5 comments about Moving the Chains: Tom Brady and the Pursuit of Everything.

1. One of the best sports writers ever, Charlie once again writes with precision and incredible depth using the spontaneous wit that earmarks his writng style. Whether you are a Patriots fan, a Brady wannabee, or a curious west-coaster, you will find this book difficult to put down. I bought copies for myself, my 89yo father-in-law, my 35 yo son, and my 11yo grandson...all were pleased with comments ranging from "a great sports biograpy' to "Yowzer awesome".
   In the pursuit for everything, Peirce wins.
   5 stars for sure



2. As an aside, the other good book that talks
   a lot about Tom Brady is Charlie Wies fine
   book, "No Excuses". Brady simply is the best
   QB of his generation in the NFL and not a
   Media creation like P. Manning, who will
   never be fit to carry out Braids garbage!
   
   I rate Brady as the seventh best QB in Pro
   Football history right now, behind only:
   John Elway, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Phil
   Simms, Warren Moon and Johnny Unitas. Fol-
   lowed by; Doug Flutie, Russ Jackson, Otto
   Graham, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach
   and Bob Griese. Flutie, Moon and especially
   the Canadian Jackson did their best work
   in the equally good CFL, which predates
   the NFL by 11 years. Messy somewhat in
   the writing style of the co-author, but
   Brady in his own words is very good. Who
   wants to bet when the smoke clears that
   Brady will NOT be the best QB ever? I
   wouldn't! Probably two more Super Bowls
   coming his way in '09 and 2010!



3. this book is not the typical football book in which details of football startegy are dissected and analyzed.Instead it deals with how Tom Brady developed as an QB thru high school,the trials and tribulations of his days at Michigan and finally his arrival to the NFL and his eventual taking over the reins of the Patriots and the rest is history.Its not an book I would recommend for anyone looking for pure football strategy its more of an comprehensive look at an young qbs development thru several different areas



4. I found this book to be very interesting and a must read for every No. 12 jersey wearing Patriots' fan! It tells about the rise of Tom Brady and how he came to become the legend that he is through his hard work and dedication. It went behind the scenes of just what he does on the playing field and went into his personal life which I thought was interesting. It's a must read for every Patriots fan. It goes quick and I'm sure it will be enjoyed.
   
   Gerard Zemek
   husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"



5. First, the book is easy to read, it is interesting, the author has a good humour. This is a good beginning for any newcomer to the world of NFL.
   
   The style is ok, there are some great stories of the players of Patriots, but the author handles the subject of the book as a person without any mistakes, someone on a par with Mother Theresa. Brady is a great player and a great man, but there are too many words on his greatness, his ability to play as a teammate.

5 comments about Wins, Losses, and Lessons: An Autobiography.

1. Lou lived the American Dream and did it with God as his mentor. Every coach has something to learn from Coach Holtz reading this autobiography. Every player can relate to the lessons in life and apply them improving their quality life, making them a better athlete.



2. An inspiring memoir full of famous personalities from sports and politics. Lou's humble beginnings and deep-rooted faith in family and religion took him to the top of the college football world and into the circles of many of America's most famous leaders. This is quite a guy.



3. This is an excellent read! You won't want to put it down and it will make you do some self examination.



4. Lou listed some great stories.
   
   In fact that is one reason why this is a great book, because Lou is an AWESOME story teller.
   Listen to the audio book as you read, Lou narrates this book very well.
   
   Lou has lived an amazing life.
   He just got it done, no matter what he does.
   Anyone can pick up some great tips about being more successful from this book.
   
   Paul



5. This book provides an excellent insight into the life of Lou Holtz and his motivational attitude on life. His dry humor will make you laugh, his thoughts inspiring, and make you think W.I.N. for those tough decisions in life.

5 comments about Johnny U: The Life and Times of John Unitas.

1. I wasn't around in the days of Unitas but reading this book gives one a feel of what life was like in the 1950's NFL and it definitely gives us a good look at Unitas the man.
   
   Johnny Unitas comes across as a legend and leader. What more could a team or nation want from a sportsman?
   
   If you want to read a good, solid book and get a fair bit of hero worship (not a bad thing), then this is the book to read.



2. I couldn't put this one down! Almost made me late to work. Easy to read, bringing great names to life. As I read, I came to feel that I personally knew Unitas, Nomellini, Tittle, and the rest. It makes me sad that the days of "smash-mouth" football are gone!



