Friday, July 31, 2020

Review of "Denali's Howl"

Having not read a mountaineering book in a while, when this one was picked as a buddy read in an online reading group to which I belong, I decided to join.  I am glad I did - here is my review of "Denali's Howl"


Title/Author:

“Denali's Howl: The Deadliest Climbing Disaster on America's Wildest Peak" by Andy Hall

 

Tags:

Mountaineering, death

 

Publish date:

March 12, 2014

 

Length:

368 pages

 

Rating: to

4 of 5 stars (very good)

 

Review:

The Wilcox Expedition on Denali (then called Mount McKinley) in 1967 was the deadliest in the recorded history of the mountain in which seven climbers died mainly due to frostbite and hypothermia. The story of this expedition which had many problems is told in this book by Andy Hall.

 Hall grew interested in this particular climb when his father, who was a Mount McKinley National Park employee, was taking calls about a rescue mission for climbers on the mountain.  The rescue, along with so many other aspects of this expedition, was fraught with problems.  Some of the problems were because of human error, some were due to nature.

The climb was known as the Wilcox expedition because the leader was Joe Wilcox, a 24 year old climber who had little experience in climbing, let along leading a team on a mountain as large as Denali. It should be noted that several members of the party did manage to reach the peak of Denali. However, from the beginning, the men on the expedition were having trouble with getting along as a team, splitting into various factions.  Wilcox was not the only inexperienced climber – aside from a few members from Colorado, not many had extensive experience.  Hall does a good job of describing this problem and the tension the men were experiencing.

There were also communication problems as the two-way radios were not effective, especially when calling for help when the weather turned.  And speaking of the weather, it was considered especially difficult as many factors (wind, temperatures, snow, etc) combined to make it one of the most extreme storms the mountain had.  This input from Hall's connections to the peak's weather experts are crucial to understanding this aspect.  


The book is balanced in its approach to not only describing the tragedy, which reads as good drama, but also in its assessment of what went wrong on the expedition. Because so many factors played a role in this, Hall presents them all along with opinions from the experts he interviewed and that makes for a complete picture.  The reader will be left to decide what he or she believes will be the true reasons for the loss of lives.  This is a good book for readers who enjoy reading about mountaineering expeditions.


Book Format Read:

E-book (Kindle)

Monday, July 27, 2020

Review of "Billy Ball"

I remember well when it was announced Billy Martin would be the next manager of the Oakland A's.  I thought he was crazy to take that job - but it turned out to be one of the better managing jobs for him, both in him returning to his hometown and for the unexpected results.  Here is my review of "Billy Ball"



Title/Author:
“Billy Ball: Billy Martin and the Resurrection of the Oakland A's" by Dale Tafoya

Tags:
Baseball, professional, history, Athletics

Publish date:
March 1, 2020

Length:
264 pages

Rating: to
4 ½ of 5 stars (excellent)

Review:
Billy Martin's managing career in major league baseball is remembered primarily for three reasons – his success with the New York Yankees, the numerous times he was fired and rehired by Yankee owner George Steinbrenner and whenever he wasn't managing the Yankees, the team he WAS leading would usually make a substantial leap in the standings and performance.  One of those teams was the Oakland Athletics (or A's for short) and for three years, 1980-82, Martin's team was one of the most improved and exciting teams in baseball.  Those years are captured in this excellent book by Dale Tafoya.

The book starts out with a description of the depths to which the A's had fallen.  In the mid 1970's, the team won three consecutive World Series championships.  But by 1979, with the loss of free agents and owner Charlie Finley unable to afford to pay the higher salaries of the new baseball landscape, the A's sank to the worst record (54-108) and attendance (306,763) in baseball.  That latter figure is one that a reader won't forget as it is mentioned several times throughout the book, the only quibble this reviewer has with the book as it felt like this point was made too often.

However, after this season when Finley and Martin shocked the world when it was announced Martin would become the A's manager for the 1980 season, the book takes off nicely in describing the rise of the A's under Martin, both in wins and attendance.  What makes this part especially good is the writing about the starting pitchers for that 1980 season, when the A's pitchers were throwing many complete games.  The criticism that Martin heard long after that season, that so many complete games took their toll on those pitchers and ended their careers prematurely, is also addressed by talking to each of those pitchers and writers covering the team.  It presents a fair picture of that issue, allowing the reader to make his or her own conclusion.

The 1981 season is the one in which the A's reached their highest peak under Martin, reaching the American League championship series where they were swept by the New York Yankees.  Despite this and the fact that the season was shortened by a mid-season player's strike, it is considered to be one of the most exciting in the franchise's history in Oakland.  The writing about that season is very good as well.  The next year, 1982, was only successful at the turnstiles as while attendance was setting records, the team slumped badly.  Many players had off years (with the notable exception of Rickey Henderson and his setting a new record for stolen bases). However, the book's documentation of that season is mostly on Martin, who was not only getting more upset with his team's performance, but was also considering a return to the Yankees.  In the end, that eventually happened. 

