner's new fame (he's the author of the upcoming sequel to The Godfather) will propel this masterpiece back into print and help it garner the audience it deserves.

The New York Times Book Review, The Nation and USA Today have both called this book the best baseball book ever written. It's actually one of the best American novels of the past 50 years.