Players Books

I have bought many books here but have never submitted a review. For this book I have to say its one of my best buy. 5 stars!!

This book begins with the very basics, how the board is set up, how the pieces move, the basic rules. The book then progresses at a steady pace introducing strategy and tactical tools. The book goes further than just explaining principles, and offers "chessercizes" at the end of each section to ensure the reader fully grasps each concept before moving on. I have read several chess books and browsed many more and this is hands down the best one. If you play chess or want to learn, you must read this book.

This is an excellent book for beginners that does more than just teach the basics. It teaches skills needed for any level of play.

I am a very visual learner. Apparently, so are Russian children. This book is written in the manner that Russian children are taught: a chessboard is laid down, pieces placed, and a question posed, say, checkmate in two. Your job is to figure out how to get there. In the book, the first half is composed of pages of such diagrams, each geared towards either explaining visually how a piece moves, its value in trade, its best positions, etc. It is a great way to learn the game.
The book starts off slowly, explaining how the game works. You then work through various parts of the game: openings, middle moves, and closings. This game really helped me to develop a solid opening.
I have always had trouble with the middle game; this book gives the basics for that. The second volume gives a much more in-depth treatment of the game; openings, closings, and middle game strategy. But this is the book to get for a new player, or for one who always seems to get beaten. I started out losing to the computer on its easiest level, now I still lose, but at least I understand why, heh heh. Seriously, it is written in an understandable manner, and if you're a visual learner, the problem sets are really worthwhile.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

This is one excellent Beginner book; it is unique and very informative. The first 102 pages have a lot of basic fundamental information ALL beginners should learn. Pages 103 to 264 of the book are devoted to Tactics & Strategy theory of The Opening, Middlegame and Endgame-this is the meat of the book. Lev mixes games, theory and teaching diagrams artfully. The diagrams are clear; most ask you a question or two with the answers right there, no flipping pages to the back of the book to hunt for answers. Many answers are very detailed. This is a great study book for beginners. Reading it once is not enough. Good Luck.

Excellent prose! Witty, thrilling, fast, non-fiction?! I like Patton's style, it's like your at the parties, at the meetings, in the story. A must reading for our current Portland Plunder!

This is the third novel by Patton that I have read and it hits the mark! Patton's blend of professional athletes, media, law, hero worship, and dysfunctional, irresponsible human behavior produce a truely unique and exciting tale. Patton has smoothly transitioned from sportswriter to crime novelist. I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve for the next one.

-KC

The Shake is a wonderful read. I loved the behind-the-scenes sports stuff. I read it in two sittings last week and I'm still smiling and shaking my head over some of his characters. Some were so despicable, I hope Patton follows them in future books.

It was a good book that I had trouble putting down. I enjoyed the DA trying to wrestle with what was legal and what was right. The ending is not altogether expected. Take the time to read it; it's worth your time.

This book reveals the real world of professional basketball, the seamy side that the NBA's publicists and all the players' agents hope you never find out about. Patton really got under the skin here. Plus, as a crime mystery, this book is a real page-turner.

This book is great! Steve Yzerman has been the heart and soul of the Detroit Red Wings for so long. It's nice to finally get the chance to learn all about him. Some of us were just 9 years old when he came to the Wings and don't remember how small, akward, and young he was. Also, great pictures! But, one warning, the book was written before the 96-97 season so you won't see a Stanley Cup chapter in it and you'll hear lots of mentions of how Stevie still hasn't raised the chalice.

i think this book is the best. Stevie finally got what he deserved. 2 stanley cup rings, a book and now he need to get into the hall of fame!

Steve Rulz and "Believe"

I know this is so sappy, but I think the book is so sweet! I've read it many times since I bought it and it brings tears to my eyes to read the heartbreak Stevie Y suffered b/c he couldn't get achieve his goal of hoisting the Cup.

It's a MUST have for all true Steve Yzerman fans and has some really nice pictures in it. :)

When I got the book the first night I could not put it down. To see what he has gone through in his carree, that was amazing. He is the greatest hockey player who ever lived, and now because of the chapionships that the team has won under his leadership, other are now FINALLY realizing it. He has done everything for this team and city, he has given us his heart, and in return we give him ours. He has captured our hearts and through this boook you can get an indepth look at the making of a SUPERSTAR!