The book is an excellent source of information for not only Martin, but for the background and insight into the A's for that short time frame and it is a good reflection of the time Martin spent managing the team – very good reading from the start, gets better and even though the ending may not be what one wants, the overall takeaway is a very positive one.   
                  
Book Format Read:
E-book (Kindle)

Buying Links:

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Review of "Memoir of a Hockey Nobody"

When the author of this book wrote to me offering the book for a review, he added some humor in the message.  After saying yes to his request, I received the book and his signature on the title page included more humor as he was worried that I, an American, would need to have the book translated as it was written in Canadian.  This was a theme throughout the book - the humor along with the great storytelling make this book a great read.  Here is my review of "Memoir of a Hockey Nobody"



Title/Author:
“Memoir of a Hockey Nobody: They Said I Couldn't Make the NHL So I Went Out and Proved Them Right" by Jerry Hack

Tags:
Ice Hockey, professional, memoir, humor

Publish date:
March 24, 2020

Length:
230 pages

Rating: to
5 of 5 stars (outstanding)

Review:
Most sports memoirs are written by athletes who have achieved great success in their sports career, have very interesting stories to share along the way, and then somehow tie this all in with what has happened in their lives that makes for an ending that often sounds like one from a storybook.  This hockey memoir by Jerry Hack has only the interesting stories from this list. 

However, one should not let that fact deter him or her from reading this book as not only is it filled with great and humorous stories, it is certainly an "everyman" story as Hack did not become an NHL player, was not blessed with superior skills in an early age and did not have a lot of playing time as a child or teenager.  He ended becoming a goalie because that was a position in which anyone who would be willing to be in front of the goal and block shots would be a goalie.

Hack tells his story in a funny, self-deprecating manner that is easily read and absorbed.  He states at the very beginning that he is not a writer and this was his first attempt at crafting a book.  This is in line with his hockey story as he didn't learn to skate until his teenage years (he played street hockey before this), he had to use second hand equipment and when he finally had some success in the amateur and senior leagues in which he played, many times he was either footing the bill, collecting unemployment so he could chase his dream or both.  His determination and stubbornness (it is quite entertaining to read about his phone exchanges with coaches and managers who didn't want to give him the time of day) are what led him to his hockey success as much as his talent.

Hack was a native of Vancouver and his stories take him all over western Canada, with a good bulk of the time in Saskatchewan.  He also played for teams in the Yukon territory and California.  Along every stop, along with the humor, it is easy to tell that Hack was enjoying himself.  He doesn't brag about it, dismiss the skills he did have, nor does he tear down other goalies against which he was competing.  He just writes his story in a manner in which the reader will think Hack is sitting in the same room, beer in hand, just passing the time by storytelling. If nothing else, for that reason alone, any reader who likes hockey, or just enjoys a good personal adventure, should pick up this book and experience the life of a "hockey nobody."

I wish to thank Mr. Hack for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
                               
Book Format Read:
Paperback

Buying Links:

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Review of "The Year the Packers Came Back"

Followers of this blog know that my football loyalties are with Minnesota, whether the Vikings or the Golden Gophers.  So it might come as a surprise to learn that I agreed to review a book on the Packers when the author requested I do so.  Hey, it's a free book and why not?  I might even enjoy reading about a mortal enemy - which I did.  Here is my review of a book on the 1972 Green Bay Packers.



Title/Author:
“The Year the Packers Came Back: Green Bay’s 1972 Resurgence” by Joe Zagorski

Tags:
Football (American), professional, history, Packers, championship

Publish date:
December 16, 2019

Length:
259 pages

Rating:
4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review:
In 1972, the Green Bay Packers were the most pleasant surprise in the National Football League.  Not expected to have a very good season, Green Bay surprised everyone but themselves by winning ten games and the NFC Central division title.  This book by Joe Zagorski pays tribute to that team.

While it may seem a little surprising to write about a season in which the Packers won its division instead of one of the many championship seasons in Green Bay, it does make for good reading.  This is especially true if the reader is a football historian or a big Packers fan as some of the names may not be very familiar to current fans, but long time football fans may remember the names such as Willie Buchanan, John Brockington and Scott Hunter.

The book is written in a manner that describes each game during the regular season and playoffs in great detail.  Much more than simple recaps, Zagorski describes each key drive or play in every Packers game of the 1972 season in a manner that one would think he is watching the game with the author.  There is also a detailed account of the previous off-season describing how Green Bay laid the foundation for its surprise season, the training camp and preseason games and the aftermath after losing in the divisional playoffs. 

In the middle of the regular season portion, there is one surprising chapter in which the shortcomings of head coach Dan Devine are described.  Given how successful the team was during the season, it was revealing to see just how reviled he was by his staff and players. Many of his decisions, even ones that ended up working out, were second guessed. The offensive players were relieved when in mid-season Devine let legendary Packers quarterback Bart Starr, who was the quarterback coach for the 1972 team, run the offense with no input from the head coach. It ended up being a good decision as the team had just come off back to back losses, but from there, they went on a hot streak and won the division on the home field of one of their biggest rivals, the Minnesota Vikings. 

While the 1972 Packers will not bring up as many glorious memories as the Packers teams of 1967, 1996-97 or 2010-11, this team is well worth honoring with a book of this nature. As mentioned earlier, football historians and Packers fans will enjoy this book.

I wish to thank Mr. Zagorski for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
                                                                             
Book Format Read:
E-book (paperback)                                                                                                                        

Buying Links:

Friday, July 17, 2020

Review of "Our Last Season"

This book is a little different type of biography or memoir.  It has some of both as the author writes about both his life and that of a dear friend.  The difference is that it is a beautiful story of friendship that will touch the soul of the reader.  Here is my review of "Our Last Season."


Title/Author:
“Our Last Season: A Writer, a Fan, a Friendship" by Harvey Araton

Tags:
Basketball, professional, Knicks, memoir, biography, journalism

Publish date:
October 20, 2020

Length:
256 pages

Rating: to
5 of 5 stars (outstanding)

Review:
Harvey Araton had a long, distinguished career in journalism, covering primarily the New York Knicks for the New York Post and New York Times.  Most of his career took place during the time reporters had courtside access to NBA games.  Nearby, a successful business woman was seated just behind the Knicks bench for nearly 45 years, a prime seat location for any fan.  Araton and the woman, Michelle Musler, struck up a friendship that lasted until Musler died. This book is a loving tribute by Araton to his friend.

Musler was no ordinary fan. As a single mother, she often had to make choice on what to do for her children when the Knicks were playing.  Once she arrived at Madison Square Garden, she was a well-known and well-loved person by employees of the Garden and even other personnel such as broadcasters (Knicks broadcasters Mike Breen and Walt Frazier often spoke with her), coaches and players.  Araton writes about Musler's fandom that does justice, highlighting her ups and downs that she went through with the team. He writes about her professional life with just as much zeal and how it helped shape her to become the type of analytical fan she became.

However, to Araton, Musler was more than just a friend who enjoyed basketball. She was a confidant and he would turn to her for advice regularly when he was having career issues, such as when he switched newspapers for employment or was reassigned from sports writing to features.  Musler became much more than just a friend – she was considered part of the Araton family.  One only needs to read about when Araton's wife Beth told her parents in no uncertain terms that Musler was part of the family to learn what she meant to them. Something else to note is that while this review refers to her as Musler, Araton never calls her that, always "Michelle."

Araton has been inducted into the writer's section of the Basketball Hall of Fame and it shows in his writing about the game and the Knicks, especially when talking about Musler's knowledge of the game.  It was fun to read about the team through the eyes of these two people, whether it was during the time when the Knicks were one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference but always fell to the Chicago Bulls, to the days of Pat Riley as the head coach to the current struggles.  Just like most followers of the game, Musler places that blame on owner James Dolan, although she has a unique take on him because her business success came through consulting executives on making their businesses even more successful.

The book starts with Araton's anxiety at speaking during his Hall of Fame induction and the guidance given to him by the octogenarian Musler.  From there the reader will be fully engrossed in what could truly be called a love story – not romantic love but the deep connection these two seemingly different people had through a professional basketball team.  It is an outstanding book that any basketball fan will enjoy.

I wish to thank Penguin Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
                               
Book Format Read:
E-book (Kindle)

Buying Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Last-Season-Writer-Friendship/dp/1984877984/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Review of "You Ought To Do a Story About Me"

While the title of this book is certainly attention-grabbing, what drew me into choosing this book was that I remembered Jackie Wallace as a defensive back for my favorite football team, the Minnesota Vikings.  I recalled him playing later for the Colts and Rams and wondered whatever happened to him.  This book answers that question, and it's a very good read.  Here is my review of "You Ought To Do a Story About Me"


Title/Author:
“You Ought To Do a Story About Me: Addiction, An Unlikely Friendship and the Endless Quest for Redemption” by Ted Jackson

Tags:
Football (American), professional, biography, drugs, Vikings, Colts, Rams

Publish date:
August 25, 2020

Length:
336 pages

Rating:
4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review:
It is not unusual for professional athletes to encounter hard times after their playing careers end. This book that tells the story of Jackie Wallace, a former NFL defensive back with the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Colts and Los Angeles Rams is a little different in the telling of the story of former star athlete who encounters tough times, recovers and falls back again in a seemingly never-ending cycle.

What makes this story about Wallace written by photojournalist Ted Jackson different is that Jackson shows genuine concern for Wallace long after finding him sleeping under a highway overpass in New Orleans in 1990. Those photos along with the story written by another journalist brought attention to Wallace’s plight. Some would have just left the story there, but not Jackson.  For more than twenty-five years, Jackson would attempt to reach Wallace to find out what he is doing, how is his recovery from drug addiction going and if he has any future plans.  Sometimes the reunion between the two men was heartwarming, other times it was heart-wrenching as Wallace fell into the pattern of recovery and remission back into drug addiction. 

Wallace’s football career is recapped in nice fashion, especially when one considers that Jackson isn’t a sportswriter.  Wallace was originally a quarterback, but switched to defensive back when it was realized he had a better chance to obtain a football scholarship at that position, which was awarded to him by the University of Arizona.  From there, he spent seven years in the NFL and played in three Super Bowls between 1973 and 1980.  However, that isn’t the main subject of the book as the reader is taken along the journey Jackson takes to follow Wallace after that chance encounter in New Orleans. 

Speaking of that city, there is plenty of material on New Orleans history, culture and politics as well as Jackson worked many years for the city’s daily newspaper.  Everything from the Jim Crow era to Hurricane Katrina is covered and while long, it does play an important part in the book to frame the story of Wallace, who despite seeming to have recovered from his addiction and found a good life in Baltimore in the early 2000’s, kept slipping and ended up back in New Orleans.

Through the entire time, Jackson paints a tough but sympathetic portrait of Wallace, neither criticizing him too much nor attempting to make the reader feel sorry for him.  It is just a very good story of addiction, recovery and friendship that will keep readers engrossed.  One doesn’t have to be a football fan or remember Jackie Wallace’s career to enjoy this book.

I wish to thank Dey Street Books for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
                                                                             
Book Format Read:
E-book (Kindle)                                                                                                                               

Buying Links:



Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Review of "Love, Zac"

This story would make a great novel - the popular high school football hero encounters hard times after his playing days are done, but thanks to his dedicated girlfriend he overcomes those struggles and they live happily ever after.  Unfortunately, for this real life story of that player, he doesn't overcome his problems and there is no happily every after.  Here is my review of "Love, Zac."



Title/Author:
“Love, Zac: Small Town Football and the Life and Death of an American Boy" by Reid Forgrave

Tags:
Football (American), high school, biography, death

Publish date:
September 8, 2020

Length:
288 pages

Rating: to
4 of 5 stars (very good)

Review:
Anyone who follows American football knows that the risk of concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a topic of much discussion and debate.  This story of a former high school football star who suffered from those conditions to point of committing suicide is a powerful book by Reid Forgrave.

Zac Easter came from a football-loving family. Every male in the family played, coached and watched football. The culture of the sport and the masculinity that was supposedly enhanced by the sport was an important part of the Easter household. Zac was certainly a member of this culture as he was a star player through high school, earning several awards.  The only break he made from the family when it came to football was that he was a Green Bay Packers fan while the rest of the family cheered for their rivals, the Minnesota Vikings.

However, Zac's time wasn't all glory and fun.  Forgrave gradually shows the reader some of the issues Zac was facing when all of the hits he took, especially to the head as he would often lead with his head against coaching instructions.  He would fight with the team's female trainer when she wanted him to give him his helmet, a sign that he will not return to the game. His moods became darker.  The book continues after his playing days to paint a great picture of the issued Zac faced with alcoholism, hypersexuality, headaches, mood swings and inability to hold jobs or focus on college courses.  It led to his suicide which wasn't a surprise ending, but one that the reader will still feel stunned when it happens.

That is what makes the book so powerful. Yes, the author did his research in the topics of football, helmet design, CTE and its effects and even in-depth interviews with the Easters.  But what makes the book truly a worthwhile endeavor is simply the emotions of everyone involved – from Zac to his family to his girlfriend (who stayed with him to the end) to his shocked teammates.  While some people, including this reviewer, do believe that he brought some of his issues on himself by refusing to adhere to the instructions to not lead with the head, it still boils down to the loss of a young life due to a danger in a sport that is by far the most popular in the United States. 

I wish to thank Algoquin Books for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
                               
Book Format Read:
E-book (Kindle)

Buying Links: