Review of “The Tiger Slam”

 Like so many other golf fans (and even non-fans), I was mesmerized by the dominance of Tiger Woods in 2000-01. A book will be coming out about this stretch of golf by Woods this December and I was fortunate enough to obtain an advance copy. Here is my review of “The Tiger Slam.”

Title/Author:

“The a Tiger Slam: The Inside Story of the Greatest Golf Ever Played” by Kevin Cook

Rating: 

4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review: At the dawn of the 21st century, an entirely new generation was becoming entranced with an ancient game, golf. The reason for this surge of interest can be credited to one man: Eldrick “Tiger” Woods. The sheer level of dominance he had over the sport in 2000 and 2001 was punctuated by him winning golf’s four major tournaments consecutively in that time frame. How he did it is captured in this very good book by Kevin Cook.

Cook is an accomplished writer about other sports such as football and baseball and this is his first foray into golf.  He does a fine job of bringing the reader on the course during each of those majors, starting with the 2000 U.S. Open at one of golf’s famous courses, Pebble Beach. From there, the reader and Tiger takes in St. Andrews (2000 Open), Valhalla (2000 PGA Championship) and Augusta (2001 Masters). The level of detail captured in Cook’s accounts of Tiger’s play in these tournaments is the best aspect of the book. When a key shot was made by Woods or one of his closest competitors, Cook gave readers details down to the club selection, spin on the ball, the curvature of the flight and its eventual landing spot. For golf enthusiasts, this level of detail is an excellent feature. 

Cook does a good job when writing about Tiger’s life away from the course or the practice range. For fans of Woods who have read other books on him or have watched documentaries, there won’t be much new information to be gleaned. I fall into this category but there are some elements that aren’t published much. One of those is how much his mother Tida played in his upbringing and his success in golf.  Much has been written and recorded about his father’s role in Woods’ success but little about his mother. 

Cook also touches on the argument of whether this accomplishment counts as winning the Grand Slam since the 4 wins did not come in the same calendar year.  Because of this controversy, many in the media dubbed the accomplishment the “Tiger Slam”, hence the title of the book. Most of the players Cook interviewed (there were many, another plus for this book) and who expressed an opinion on this say that yes, indeed, Woods accomplished the Grand Slam. While I agree with that sentiment, one doesn’t need to do so to enjoy this book on the most remarkable stretch of golf played by one person in the history of the game. 

I wish to thank Avid Reader Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The views expressed are strictly my own. 

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Slam-Inside-Greatest-2000-2001/dp/1668043645/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= 

Review of “How to Win a Grand Prix”

 While most of my viewing of auto racing is that of NASCAR races, I am learning a lot about F1 racing through books. The best of those books so far is this one by a former engineer and strategist who takes the reader inside F1 teams. 

Title/Author:

“How to Win a Grand Prix: From Pit Lane to Podium” by Bernie Collins

Rating: 

5 of 5 stars (excellent)

Review: While drivers get the glory and attention during Formula One races, there’s a huge team of mechanics, engineers and strategists who compose a team of which the drivers of the cars are just one person. This book by former Aston Martin engineer and strategist Bernie Collins is a fascinating look at the work of these men and women that is vital to the success of any F1 team.

Collins, who is now a broadcaster for Sky Sports coverage of F1, got her start after graduation with McLaren. After describing her early career, she takes the reader to various offices, booths, hospitality sites and the pit wall when describing the many jobs and duties of each worker. Of course, since she worked as first an engineer and then a strategist at her next team, Force India and then Aston Martin, she writes the most about these jobs.

The level of detail the Collins describes for these jobs can seem overwhelming to the new or casual fan of racing. The amount of work these teams do to design and build a car is vividly described in these passages. The same goes for the calculations, data analysis and strategy that she did both in an office and at the track. I felt her writing about this job was the best, as she took the reader along for what her “typical” week would look like, from meetings to the free practice runs to qualifying and finally to race day. Everything from the best laps to pit to tire performance was meticulously planned and described in these chapters. 

When I downloaded this book I expected it to be more of a description of the jobs behind the pit wall during a race. I am glad it was so much more than that as I learned a lot about the inner workings of an F1 team. Even if your preference for auto racing is another avenue like NASCAR or Indy cars, pick up this book and read about the workings of a racing team. 

I wish to thank Quercus for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The views expressed are strictly my own. 

Link: https://www.amazon.com/How-Grand-Prix-Bernie-Collins/dp/1529437598/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2U5RO9BCNH9QR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.A-aQ2pQxp8_G-iZVMLr0EBKYLyQoAow3madvmGnpNVOuQLjIkLxqI7iXXC_sBJYN.ua4GIUFIhdsnoNvNBCBztBZ-1iczb9zLyAajPe0MREo&dib_tag=se&keywords=how+to+win+a+grand+prix+bernie+collins&qid=1730414797&sprefix=How+to+win+a+grand+prix%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1 

Review of "Shadows of Glory"

Just in time for the start of the World Series, I have found a couple of books on that very topic.  Here is the first review of a World Series book for this year, "Shadows of Glory."  (P.S.  this year's prediction - Yankees over Dodgers in 6 games.) 

