5 comments about The Man Watching: A Biography of Anson Dorrance, the Unlikely Architect of the Greatest College Sports Dynasty Ever.

1. The biography of Coach Anson Dorrance of UNC should appeal to soccer fans and coaches. As a general biography, I wouldn't recommend it, because the focus is clearly on soccer and not much else outside of the game, the Tar Heels, and Dorrance's personal life and family. The bigger view of the context in the greater world is mostly limited to some general trends, such as the rise of women's sports from virtually nothing to their much stronger state today.
   
   The historical background was easily the most interesting part, and the first half of the book is much stronger than the second. Coach Dorrance's background as a child of the world and an aggressive, competitive youth was surprisingly engaging. Even better was the origin of women's varsity soccer at UNC and elsewhere as women's soccer germinated to a critical mass within American colleges. Similarly, the creation of the women's national team with early stars such as Michelle Akers and its evolution into a dominant power with and without Coach Dorrance was also very informative. Tim Crothers has added a valuable historical record by capturing these stories with factual reporting and extensive interviews.
   
   Coach Dorrance is of course famous for the exceptional success of the program at UNC, and the Heels even won the next national championship after the book was published. The author draws out Dorrance's coaching philosophy, recruiting style, motivational approaches, and other aspects of his personality and performance. The various "aha!" moments where Dorrance learned to appreciate and exploit the differences between men and women have been fodder for stories and lectures for many years, and they make for excellent material and opportunities to compare with our own observations and attitudes.
   
   What got a little tiresome was the volume of material on how competitive Dorrance is and how great Carolina is and how special Carolina is, almost as if other teams don't have their own special bonds among teammates or play with intense effort and dedication. I ended up skimming a bunch of that as too much rah-rah and of little additional value. Fortunately, Crothers added a chapter on Dorrance's "dark side", such as his arrogance. Some juicy, bitchy stories can make up for an excess on the praise side.
   
   Crothers naturally had to cover the lawsuit. Based on the tone of the book, I surmise that the author has put the whole situation in a relatively positive view. Debbie Keller isn't exactly presented as sweetness and light. However, on the contrary side, the author reviews Dorrance's admitted mistakes, his agreement to training, his change in approach, and some remarks by people who were at least neutral on the whole matter. I'm not sure what to think, and the reader can still gather a lot from the biography if the lawsuit is secondary to one's interest in the book.



2. As a previous review noted the first half of the book, which dwells on the coaches life, is much more of a "biography" than the second half.
   The second half is more of a description of the "feel" of the UNC program, which based on the writing, seems authentic.
   The programs description doesn't really add much to the biography unless you have an opinion about the UNC program.
   The rituals and idiosyncracies of the program are no more interesting or poignant than any other D1 successful sports program.
   I believe this book, through its many quotes and reprinted letters, gives a sense of what the emotions of college soccer are like for the athletes. As a coach of male and female soccer players, I would recommend it for female players who wonder what college soccer is like. Of course, any fan of the UNC girls program would find this an inspiring read since it holds true to the title and praises the program at length.



3. I've been a college coach my entire life working with male and female athletes at the Division One level. Over a 30 year career I've read many many books on leadership, motivation, management and relationship building. Walk into any book store- there's thousands of them.
   This book stands apart in my mind as one of the best simply because it takes you inside the UNC program that Dorrance built and shares his thoughts, observations, beliefs and practices. What is so powerful about the man and the story is the simple things he values most and how he reinforces them over and over within his teams daily regimen.
   If you coach college sports at any level, this is a valuable read. If you coach female athletes at any level, especially high school or collegiate, this is a must read.
   No two people ever think alike and Anson's style is unique to him. But the lessons that any leader can take from this book will be well worth the time spent. There are certain universal truths that all coaches have to come to grips with if they hope to be successful. It's clear from the beginning to the end of this read, that Anson's ability to grasp these truths and consistently weave them into his daily life lessons to his players is what sets him and the UNC program apart. His style may not appeal to everyone, his approach may not be your cup of tea, but it's hard to read this well written book and not come away with a sense of admiration for way he molds his athletes into champions.
   This book is well worth reading and for anyone in the coaching profession, it will force you to re-evaluate how you approach your mission.



4. This is a good book, and very interesting as a sketch of one of the most (if not the most) successful college sports coaches of all time. The details of his life history and the anecdotes are interesting, and the book goes quickly. It seems, however, that with such an apparently controversial figure that there must be another side to the story. The book glosses over the causes of the lawsuit that was brought against him and ultimately settled, and most of the rest is close to hero-worshipping. If there is another side to the story, a dark side told from the point of view of his detractors, you will not get it from this book.
   I would warn the soccer coaches who buy this book, it is not going to give you much that will help you become a better soccer coach. There are allusions to "the competitve cauldron" and some insight into the record-keeping and practice organization, but if you are buying this book to help you become a better soccer coach you will not get a lot out of it.



5. This is one of those books that is hard to put down. It helps to unpack the man 'Anson Dorrance' and the sporting legacy that he developed.

5 comments about Mia Hamm: On the Field with... (Matt Christopher Sports Biographies).

1. This book is by far the best i've ever read. It has great pictures and has lots of info on Mia. I think she is the best player i've ever seen. So this book was very interesting. If you love to play soccer, and enjoy watching and learning about Mia , this is THE perfect book! Once you start reading it, you won't stop reading until you've finished! SO GET OUT THERE,GET OFF YOUR BUTT, AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER, AND READ!



2. On teh field with Mia Hamm by Matt Christopher was a very goodbook. I didn't have a very good idea who Mia Hamm really was though.The only thing I know is a professional soccer player. I aw the book and it looked pretty interesting. I'm about a quarter of the way through the book and I'm liking it so far. Usually I don't read books , let alone a whole book.



3. I would recommend this book not only to people who love soccer, but to everyone who enjoys a true story about a great athlete and role model. The story of Mia Hamm is basically about how she was introduced to soccer and how she follows her dream to be the best women's soccer player in the world.



4. Very good review of a current sports star. Easy for my 7 year old daughter to understand and keep her interested.



5. Mia Hamm
   
   Mia Hamm was a talented soccer player. As a toddler she lived in Italy, that is how she discovered her love of soccer. Her dad was a marine and so she moved around frequently. During High School she decided to focus on soccer, and so all through High School and college she played on her schools' teams. Mia graduated college in 1994 and married her college boyfriend, Christian Corey. After that, Mia and her team went to Sweden to defend their world cup title. IN 1998, she was named America's best female athlete.
   
   My book, On the Field With Mia Hamm, gave me lots of information about Mia. The cover page is green with a colored picture of her running down the field with the ball. This book is organized into chapters and that made it a lot easier to sort the information about Mia. In the middle of the book are nine colored pictures of Mia and her teammates. In would have made the book easier if there were more pictures, though. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves soccer!
   
   
   

5 comments about Posh & Becks.

1. Morton must receive his praise for putting together all the dirt there was on Posh and Becks. Is it morally wrong? By no means. Instead of digging through old glossy magazines you can check one book with a glossy cover.
   One question which this book fails to answer is how a player who is apparently past his prime and a girl who never was a good singer could become and continue to be such celebrities world-wide. But this is not a question which has anything to do with this charming couple but with us.



2. Andrew Morton is presented as the something between the devil incarnate and the Brit version of Kitty Kelley but this book, Posh and Becks isn't that bad actually. In fact, it's pretty fair. He makes it clear that the whole Girl Power thing that the Spice Girls had going was actually crap. They were invented by two busnessmen and their careers were guided by their male manager. They were a business venture first and musicians second. But hey, they entertained a whole lot of people and they all got rich so who can complain?
   
   Morton says that the Adams/Beckham wedding was tacky. Well, that's a mater of opinion but the pictures of the wedding did provoke more derisive laughter than envy in most people who commented publicly.
   
   Morton presents Beckham as a nice guy who let's his wife make the decisions... that could said for most happily married men. Morton also brings up a few alleged affairs but he makes it clear that the women involved all told their stories to the media so their actions have to be suspect.
   
   As for Victoria Beckham herself, Morton spent less time talking about her relationships before Beckham than she did in her own book. She complains bitterly about Morton in her book but all in all, Posh and Becks isn't a hatchet job and seemed rather mild to me. Pity about Beckham's soccer career though.



3. I have read many books this is the second time and last time I ever read a book from this author. I happen to like the Beckhams, and feel that every single public personality deserves a key word privacy. When you cannot trust your nannies, cleaning people that is really sad, especially since they are a normal couple with children that fight and have their difficulties like everyone else in the world, they are the upper 3% of the world with money, they worked hard for it and deserve every single penny if we buy into them and their branding..and strong family values.
   I am sad if David did have affairs on his wife because that is a lack of respect for her and his boys and if they even have an agreement to an open marriage it is still no ones business but their own. there is a saying men like blueberry pie, once in awhile they like a little apple but than they return to the bluebuerry pie men love history they never leave their wives!
   To Victoria if you want your fashion sense to soar like an eagle think globally not locally to size 0.,go larger bring your books sell it all and than use some of it for charity or a training school for homeless teenagers to get them off the streets.
   I would go QVC or Shopping channel with your fragrances and clothing and sunglasses the more units you sell the more you make it is simple math. Do Jewlery too and anything you can brand your name on because Beckham sells because everyone wants a piece of you it represents wealth and abundance.
   You go Beckhams and when the press hate you it is because you are doing well. No one wants your sucess it is a famous saying. Andrew Morton can you never write a book that is pleasant I challenge you to do it my gosh man you are a negative and jealous writter and no better than the thousands of papparazzi that chase these people daily for their fix!



4. this book didn't tell me anything i didn't already know. i guess i was hoping it would go more into friendships and events these two had been involved with but it seemed to just skim over their life with the bare minimum of details. i wasted my money.



5. The simple introduction here would be, "Liked him but didn't like her." Of course, he has that warm, winning smile that makes him both attractive and seemingly approachable--while she favors a frowny pout that is very off-putting. (The book contains 16 pages of photographs, most of them in color.) But more importantly, he has real talent that he has worked all his life to cultivate, while her skills might be charitably described as modest and haphazardly developed. Morton makes the point that Posh has always pursued success rather than proficiency: "Victoria's supreme ambition, the goal she had had since childhood, was to be famous and admired . . . [and her] success was achieved quickly and in spite of, rather than because of, any real talent she could demonstrate." I am also not keen on promoting anorexic role models for today's youth, and there are many pages in this tome devoted to her slenderizing habits.
   
   For a change of pace (although not a sports buff), I took the time while reading this book to watch clips of David's action on the soccer field. I was amazed at what I saw, both in terms of skill but also, and unexpectedly, in terms of joy--this man loves to play! Yet he is described as "nice but dim," and his wife is a high school dropout.
   
   Morton provides his own analysis of this couple: "He seems content to be who he is, secure in his skin, a talented footballer doing what he has always wanted. On the other hand, Victoria is driven by the demons within; a woman who is at once dauntless, intrepid, and dynamic, and yet insecure, vulnerable, and needy." But they have found each other, they love their kids, and they have been successful at promoting "Brand Beckham." Maybe it will all work out in the end . . .

No comments about Pele (DK Biography).

5 comments about Life in Prison.

1. Life In Prison Review
   By: Keshonda
   
   In this novel "Life In Prison," I've personally learned a lot. Stanley "Tookie" Williams wrote this book directly for the youth, to encourage us to be something in life. This is a heartbreaking novel of how they treated Mr. Williams over the 25 years he was incarcerated. While reading this, Stanley became someone that I could look up to, even though he's dead.
   I think they should've given him a chance to live again. The worst thing to happen in prison is the strip-search; its embassressing how the guards watch you while you check yourself just to make sure you don't have any concealed weapons.
   This novel has inspired me to be something in life so I won't end up in jail or prison. I can read this book over and over because it's so touching to my soul. I strongly recommend that you read this novel and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.



2. LIFE IN PRISON
   BY: Nay-Nay Matthews
   
   The book "Life In Prison" is a good book. I didn't think it would turn out like that, but Stanley "Tookie" Williams gives audiences a good reason why they wouldn't want to go to jail or prison.
   
   There are many different reasons why you wouldn't want to go to jail. You have to do what the guards tell you, you have to get strip-searched, and you have a limited time to take a bath and many more things.
   
   In San Quentin prison, they have a book called the "California Code of Regulation." Title 15-crime prevention and corrections. It is a book with 174 pages and more than 200 rules. Some people sit there in read all those rules. They are insane.
   
   Also there is no way on earth I would be able to stay in the hole, let alone for 7 whole years, like "Tookie" did. I couldn't do it. My uncle is in prison now. He has to go in the hole and he can't call us or write us when he has to be in the hole. And I think that's hard to go to prison after reading the horrible details in "Life in Prison."



3. By Brandon Council
   
   Life in Prison was an excellent book because Stanley lets you know how it is in prison. I recommend students and juveniles all over the world to read it. It lets you know what you have to go through in prison if you get beat up or sick. I think if people read this book and go by what it says, it might stop people that are in gangs and are on the street selling drugs or doing wrong. I also think that if people read it they won't commit crimes that lead to life in prison. So if you read this book it might just save your life.



4. I work with inner-city teenagers, lots of whom already knew who Tookie Williams was and an unfortunate number of whom think prison is "cool." It's fascinating to watch them as they grab this little book because of the cover, thinking they're in for an adventure ride telling them how prison is this great place to make one tougher and stronger, and then see their faces get somber as Williams describes how frightening, lonely, and humiliating prison life truly is.
   
   If you work with kids who aspire to or who are already in the "gangbanger life," I highly recommend this book.



5. This was an interesting book. Although, Tookie never really changed his ways. He still shot called and ran things from his cell, and even acted as if he'd backed away from gang life, so he could have his sentence changed from "death" to "life" in prison. He even went as far as to have his white boyfriend (a Prison Inmate tookie was having sexual relations with)walk with him to his execution, instead of one of his crip comrads..

1 comments about Who Was First?: Discovering the Americas.

1. On accuracy: It is wrong to skip or gloss over facts that lead to wrong conclusions. In Russel Freedman's Who was First?, page 11, where he quotes Columbus, "They [the Arawaks] were well built...", Columbus, in that same quote, also wrote in his journal that he took some of the natives by force (2). "They [the Arawaks] would make fine servants . . . With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want" (1) Russel Freedman's book skips a lot on accuracy for Columbus: "Columbus received 10% of the profits from this venture [and] governship over new found lands..."(2). A man named Rodrigo saw the Americas first, but Columbus claimed he saw the land first and he received the reward of an annual pension of 10,000 maravedis for his lifetime (38 kg = 83.6 lbs of silver or about $22,700 in today's dollars)(3). On Hispaniola Columbus took more prisoners and two Arawaks were bled to death with swords for they had refused to trade the number of bows and arrows Columbus and his men wanted (3). On the second trip, Columbus and 1,200 hundred men rounded up 1,500 Arawak men, women and children for slaves: 500 went back to Spain and 200 died en route (4). On Haiti, the original camp of Spaniards had been destroyed because they took women and children for sex and labor slaves (4). In Haiti, Columbus forced all those 14 an older to collect a specific amount of gold every three months; those who failed had their hands cut off (4). Spaniards would behead Indians for fun. Natives who ran away were hanged or burned, so the Arawak men, women, and children started committing mass suicide with Cassava poison (4). By 1650, all the original Arawaks and descendents were dead (5). Howard Zinn. A People's History of the United States.
   
   Russel Freedman fails to name Columbus appropriately as a slaver and an encourager of the rape, genocide and enslavement of the Arawaks. He whitewashes some of the history with his words and pictures (especially priests blessing this man), thereby not giving Columbus his proper due.
   
   I did like Russel Freedman's analysis of the flaws in the theories the Chinese were in the Americas well before Columbus (p31-33). I would liked to have seen more writing on the Heyerdahl's 1947 KonTiki expedition that proved Indian balsa wood rafts could cross the Pacific Ocean. The analysis of Viking landings (43) tie in with what I have read before. I wish Africa had been given more attention. I read there are rock carvings in South America that can be traced to African carvings.
   
   Still, Accuracy wise, for a children's book, Who was First? breaks new bounds.
   
   Jason Penterman, West Bend, WI

No comments about Seeing Red.

5 comments about Go For the Goal: A Champion's Guide To Winning In Soccer And Life.

1. Personally, I found this really boring. I'm not really sure what I just read. I was kind of hoping that there'd be some personal insight because Mia Hamm is a facsinating person. When I finished I really wasn't inspired, or informed, or anything. I was just bored. There are better books out there, this one isn't really worth your time.



2. super.
   
   1. chapters on her ideas is just extremely inspiring
   2. soccer tips are great.



3. i love women's soccer and mia hamm takes the cake. this book makes you feel like you're part of the game. the narrative is good and mia has put some personal and important photos in the book that you'll cherish as well.
   
   for the soccer lover, run out and get it immediately!



4. This book is great for anyone who likes soccer and Mia Hamm. It has training tips, drills, and it tells a lot about Mia Hamm. I can't put the book down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



5. "Go for the Goal" is about Mia Hamm, one of the best soccer players in the world and about her struggles, difficulties, and accomplishments in her life. She helped lead the women's world cup team to a victory in 1999. She has faith that every one that dreams about being a soccer star, go for it! This is one of my favorate books not only because I play soccer competitively but because she has showed me some techniques and strategies she used to be an amazing soccer player. This book is interesting and factual about Mia life and could help change your idea about soccer.

5 comments about Beckham: Both Feet on the Ground: An Autobiography.

1. Are you looking for a great book to read? Then the book for you is Beckham Both Feet on the Ground. This is a fantastic autobiography by one of the greatest living soccer players of all time. You're probably thinking yuck soccer. That's boring. Well you couldn't be any more wrong. This book not only talks about his incredible soccer career, but he also talks about his fantastic stories of his childhood and his wonderful wife and children. This book goes through his whole life story from when he was a little boy in London to his new home in Real Madrid. He is said to be the next big soccer prodigy the world has ever seen. Is it true? He tells many stories of his glories victories to his upsetting losses. This book is an emotional roller coaster. From getting a red card in the world cup to winning the FA Primer league with his beloved club team Manchester United. This book is the number one international best seller. It was easy to understand. It was a lengthy book but don't be intimidated. It was so intriguing that you wont want to put it down. There are also a variety of pictures to help better understand what he is saying. To read more about the wonderful life of David Beckham pick this book up were ever books are sold.



2. The life of David Beckham is often splashed across the tabloids and may or may not be the truth. In this honest autobiography, Mr Beckham details beginning as a boy with a passion for soccer, meeting the girl of his dreams, his role as proud father, and his triumphs and defeats playing for Manchester United and now for Real Madrid. Readers not avid fans of soccer will also find this memoir inspiring.



3. A great read. David really talks in depth about his early roots in football.
   
   Short and sweet - if you want to know about the world best soccer players....read his autobiography!



4. This book is a great book if you are a soccer fan. If your not it will still change the way you look at sports stars forever!
   This book talks about David Beckham inside and out. It makes you realize how many people take the sport called soccer (football) so seriously and how that can affect a player. It makes you see David as a different person. You see past the reputation and greatness of this wonderful man. It makes you look at him as a person like you and me. He is very humble as he tells his story. You realize how much respect he has for other stars such has Michel Jordan, Ronaldo, Zidane and more.
   He talks about his life in soccer and his life outside of soccer. Sometimes I got a little confused because he would go back and forth a little bit but it makes sense if you keep reading. He talks about all the important games and all the games that meant something to him personally. It is amazing how much he remembers from his career at Man U and Real Madrid. He mentions at least 4 games a chapter if not more. I loved that because I love soccer and hearing about what happened.
   He talks about his childhood and how much he was committed to playing. The long nights with his dad in the park and then going to watch his dad play soccer with his friends and how he was so happy when he got to play with them, about how he always liked to play against the older kids for a challenge. How the Ridge Way Rovers, his childhood team and his dad and his coaches made him the player that he is today.
   He talks about all his time with Man U. He talks about his time with the child development team, how he struggled to get a starting position in the first team when his friends were already starting regularly. How he scored his amazing goal from half field to make people start realizing him. He talks about locker room and the attitude and faces of players and coaches before and after the game.
   He talks about his time at England, how he got a red card in France 98 and the reaction he got when he came home to England. He talks about what it means to captain his nation (England).
   He talks about his first season with Real Madrid and how that affected him as a player and how different the culture is from his.
   He talks about his family, about how much he loves them and how much they mean to him and about all the special moment he's had with them.
   Last but not least he talks about the press and paparazzi, how they helped him and how they killed him and his family.
   This amazing book will change the way you look at famous people and the way you look at yourself as a person.



5. For a used product it is in excellent condition and i got my purchase on time, i will definately be back.

1 comments about Gerrard: My Autobiography.

1. As an American who loves watching the Premier League games every weekend, I have become a huge fan of Liverpool. Reading this autobiography of Steven Gerrard helped me gain insight into the depth of the football culture from youth leagues to the professional ranks in England. Gerrard's story is a fairly typical young boy achieves his dreams tale, but he is engaging and the book is lively and highly readable. His competitiveness and drive come through on every page and the background on some of the better known personalities in European football were very enlightening to this Yank since we obviously don't get the coverage here.