Players Books

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.

If you never read any endings book before, you should try this book first before jump to another advance book. This book has helped me to climb up my rating up to from 1800 to 2200...thanks Howell

Endgames are hard to play because there are numerous cases where general endgame principles ("put the rook behind passed pawns"; "passed pawns must be pushed"; "move the pawns to a color opposite your bishop", etc.) are not only wrong, but suicidal: if you put your pawns on squares of the opposite color than those of your bishop in an opposite-colored bishops' ending, for example, you will lose in short order.

Howell's book to the rescue. First, he deals only with practical endings, so as to keep the book to a manageable length. For example, the rook endings chapter deals with two cases of 4-vs.-3 pawns: when they're all on the king's wing and when one side has an extra queenside pawn. But Howell, correctly, doesn't bother with the theoretical possiblity where, say, white has three passed pawns on the kingside an black four passed pawn on the queenside--as it never occurs in practice.

For each specific type of ending (say, oppositve-colored bishops, rook endings when one side has an extra passed queenside pawn) Howell not only gives many examples, but also detailed principles that apply *to that particular type of ending*. One should position one's pawns differently in opposite-colored bishops' endings and same-colored bishops' endings, for example; one should employ one's rook differently when one's king is cut off from enemy's pawns or when it isn't; and so on.

The result? The student avoids falling into the trap of following "general principles" of the "put your rook behind the pawns" sort in situations they don't apply, while also avoiding studying thousands upon thousands of theoretical "exceptions" to such general rules that rarely if ever occur in practice.

Highly recommended.

This book discusses the basics (and not so basics) of pawn endings, rook endings (two chapters), minor piece endings, queen endings and finally pawnless endings. It is written in a clear expository style with helpful examples and exercises. I bought it because I decided my endgame play needed remedial work, which I regarded as a necessary evil. Through reading it my attitude was completely turned around and I have become an avid student of endings. I personally found the last chapter, on pawnless endgames, a particular eye-opener.

Four stars does not seem generous to such a book, but I had to admit that after reading the chapter on minor pieces I was not much the wiser about how to use knights in the endgame. In contrast to the policy in other chapters, even the basics of knight blockades were not explained, and I found myself having to supplement the material (as opposed to further study). While omissions in general can be overlooked in a work of limited size, I feel that this one is a distinct flaw in what is generally a fine book.

Some background: I have read HOW TO PLAY THE CHESS ENDINGS by Znosko-Borovsky (a wonderful text for beginners; don't worry about "Related Squares"), A GUIDE TO CHESS ENDINGS by Euwe and Hooper (boring but excellent), WINNING ENDGAME TECHNIQUE by Beliavsky and Mikhalchishin (very underrated!), FROM THE MIDDLEGAME TO THE ENDGAME by Mednis (the best "transition phase" book I have ever read, and I believe an essential work), along with FUNDAMENTAL CHESS ENDINGS by Muller and Lamprecht (of course I did not read all of it, but it is excellent). I have also read other works, and I have DVORETSKY'S ENDGAME MANUAL, but never really took to it.

ESSENTIAL CHESS ENDINGS: THE TOURNAMENT PLAYER'S GUIDE is the first (the only?) enjoyable endgame book I have ever read (I'm not done with it quite yet). GM Howell is an author who, for once, does not feel the need to write for the theoreticians! I am fascinated by the theoretical stuff, but found that I am not nearly as good an endgame player as I assumed I was (because of all the books I read).

I say that this book is mandatory reading because you can actually stay with it and learn the "why's" of the endgame. From the standpoint of helping the competitive player, I may come to regard it as the best endgame text I have yet read, which includes all those other works mentioned. Howell clearly explains play in the most important types of endgames (pawns, rooks, minor pieces, queens). He also has a sense of humor, a rare species indeed in endgame works.

My advice (I'll say that I am an 1800 player so that you know my point of view) is to look at Znosko-Borovsky's endgame book first. If this seems too daunting at first, begin with a Pandolfini book (I usually don't recommend his books, but some are good), then move on to Znosko-Borovsky. After that, Howell's book. Also, please get the Mednis book I mentioned above--I think it is his best work (nearly all of his works were high-quality, and I have read most of them), and fills a void in chess literature. Later on, try the Beliavsky/Mikhalchishin work.

Having read a lot of the theoretical endgame books above, my advice (further) is to skip them! I can impress my friends by giving checkmate with 2 knights vs. pawn (we practiced this one Friday night!?!), but you know what? I recently realized that I shortchanged myself in learning REAL endgames. Don't let this happen to you as well. And if it has, remedy this as quickly as possible!

I also have gotten Chernev's CAPABLANCA'S BEST CHESS ENDINGS, and while I havent't really studied it yet, it looks FANTASTIC in terms of showing winning technique-in-action.

