Short review of "Pickleball 5.0"

As I have started playing this great game, I wanted to pick up a book that would help with the basics of the game.  This one does that and so much more.  Whether one is a raw beginner like me (have been on the courts twice), an instructor, or a seasoned player, this book has something for everyone.  I have only written a short review of it because I was only skimming the sections on teaching and advanced play, but I still wanted to share my thoughts on a book that for me was just as great to read as pickleball is to play.

Title/Author:

“Pickleball 5.0” by Phil Dunmeyer

Tags:

Pickleball, instructions, rules

Publish date:

November 17, 2017

Length:

282 pages

Rating:

5 of 5 stars (outstanding)

Review:

When I started reading this book, I thought it was mistitled because it seems very advanced and not a good fit for players like me who are beginners or are social players (the "2.0" players in the title) . However, that really is not the case because it really is a book for any level of player. Everything from shots to court position to proper etiquette is covered. It is also an excellent book for instructors as there are many teaching trips and drills provided. Whether one is new to the game like me or has played in tournaments for many years, this is an excellent book to pick up

                                                                       

Book Format Read:

E-book (Kindle)                                                                                                                                

Buying Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Pickleball-5-0-Journey-black-white/dp/1979755833/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Review of "Baseball's Game Changers"

As we are getting ready for the announcement of the 2016 Baseball Hall of Fame class, I decided to look through the ever-growing pile of review copies to be read, and I came across this gem that covers all aspects of the baseball throughout its history. This was a good choice for the first baseball read of 2016.  Here is my review of "Baseball's Game Changers." 

Title/Author:

“Baseball’s Game Changers” by George Castle

Tags:

Baseball, business, rules, players

Publish date:

February 18, 2016

Length:

240 pages

Rating: 

4 of 5 stars (Very Good)

Review:

When one thinks of a “game changer”, it usually means an event, person or moment that had a profound effect on the game or sport.  This is not always something that takes place during a game or on the field of play. It can be an athlete, coach, owner or maybe a shift in conventional thinking.  All of these types of “game changers” are covered in this book by George Castle, a longtime Chicago baseball reporter.

The book was really a collection of stories about each of these “game changers” and it was impressive in the scope of the game that is covered.  No matter what one wants to read about when it concerns the game of baseball, there are important people or events that are considered important in the history of the game.

If a reader wants to know more about rule changes, the implementation of the designated hitter and the lowering of the pitching mound after the 1968 season are two examples of profound changes that affected the game.  If one is looking for certain players, three examples are Jackie Robinson, Henry Aaron and Barry Bonds.  Does the reader want to read about how the business of the sport has changed? There are plenty of examples here, such as the advent of free agency, television, night games and arbitration.

Most of the stories are short, therefore there is not a lot of detail, but most are filled with information that will help the reader learn why that person, rule or event is important in the game’s history. The information comes from various sources and the timeline is complete, from baseball in the 19^th century up to the 2014 World Series. It is a book that is recommended for any baseball fan as it is easy to read, broken up into short stories that can be put down and picked right back up anytime and filled with good information on the history of the game from all aspects. 

I wish to thank Lyons Press for providing an advance review copy of the book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Format Read

E-book (Kindle)

Buying links (pre-order at time of posting):

http://www.amazon.com/Baseballs-Game-Changers-Breakers-Sensational/dp/1493019465/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452042460&sr=8-1&keywords=baseball%27s+game+changers

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baseballs-game-changers-george-castle/1122638519?ean=9781493019465