No comments about Shorty: A Life in Sports.

No comments about Rod: He Beat Death at Its Own Game, the Non-Believers at Theirs and Won His Ultimate Victory.

4 comments about Bull in the Ring.

1. Dr. McCarthy is a great storyteller. "Bull in the Ring" is his autobiographical tale of a Navy doctor who is recruited to coach the hospital football team, a perennial doormat in a league of Marines. The book is a behind-the-scenes look at a down to earth doc who balances his life as a family man, intense football coach and compassionate physician. He throws in funny stories of military protocol and operating room pranks. You will love this book.



2. To get an idea of what REALLY goes on in military medicine, read this humorous, well-written, tell-it-like-it-is story of 2 Navy Captains (both physicians) coaching a Navy Hospital football team in a Marine league. A moving admixture of heart-warming stories about TRUE military heroes, hilarious episodes and behind-the-scenes looks at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. Dr. McCarthy was cut from a different mold as is evident from his bold, entertaining literary style.



3. If you like riotous humor, then Bull In The Ring is for you.
   The collection of autobiographical episodes by Navy Surgeon
   Doctor Michael McCarthy will keep you laughing through each
   concise and easy to follow chapter. The lessons learned by
   Doctor McCarthy aboard a nuclear submarine, as coash of a football team of Navy corpsmen, and during his everyday practice
   as a military physician are things every doctor who served
   understands and loves to remember! I feel strongly that reading
   Bull In The Ring will help the reader broaden his outlook on life,and help the reader to understand the humor of medical life
   in the military.



4. Well written. As a Marine it's always good to hear what the Navy thinks about the Corps. For me the book had a tad too much medicine and not enough about coaching but it was still a good read and many of the stories were of the laugh out loud variety.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

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.

5 comments about EZ Does It: The Journey of a Lifetime.

1. The journey of Ed Smith's lifetime took me on my own journey into self realization. Mr. Smith's relentless, inspirational, and "in-your-face" pursuit to fulfill his dreams, realize his full potential, and do the right thing along the way caused me to look deeply within myself and dish out a hearty "shame on you" at the image I saw.
   
   Written in a way that ANYONE, regardless of their sporting knowledge, could understand, Mr. Smith tells the story of his life that evoked joy, sadness, laughter, tears, and a few audible "NO WAYs!". His ability to reveal his own humanity, and the humanity of others close to him, while maintaining the dignity of all involved was a beautiful testament of his own true character and heart.
   
   I challenge anyone to read this book and tell me they remained unchanged. This book is a gift to my spirit and I consider it the catalyst to my own future accomplishments. Thank you Ed Smith for sharing yourself with us.



2. Not being a huge sports fan, I was aprehensive about picking this up. Within a few pages, this book became my constant companion. Ed Smith stumbles, falls, and dusts himself off, facing each hurdle that life puts up for him. Very inspirational for anyone, but an amazing look behind the scenes for sports fans. You'll be surprised at what life on and off the field.



3. Not only does Ed Smith have a natural talent for sports but for writing as well! I couldn't put this book down! At times I caught my self cheering out loud, crying, and laughing. Ed's faith, perserverance, and love of family are very evident in this book. This is definately a must read!!



4. I truly enjoyed Mr. Smith's "Life Journey". As I began reading, I did not know what to expect. I quickly found myself drawn to the passionate expression of love the author displayed for all areas of his life: family, friends, other loved ones and of course his first love of Baseball; later NFL (also basketball!) Not many individuals are as centered and grounded as this man, with all of his athletic prowess, ability and everything that goes along with that, he did not loose sight of his foundation - the love and dedication his family shares, the bond they have and continue to share to this day. Something else I found impressive was the honesty he shared with his readers about the highs and lows he experienced in both his professional sports life and his personal life. We all have a past, good and bad, but there are few of us who are willing to discuss this publicly and accept responsibility for our actions and as well as praise for our achievements. Mr. Smith exhibited both of these attributes effortlessly. I am reminded of one of my favorite sayings "life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away". Life is short, tomorrow is promised to no one. Mr. Smith's book reinforced this to me as I thought about my own dreams and desires. His book was a wonderful read and an inspiration to me. I thank Mr. Smith for sharing his life with myself and anyone else lucky enough to purchase it! Thank you Mr. Smith!!



