Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Short review of "Circus Catch"

For the final review of 2014, I accepted a gift copy of this book not exactly sure what to expect.  It turned out to be one of the funniest sports books I have read.  Here is my review of "Circus Catch."


Title/Author:
"Circus Catch" by Michael X. Ferraro

Publication date:
October 31, 2014

Length:
198 pages

Rating:
4 of 5 stars (excellent)

Review:

Imagine a crucial moment in  tense football game between two arch rivals. The tem trailing late in the game attempts a Hail Mary pass.  The reciever catches it! Tie game with the extra point to come giving a tem its first championship shot in a long time! But wait...the star wide receiver sys he DIDN'T make the catch and is trying to convince everyone it's not a catch.

Tht is the setting for "Circus Catch" a hiliarious story that spoofs pro football, the media and current Americn pop culture. The reciever who is the center of the storm even had a name change - he's  known as B-Wack.  The first time I saw that name I was in tears from the laughing.  As I was several times aftward as well with many more funny pssages.

Frankly, I took the message of B-Wack's actions as an extreme case of wnting to do the right thing, something always taught when playing sports. But when it causes millions of people to freak out in the manner they do in the story it just makes one wonder how low can we go.

Sports fans will love the many spoofs of current sports strs and topics.  Cleveland sports are especially coverred since the story revolves around the Cleveland football team.  A quick entertaining read that will leave you laughing even if you are not a sports fan.

I wish to thank the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Review of "The Best They Could Be"

Catching up on my baseball reading as it is one of the rare slow times during this off season. Between all the trades made in the recent Winter Meetings and the anticipation for spring training (as of today, only 47 days until pitchers and catchers report), I have decided to try to read more baseball books as well.  So to get an early start on that resolution, here is my review of a book on the 1916-20 Cleveland Indians, "The Best They Could Be."


Title/Author:
“The Best They Could Be: How the Cleveland Indians Became the Kings of Baseball, 1916-1920” by Scott H. Longert

Tags:
Baseball, Indians, history, championship

Publish date:
April 30, 2013

Length:
280 pages

Rating: 
5 of 5 stars (outstanding)

Review:
The 1920 Cleveland Indians championship baseball team was not built just out of good luck, an owner with deep pockets or even because of their good fortune.  While some it was true, this team overcame a lot of hardship and even a death of one of the better players to win the World Series that year.  Scott Longert’s book on how that team was built and what they overcame is a terrific read that any baseball fan will enjoy.

The book takes the reader from the time that Jim Dunn became the owner of the club in 1915 up to the end of the 1920 World Series that Cleveland won 5 games to 2 over the Brooklyn Robins.  At that time, the World Series was a best-of-nine series. Through the chapter on the World Series, it is noted that three historic events took place all in game four and all were good for Cleveland.  Elmer Smith hit the first grand slam homer in World Series history to put the Indians up 4-0. Indians pitcher Jim Bagby followed up with a three run shot of his own, becoming the first pitcher to homer in a World Series game.  Then Bill “Wamby” Wambsganss turned the first (and to date, only) unassisted triple play in World Series history.  Each achievement gets special treatment during Longert’s recap of the game. These are but a few examples of the excellent writing about the baseball played at that time.

What sets this book apart from other baseball history books is Longert’s writing about off the field activities that affect the Cleveland Indians. His telling of how Dunn acquired the team was a rich collection of stories not only about Dunn himself, but also of the business climate at that time in the country as well as some good research on the owner and American League president Ban Johnson.  The chapters about how baseball dealt with World War I and the government’s order for all men aged 21-30 to “work or fight” was well researched and gives the reader a clear picture of what the game meant to the country at that time. 

However, I felt the best part of the book was the moving passage about the death of Ray Chapman.  The Indians shortstop became the first player to be killed on the field when he was hit in the temple by a fastball thrown by New York Yankees pitcher Carl Mays on August 16, 1920 and died the next day.  The stories of how Chapman’s death shook not only the Indians, but the soul of a city and of a sport were some of the best researched and written baseball stories I have read.   It felt like I was grieving along with Chapman’s teammates.

This was an outstanding book on that time span in which the Indians became the toast of baseball.  The research and writing is top-notch and all baseball fans, regardless of team loyalties, will enjoy this book.

I wish to thank Mr. Longert for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Pace of the book:
Very good as it is an easy read that chronicles the team for those five years. The interruptions of the history with brief biographies of players were well placed in the book and enhanced the particular story being told at that point in the book.

Do I recommend? 
This book is an absolute must-read for not only Cleveland Indians fans, but all baseball fans, especially baseball historians who want to learn more about how this team was built.