3. It's not often that a book can "transport" the reader back to the time and with the feeling that they experienced at the time the depicted events were happening but "Johnny U" does just that.
   
   As a kid growing up in a town on Maryland's Eastern Shore, the Colts were our team and Johnny U was our man. In our neighborhood, every kid who took his turn at QB in a vacant lot game became "Johnny U" (or Berry or "the Horse").
   
   As I read this book, the times, the excitement, the flavor of that era once again became real to me. If you were a Colts fan during the time of Johnny U, you can feel it. If you are a younger fan of football, you can get a real flavor of the game and the place of that time.
   
   It was a time when the Quarterback was the field general, calling most if not all the plays. It was the time before the "spike" when a QB in the two minute drill called 2 plays in the huddle and executed them both for gains or a win. It was a time when the sideline was the 12th man on the field and it was a time when your QB (#19) put the ball where only his teammate could catch it and stop the clock at the same time. We never seemed to worry if the Colts were down by less than 14 points at the 2 minute warning. Johnny U and company could (and often did) still pull out a win.
   
   If you are a football lover or sports fan who wants an excellent history book, it doesn't get any better than "Johnny U".



4. When I read that Unitas was receiving a new biography I was very excited. After reading many great sports-related books in the past few years (Maraniss' "When Pride Still Mattered," Kriegel's "Namath," Barra's "The Last Coach," and everything by Halberstam), I just knew that Unitas had to be getting his just due. Sadly, this is not the case. I can't believe the favorable reviews for this book! There is nothing new that is not found in others concerning the Colts and Unitas. The '58 Championship and Super Bowl III make up the majority of this book--who hasn't heard, read, or seen everything there is to know about these games? The author had the opportunity to fill in the gaps between and after these events, but fails to do so.
   More attention could have been paid to Unitas' other 2 MVP years--1964 & 1967. Also, a fuller account of the politics surrounding Unitas' demise in Baltimore would have been interesting. A frank post-career history should have been included--I'd like to know how he was screwed by his business partners as much as how his kids thought he was a great dad.
   All-in-all just a major disappointemnt. I really thought the author kind of mailed it in on this one.
   Too bad. Johnny Unitas was the greatest, and he deserved a better treatment.



5. This item arrived quickly and in good condition. This is more 'times' than 'life', but the combination works well and delivers a great book.

5 comments about The Bus: My Life in and out of a Helmet.

1. I bought this book for my 10 year old son. He loved it. In fact, he says it's his favorite sports book of all time. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 stars is that there is some adult language in the book.



2. This is a good story of growing up and choosing the right paths. That mistakes can be fixed and football is the greatest sport ever.



3. I am very happy with my experience ordering from you. This was a gift, the book we ordered arrived on time, in great condition. We couldn't ask for more...



4. If you were a Steelers fan in the 90's straight through to the Super Bowl, this is a must read. As Jerome Bettis goes through his years with the Steelers, you'll remember the good times and the bad times. You will recall the poor coaching decisions and get Jerome's candid opinion of what was called. I think what surprised me the most is how honest the book was. He kept nothing back. His rocky childhood, his contract negotiations, his feelings about players and organizations, it all in here. It's a quick read and well written. You will get goose bumps when he talks about the road to Super Bowl XL as you get it through his eyes and you will remember it all. Great book.



5. THE BUS IS A MUST READ FOR ALL STEELER FANS. JEROME BETTIS TAKES US ON A TRIP ABOUT HIS EARLY DAYS TO THE END OF HIS CAREER AND A SUPER BOWL VICTORY. THE BUS SHOWS HIS HONESTY, MODESTY AND FOOTBALL INSIGHT IN THIS EASY READING AND TOTALLY ENTERTAINING BOOK. I AM A BROWNS FAN BUT I ALSO ENJOYED WATCHING A GREAT PLAYER LIKE JEROME PERFORM OVER THE YEARS. IF YOU LIKE FOOTBALL AND ESPECIALLY ENJOY THE STEELERS THEN THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. VERY INTERESTING AND VERY RECOMMENDED.

5 comments about Inside the Helmet: My Life as a Sunday Afternoon Warrior.

1. Its a very revealing book. Gave interesting insight into the life of a football player



2. This book is for those football fans, especially Giants fans, that want to read what a star football player thinks and what he goes through. It's not a book that you should expect to break any new ground in inside sports writing (like Jim Bouton's Ball Four), or have tremendous insights that knock you off the couch. It shouldn't be. I wanted to read this book because I wanted to know what goes through a football player's mind. All we see and read about in sports is through the eyes of the media. Even if the thoughts Strahan talks about are obvious or sometimes embellished, its nice to know that that is what Strahan really thinks and goes through. I like how each chapter clearly discusses an aspect of his football life, ... like all the things they worry about, all the boring things they go through, all the short and long term health effects, the lack of privacy, the lack of independence, the rookie life, the emotional ups and downs of wins and losses. It was also interesting to read about his thoughs on other players and the player relationships. Not every chapter is great, but I think it's to show that football life is not so glamorous. The chapter on what players go through with the football playbook might be boring, but it's precisely the point.
   
   What I took from this book was that I would never want to be a football player. To go through everything he goes through for the money, the three hours on Sunday and the chance for a ring? No thanks. As I am reading this book while the Giants are losing to Dallas, I can't help but think that Strahan knows he is on the doorsteps of retirement, with mixed feelings.
   
   Read the book for what it's for, a fun read about life in football from a football player's mind. If you go in like that, you'll enjoy the book!
   
   (Background: I'm a huge Giants fan, a Strahan fan, and I usually don't read sports books. But after reading this book, I will definitely be reading more sports books)



3. Reasonably well done with not much actual content! Some enlightening viewpoints for a casual observer, but not much "meat" for a real hard-core football fan.



4. I really enjoyed this book. Strahan was very honest throughout the whole book as he told about what life is like as a professional football player. Some parts were stunning while other parts were hilarious. If you're a football fan, especially a fan of Michael Strahan, you will enjoy this book.



5. This book took several weeks to arrive. I wasn't able to locate the book in area book stores, which was why I chose to order it through amazon. By the time the book arrived I had found it at all the area book stores and could have saved money on shipping. Very disappointing.

1 comments about 10 to 4 Brett Favre's Journey From Rotten.

1. The book 10 to 4 was totally awesome. It gave you a great insite as to how close Brett came to not playing football past high school. It shows you there are probably allot of athletic individual who never get a chance at college or pro out of high school. A great book to read whether you are a Brett Farve fan or not.

5 comments about Instant Replay: The Green Bay Diary of Jerry Kramer.

1. There will never be another great team like the Packers of the 1960's for a number of reasons. The only way to relive this era is through the numerous books that rehash the Lombardi dynasty. This book has to be one of the cornerstones of reliving that era with its candid yet humble prose giving an inside view of the Packer locker room. Jerry Kramer, who resents the 'dumb jock' stereotype of football player, composed a well written memior of football in "Instant Replay".
   
   From the days after Superbowl I to Lombardi's retirement after Superbowl II, this book takes readers through the entire 1967 season. Lombardi is known for the grind players were made to endure in his training camps. Kramer tells what the players are feeling as speculation begins that this would be Lombardi's final season coaching in Green Bay. Being the number one target of the NFL after being champion for the last two years makes the regular season a grind. While the Packers did not play their best in the regular season, they turn their game up a notch in the playoffs. Often voted the greatest game in NFL history, Kramer devotes significant time to the Ice Bowl. This is significant because Kramer had a key role in the game and this book marks an early admission that he may have moved a little prematurely. After the Ice Bowl, the Superbowl almost seemed anticlimactic.
   
   Two years after the 1967 season, Vince Lombardi died of cancer and many of the pieces of the Packer dynasty were in retirement. This book is a great way to relive the magic of the Packer dynasty.



2. Instant Replay is an essential book for every football fan. The tradition of the NFL and the inside story of the Green Bay Packers in the Vince Lombardi era come to life with a wonderful blend of humor and pro football detail in this great book.



3. I am not a Packers fan, yet I found this book fascinating. Jerry Kramer has opened up the mystique of America's favorite spectator sport to the public in "Instant Replay." And what a cast of characters! So many legendary figures of the game participated in this single season: Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, and Ray Nitschke, to name a few. After the fabled "ice bowl" league championship game against the Cowboys, the Super Bowl vs the Raiders was almost anticlimactic. Football fans of any age would truly enjoy this personal account of a remarkable team in their most memorable season.