I highly reccomend this book to any fan of the Red Wings and their Captain. Some parts will make you smile while other parts will make you teary-eyed, but all of it will make you very proud to be a Red Wings fan. And if you're not already a fan, this book just might make you into one. If you think all modern athletes are selfish and just in it for the money, this book will show you that there are still exceptions. Unfortunately, it was published before the Wings won their latest Cups, so you can't read about that in here, but that just makes you realize how special it is to win the Cup.

This book is being used in our area to link fifth grade classrooms because there is a focus on civil rights at that level. It is just an excellent re-telling of the friendship between Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reeves. Despite some conflict about the exact details, the story is true and is eloquently told. I highly recommend this book both as a read-aloud and as a conversation starter between urban and suburban classrooms wishing to link. There is also s subtle lesson about restraint as the manager of the team is described looking for a player that would control his temper when faced with unjust racist treatment.

"Teammates" tells the story of one of the more moving moments in the history of baseball that occurred during the 1947 season when the Brooklyn Dodgers traveled to Crosley Field in Cincinnati to play the Reds. Jackie Robinson, the first black man to play in the major leagues, was playing first base and being the target of hostility and abuse from the fans. At shortstop was Harold "Pee Wee" Reese, who born in the South, but who had refused to join other Southerners on the team in signing a petition to kick Jackie off the team. That day in Cincinnati, Reese did something that remains one of the bright moments of that historic season and which deserves to be more than a minor footnote in baseball history.

"Teammates" is written by Peter Golenbock, who heard the story of what happened that day from Rex Barney, who pitched for the Dodgers that day. Usually when the story of Jackie Robinson breaking the "color line" in baseball, the other key person in the story is Branch Rickey, the Dodger general manager. But Rickey could only support Robinson from the front office and not on the field, where it was Pee Wee Reese who decided to do something about that. Consequently, it is Reese who emerges as the hero of this particular story. Certainly it is safe to assume that anyone who reads this book knows something about Jackie Robinson; Golenbock talks about how Rickey needed somebody special to be the first, but does not get into the reasons why Robinson was that man (e.g., All-American football star at U.C.L.A., Army officer). But clearly "Teammates" is not intended to be the first book a youngster reads about the story of Jackie Robinson. Paul Bacon, as he did for the exquisite "Susanna of the Alamo," does both the design and illustration for this volume, combining historic photographs and items with his own watercolor paintings to tell the story.

This book teaches you alot about how blacks were treated back in the day. When Jackie Robinsion was signed to the Dodgers the fans and players treated him really badly. People threw stuff at him. Then a young teammate stood up for him and saved him from being ban from the team. So you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.

A simple telling of how Jackie Robinson came to play in the major leagues, this book portrays the prejudice he faced in a basic way that children can understand. And it shines a bright light on a quiet moment: PeeWee Reese's brave public declaration of solidarity with his teammate. This book has been my son's favorite for the past two years, since he was five.

Teammates

Teammates is about 2 men named
Pees wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. Both of them were baseball players on the same
Team called the dogers. Pee wee
Reese was white and Jackie rob-
Inson was black. They were both
Friends and helped each other out. The players on their team
Came mostly from the south, men
Had been taught to avoid black
People since childhood. They moved to another table
Whenever Jackie sat down next
To them. Many opposing players
Were cruel to Jackie, calling him mean names from their
Dugouts. A few tried to hurt
Him with their spiked shoes.
It was bad for Jackie. Pitchers
Aimed for his head, and he
Received threats on his life,
Both from individuals and from
Oramizations like the Ku Klux
Klan. Jackie avoided all of it,
And made the team. Jackie and
Pee wee became really great
Friends and baseball legends.

Dave Cantaneo gives this young fan a second chance to remember a boyhood idol through this very insightful book about the tragic figure thatb inspired thousands of boys my age. The ultimate complement to any baseball player when I grew up was that everyone wanted his baseball card and everyone wanted to "be" the player during pickup games. These were simple times when players were loyal to teams and teams were loyal to fans. Everyone wanted to be Tony C, and since he was just a teenager joining the Red Sox, all of my buddies and I idolized him immediately. This book permits us the opportunity to spend a few hours with a real sports idol. Tony C was to Red Sox fans what the Beatles were to American rock and roll lovers--- except he was right here. Thanks for the book, David.

Understand that this review comes from a thirty- six year old lifelong Red Sox fan, who never saw Tony Conigliaro play before the infamous beaning (and who wasn't subjected to the Red Sox of the early sixties). I went to my first Red Sox game as an eight year old boy in 1970, with my twenty- something aunt who got tickets to see the California Angels, because Tony Conigliaro was on the roster. I was thirteen when Tony electrified the Boston fans early in the magical 1975 season. Because of my aunt's infatuation with Tony C., I have always been intrigued with his story and enthusiastically picked up this book to learn more. The early biographical information was compre- hensive and, although clearly not unbiased, detailed enough to let the reader make their own opinions regarding Tony's immature social values and his arrogant "super jock" attitude. I appreciated the anecdotal history of Tony's minor league and early major league career, especially his rocky ! relationship with the Red Sox other star of the era, Carl Yastrzemski.

The emotional struggles of Tony's attempted come- back following the beaning were also well reported. The book followed Tony's career beyond baseball, and honestly reported the heartache of a shortened athletic career and the struggle to then fit into a traditional career.

I would recommend the book as an above average sports biography or an excellent real life human drama. I think the story provides lessons for young men and is heart-wrenching story that would interest young women as well.

I began work on this book in 1994...I'm glad to see that the public has received this book well. It is a fine tribute to a dashing young ballplayer for whom this book was a labor of love...Here's to you, Tony!

I am a 12 year old kid and have read the book Tony C. I never watched him play on t.v, and I haven't heard about him until 1991 when i watched a quick clip on sportscenter about him. I couldn't quite remember his name and wanted to find out more about him as I searched for 7 years just to find the guy's name. I came close to finding his name as my friend next door had a model of him, but unfortunately his dog knocked it down earlier and the bottom of the model was broken off and we didn't know his name. Thats when i finally found this book at a local bookstore. This book takes you in depth of his short lifetime. This book tought a lesson to me and i feel that I never give up anymore in anything that i do (like him) This book takes you from his good days in the minors to his excellent early years in the majors until that awful august night. The night when he was struck by the pitch that put him out of baseball. That is where i will end because i don't want to tell everyone the untold, but i do highly reccomend this book. It changed the way i look at everything in life.

This is a great book about Tony C. It shows both his strengths as a person and some of his weak spots, which makes this book a very true and real story.
It's a great history of the Red Sox when Tony C. played. It shows the true guts, determination, courage and love for the Red Sox that Tony C. had. No player in any sport has made such an effort to comeback. And, this book captures it all.
The Red Sox should retire his number -- just read the book it supports retiring #25.
Billy Conigliaro's quote sums up how i feel about Tony C. "I will always remember Tony C. as a fighter, a clutch hitter, warm to his fans. He was a brother who made me proud."
Tony thank you so much for all the wonderful memories as a Red Sox player. You have given me the strength to fight my own battles in life. I hope that someone makes a movie from this book.

Have you ever been 1500 miles away from home, with $3 in your pocket (between the 3 of us) and watched as your horse beats a guy out of $1200 playing 9-Ball, and then beat's the same guy 22 games in a row, playing $500 a game onepocket?.. We thought the guy was gonna have a coronary at the end.. He was all red and flustered, and breathing funny.. Best part is, when they first started gambling, my guy put the coldest move on him.. Since we where on the air barrel, he told the guy (as he reached into his pocket, as if to pull out some $$$) " Do you wanna post?.. Nah, you don't have to post with me.. I trust you".. LOL..

That's how it is on the road, where you play onepocket for the big bucks, and 9-Ball to pay the room rent.. And that's what this book is about, hard nosed gamblers, playing a man's game.. This book is written by some of the greatest players that ever played, and thoroughly covers most aspects of the game.. From power onepocket, to the "wedge" game, and including a "Shots From the Past" section, that is sure to amaze..

Plus, 'Winning One-Pocket' delves into many finer nuances of the game.. Secrets that take years to aquire, and infact, most of the time only get passed from champion, to protege.. Things such as logical end game strategies, and uptable traps.. Moreover, the book discusses high concept of knowing how AND WHEN to apply pressure, and more importantly, when to back off.. After all, it's about getting the money, and this book will give you better insight on how to do just that..

I have personally spent thousands of hours playing and gambling at pool.. My brother is the 1999 US Open Onepocket Champion (He is also the 2003 US Open 9-Ball Champ).. He and I both have copies of this book, and we (I'm sure he would agree) recommend this book, highly, if you can find a copy..

This book is a great resource for shots rarely seen. This book has brought my One Pocket game over the top. I have won more games after practicing some of these shots. I have lost a lot of money players after execution of these shots as well for the cash. I am telling you, this book will be the most valuable investment for serious players.

I bought the book about 2 years ago when I was young to one pocket. And still today, I like to browse through it and solve problems. It has great commentary and advise from some of the best players, and interesting stories along the way to let your brain rest. This book is a must for beginners to experienced players.

This is an excellent book on how that most esoteric and frustrating of pocket billiard games should be played.

The diagrams are very helpful and the discussion of the theory behind each of the possible shots really helps make a difficult game more approachable.

For this edition the authors also made an effort to capture a lot of stories about "best" one-pocket shots across the years.

Having this book and working through just the beginning points has already added 2 balls to my game.

The only problem? It is not available. I actually ahd to go to e-bay and pay more than 2x the original price for it. But it was worth it!

This book gives tremendous insight into one of pocket billiards most cerebral games. One-pocket is a game where knowledge of the "moves" of the games are as important as playing ability. What I found particularly good about the book that seperates it from others is the way it offers multiple solutions to common situations with some of the game's greatest players all giving opinions on what particular shot they liked best and why. The book is well illustrated and has rare photos of tournament players as well as legendary road players. The book is quality bound, is oversized and I for one am glad that I bought this when it was new. The other one pocket book by Eddie Robin "Shots, Moves and Strategies" is also very well done.

Excellent book. This is a must read for every violinist. However, as much as I admire his discussion of finger patterns I think that his nomenclature for the patterns is problematic and there are many very useful patterns that he does not describe.

ECS in Boston distributes it. A little research will track it down, Amazon's price isn't bad all things considered.

You don't have to pay $200 to $1,100 for it. :-)

I bought this on recommendation of a friend and wish I'd had it much sooner. It is good for adults or advanced students who need something to refer to during the week while practicing. It is not really a book for beginners or for people who aren't already motivated to practice. But it can definitely help make practicing more efficient and productive.

In his "The Art of Practicing the Violin" Robert Gerle offers expert and eloquent guidance to violinist, violist, and teacher. His personal attainments as a concert artist and his long experience as master teacher become most apparent as he zeros in on the player's problems and offers the best and exact help in a clear, easily understood, and musical solution. You will be eager to try out his powerful and appealing ideas. The book is a masterpiece!

I started studying the violin late in life when compared to 'early' starters. However, as a dedicated amateur musician I find the interesting but demanding task of understanding and practicing the violin much more managable with the help of Robert Gerle's expert practice tips and fingering methods. My understanding of the instrument's intrinsic dynamics has grown, and practicing the violin has become more productive in terms of technique improvement. Thanks Mr. Gerle!

After finishing Mike D'Emilio's first novel, my first impulse was to turn it over and begin again. There's so much here and D'Emilio brings what seem to be disparate subjects together in a novel that captures a time and place so vividly you'll carry it with you long after you've finished. The writing, while on the surface simple and straightforward, has such depth - it's worth a second read to fully appreciate his observations and wonderful ability to find the extraordinary in the commonplace.

The story has incredibly wide appeal - my teenage son was captivated by the descriptions of football and a young man's experience with war, while I found the love story of Mateo and Anna to be the most poignant depiction of longing I'd ever read. But it's the masterful weaving of all these subjects into a narrative that will carry all readers along until the end that makes this such a wonderful read. And what might make you do as I did and begin again...

When I read Paul Zimmerman's (Sports Illustrated) comments, I wondered if this was a book I would read for a chapter or two, only to lose interest in endless sports analogies and dry play-by-play details. On the contrary, the opening chapter immediately drew me in, and I found myself wondering how the characters' lives would unfold in the coming pages.

It's rare for a novel to attract men and women so equally and uniquely, exploring issues of family, gender roles, prejudice, redemption, and the fundamental question of what we want our lives to be. A war novel, a love story, an homage to football; it is all these things, but more than the sum of its parts. Michael D'Emilio shines in his first novel, with prose that belies the novice and reveals a talent that transcends one-dimensional categorization: "In the shadowland of hysterical blindness, where power lies with those whose righteousness is a stolen thing, enemies can begin to look like friends."

I recommend this book to anyone who delights in exploring the intricacies of all the intrigue and passion passages like this imply. An excellent read.

Intricately woven story-line destined to become a classic WWII era novel on par with Wouk's "Winds of War". The author combines expert research with a deft writing touch to re-create a world long since vanished. The descriptions of the football games deserve special mention. Anyone who has ever strapped on a helmut will indentify with the portrayal of the action as it relates to the game that has replaced baseball as America's national past-time, football. Looking forward to a second.

Mike D'Emilio's debut novel is a joy to read. I was hooked right away and couldn't put it down. The characters are interesting and the story really flows.

I had never heard of any other books written by this author, but for some reason, I took the plunge and bought Autumn Fool. I read it in two days. It was an engrossing story told at an exciting pace.

I've been reading about baseball for almost 50 years, and for some reason I didn't come across this book until recently. What a life Fred Lieb led! He reported on major league baseball for almost 70 years, most of it in New York City. He knew everybody worth knowing. This book is probably the best baseball book that hardly anyone has heard of (yet). Gehrig was Lieb's best friend from baseball. Lieb was an honorary pallbearer for Babe Ruth -- the only sportswriter so chosen by Ruth's widow. Lieb is in baseball's Hall of Fame. The book is filled with revelations, candid conversations, and reminiscences of many of baseball's greatest stars of its Golden Era. Lieb is the source of many stories that baseball biographers have drawn from. You get the feeling from reading this book that he is an impeccable source. He claims to have originated the phrase "The House That Ruth Built" in an inspired moment. I believe him.

Fred Lieb wrote a gem that will have you referring back again and again. His matter-of-fact, focused writing style is a delight. He was a sports journalist in the 20's and 30's and knew many players, managers, and owners well. He takes sports stars out of the realm of mythology and humanizes their foibles and follies. His tales of Babe Ruth and the chapter about good friend Lou Gehrig is worth the price of the book alone. This is what writing is about! You may even get a few chills when his wife's work is elaborated upon, and how premonitions sometimes come true. You will also get a huge kick out of The Babe's response to her avocation- and the stories about Damon Runyon are fascinating.

This book never gets old or out dated..........Lieb was a great writer and storyteller...........It's more fun reading this than watching some of the guys playing the game today...........Highly recommended...............

Fred Lieb knew the players he talks about personally. Anything written by Fred Lieb about baseball is coming from a true authority on the subject. Baseball has a history unlike any other sport. No other sport can touch it, and in reading about it from Fred Lieb you are getting it from a true master. Do yourself a favor. Buy the book.

Because Fred Lieb saw so many old time players and told about them in such an interesting way. I also thould he was very fair in his comparing of the players abilities.

When I started coaching girls basketball (3rd-9th graders) 3 years ago this was the second book I picked up. Now I have about 35 books and 20 videos but I use this as the central reference for my playbook and training manual in coaching fundamentals. Some of the skills may be too advanced for younger kids but they will grow up and adapt to it when they return to you a little older and better skilled thanks to this reference. It should be used in conjunction with the videos by the author (available also from Amazon). If Nancy Lieberman-Cline ever sponsors a clinic I will be on the first plane to get there. As a player-coach-teacher she is the best for girls basketball!

A really good book for a select audience. For younger players or those not motivated enough to focus their energy and effort at this level, I highly recommend the two companion VHS tapes on offense and defense/rebounding. However, if you are a middle or high-school player who really wants to raise your game, you can't go wrong here.

I have been coaching girls basketball for the last several
years and am often looking for suitable books to give my
players to help them work on their own to further develop
their skills. This is the best book I have seen for a junior
high or high school player. I covers every aspect of the game,
not just skills, but also physical training.

Being a girls basketball coach, this book is a very beneficial tool for helping young women understand the game more completely. The variety of drills make it easy to design an off season workout schedule. This book is a must buy for anyone serious about the game, whether coach, player, or a serious fan!

I love this book! I think it has great drills and advice in it. It helped me out a lot in my basketball career. If you are serious about basketball and you are a women you should buy this book!!!!