Book Format Read:
Hardcover

Buying links:



Sunday, December 28, 2014

Review of "Iron Heart"

Even though some of the holidays have passed, we are still in the holiday season, so let me take this time to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.   

I listened to this book on a long drive recently and finished up during an evening commute and was inspired by this story of a young man who not only survived a horrific car accident, he went on to become an even better athlete than he was before the wreck.  Here is my review of "Iron Heart." 



Title/Author:
“Iron Heart: The True Story of How I Came Back from the Dead” by Brian Boyle, narrated by Robin Bloodworth

Tags:
Memoir, Triathlon, swimming, inspiration

Publish date:
October 1, 2009

Length:
256 pages

Rating: 
4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review:
Brian Boyle was a high school athlete who competed on the school swimming and track teams.  He was an accomplished swimmer – accomplished enough to earn a scholarship to a local college.  He also dreamed of one day competing in a triathlon.

Those dreams seemed to have died off on July 6, 2007 when he was severely injured in an automobile accident. There is no need to list all of the injuries suffered here, as Brian does that during this account of his story.  He tells of those believing he has no chance for survival, but through his will to live, unlimited parental support and the care and guidance of many medical professionals, he will not only survive, but be able to walk again and carry out daily functions.

The story of his recovery took a larger portion of the book than I had anticipated, as the title might suggest.  The synopsis talks about his determination to compete in a triathlon – and not just any triathlon – it is the Kona Ironman triathlon, one of the toughest courses.   After Brian has regained enough strength to do some jogging and gets back in the pool, he decides to train for this.  A production crew from NBC follows him and his training for first a half-triathlon in Michigan before the Kona Ironman.  The short amount of time he had for this seems incredible, but being able to finish these races is a testament to his determination and is an inspiring story for all of us.

What I liked best about the book is that it takes the reader into the mind of an athlete. This is evident even while Brian is in the hospital, as he talks at times about his scholastic swimming and field events like the discus and shot put. Then, during not only his training for the triathlon, but also during his recovery, physical therapy and even bodybuilding (he did that before training for the triathlon), Brian talks about what he is thinking while in this phase. He has his doubts, his highs and lows, and many adventures along the way.  These are interspersed throughout the passages, making the reader keenly aware of what he is thinking about as well as what he is physically doing in order to make this dream a reality.

This book was a good choice to listen to as well as the narrator did a very good job of reflecting the feelings behind Brian’s thoughts as well.  I felt these came out better on audio than they would have if I read the printed version.  It is a well-written memoir that people will enjoy if they like inspirational stories.

Pace of the book: 
For the most part, Brian’s story moved along at a good pace.  Not being a triathlete, the sections when he listed what exercises were in his daily training regiment, I admit to skimming over these by fast forwarding to the next section.   

Do I recommend? 
For an inspirational story or for a story where a seemingly impossible goal can be achieved, this book delivers on both of those accounts. However, if the reader wants to learn what goes on in the mind of an athlete, this book does well for that as well.

Book Format Read:
Audio book

Buying links:


Friday, December 19, 2014

Short review of "Tales from the Miami Hurricanes Sideline"

Even though I am traveling this weekend, it hasn't stopped me from enjoying books.  I found this book on Amazon as an audio book and it was the perfect length - listened to it for almost the entire drive from the Hudson Valley region of New York to Dover, New Hampshire.   Writing this review from a tablet, so not in the usual format, but still giving the book its due, as I enjoyed listening to this collection of tales.  Here is my review.



Title/Author:
"Tales from the Miami Hurricanes Sideline: A Collection of the Greatest Hurricanes Stories Ever Told" by Jim Martz, narrated by Ax Norman

Published:
February 5, 2013

Length:
192 pages

Rating:
4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review:
Many college football fans,  including myself, did not pay much attention to this school and it's football team until the early 1980's when coach Howard Schnellenberger led them into prominence topped off by the national championship in the 1983-84 season.  Since then the football program has produced more championships and NFL players than most of storied programs.  This collection of first hand stories by players, coaches and other key personnel in the program is entertaining.  I especially liked the stories told by the man who was the team mascot for many years, especially when he was detained by police officers for holding a fire extinguisher so he could douse the flaming spear of the Florida State mascot.


It should be noted that there are also several good anecdotes about some of the year's before the "U" became the power it is now and some may look back on those times fondly as well.  All in all a decent book for any Hurricanes fan.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Review of "Into Thin Air"

While this book has been in publication for 16 years, it is still a haunting account of an expedition to the top of Mount Everest. That it is told in first person by a survivor of the climb is even better. As I consider mountain climbing to be a sport, I wanted to post my review of this excellent book here. This is my review of "Into Thin Air." 