4. I read this book twice: once when I was a kid shortly after it was initially released, and again several years ago. It was just as interesting a read the second time as it was the first. I recently bought a copy of this re-released version for a friend. I thumbed through it and noticed some additional photo's have been added since the release of the paperback edition that I own.
   Anyone who has an interest in football will want to read this book, despite the fact that it relates to events that took place 30 years ago. If you're my age, it will bring back memories of the glory days of the Packers (back when a water bucket was a tin pail with a ladle on the sidelines). If you aren't old enough to remember those days, the names in the book will most likely be familiar to you as great characters in football history.



5. This is a classic look at one of the greatest football teams of all time, headed by one of the greatest coaches of all time: the incomparable Vince Lombardi.
   
   The book started out with a desire to keep a journal of a year in football from training camp through the end. Serendipitously, this particular year turned out to be the third straight (and unprecented) championship year for the Green Bay Packers -- and featured a spectacular end-of-the-game play by the author.
   
   I wouldn't call myself a rabid football fan (that would be my husband), but this was an excellent book for anyone with a passing interest in football.

5 comments about Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain.

1. I certainly enjoyed reading Invincible. However, my opinion may be bias. You see, I grew up with Vince Papale in Glenolden, PA. We lived about three blocks apart and went to the same schools. I was two years ahead of Vince. My sister and Vince's sister were best friends. I knew almost everyone and everyplace mentioned in the book. Although I didn't see Vince after high school, I followed his career with the Philadelphia Bell, Philadelphia Eagles, and TV sport casting years. Interestingly enough, the owner of the Philadelphia Bell was the star halfback on our high school football team. If you are looking for an inspirational story about a local boy overcoming many obstacles to become a professional football player, this book is for you. Unlike some similar stories (Rocky), this one is true!



2. Vincee and I first got together at the end of my right knee. We were on opposite sides in Pee Wee football. This story is in the book. The only thing faster than this read is Vincee on the football field or on the track. If you don't come away with a tear in your eye, your not normal. I've know Vincee since we were 11 or 12. But this book reveals the inner guy I never knew. I saw the Movie in Philly and we all stood and clapped. It's been 30 years since that great summer of '76 and it feels like yesterday that I watched Vincee play his first Pre-Season game as an Eagle. To top off that great event it was right here in Canton Ohio (my new adopted town). I just about had a heart attack when I read the program and found the name Vince Papale. Now go out and get this great book. Mike Paynter



3. I enjoyed reading Invincible and thought the book was great. I watched the movie when it came out and as usual the book was alot better than the movie. I would recommend this book to any football fans.



4. Pick this book up over the movie, it is much better. The movie didn't cover the entire story. Mr. Papale tells his story in the way it should. He is very upfront and totally honest with his entire story. I've recommended this book to so many. It is definitely an inspiring story full of determination that will have you looking at your own life. A great hometown hero story.



5. Great book about a super guy! Easy to read & very inspirational. I highly recommend this book for anyone intersted in the human struggle to be on top - it's not just about the money or the fame, it's about life & winning as a human being, not a sports super star.

5 comments about I Am Third (TV tie-in): The Inspiration for Brian's Song.

1. I really never liked sports, but this book really moved me because it was a story of two men very different yet very alike. They were both very talented, over the past few months i've been doing so much research and Gale and Brian. I also am planning to do a important report on them, the frienship that they had was great. BUY THIS BOOK!! and the movie Brians song!I loved both. I love Ya Gale and Brian GOD BLESS!



2. This review is on the book called "I Am Third". In this book it tells mostly about Gale Sayers' football career and some of Brian Piccolo's or Pic. The reason this book is called "I Am Third" is because he says that "God is 1st,my friends are 2nd,and I am 3rd". To understand this book you might have to know a little about football. If you like football stories I would reccomend you read "I Am Third".



