Racing Books

This book covers it all! From selecting certain barrel racing pedigrees, ground work with colts, first rides, beginning barrel work, problems, tack selection and much more. This book contains hundreds of beautiful color photos and is nice enough to be a "coffee table" book (that's where mine is). Ed and Martha even take the time to answer your questions if you e-mail them, first-class all the way...

I have been training and riding barrel horses for 24 years and feel that this is the best barrel racing book I have ever come across. It is a great tool for all levels of barrel racers- from beginner to experienced. I found the chapters regarding barrel horse bloodlines and solving common problems very interesting. This book is easy to read and comprehend and has magnificent pictures to visually display the content. Worth the money!

I'm originally from Alabama and have to admit that I've been to my share of Talladega races! I bought these books for the kids, but I ended up reading them as well. I feel like I'm right there at the track, sitting in the stands, feeling the excitement, the roar of the crowd, the smell of burning rubber ... The kids absolutely love the action packed adventure. Reading along with the kids gives me the opportunity to open a much needed dialogue with them about the many different worldly and spiritual topics discussed in the books. When I know the kids are reading books by this author, I know they're in good hands! Check out this author's Red Rock Mysteries series as well.

All I really wanted to do was read a few chapters of Blind Spot by Chris Fabry so I'd be able to describe the book to the kids I'm giving copies to because they love NASCAR.

Something went awry. I kept reading (29 chapters the first evening) trying to find a point where there wasn't much action, so that I could put the book down quietly and go about my business. That point never came, so I stopped reading until the following evening when I finished it. I enjoyed every character, event, twist and turn.

Now, either my reading level fits perfectly into the range of the target audience (young adults), the writing is far beyond the intended reader, or the story is crafted so that people of all ages can enjoy it. I'm not, as they say, "the brightest bulb on the string," but I think Blind Spot offers enough excitement, character development and escape for young and old, although it's best for the kids.

I expect I'll have to explain a couple of acronyms (MANS and MRN, for example) to my family that they might not already know, but Chris Fabry has done a fine job of inducting us into the world of NASCAR and those who long to race...and win.

The final chapter should have been titled "Buy the Next Book," because that's what you'll want to do when you finish volume one in what promises to be another successful series from a man who is a master of morality plays, Chris Fabry.

for all cycling fanatics who want to read portions of bob's racing diary. fyi, this book is not to be confused with anything john wilcockson has written :)

Words cannot capture the drama, the funniness, the insanity, the rambling rants, the verisimilitude of the live race descriptions, and that certain 'je-ne-sais-quoi' of Bob Roll's cycling book. It is a peculiar and interesting place, that region or landscape where the demented mind of Bob Roll inhabits and calls itself home. I am sure I don't want to live there, but a visit is well worth the price of admission.
Yes, he is the real deal. Rode the Tour de France with Lemond. The Giro with Andy Hampsten. Helped Andy win the Giro d'Italia in probably the most epic stage ever of any Grand Tour when Hampsten claims the lead of the race in a freak snowstorm over the tallest mountains in Italy, aided by his trusty leftenant-one certain Bob Roll-who brought warm drink and clothing up to his leader to assist him win the stage and the Giro. (Many riders crawled off their bikes, weeping in pain and the knowledge they would never even finish the stage, much less the race. ) Not so Mr. Roll-- in helping his teammate win, Mr. Roll of course suffered hypothermia, frostbite, and literally had to have his heart jumped when the freezing temperatures plummeted his pulse to a mere 20 or 30 beats per minute.
Oh yeah, he was also the person Lance Armstrong called when, during his comeback post-cancer, Lance wanted a good training partner and colleague to go to Boone, North Carolina to exorcise his demons and return to the bike. Hundreds of cycling miles in N.C. and laughter and tall tales at night, courtesy of Mr. Roll...
We all know what happened next.
But to those of us who want to know more about Sancho Panza (Bob Roll) than Don Quixote (Greg, Andy, or Lance) please consider this. True heroics often hide themselves in others' glory. His demented humor belies a fine intellect and a warped and twisted view of life that makes sanity appear disgusting, I want to know this man. For now, the best I can do is read his book and follow his peregrinations across the desert of media cycling hype.
Don't expect to do anything but laugh and cry when you read this piece of culture clash, as if you were at a cocktail party with Hunter Thompson meets Bernard Hinault. You'll wish you too had gotten lost in a New Mexico snowstorm and had the wit to tell it as yet one more brush with the eternal masquerading as sheer chance. As if.
Roll on. Ride like the wind signor!!!

The 2nd edition to this gaming reference series makes a fine coffeetable book or for a quick browse for short snippet info on gaming titles. By all means, this is not a book of in-depth reviews, the titles are covered very briefly (summarised) and categorised according to genre/replayability value/plot sypnosis. If you need comprehensive info on gaming titles, you'd do better on gaming mags or websites. However, it remains a good collector's item as most of your favourite games are included with nice colored screenshots, which makes it a fine addition to your gaming library for all gaming fans. I was very impressed by this 2nd edition in that it included some very recent games which I thought would not make it in before the release date. The only disappointment is that the 2nd edition came in paperback whereas my 1st edition was a hardcover.

I was privileged to be sent an advance PDF copy of The Book of Games Volume 2 by author Bendik Stang, and having now completed my reading of this volume in one evening, I am eagerly looking forward to the print version. The Book of Games Vol. 2 has matured exponentially over its previous incarnation, which I feel is very appropriate as Volume 2 has a very pointed focus on the maturity which the videogame industry as a whole is experiencing. While I am still disappointed in regards to the lack of coverage in regards to the Guild Wars properties, that is largely due to personal bias, as I am a casually hardcore Guild Wars player. Now that I have my only truly negative viewpoint out of the way, let's move on to the good stuff.

I was extremely impressed with the amount of research which had obviously gone into the production of Volume 2, as well as the new features which had been added for the individual game listings and ratings. These additions show that the authors listened to those who took the time to give them feedback on Volume 1, and as such have made themselves a part of the gaming community in a way which some authors never achieve, no matter how knowledgeable they may be on their topics. Another interesting sidenote was seeing another book which I am in process of reviewing featured in a sidebar in this book. As a journalist with a heavy research addiction, I always consider how useful a publication will be to me on my endless quest for knowledge, and The Book of Games Volume 2 passed that consideration with ease. There are many, many sources for further reading and education.

While The Book of Games Volume 1 was a handy reference for the parents and relatives of gamers, Volume 2 fully opens up the changing videogame industry, from development to tournaments and beyond. The authors have successfully put the industry into a nutshell - one which gamers, teachers, parents and even grandparents will appreciate. This volume has every component of the videogame world between its covers, and takes a look at every aspect in a well-worded, well-researched, and well-presented manner. Every chapter contains evidence of how videogames have become an integral part of our lives in the 21st century - from those who pick up a quick game of solitaire to those who travel the pro-gamer circuits. One photo I could immediately relate to was that of Norway's Olav Undheim, winner of the 2007 World Cyber Games Grand Final Warcraft III Tournament. I saw that match, along with all of the other events held on that final game day in Seattle this past October. I was there when Olav hoisted that $ 20 000.00 cheque over his head at the medals presentation - and that's what this industry called videogaming has at its core - a vibrant, global community - one which we experience at our own annual LAN tournament, and one which The Book of Games Volume 2 has opened to the world.

I think that this book will do more to bring an understanding of the videogame culture to non-gamers than any collection of web sites and media articles could possibly do. Parents everywhere will benefit from this book, while gamers will embrace this book for the validation it brings to our gaming culture. The Book of Games Volume 2 is an excellent counter-weight to those who vocalize loud and long their negative views on the gaming industry as a whole. I challenge those who, without really understanding what videogames are truly all about to pick up this book and read it. Understand what draws those of us who game into our multi-pixelled worlds. The artwork is amazing, the music is incredible, and the passion insurmountable. As the owner of a company which has been trying unsuccessfully for three years to obtain a business license for a digital media centre for youth in our hometown, I would love to see the members of our Township council who oppose us, as well as those in the licensing department who insist on calling us an arcade, read this book. The Book of Games Volume 2, I believe, will become a very useful tool for those of us who are not only proud members of the gaming culture, we support the up and coming designers of tomorrow and all of the possibilities the world of gaming has opened to them, whether they become game designers, engineers, architects or even doctors.

I whole-heartedly give The Book of Games Volume 2 a five star rating, and if there have been this many improvements in the series just between volumes 1 and 2, I can hardly wait until I get a look at Volume 3 which will be out in November 2008. To the authors I say "this is a work to be proud of, a job very well done."

I am about half way through reading this book. It is a masterpiece. This is one of the finest books ever written on a motor sport subject. From family backgrounds of the important characters in the story, through a description of comfortable, middle-class, life in Britain in the late 19th and early 20th century, the book goes on to describe Raymond Mays driving career, leading into the story of ERA cars. All this is, of course, just the background to the formation of BRM. The design, construction, development and competition career of the BRM V16 cars is described in great detail. All these aspects of this car were such troubled experiences, dealt with in an absorbing and entertaining way, the account interspersed at regular intervals with lighter moments which occured around the endless problem solving. I know the remainder of this book, dealing with the later front engined cars of the 1950's will continue at this high standard.
I am unable to say that this is the finest motor sport book ever written, as I also have, waiting on my bookshelves, Volumes 2 and 3 of the BRM story, which I know will give the same high level of reading pleasure. And I cannot wait for the [final] 4th volume to be published to complete this mammoth work.

From the pre-WWII beginnings with ERA cars, Doug Nye traces the development of the enigmatic and sometimes successful BRM racing cars. Starting with the incredible 1.5 liter V-16 of the early 50's to the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder cars that followed, Mr. Nye produces an accurate and well refrenced account of the behind-the-scenes effort along with a detailed run-down of each competitive event that BRM entered during the "front-engine" period. We are treated to many first-hand accounts from Mr. Tony Rudd who joined the team during the early days as a develoment engineer. Of special interest are his descriptions of the many technical investigations into the failures of the early V-16 engine, and the theoritical and experimental efforts to understand handling and braking problems during a period when much of the engineering was "seat-of-the-pants". This book is very worthwhile for the avid BRM watcher, and I eagerly await the second volume. In fact, if anyone knows the publication date of the next volume, please let me know

Without a doubt the best book out there about the subject it covers, building and detailing model stock cars. I have some models that would not exist were it not for the ideas I got from this book. Admittedly, some models have come out on the market since its publication to make some of the tasks easier by kit bashing instead of scratch building, but I feel it still remains the standard by which others will be measured for the subject it covers.

Bill Coulter is a master at building great stock car models and his book show it. This book is a must have for anybody who loves to build stock car models of all eras, the intructions are very clear and accurate along with great photos's and illustrations it makes it easy and fun to build stock car models.

Burnin' Rubber, as the subtitle explains, goes "behind the scenes in sock car racing." After writing over 100 books for young readers, I expected that George Sullivan would know exactly what interests the reader and just how to present the subject. I was right; he does. About 8,000 words, the book is just the right length, taking the reader not only around the track but into the pits, with the drivers and their teams. Two dozen colorful photos, seven (mostly of drivers) by Sullivan himself, seem to capture the action, sound and smell of burnin' rubber. The boys I saw reading it supplied the appropriate noise for narly every photo. Just as they enjoyed Sullivan's books on Indy cars and monster trucks, they are now loving this book also. It is the next best thing to actually being at the track.

DW donwigal@ix.netcom.com

Burnin' Rubber, as the subtitle explains, goes "behind the scenes in stock car racing." After writing over 100 books for young readers, George Sullivan certainly knows exactly what interests the reader and just how to present the subject. About 8,000 words, the book is just the right length, taking the reader not only around the track but into the pits, with the drivers and their teams. More than two dozen colorful photos, seven by Sullivan himself, capture the action, sound and smell of burnin' rubber. The boys I saw reading it supplied the appropriate noise for nearly every photo. Just as they enjoyed Sullivan's books on Indy cars and monster trucks, they are now loving this book also. It is the next best thing to actulaly being at the track. The color photos of the jacket are repeated on the child-resistant hard cover.

anyone who likes watching equestrian events, from the 'high life' of polo to the down and dirty racing action of a steeplechase in the country, should own a copy of capitol horse country. it's a guide of events around the capitol area, washington, maryland and virginia. you'll find out what to wear, what to bring, and most importantly, what to expect when you spend an enjoyable afternoon watching a top notch equestrian event. it's a must have book if you live in the capitol area....or if you love horses. the history is also fascinating. if you like this title, the author also wrote 'equal to the challenge' about the pioneering women in horse sports. give it to a young girl or woman and inspire them to reach new heights. great author and fascinating subjects.

anyone who likes watching equestrian events, from the 'high life' of polo to the down and dirty racing action of a steeplechase in the country, should own a copy of capitol horse country. it's a guide of events around the capitol area, washington, maryland and virginia. you'll find out what to wear, what to bring, and most importantly, what to expect when you spend an enjoyable afternoon watching a top notch equestrian event. it's a must have book if you live in the capitol area....or if you love horses. the history is also fascinating. if you like this title, the author also wrote 'equal to the challenge' about the pioneering women in horse sports. give it to a young girl or woman and inspire them to reach new heights. great author and fascinating subjects.

Good for professional and also good for non vetrin. in Europe it is not possible to take a book like this. Most Vetr. can learn from this book too. We are on the race tracks in europe since 25 years with afgaanhounds and since 20 vears in the top, and in this book i found many news.

This book is the most valuable book I own. THE defininitive source for anyone in amature or professional dog racing. In the five years I have competed my Whippets in amature racing, this book has been very valuable. I just used this book to diagnose a severe toe injury that nobody at the track recognized. My local vet would not have known what to do, but my findings in this book led me to call a specialist who confirmed my findings and can perform the necessary surgury. This book saved my dogs ability to run again.

I have used the exams and treatments in this book countless times to diagnose and treat racing injuries in my dogs that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. Many times I have left the track saying "I don't know how he got hurt." or "I don't know why he is limping." I went home, and got out this book, and found the answer.

The training methods are very precise and specific. The schedule for conditioning a dog is layed out week by week.

If you run dogs, you must have this book.

This is the best book on ski technique and instruction I have ever seen! Very easy to understand, and just as easy to put into practice! It is as simple as that - 'practice'. In no time, you will realize an improvement in your skiing! Just as I did! And the feeling is great - just fantastic! I am sure you will feel as appreciative as I do of this book and author!!

First of all, I strongly recommend you find the video version. When you see the techniques in real time and stop motion, you will get much more from the instruction. Al Hobart has a great system that can taking a person with zero skiing experience into an accomplished carver in just a few days of practice. With even more practice, you can go as far as your physical ability will take you. Al's methods of moving the center of gravity of your upper body seems odd at first, but it is the best way to make the most of getting on your edge. The steps to progress from a snowplow stance to skiing tight turns at speed is right on the mark. Al has trained many professional skiers with this method and it works. I've seen many skiers going down the slopes without bending their carving skis, but if they followed Al's training, they would be bending and therefore carving tighter turns. Certainly they would be having a lot more fun with greater confidence and control with Al's method. I was a struggling beginner, but with good equipment and Al's instruction, I went from a clumsy beginner to an adept intermediate skier in a weekend.