5. I found this book to be extremely candid, honest and very inspirational. I really did have a hard time putting the book down--I couldn't wait to find out what happened next! It is not just a book about sports, but also a book about the human spirit and one man's desire to achieve his dreams, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

5 comments about Michigan Memories: Inside Bo Schembechler's Football Scrapbook.

1. Very well written with a wealth of beautiful high quality photographs. Bo says its the best book ever done on Michigan football.



2. i WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO HAS AN INTREST IN MICHIGAN fOOTBALL. iT EXCITES AND MOTIVATES ANYONE WHO HAS AN INTREST IN THE HISTORY OF mICHIGAN fOOTBALL.NOT ONLY WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT THE GREAT TRADITION OF MICHIGAN FOOTBALL.YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT THE MEN WHO MADE THAT TRADITION.sUCH AS FIELDING h YOST. tHE FORMER COACH WHO BUILT THE GREATEST STADIUM IN MODERN SPORTS HISTORY. YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT HIS VISION AND HOW FAR AHEAD OF HIS TIME HE REALLY WAS.yOU WILL LEARN ABOUT THE COAHES AND PLAYERS WHOHAVE HAD THEIR NAMES ETCHED IN THE TRADITION AS WELL.i WAS ESPECIALLY FASCINATED IN THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE BOOK.tO LOOK AT THE PICTURES AND READ THE QUOTES OF bO sCHEMBECHLER UNDER EACH ONE IS SIMPLY ENTHRALLING.iN CONCLUSION THIS BOOK TAKES YOU ON A JOURNEY THAT WILL THRILL THE BIGGEST AR LITTLEST FAN OF THE GREATEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL OF ALL TIME.FROM ITS BEGINING TO THWE MODERN DAY.



3. PEYTON MANNING SHOULD HAVE WON THE HEISMAN. BUT SOMETIMES PEOPLE GET BOUGHT.THEY GOT LUCKY. NEBRASKA WOULD HAVE WAXED THAT A**. SOMETIMES LOSERS WIN.1998 who's your daddy?Tee Martin, Al Wilson, Jamal Lewis, Raynoch Thompson, Travis Henry, Travis Stephens, Cosey Coleman, Shaun Ellis,Shawn Bryson, Peerless Price, Should I continue to embarrass you? Hell Yeah! Phil Fulmer, John Ward...



4. Excellent book. Michigan has a wonderful football tradition. Just think of how many Heismans Peyton Manning would have won if he'd had the good sense to turn down UT and go to school in Ann Arbor.



5. The book is the all-time best for University of Michigan fans.If you want a book with non-stop info and the best pictues of Bo's once in a life-time carrer,this is the book for that ultimate fan.From Tom Harmon to Charles Woodson or from Ferry Field to Michigan Stadium, this book gives you the real experience of Michigan football and how great they have been in the small town of Ann Arbor.Yes indeed,BO DID A HELL OF A JOB!

5 comments about Fifth Quarter: The Scrimmage of a Football Coach's Daughter.

1. I was misled by a review in SI that said this was a great book. If you're an Oprah fan, then it's a great book. If you want to learn about the life of an NFL coach, the Washington Redskins or football in general, you're better off buying a subsciption to Sports Illustrated or reading the sports page.

   About 80 percent of this book is about the struggle of the writer to get her father's attention and approval. Another 10 percent has to do with her mother, her brothers and the writer's life away from her house. Maybe 10 percent has to do with football. It is a maddening experience to put up with the "I was a girl, girls weren't important to my dad, someone please pay attention to me" anecdotes and thoughts in the hope of getting to, say, the Washington Redskins' 1972 season where the team finally made it to the Super Bowl, and then when you get there have Jennifer Allen say in almost these exact words, "I don't remember much about that the season the Redskins went to the Super Bowl." I almost hurled the book across the room.

   It is unfortunate that George Allen essentially ignored his family in his obsessive quest to do what he believed he was born to do: coach. No kid should have to grow up with that kind of home life, and it's obvious that her father's inattention has left its mark on Ms. Allen. But darn it, this is an Oprah book of the month selection, not a sports book. Someone should be clear on that!

   A few words about George Allen ... I am about Jennifer Allen's age. I am a lifelong Redskins fan and grew up in D.C. When Mr. Allen took the team to the Super Bowl, it was a highlight of my young life. I remember him licking his fingers, tugging his hat and mentioning milk as his drink of choice. I had no idea that he ignored his family. I'm sorry he did that, but I am also grateful that the man came to my hometown and coached my favorite team and finally made it a winner. I wish the book had a little more about what made George Allen such a successful coach and a lot less about the struggle of a little girl to get close to her daddy.




2. This entire story could have been written on the cover of a matchbook and saved me the time I wasted reading it. Endless complaining about her parents and siblings, If the peoples identities had been with held until the end, one might have expected to find out this was the childhood of a serial killer or some one else you might have expected to have a miserable childhood. Why would anyone even bother to write a book about people she seemed to care for as little as her family is beyond me except to possibly capitalize on her Dad's famous name and make a few bucks. A depressing read.



3. As a lifelong football fan I was hoping that "Fifth Quarter" would include more about football than Allen puts into her memoir. However, the book is well-written and engaging. If you're looking for a book about George Allen, this isn't really the book to read. However, if you're looking for an interesting book detailing the childhood of a coach's daughter, "Fifth Quarter" might be the book for you.



4. As an avid football fan, George Allen is one of the greatest NFL Coaches of all time. Throughout the book, Jennifer Allen describes they storybook life of an NFL coach from a footbal and personal perspective. George's rough-and-tough attitude made two winningless teams, the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins, into champions. However, his personality as a coach effected his role as a father, which created tension between him and his children. As the his only daughter, Jennifer tries to win her father's affection as she struggles of being a product of an NFL coach and well-known celebrity.



5. I was particularly enlightened by her descriptions of her brother's, former Senator George Allen, violent, hostile, even sociopathic personality. These sections completely and utterly presaged George Allen's violence, hostility and ultimate meltdown on the campaign trail.

2 comments about Brown's Town: 20 Famous Browns Talk Amongst Themselves.

1. Alan Natali delivers dozens of excellent stories as told by former players.
   
   The title of the book leads one to believe that there was a free-for-all meeting of these former players, but that is not the case. Each talks with Natali individually, and he splendidly pieces together their anecdotes.
   
   Natali introduces each interview with a short essay pertaining to that player's life and accomplishments. The essays are well written and informative, as is the author's introduction.
   
   All in all, this is a fine piece of work.



2. Great book for a unique insight into the history of the franchise and the experience of being a Cleveland Brown with unique one-of-a-kind illustrations and great stories as told by players. Browns fans will love it!

1 comments about Johnny Bright, Champion.

1. I went to medical school with the author. He advised me that the purpose of his work was to inspire and entertain. With "Johnny Bright, Champion" he has done precisely that. I found the book to be very enjoyable and recommend it for everyone. If you are looking for a nice "feel good" story, this is one that should fulfill your need. While this story is technically a biographical novel, it closely follows the "real" story of Johnny Bright, whose career was analogous to that of Jackie Robinson. If Johnny Bright had chosen to play in the National Football League rather than the Canadian Football League, his name would, undoubtedly be of greater recognition at this time. Although Johnny Bright labored in relative obscurity, he was too great not to be remembered at this time.

2 comments about 4th and Long The Odds: My Journey.

1. To be honest, I wasnt very interested in this book at first, thinking it was an autobiography. Once I realized that it was actually a comedy about a cheeseball that takes himself too seriously and blames his shortcomings on every coach he comes in contact with, I was hooked. The amount of self praise and incredible overuse of the pronoun "I" by the author makes this story a true comic masterpiece!



2. For starters, the book 4th and Long The Odds: My Journey, is an inspirational story that clearly proves that if a person is willing to work hard enough, anything is possible. For a high training athlete like myself, getting to where I am today has not been easy. The book however has been that extra edge that has helped keep me focused and motivated to work even harder than ever before. I have faced many trials and tribulations and continue to face them with coaches and people who I meet that I like to call "haters". After reading this book, then Mr. Van Nodstram's comment, it is very obvious that Mr. Van Nodstram was a back-up player who never excelled past the high school level in sports. If Mr. Van Nodstram had any experience with becoming a collegiate or professional athlete, he would know that there is a great deal of adversity that one most overcome before excelling to these levels. Reading Mr. Van Nodstran's comment proves that the jealous "hater" who was the back-up in high school still exists today and to me that is the true comic masterpiece. The book 4th and Long The Odds: My Journey by Sean Stellato is an excellent book and I highly recommend it to people of all ages.