Title/Author:

“Shadows of Glory: Memorable and Offbeat World Series Stories” by Dave Brown and Jeff Rodimer

Rating: 

4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review:

The history of the World Series can be just as interesting as the history of baseball itself.  One common cliché in baseball circles is that if you watch the game long enough, you will see something you have never seen before.  That was the case for me when reading this book on World Series stories.

I picked that phrase for this book because overall, it was a good read and the stories, while seeming to have the same format, were pretty interesting.  What caught me by surprise was how many of these stories I have read in previous books.  While that would not be a bad thing for a casual or new baseball reader, one who devours baseball books like I do will most likely have read most of these stories elsewhere.  One of them, the story of Nippy Jones of the 1957 Milwaukee Braves and the “shoe polish” incident, was something I read about in a children’s baseball book.

Of course, Jones’ story and all of the others were written for adult readers and the research that went into the stories was very good.  It was great to read about the Negro League World Series in 1942, the St. Louis Browns’ lone World Series appearance in 1944 and others about obscure players who had their best baseball moments in the World Series.  Brian Doyle of the 1978 Yankees and David Freese of the 2011 Cardinals are examples of that kind of story in this book.

I would certainly recommend this book for those readers who have not read many baseball books but loves the game.  The stories are good, the reading is light and easy and it’s a fun trip to some little known World Series lore. 

I wish to thank Lyons Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.

Link: Amazon.com: Shadows of Glory: Memorable and Offbeat World Series Stories eBook : Brown, Dave, Rodimer, Jeff, Teixeira, Mark: Kindle Store

 

Review of “ImmaKulate”

 I received a review copy of this novel some time ago and it falls into the category of a book that when I finally read, I wish I had done so early. Here is my review of the baseball novel “ImmKulate”. 

Title/Author:

“ImmaKulate: A Perfect Inning, An Imperfect Life” by John A. Marble

Rating: 

4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review: 

Even the best athletes at their craft can have demons that haunt them in their careers and their lives. That is certainly the case for Spence Taylor, the main character of this very good baseball novel by John A. Marble. The title comes from the rare pitching feat that Taylor is trying to accomplish at different times in the book.

In 2003, Taylor and best friend and former high school baseball rival Joshua Waters are star players for the Boston Red Sox. Waters is an infielder and Taylor is team’s closer, but they were involved in an incident that has haunted Taylor since it happened 12 years ago. How it affected Taylor’s life and the depths he sunk to are great, and how he overcomes them makes an excellent story.

While reading this, I had difficulty at first determine who the current Spence Taylor was - was it the Hall of Fame worthy fireballer or the person in the broken down trailers who let his health and life deteriorate?  However, once it is understood how the story unfolds and Taylor’s story is clear, it’s hard to put the book down. 

I really enjoyed the baseball passages, which were told through either the Red Sox broadcast crew or from coaches and managers. The latter is especially true for the high school sections. While one should be a baseball fan to truly enjoy the book, anyone who reads this story of love (but not a romance) and redemption (but not a self-help book) will put down fully satisfied after finishing.

I wish to that Mr. Marble for providing a copy of the book. The views expressed are strictly my own. 

Link: https://www.amazon.com/immaKulate-perfect-inning-imperfect-life/dp/B0D5X1NM7M/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= 

Review of "Above the Noise"

There was a lot of pre-publication buzz about this book and after reading it, I believed it lived up to the hype.  Here is my review of "Above the Noise", the memoir of DeMar DeRozan. 

Title/Author:

“Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm” by DeMar DeRozan

Rating: 

5 of 5 stars (excellent)

Review:

When NBA star DeMar DeRozan made a simple tweet to state that he wasn’t okay, no one expected the outpouring of not only support but also the attention that it would lead to the mental health of athletes.  While that was probably the best part of his memoir, it is one of the better sports memoirs I have read and one that every basketball fan will want to add to their library.

The format of the book isn’t much different than any other sports memoir – stories about his childhood, who helped push him into the athlete he became, his successes and failures that he endured along the way to where he is now.  What made this one stand out from others to me was his refreshing humility.  He was raised in Compton and frequently mentions the hard day-to-day life in that section of Los Angeles. He never forgets his roots when he is now living a much different lifestyle and it’s clear from the writing that this isn’t just being told to sound good – he truly does care for that community.

DeRozan is also frank about his personal relationships, whether with teammates, coaches or his wife and children.  He is honest about the struggles in his marriage and while his commitment to stay together with her may come across as “staying together for the children,” it is clear that part of his process of dealing with his mental health matters includes ensuring his relationships are strong as well.

And yes, there is plenty of basketball in the book.  It was clear that despite changing teams twice (from Toronto to San Antonio to Chicago) when he did not want to leave either time, he was able to quickly adjust and not only be welcomed, but welcomed being in a new city with new teammates despite missing his family.  He talks about his all-star seasons in Toronto, his relationship with coach Greg Popovich with the Spurs and his new role with the Bulls in helping them regain some of the glory they had in the days of Michael Jordan.