Background: Currently, my ELO fluctuates between 1950 to about 2000, and I've made steady progress from about 1500 3 years ago. My initial upward surge could be attributed to a lot of tactical practice, and applying good middle game principles, and avoiding rapid chess. Most importantly, I kind of over-analyzed my losses, which really helped.
Just to give you a reference point, I'd give the Amateur's Mind 4 stars, although of course, it's a different subject (the Middle Game). Quite simply, James Howell has written a very high quality and more importantly, a very verbose end game (EG) book that I think is the ideal 2nd stage book on the EG. I also happen to have Dvoetsky's EG manual CD, and I realized that I was much better served by following Dvoertsky's own advice - learn a few concrete positions on the EG, but learn them thoroughly. If you've completed a basic chess ending's book such as those by Seirawan, Pandolphini, etc., then this book is a highly recommended next step.
I throughly enjoy Howell's didactic writing style - he takes the time to give you guidelines (often 4 or 5 steps) for both the superior side and the inferior side. I've learned not only the correct plan or technique to execute a winning position, but also, the correct plan to make life a lot harder for my opponent when my position is inferior. This is a critical piece of advice, given that (your opponent's) time pressure often allows you to save a lost ending. Another important thing about his heavy use of text and guidelines is that it is important for an intermediate level player (roughly 1600 - 1900 ELO) to have the ideas explained in detail. This is a little different from tactics books/CDs where the emphasis is on practice, practice, and more practice along multiple themes/motifs.
I'm quite surprised that this book hasn't gotten much press (although Silman's comments that this is a quality book is spot on).
My suggestion: After going through a basic endings book/CD/pgn file, this is a GREAT next step. I've finished 75% of this book over a 3 month period (remember, study these positions thoroughly), and I'm pretty sure that Dvoretsky's will be a very good next step.
Finally, as I look back at all the various books and phases I've picked up, I can firmly conclude that the thing that has helped me most is lots of tactical practice (starting with Winning chess Tactics, and then the George Renko CD), along with a basic understanding of the MG (Amateur's Mind), and then James Howell's book. This is a short & sweet, but very good quality book.

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!

Michelle Akers is the example of what persitence can do for you in any area of your life. We are taken into her world and shown what the career of an athlete entails. I was presently surprise to not be hit over the head with a sermon of why I should be Christian. In this book metaphors can be drawn and you can take her inspiriation to apply it to your daily life. An easy read and you don't have to believe in Jesus to love this book!!
I reccommend this book!!!

I play select and I alway enjoy reading books on awsome soccer players. When my friend told me about this book I jumped at the oppertunity to read yet another soccer book. I read it and couldnt put it down. As a Catholic I diffently could relate and found it pretty cool we share the same faith.
It was a very good and inspiring book! IM GONNA BE THE NEXT MICHELLE AKERS SO WATCH OUT AMERICA CUZ HERE I COME!!!

Michelle Akers writes a truly inspirational story. As you read The Game and the Glory you feel as if you know Michelle personally. The book is easy to relate to because she tells her story on such a personal level. We see Michelle grow through her relationships, her spirituality, her CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome), and of course soccer.
Michelle is honest about the carefree wonders of childhood. She tells about two of her childhood dreams: One of being the next Mean Joe Green of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the other dream of being an Olympian. Although, for Michelle, childhood is not always carefree dreams. When she is only in the sixth grade, she struggles to understand the reason behind her parents' divorce. Ironically, even Michelle herself cannot believe when she goes through her own divorce. Michelle, with the guidance of a few friends and through her struggles, finds a relationship that will help her cope with all of her problems.
As a child Michelle always found mass to be boring and going to church on Sunday was never something to look forward to. It is not until Michelle is in high school, with the guidance of a teacher, that she truly finds a relationship with God. However, she gets distracted from this newfound relationship quite soon. After her divorce, Michelle realizes that there is something missing from her life: God. She turns to God at this point in her life, and this time she holds on to what she has found. Michelle promotes her Christianity in a way that no one else has ever done. She founds an organization called the Soccer Outreach International. An organization to promote Christianity in sports especially soccer. Michelle did not only turn to God for answers about relationships and soccer, but also about her CFIDS.
Not long after her World Cup experience in 1991, Michelle begins to suffer from CFIDS. However, Michelle is not diagnosed with CFIDS until 1994. From 1991 to 1994 she did not know exactly what was causing her to feel always fatigued and never well. Michelle has done what no other athlete that competes at the level she competes at has done. She played while suffering with CFIDS. This truly shows her unstoppable compassion for the game.
Michelle played many sports as a child, but soccer was her first true love. When she was only nine years old she attended a soccer camp. During the soccer camp she competed in a juggling contest to see who could juggle for the longest. Michelle stayed out at the field juggling for hours without once loosing control of her ball. The camp director stayed and counted her 5,392 touches, which shattered the previous record set by boy who went on to play collegiate soccer at Duke. This is only one of the amazing stories about Michelle and soccer. Through soccer Michelle has traveled to many countries around the world and established lifelong friendships. She is an original member of the first United States Women's National Soccer Team of 1985. With the National Team she has won many individual awards and is a 1991 World Cup Champion, a 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist, and 1999 World Cup Champion. Michelle admits that God has carried her through it all and without Him she would have never accomplished everything that she has.
It is amazing to think of how great a person she is and how truly human she is. Michelle has accomplished so much for women's soccer. She opened up a new door for girls around the U.S. by using her position as the best women's soccer player to promote the sport. She is one of the reasons that women's soccer become an official Olympic sport. Michelle is a role model to many not only as a world class soccer player but also through her display of Christianity in her every action. In reading her story I have learned that sometimes you just have to "show up" and let God take care of the rest.

I know I would love this book even if the writing sucked, which it doesn't...it's beatiful. Still, I'm bias. Michelle has been my role model as a soccer player for years, and I've always her respected her deep faith in Jesus Christ. I'm Catholic. I think Michelle's faith is wonderful, after all she has been through. And the fact that she is grateful for her suffering makes her, in my eyes, a true follower of Jesus.

You will enjoy the thoughts of this excellent (tough as nails) soccer player, and Christian who inspires many others who share her faith. Go USA!

PS. Since this book was written, Michelle has retired.

This is a great book for a young girl because it feels like Michelle is talking to you. I felt like I was her best friend, because I could relate to her family situation, and like her, I'm a tomboy. I don't care for soccer, but now I have a giant Michelle Akers poster hanging in my room, and I feel like I know her well even though I've never seen her play. I recommend this to any girl, ages 8-15.

The book reads fast--each story pulls you into the next one. Take it to the arena and read it while you wait for your kid's practice to start. You'll find you have to read on when you get home. You get to really like the kid/person portrayed in the book.

"Growing Up Hockey" is about a little boy, this one a real-life hockey player named Brian Kennedy. If you enjoyed "A Christmas Story" and love hockey, you'll be glad to know that reading Kennedy's account of his love affair with hockey is like listening to Ralphie Parker talk about his obsession for a Red Ryder BB gun. The major difference is that Kennedy schemes for not a rifle to fend off Black Bart but rather a hockey stick with a banana curve and then a Ken Dryden hockey card so that he can boast to his playground pals. You read this story, and you'll boast to your hockey friends that you've read the funniest hockey book you've read in years.

Brian Kennedy's Growing Up Hockey will take you back to the playground, reminding you of the politics of childhood. For Brian, this meant having the right hockey stick and having the rare hockey cards. But do not be fooled. This book is not just for hockey fans. Anyone can relate. As kids, we all wanted to be able to brag to our friends about our possessions or our accomplishments. And those things we loved as children we often take with us as adults. This is what this book is all about.

And the writing style? Brian writes in a way that makes it hard to put the book down. He does not waste words, but he gives all the detail needed. I read the book in three days, even after having to steal it back from my wife.

My husband bought this book and I was curious about it when I read the title. I started reading and just couldn't stop. This is a book full of memories and moments that stayed in the mind of the narrator, and they take us (as readers) back to our own memories. These stories made me think about friends in the playground, about that one fleeting moment of athletic success and how it feels to be so close to my dreams of glory. Reading story after story reminded me about that past that we very often take for granted and easily forget, but that will always be a series of defining moments that make us who we are. It's also gratifying to read where the narrator ended up, since he reflects also on his own present life. I am not a hockey fan, but I enjoy good stories, especially when they're written in a way that grabs you.

Brian Kennedy's story of the average hockey lover/player growing up in Canada is one I think everyone who loves hockey will enjoy. Growing Up Hockey chronicles Mr. Kennedy's life as he grew up in Canada and later went to the US and England for school or work. Although I grew up in the US, where hockey was not the main sport, I enjoyed reading about what life is like for those who grow up with hockey as an integral part of their lives.

It's great that the US has so many options, but I found myself wishing I knew what it was like to be able to discuss hockey with almost anyone around. Since I've been a fan of hockey, I've always had a couple friends who enjoy the game about as much as I do, but it would be something else to experience an environment where those who did not follow hockey were the exception.

Mr. Kennedy's detailed account of his life growing up with hockey as a central influence is very interesting. He tells stories about playing hockey, watching hockey, hockey cards, living without being able to see much hockey, the differences between the NHL and ENL (in England), and life in Canada. I couldn't recommend this book more for anyone in your life who loves hockey!

Mickey Mantle's wife, Merlyn, and their sons tell the unique and inspirational story of their very separate, often harrowing private lives with the husband and father that was there for them through their lives before cancer took him away. Merlyn and the boys discuss how the effects of alcohol and the spotlight of fame play a role on him and how they all came to be. Merlyn talks about Mickey Mantle the most because they were the closest, and she discusses what she went through as a wife and as a mother. The boys tell their vivid stories of what they can remember while the father was emotionally and physically absent. The dexterous Mickey, played ball everyday and is still a very well-known name in the histroy of baseball. This story explains his lief and career while alcohol impacted himself physically, hi gamily, and his life mentally. It also touches base on his career achievements and how he became the amazing Mickey Mantle.

I'm only 13, and Mickey Mantle is my favorite baseball player to live. I have read about 6 books on the "Commerce Comet" and this book is exceptional. In the first chapter the Mick talks about his alchohol abuse. Then Marilyn talks about her highschool sweetheart. This is a great book.

This is a truly moving, inspirational and heartrendering book. It reads like a Greek Tragedy, but is so real because the Authors were there. Written by Mickey's wife Merlyn, and his 3 surviving sons, it is by far the most honest work regarding Mickey. This book is so much more important that that trashy, tabloid like "Mickey Mantle: America's Prodigal Son" by Tony Castro, that I would suggest you never bother with that thing. Besides, Castro took most of his book directly from this one.

This story is also one of the finest studies of the dysfunction in an alcoholic family, with all the roles being lived out and understood by the participants. These are real, caring and heroic people, not because of baseball, but because they became winners in life by facing their problems together. A great, great book!

I have read several books on Mickey Mantle and this one is one of the best. Mickey's story is one of the best in baseball and he remains one of the most popular players in history. This book is an excellent look at the effects of fame and alcohol on the family and how the family members came to grips with things. The stories presented here are told by his wife Merlyn and his sons. Through his family, Mickey's story lives on and he continues to inspire us.

I have read most of the books written by Mickey and when I picked this one up I was not quite ready for it's contents. The first chapter, written by Mickey himself address his views on his alcoholism and subsequent recovery.

The following chapters by Merlyn and one by each of his surviving sons was indeed an eye openner into his private life. A lot of information I had not known before was given first hand by his family members.

It took a great deal of courage on their parts to put this book into print and although their lives were not what we might have imagined, it still showed Mick's heart felt side and the love he held for his family and the respect and love they hold for an American Icon.

A must reading for Mantle fans and a true story of courage.

Goaltenders seem to be loners on a team, however the position is very simple...One needs to build a strong foundation of skills that are developed in a structured and logical manner. Francois addresses these areas, and provides an A-1 training and development guide to be applied on a season long and year long basis. He also addresses the mental aspects that are so critical to a person playing goal. The one area he does not address adequately is females, ie., different physological builds and some the protective equipment is different. He tends to cater the text to the rep and travel level of team and does not cover the parent/coach/goalie relationship to any degree, however it is a very good book !!. I have read about 10 other books on goaltending, I am writing one for adult beginners as I teach adults 18 to 55 how to play goal...it is a treat!!!

I bought this book for my son who has been a goaltender for 8 years. He has absorbed everything he could on goaltending and found this book to teach a vast amount of information that he had never heard of, techniques that were immensly helpful and positive for goaltending.

After reading the book he attended the goalie camp which was awesome. Francoise and hs staff were very personable and charismatic, taught the attendees with alot of patience and with a system where they could understand and retain the information easily.

This family is highly behind Allaire on his books, videos and teachings!

Thanks Francoise for sharing your knowledge and giving so much of yourself to the goalie minded youth of today!

This is an excellent book for goalie coaches & coaches at the rep or house league level who require assistance in establishing a training and development program for young player and can be applied to adults as well. I have written a guide for adults as we are built differently. email if u r interested and is for both men & women

I've been a hockey goalie during 18 years. Now it's time for me to get involved in a different way... as a coach. The young goaler has a lot to learn and a coach can do a lot of damage if he doesn't communicate properly the techniques. The book is a very good tool for the coach. It describes clearly the basic techniques and there are a lot of pictures that illustrate them. I coach 9 yo kids, and I've been able to use many of the drills described in the book.

This is a very good book for non goalies (parents, coaches & kids starting out to play goal. It provides a good plan for developing skills over a three to four year plan. It is geared for the serious coach (rep) & young goalie, but not for adult beginners. After teaching goaltending for 15 years , I developed a guide for adult beginners men &n women and you can contact me at the email below for other info. The Allaire book is an excellent technical starting point and have used it myself, HOWEVER ADULT BEGINNERS ARE DIFFERENT