Title/Author:
“Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer, narrated by author

Tags:
Mountain climbing, non-fiction, history

Publish date:
November 12, 1998

Length:
293 pages

Rating: 
5 of 5 stars (outstanding)

Review:
In the spring of 1996, journalist Jon Krakauer volunteered to embark on an expedition to climb Mount Everest with a guided group to learn first-hand what these groups are like.  The mountain climbing community believed that the expedition to the peak was becoming too commercialized and that a trip to the top of the mountain could be bought by any climber regardless of ability. Krakauer was to write an article for Outside magazine on this topic and this would give him that experience.

The trip became deadly as not only members of his group perished, including the leader Rob Hall.  Scott Fisher lead another group who also had members perish on this climb and the first person narrative from Krakauer of this disaster is a gripping account that pulls no punches on opinions, speculation on what went wrong, and also what could have been done differently.

When reading or listening to the book, the reader will be immediately sucked into the dangers that the climbers, guides and helpers (also known as sherpas) must endure during each phase of the expedition.  Even the time spent in Himalayan lodging while waiting to begin the actual climb will make one stop and wonder why someone wants to take on such an apparently unpleasant task.  Because Krakauer is a seasoned climber himself, the explanation of the many reasons why someone would do this is given more credence.

While there are some passages that may not be clear to people with no experience in the sport, it is explained in easy to understand language so that it does not detract from the story.  I also believe that because I listened to the audio book, it was even more compelling than reading because the inflection in Krakauer’s voice while recalling the events added to the drama even more.

This book is more than a sports book – it is a reflection of the human drive and spirit, it is a tragedy and it is also an example of what a survivor of any disaster goes through with the remorse and guilt that he or she survived while others perished.  This book covers all of that and more.  An excellent read for anyone, no matter what interests him or her.

Did I skim?
No

Pace of the book: 
For the most part, it moves along very well.  Not being a climber, I was a little lost when it got too technical, but that was minor and these were explained in a manner that helped explain the gear or terminology for readers like me with no experience.

Do I recommend? 
Anyone who likes a true account of any type of adventure, whether it results in tragedy or not, will want to read or listen to this book. 

Book Format Read:
Audiobook

Buying links:



Sunday, December 14, 2014

Review of "The Unlikeliest Champion"

When one thinks of elite programs in college basketball, the first schools that come to mind could include UCLA, North Carolina, Duke, Kansas and Kentucky.  Some believe that now the University of Connecticut should now be included on that list, partly because of their run to the championship in the 2010-11 season.  This book is a recap of that amazing season for the Huskies.  Here is my review of the book:


Title/Author:
The Unlikeliest Champion: The Incredible Story of the 2011 UConn Huskies and Their Run to the College Basketball National Championship” by Aaron Torres

Tags:
Basketball, college, history

Published:
January 5, 2012

Length:
284 pages

Rating: 
4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review:
The Connecticut Huskies have become one of the elite college basketball programs with four national championships in fifteen years.  The most improbable of these occurred in the 2010-11 season.  This book by journalist and blogger Aaron Torres recaps that season for the Huskies and also includes short biographies of many of the players, including All-American guard Kemba Walker.

Walker gets the lion’s share of credit for the team’s success, but Torres makes sure to include all players in the book as he relies on research and his knowledge of Huskies basketball to write a detailed account of not only the championship season, but also insight into many of the players. It made for an interesting and informative book in which I learned a lot about that team.  

It should be noted that I made these observations and enjoyed the book even though I am not a die-hard fan of this team.  Because of this, at times I felt it was written in a fashion that not only showed Torres’ fandom, but also that he was talking only to other UConn fans and forgetting that the reader may not have the passion and knowledge that he does.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if reaching out to fellow Huskies fans was his goal, but at times it just didn’t feel like a book to simply learn about the team.

The book covers the entire season, and I enjoyed the section on the Huskies’ run during the Big East tournament as well as the championship tourney.  The Huskies’ became the first team to win five games in five days to win that tournament, which some felt was even harder than winning the national championship.  Torres does a nice job of covering both of these and putting them into perspective.

Overall, this is a very good recap of both the season and the key players that made the 2010-11 season one of the more memorable ones for Huskies basketball.  Fans of the team will especially want to read this book.  

Did I skim?
No. 

Pace of the book: 
Personally, the book felt a little choppy to me as Torres mixed in chapters on player biographies in between accounts of the 2010-11 championship season. While this is a common format and good for breaks in the “action”, so to speak; my personal preference is for a beginning-to-end continuous recap of the season. 

Do I recommend? 
This is a good read for college basketball fans, especially fans of the University of Connecticut team.  Torres wears his fandom on his sleeve and it shows in this book. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing if the reader also roots for that team.