It's the feeling of refreshing honesty that made this book a very good read and one that I completed fairly quickly.  Hopefully this book will not only be a good one for basketball fans, but also for anyone who is dealing with mental health issues.  Reading about DeMar’s story is something that hopefully will be able to help others dealing with similar issues.

I wish to thank Harmony Publishing for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. 

Link: Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm: DeRozan, DeMar, Zarum, Dave, Popovich, Gregg: 9780593581261: Amazon.com: Books

Review of "The Ancient Eight"

John Feinstein?  Ivy League football?  Fascinating history?  Sign me up!  Did this book deliver?  Well, read the review and find out.  

 

Title/Author: “The Ancient Eight: College Football’s Ivy League and the Game They Play Today” by John Feinstein

Rating:  3 of 5 stars (okay)

Review: John Feinstein has long been one of my favorite sports authors – whenever I saw a book that he wrote, it immediately gets put on my “need to read” shelf.  So, when I saw this one about Ivy League football, I immediately requested an advance copy and started reading.  I also saw a couple reviews of the book – one glowing, one not so much.  I felt that this was in-between and while an okay book, I don’t believe it was one of his better works.

I’ll start with the disappointing aspects.  The first is that one of Feinstein’s great strengths is his ability to tell stories about his subjects, primarily coaches and athletes, with a great human touch and makes the reader that these are people with real issues, not just glamorous celebrities.  While he does this at the beginning with coaches from all eight Ivy League schools, the items about the players are not as interesting and instead read more like clippings from press conferences.

Which leads to the second part that disappointed me – most of the book is a rehashing of the 2023 Ivy League football season complete with game descriptions, quotes and updated standings each week.  While many times that is fine for a book of this nature, it isn’t the usual Feinstein style and for that, my satisfaction came up a little short.

But this doesn’t mean everything about the book was disappointing.  The stories about the coaches mentioned earlier were great.  Especially with the passing of Dartmouth coach Buddy Teevens and the outpouring of support that came from all the Ivies.  The dialogue about how many coaches in the league stay in their positions for long periods of time, no matter their records, was also good reading.  Same goes for other passages that talked about the history of the league – some of which were interspersed with the 2023 game notes.  Also, of course, no book on the Ivy League would be complete without mentioning the Harvard-Yale match called simple “The Game.”  Although…here there are four references to the famous headline “Harvard beats Yale 29-29” but at least they make sense in their use and not just added to make the story juicier.

Overall, it was an okay read, but I would not recommend it to hardcore Feinstein fans like me. There just wasn’t enough of the material that makes him a great writer and instead it felt more like a product to just get out there and sell.  

I wish to thank Hachette Books for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.

Link: Amazon.com: The Ancient Eight: College Football’s Ivy League and the Game They Play Today: 9780306833908: Feinstein, John: Books

Review of "The Wee Ice Mon Cometh"

With October starting, that means several new releases for the fall season are out, and this was one of those copies I have received.  While I and any other golf fan would be familiar with the comeback story of Ben Hogan, I learned a lot about his spectacular 1953 season in this book. 

Title/Author:

“The Wee Ice Mon Cometh: Ben Hogan’s 1953 Triple Slam and One of Golf’s Greatest Summers” by Ed Gruver

Rating: 

4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review:

Ben Hogan is one of most legendary golfers the game has ever seen.  Most noted for his comeback from a near-fatal auto accident, he put together one of the most magnificent seasons in 1953 as he won three of the four “Grand Slam” event in golf.   His three wins in those major tournaments is the subject of this book by Ed Gruver.

After Gruver gives a mini-biography of Hogan (with an excellent account of the auto accident), the book has an easy-to-follow format of Hogan’s three victories to make up his Triple Slam.  Gruver starts with a description of the course where the tournament takes place.  For the Masters, which is of course Augusta National.  Then for the U.S. Open in June, which took place at the Oakmont Country Club.  Finally, the third major win for Hogan, the Open (formerly known as the British Open) took place at Carnoustie.  For all three of these courses, a great explanation of the layout is given where the reader can feel himself or herself walking the course.

In these sections there is also information on Hogan’s main competitors in the tournament and here is where it was a bit of an issue for me as a reader as it was difficult to keep the golfers straight. That, however, wasn’t an issue when Gruver would get to the actual golf as his accounts of each tournament were excellent.  The descriptions of Hogan’s shots, his demeanor on the course and even the agony of his competitors was all captured in a manner that puts the reader right in the gallery.  Because of these sections, I genuinely enjoyed the book and would recommend it for any golf fan or historian.

I wish to thank University of Nebraska Press for providing a copy of the book.  The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.

Link: Amazon.com: The Wee Ice Mon Cometh: Ben Hogan's 1953 Triple Slam and One of Golf's Greatest Summers: 9781496238986: Gruver, Ed, Williamson, Trevor: Books