3. I am third
   By Gale Sayers

   Devon Hurley

   My book is called I am third and itýs written by Gale Sayers. The price of the book is $...and u can find this book in any book store.
   I am third is about the football player gale Sayers .He plays football with his friends every day. He grew up in a poor house with barely any food. That didnýt stop him from playing football though. He played no matter what. One time he tried to tackle some one and he got kicked in the mouth and he was spiting out blood his brother played football too. He was older then Gale. Gale was a starter on the high school football team with his brother he only got to play with his brother one season because he was a senior when Gale was a freshman. Gale was a good player. He was like1st or 2nd best in the country. He wanted to go to a four year college to play football. Mississippi State was in other sports besides football like track and basketball. He broke the long jump record for track. His mom and dad were always working on something. Galeýs dad was tall and had long legs. His dad worked hard every day and only got 40 dollars a day. His mom was at home watching all the kids. All the kids in the neighbor hood were on the football team. After gale went to college he was going to go to the pros either the chiefs or the bears. on draft day the Chicago bears picked Gale Sayers the first day of summer training he met Brian piccolo. Brian was a white person and Gale was a black person they didnýt really get along at first of race but after they started playing together. The coach put them in the same room partner. When gale was voted rookie of the year Brian starts to get sick and has to go to the hospital and he finds out he has cancer and has to stay in the hospital for the rest of the season. Later he goes home and is recovering but he gets cancer again a in his chest and dies from cancer. later gale plays the best game of his career he scores 6 touchdowns.




4. Bought this as gift for my husband. His reveiw: It was okay, interesting about Gayle Sayer's life but not extremely well written. It had little to say about his relationship with Brian Piccolo.



5. The title of the book, which became Mr. Sayers' credo throughout life, comes from a quote he saw on the desk of one of his coaches: "My God is first, my friends and family are second, I am third." Mr. Sayers tells the story of a man who lifted himself out of the ghetto with such a love for football, his friendship with Brian Piccolo (one of the very first pairings of a black player and a white player in the NFL) and his near-career ending injury. It is an inspirational story that does not get preachy. He tells of his friendship with Brian Piccolo without getting maudlin (Mr. Sayers and Mr. Piccolo were loyal friends and deeply respectful of each other.) He relates his triumphant return to the Chicago Bears after a knee injury that had almost everyone writing him off (except Mr. Piccolo, who urged him on during rehabilitation.) It almost seems as if Al Silverman turned on a tape recorder and let Mr. Sayers talk. Rather than being pretentious, the way a lot of sports biographies are one gets the feeling that Mr. Sayers is sitting down in an easy chair and is talking directly to each reader. The book, however, was written more than thirty-five years ago and ends before Mr. Sayers' final two (albeit disappointing) seasons. My hope is that Mr. Sayers will either update this book or write a sequel to tell us of his successes after football.

5 comments about Dan Rooney: My 75 Years With the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL.

1. If you are a Steeler fan, this is a great book. The history of the Pittsburgh Steelers is fascinating. There are great insights into players, coaches, current and former NFL commissioners, and other team owners. What is also clear is the quality of the ownership of the team. The Rooney family is a class act. Art Rooney ("The Chief") was quite the businessman. I had no idea how much he was involved in. The success of the Pittsburgh Steelers is a testament to "good guys win." I have a newfound admiration for the Rooney family and a new sense of pride as part of the "Steeler Nation."



2. I was very happy with the speedy delivery of this item. Condition was as promised! Very satisfied!!!!



3. A nice retrospective on one of the most successful franchises in sports over the past 35 years. The Steelers were equally as inept in their first 40 years, and that is covered too. Insights into many key moments in Steeler history - founding the team, cutting Johhny U, hiring Noll, Cowher & Tomlin, drafting of the Hall of Famers that dominated the 70's, passing on Dan Marino, and more. No big surprises, but an interesting, worthwhile read, especially for NFL fans and particularly any member of Steeler Nation.



4. This is a beautifully-written book that would be of interest even to those who don't know or care very much about football. Dan Rooney is the last of an important era in American football, and the authors have done a meticulous and caring job of capturing a significant piece of sports history. Don't miss this one!



5. As a lifelong Steeler fan, this was a must-read, a tome that belongs on my bookshelf along with "Doing it Right" by Jim O'Brien. Mr. Rooney's accounting of history is first-hand and basically unscrubbed. He talks about the things he, his father, and the Steeler staff did right over the years, and the things they did wrong (e.g., Unitas, Marino). He tells you who are the good guys and the troublemakers. He takes you from the earliest beginnings of the NFL on through to the hiring of Mike Tomlin. It's a little tricky to follow chronologically because he gets off-topic and rambles now and then (I found myself thinking "wait a minute, that's not... what year was this supposed to be?). And there are some outright errors, which are mentioned in other reviews. The style is very (very!) homey, as you would expect, with an almost turn-of-the-century charm throughout. But in the end, you believe that Dan Rooney really is that sincere and genuine, and schmaltzy, and that's why so many people love him. Come to think of it, who doesn't like Dan Rooney? (Sorry, I haven't read Al Davis' book).