Book Format Read:
Ebook (Kindle)

Buying Links:



Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Review of "Among the Giants"

When I recieved an email from the publisher of this book, I was intrigued - a "giant" in the basketball world that wasn't a well known coach or professional all-star?   It is a very good book for teens and young adults with a message that is familiar but told in a unique manner.  Here is my review of "Among the Giants." 


Title/Author:

“Among the Giants: How One Underdog Pursued His Dream and You Can Too” by Jesse LeBeau


Tags:
Basketball, young adult, goals

Publish date:
October 23, 2014

Length:
254 pages

Rating: 
4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review:
Jesse LeBeau did not grow up in an area where basketball was an important part of the culture.  As an undersized kid in Alaska, he realized that if he was going to be able to pursue his dreams for success in the sport, he had to work hard and make sacrifices.  While he didn’t become a star in the NBA, LeBeau has had success with the game by playing charitable games and shooting commercials with professional stars like Allen Iverson and Kevin Durant.  He doesn’t take his success for granted and wanted to share the message of what it takes to succeed in this book.

The format of the book is like a basketball game, divided into four quarters, two overtime periods, the locker room and “post-game training.”  A total of 28 lessons, on everything from the right attitude to setting goals and always giving your best effort, are told in short chapters that are easy to read and follow.  LeBeau tells them in a manner that the reader will be able to feel his emotions, which are mostly joy, and will want to apply them to his or her endeavors.

There are also plenty of stories of Jesse’s interactions with famous people.  These are not just with basketball players, but other celebrities such as Heidi Klum and Dr. Dre.  Just like with the chapters on which LeBeau is advising the readers of life’s lessons, Jesse tells these stories with enthusiasm and joy.  Here the reader can feel the little kid in LeBeau as he shares these anecdotes – which have valuable lessons as well.

While this book is geared for young people, older adults will enjoy it as well.  Many of the traits and lessons can be applied in a grown-up world as well.  It was fun and entertaining to read as well and there are even some good basketball stories thrown in, especially the charity game that Jesse played with Iverson. 

Whether the reader wants to get some advice on what to do for a successful future, a parent wants to find out how to talk to his or her children about it or even just for a fun read, this book will do the trick. 

I wish to thank Mr. LeBeau and Familius for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Did I skim?
No

Do I recommend? 
Absolutely – great message for teenagers and young adults presented in a way that they will enjoy reading. 

Book Format Read:
Ebook (Nook using the Google Play Books app)

Book site (for more information)


Other Buying links:



Monday, December 8, 2014

Review of "The Art of Fielding"

After hearing many good things about this book and reading many positive reviews, I decided to give this one a try, even though it has been three years since it was released.  Without giving away my take on it, here is my review of the best selling book "The Art of Fielding."


Title/Author:
“The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach, narrated by Holter Graham

Tags:
Baseball, fiction, young adult

Publish date:
September 7, 2011

Length:
516 pages

Rating: 
2 1/2 of 5 stars (okay)

Review:
Henry Skrimshander is a shortstop for tiny Westish College in Wisconsin and seems destined for a major league contract.  He is a whiz with the glove and got to Westish by being unofficially recruited by the team’s captain Mike Schwartz. Schwartz becomes Henry’s mentor during the time at Westish. There are three other important characters in this novel by Chad Harbach.  Owen Dunne, Henry’s roommate, who is gay and becomes involved with a dangerous affair after being hit by a ball thrown by Henry.  The college president, Guert Affenlight and his daughter Pella also are main characters in the story of Henry’s ambition and creeping self-doubt after the poor throw that struck his roommate.

The story itself seemed to go off course because there were so many different directions that I couldn’t figure out what was the proper course.  I was interested in this book because of the baseball theme and I always love a good baseball story.  After a while, even though the main male characters are part of a college baseball team and the story has good baseball scenes, I felt disappointed with the direction of the story.  I felt that all the side issues took away from the main interest for any baseball fan – what is going to happen to Henry and his major league contract?

That question along with others does get answered – but the book fell short of my expectations.  I had a hard time connecting with any of the other characters.  While there are some issues to be expected for a story with college students, such as self-realization, sex and what does the future hold, overall I expected something else.  For those looking for a good story of self-reflection, this does the trick. Also, the main question I had for the end of the story was answered, so I won’t totally knock the book.  But it fell far short of my expectations and therefore was a disappointment for me.

Did I skim?
No

Pace of the book: 
I thought it dragged in many areas and probably could have been at least 100 pages shorter and still got the messages across that it meant to portray.

Do I recommend? 
Not if the reader wants to enjoy a true baseball story, but if the reader is looking for a coming-of-age story about college students, this might be one to read.


Book Format Read:
Audiobook

Buying links: