2 comments about Giants and Heroes: A Daughter's Memories of Y. A. Tittle.

1. I LIKED SEVERAL THINGS IN THIS BOOK. I ALSO DISLIKED A FEW THINGS IN THIS BOOK. IT WAS INTERESTING WHEN IT STAYED FOCUSED ON THE CAREER AND LIFE OF Y.A. HIS EXPERIENCES WITH THE COLTS, 49ERS AND GIANTS IS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL DONE. THE BOOK IS WRITTEN BY HIS DAUGHTER WHO DOES A GOOD JOB OVERALL. BUT SHE RAMBLES ON AND ON ABOUT SOME BORING CHILDHOOD MEMORIES AND NEVER REALLY DOES A GOOD JOB OF TELLING US WHAT KIND OF PERSON AND FATHER TITTLE IS. SHE TRIES TO BE TO TOO DEATILED AND CREATIVE DESCRIBING THINGS OF MINOR IMPORTANCE. BUT SHE IS TALENTED AND VERY SWEET. I DONT WANT TO BE TOO HARD ON THIS BOOK. I RECOMMEND IT FOR ALL GIANT FANS AND FANS WHO WANT TO READ ABOUT A GREAT QUARTERBACK.



2. Calling all LSU, SF 49er, and NY Giants fans. This book is a fun read, and leaves one with the feeling of having intimately known one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever wear a football uniform. As opposed to many sports books, the author's vantage point allows her to tell the story of this football icon with refreshing sensitivity. The author, through her lively descriptions, tells the story of how from his humble beginnings in East Texas, Y.A. Tittle rose to become the toast of New York, and a member of the NFL Hall of Fame.

   Y.A. Tittle's unique athletic abilities, and sense of humor are framed by the parables of Greek mythology. This unique treatment is appropriate, because the author provides an inside view of growing up with a legend.

5 comments about The Final Season: My Last Year as Head Coach in the NFL.

1. I looked forward to this book with great anticipation. Bill Parcells and his legacy here in New England and how he left the team were front page news here. His personality is larger than life. His press conferences were must-see TV.

   That said, this book was disappointing. It started out well, the first portion of this book is riveting, and gives you real insight into his thoughts, and how he puts a team together. Where it goes downhill is after the Jets very first game of the '99 season where they lose multiple starters for the season, including the starting QB. Going into the season the Jets were considered by many people a favorite for the SuperBowl. If it were to follow the team through a season like that, it would've been a great read throughout. Instead, after those injuries, Parcells basically mails it in for the rest of the book, in my opinion. What could've been a great book instead becomes a mediocre effort.




2. A perfect illustartion of the greatest football coach ever !! Yes, even better than Me Lombardi himself. First of all, it was a wonder Bill continued to write this book when his team was 1-8. Almost every story has a happy ending right ?? Well not exactly. Being a Parcells fan (followed him fron NY, to NE and back to NY) I followed this season closely. For a team to go 1-8 and win ther next 7 in a row with nothing to play for, is amazing. Parcells is the greatest motivator ever. The book talks about his relatrionship with the players. Yes, he actually got along with his players, well some of them. But the one relationship he'll never forget will be the one with The Boy Wonder. You'll have to read the book to understand.



3. i doubt Parcells is DONE with football as a coach.. I'm sure there will be PART 2 because this guy will coach somewhere sOON.

   As for the story it was easy ready and it was pretty cheesy. Nothing really BIG or personal described in the book. For a man as criticial as he is, I expected more DEEP thoughts in this book, but it never happen.




4. For those of you who fantasized about what it would be like coaching an NFL team, Bill Parcells aided by Will McDonough offer the opportunity to find out what it is like.

   Parcells takes readers through his entire final season with the New York Jets in 1999, when he ultimately concluded that this would be his final coaching responsibility. Jerry Jones has since hastened Parcells out of retirement at a hefty salary to jumpstart the formerly mighty Dallas Cowboys as he had earlier altered the fortunes of the New York Giants, New England Patriots and Jets respectively.

   You cannot help coming away with an admiration for Parcells due to his rock-ribbed honesty. Here is a man who will criticize his players if he believes they are giving less than 100% or playing less than intelligent football. He blames himself for losing a game in the closing stages by "getting cute" and calling for a pass which was intercepted and ultimately cost his team the game when it would have been wiser retrospectively to keep the ball on the ground. When assistant coach Dan Henning tells him that his insistence on keeping Rick Mirer in the lineup as starting quarterback in the face of less than awesome performances stemmed from a stubbornness to face the facts since Parcells made the trade in his general manager's capacity, the coach, rather than blowing up over having his ego assaulted in the manner that a smaller man would, ends up agreeing with Henning. Accepting genuinely felt constructive criticism in a positive manner is the hallmark of a mature and honest man.

   In addition to telling us plenty about strategy, how games were won and lost, and providing his opinions on players he reveres, such as his own sterling running back Curtis Martin and respected opposing quarterback Dan Marino of the Dolphins, Parcells tells about the deeply rooted pressures in NFL coaching. He reveals about his bypass operation and expresses dismay over his inability to sleep and nervous eating anxieties when the season is in full swing, leading to weight gain. He also weighs in on his view of the poor performance of certain NFL officials, especially in key situations, a problem which has magnified since this book appeared. Parcells expresses his concern as well over the rise of fan hooliganism, fearing that perhaps America may follow the example ultimately of the European soccer rioters.

   If you love pro football, this is a can't miss read. The coach is an intelligent man of candor with plenty of interesting things to say.




5. I thought the book lived up to its purpose of showing the life of the NFL coach. We see Parcells full of optimism at the start of the season then gradually decline in mood as the year progresses through events both on and off the field.
   
   I might have liked to have seen more of what Parcells actually did in the year. What time he started work, what he actually did in the day and what time he finished an average day.
   
   A good read.

2 comments about A Promise Kept: Vernon Ravsten an Uncommon Man for Our Season.

1. A brave autobiographical attempt to transform the author's high school coach into the second coming of Lomardi. This "Inspirational Playbook For Life" praises such coaching gems as: "I said, 'Coach, I heard something crack and I'm afraid I broke it.' Coach replied, "I think the crack you heard was you breaking that kid's leg. They're getting an ambulance and a stretcher to carry him off the field." Then (with incredible sensitivity and inspiration,) "Coach looked at me and said, "Go on, run off the field and be a hero," and more incredibly, "Well, we'll send him a card next week." The opposing quarterback they were referring to suffered a compound femur fracture in three places, and we learn "They may have to put a pin in his leg." The author's "coach" suffered the final misfortune of a drawn-out bout with cancer...an opponent nobody could knock out of the game. Pep talks evolved to Bob Richards' plagerism and football-as-life lessons. Enter inspiration. Danny White must have read a different manuscript before penning his introduction; for that matter, Couch must have played for a different coach than I did...I played 3rd string for Ravsten and his henchmen; I'd call my paean "Football Through the Earholes: Violent Lessons As Teenage Cannon-fodder "



2. I enjoyed this inspiring story of a coach who cared and the players who kept a promise and a coach who overcame illness to coach a team that went undefeated. I enjoyed this book and recomend anyone who loves a motivational and inspiring story. Couch did a great job of replaying the 60's and depicting the story.

1 comments about The Paterno Legacy.

1. This is an excellent guide to the web. Just the sort of book we've all been waiting for! Easy to understand and highly informative. It tells you in straightforward terms how the world wide web developed from the early Internet days, how it works and you can use it in many different ways. For example, it points you towards very useful web sites on health, education and business.

   I passed my copy onto my young nephew. He was fascinated by it and has now begun to use the web himself to help him with his studies and find out lots of info about his favourite sports!

3 comments about Still Roaring: Jim Phillips's Life in Broadcasting.

1. Jim Phillips trusted Ken Tysiac to help him tell his life story, and the trust was well-placed. Although Phillips has passed away, you can hear his voice again in this well-organized, fast-paced book. If a book can feel like a football Saturday afternoon in the fall, this one does. All Clemson fans will get a big kick out of it.



2. Jim Phillips' autobiography "Still Roaring" tells the life story of Jim Phillips -- the Voice of the Clemson Tigers for over 30 years. Although it was written with the assistance of Ken Tysiac, but you can hear Jim Phillips' conversational style come across in the narrative.
   
   After a short history of Phillips' childhood and early broadcasting days in Ohio, Phillips tells how his hiring at Clemson was almost a fluke and was certainly unexpected. Phillips tells his stories about some of Clemson's most memorable football, baseball, and basketball games, interspersed with personal anecdotes from his travels with the teams. For an avid Clemson fan, though, Phillips' selective storytelling leave you wanting to read a game-by-game and year-by-year history of Clemson's sports teams, which this book is not.
   
   Phillips also gives insight into the coaches and personalities in the Clemson athletic department during his tenure: Danny Ford, Ken Hatfield, Tommy West, and Rick Barnes especially. However, at times Phillips tells the story as an insider and whitewashes some of the failings of these coaches.
   
   Finally, Phillips tells some interesting stories about his days covering the Greenville Braves, Masters golf tournaments, and other sporting events. His stories hearken back to a bygone era in sports broadcasting, and his nature as a true gentleman comes through in these stories.
   
   This book is a must-read for any Clemson fan - and I would recommend it for any fan of South Carolina sports or for anyone with an interest in college sports or sports broadcasting.



3. I miss Jim Phillips. As the voice of the Clemson Tigers, Jim filled the rooms of my house growing up more often than some of my relatives did. In fact, for the first 30 years of my life, Jim Phillips was the only "Voice of the Tigers" that I knew. His genuine warmth, friendliness, and passion for Clemson athletics made him the perfect ambassador for the university.
   
   Jim was working on Still Roaring at the time of his sudden death in 2003. He shares his memories of growing up in Northeast Ohio, his start in broadcasting, his unexpected hiring at WFBC in Greenville, South Carolina in 1968, and his 36 years of covering Clemson athletics. In those 36 years, Jim broadcast more than 2,000 sporting events, including men's and women's basketball, baseball, and 401 football games. For a while, he was also the voice of the Greenville Braves, the longtime AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, and he covered The Masters golf tournament for 13 years. He had a remarkable career.
   
   Those who are familiar with Phillips will instantly recognize his friendly, easy going style in the pages of Still Roaring. It's like he's sitting there, talking to you again. The text is loose and conversational as Jim shares some of his favorite memories from his long tenure at Clemson. In his 36 years at Clemson, the school grew from having a regional presence to having a national presence, including winning a football national championship in 1981. Jim witnessed it all.
   
   Listening to a Clemson football game isn't quite the same now that Jim is gone, but, of course, life goes on. We were truly lucky and blessed to have Jim as long as we did.

5 comments about The Golden Dream.

1. Gerry Faust represents what is good in sports today. No he did not have great teams at Notre Dame but he is a true role-model for both coaches and athletes. The good natured stories kept you from putting the book down. He truly cares about people. That is what I loved about the book. If more coaches had this approach we would not have cheating, scandels, and a me approach. The book gives the reader confidence that there are good people, not only in sports, but in the world today. You do not have to be into sports in order to appreciate this book. I recommend it to all people of all ages. It will make you feel good!



2. I was at ND for Coach Faust's first two years. I remember his first game win against LSU and being ranked #1. I also recall his inspirational talks in that raspy voice of his.

   Yes, he did NOT have a great won loss record. But he won some huge games and put a lot of points on the board. (Contrast with Ty Willingham's recent results.) He also recruited many of the players who were part of the 1988 championship.

   Classy man, inspirational coach and someone whom I will always hold in high regard -- I really enjoyed the book.

   Jeff, ND Class of 1982.




3. I met Coach Faust at ND, where he signed my copy. I attended the University of Notre Dame during his first two years, and I remember defeating LSU and being ranked #1.

   Coach is a great human being who was given the opportunity of a lifetime. He was not overly successful, but how many get their life-long dream?

   Easy and fun to read and a great learning experience.




4. An interesting read for a Notre Dame fan; but never a plausibe explanation for why Notre Dame lost so big under Faust (who seemed like a good guy....just way overmatched for that job). The last 30 years or so seems to show one thing about ND football, they hire the right coach (Ara, Devine, Holtz.....now Weiss??) and they win big. They hire the wrong coach (Faust, Davies, etc.) and they lose big.
   
   Faust obviously loves the school (feels like he loves the school more than he loves football) which is great for an administrator, but not for the head coach of the team.



5. Gerry Faust was a man equally passionate about his faith as he was about football. Although he might not appreciate it, in reading the book I found myself reminded of Jimmy Carter. Both were honorable and honest men who came from humble beginnings and landed the greatest jobs in the country, only to find themselves a bit overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of the positions they held.
   
   In this book, Coach Faust presents an honest account of the good times and bad, and provides insight into some of the decisions he made and lessons he learned. He and his co-author also offer the views from others who have a different take on certain situations. The result is a fascinating and balanced account of being at the center of America's most storied college football program. For those who are familiar with Notre Dame, you will also enjoy reading Coach Faust's accounts of his time on campus and his relationships with many of the players, recruits, and the university's administration, specifically Fr. Hesburgh and Fr. Joyce.

1 comments about Brett Favre: Huck Finn Grows Up.

1. This is a well written book. Personally I liked it. Not only because I'm a fan of Brett Favre, but that this book shows the life and personality of him. The book goes behind the scenes of this football superstar into his personal life. The author (Steve Cameron) provides a great view of Brett's personality and ability. The book includes personal insight and quotes. Another plus is a few pictures, and even one of Brett's wedding night! From high school hard ball to a pro career with the Packers Steve Cameron shows you the life of Brett Favre, All in all this is one great biography!

4 comments about Mean on Sunday: The Autobiography of Ray Nitschke.

1. Ray Nitschke gives great insight into the human side of professional football. Takes readers on a great journey, from being orphaned as child, to success with the Fighting Illini, and finally to near immortal status as a member of The Green Bay Packers. Definitely not your typical pro-athlete memoirs.



2. THIS BOOK IS VERY INTERESTING, WELL WRITTEN, AND DONE WITH HONESTY. RAY'S TEAM ATTITUDE AND WORK ETHICS ARE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. HE WAS A BUTT KICKER AND A FORCE IN THE NFL. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ALL FOOTBALL FANS. TO GET A REAL GOOD LOOK AT HOW FOOTBALL SHOULD BE PLAYED READ THIS. ONE HELLUVA GOOD READ.
   VERY RECOMMENDED.



3. It's almost hard to believe that the same man who terrorized NFL offenses in the 60s could be the nice guy that this book makes him appear to be. Ray Nitschke was truly a class act. He might have enjoyed crushing an opposing quarterback, but off the field he was set a great example as someone who cared deeply for his family, friends and teammates. Although he had a rough start in life, he learned early that he wanted a life he could be proud of, and where he could be an example for others. I never expected this book to be inspiring when I bought it, but it certainly is.



4. Ray Nitschke is arguably the greatest middle linebacker to play football, but people often forget what a great man he was. Honest, caring, and a passionate about football are only a few ways to describe him. Originally penned in 1973, immediately after his playing days, "Mean on Sunday" is an all too concise memoir of his life through his playing days.
   
   The Green Bay Packers of the 1960's were one of the great football dynasties, if not the greatest. Nitschke was a central figure of those teams. From his rough childhood as an orphan to his college playing days at the University of Illinois where he dreamed of playing for the Bears, he is forthcoming in his storytelling. The tales of the Lombardi championship teams are classic, and have served as a source for other works. Yet when he begins telling of his playing days, I feel that he holds something back.
   
   As far as content, "Nitschke" by Edward Gruver is more thorough because of the inclusion of Nitschke's later years. Also, in his memoir, Nitschke never admits to the physical discomfort he endured in his final years. He was too proud to make excuses for his limitations, embodying the toughness Lombardi expected while always being a good man.

2 comments about Nitschke: The Ray Nitschke Story.

1. Nitschke is the first biography of accomplished professional football player Ray Nitschke (1936-1998), who won the Green Bay Packers five NFL titles and the first two Super Bowls. Constructed from thorough research and dozens of interviews by biographer Edward Gruver, Nischke is the impressive portrait of a courageous man who lost both his parents at age 13, played a legendary championship "Ice Bowl" game in sub-zero weather, was inducted into the Pro Football hall of fame in 1978, and earned lasting memorials and tributes after his unfortunate death from a heart attack. Nitschke provides the reader with an inspiring account of the life of a dedicated game player and is "must" reading for Packer fans in general, and those who remember Ray Nitschke's performances on the field in particular.



2. Ray Nitschke is a symbol of a football era that has passed. He played the game for enjoyment not for money. Unlike current players, he was grateful to the fans and never passes up an autograph seeker. Truly, there will never be another Ray Nitschke.

   Edward Gruver began putting this biography together before Nitschke's death. Much of the information was gained in interviews with Nitschke. Because many of the stories are in his own words, it lends authenticity to the story. Gruver interviewed teammates and opponents to get their perspective of Nitschke. The result is the best rounded biography of the man who is arguably the best middle linebacker in NFL history.

   Aside from the stories of his playing days, the book also looks at Ray Nitschke the man. He lived through a rough childhood to become an unlikely recipient of a scholarship to Illinois. Although he dreamed of playing for the Bears, he made Green Bay his home only a few seasons after he was drafted. After getting married, Nitschke changed from a rough bar room brawler to a family man. His nasty on-field persona was left on the field. Nitschke was involved in numuerous charities. However, his family came first.

   Nitschke is an easy read, that is historically accurate and well written. My one objection to the book is my feeling that some of the stories could have been expanded up further. Nevertheless, this is an excellent read for Packer fans.

1 comments about Roar of Silence.

1. If you know someone that is having a hard time adjusting to adverse circumstances get them to read this book. I have a newly adopted son that was having a hard time adjusting to his new family situation. He is not handicapped physically or mentally but the system he was in handicapped him emotionally giving him an entitlement mentality. I read the book in one sitting and then gave it to my son to read. For the last two years I have been trying to find a way to help him see that with hard work and dedication he can become anything that he wants to be. With him being a huge football fan, this book was just the ticket to help show him that he is not the only one that has had it tough. Not only will you enjoy the message of this book, so will your family and friends that need to know someone else has beat the odds and made it, inspite of and because of their difficulties and handi-caps.