5 comments about Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Boxing.

1. This book made great suggestions for improving some of the most critical parts of being a successful boxer--endurance, power, agility, and speed. This book takes a healthy approach to boxing--it succinctly and clearly outlines how, depending on your experience and level of competitiveness, you should proceed on improving your ability as a fighter. I recommend this book without any hesitation.



2. This book is perfect! A workout plan geared specifically toward boxing that really works! Appropriate for any level of boxing! I highly recommend this book!



3. If Rocky could do it so can you -- and this book is the secret how. The book (aka "the boxing bible") won't only put you on a plan to increase strength and stamina, but it will also boost your quickness and agility. After reading this book you'll be able to knockout Mike Tyson.



4. This is the best book I have seen for boxing training! No matter what level you compete at, this book is for you. I have really improved my agility in the ring after reading this book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in being a better, more athletic boxer!



5. Even though I disagree totally with the title, "Ultimate Guide," I do have to admit that the contents of this book are right on the money and very specific to the sport of boxing. Although all of the exercises and stretches demonstrated in this book can be found in pretty much any good book on weight training and/or stretching, it is the specific focus of this book that makes it so unique. In other words, it is not the individual exercises in this book that make it such a great resource, but the way the material is presented to the reader whose primary focus is on improving their own boxing skills.
   
   Although I didn't necessarily agree with absolutely everything the author presented in this book, I would have to say that I found at minimum at least 90% of the material in this book to be valid.
   
   The majority of workout routines suggested in this book should be considered as just that, suggestions. Use them as guide to go by and create your own training routine based upon your physical abilities and personal goals.
   
   I have already started incorporating several things that I picked up from this book into my own training regiment and have found that I have already made some improvements in just the first couple of weeks. This book was definitely worth the price I paid for it.
   
   Shawn Kovacich
   Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

5 comments about Fight: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Ass-Kicking but Were Afraid You'd Get Your Ass Kicked for Asking.

1. Here's a man that has too much time in his life. Good book and good advice. He is definitly full of himself. ( I hope I never have to fight him though!!!)
   Well worth the money.



2. Reading this book one senses the writer probably has an endless cache of personal fight stories he chose not to include here, but the ones he does include are totally engrossing. Not being a fighter myself, nor in the least bit familiar with fighting as a sport, this was the perfect first book to read on the subject. After reading it I bought another copy for a friend and the Audio book for myself.



3. It dosen't matter if your a pacifist or dislike violence.
   You could be a nun, a soccer mom, or a back-up singer for John Denver and still find lots of USEFUL knowlege in this read. Useful knowledge that is improtant, the way breathing is improtant. Or the ABILITY to walk away from a fight with your teeth still in your head if you choose to do so. It's always a good idea to fill your head with as much survival knowledge that you can get your hands on, because...you never know. Be prepared, thats' all. Why not?
   What if someone were to attack an elderly person right in front of you? If you had your head right you might be able to circumvent that situation. Wouldn't you like to walk down the street with your mate knowing you could hanlde just about anything that could rear it's head at you(minus guns, drive bys, etc).
   
   Robinson gives plenty of reference points for you to sink your teeth into as well. Myself not knowing very much of the pro. and extreme fight world can now at least have a conversation about them after reading this.
   There's one or two "controvercial" chapters dealing with knives and someone loosing it and accidently killing another man. These are presented as case studies,as warnings of what could happen if your not thinking, not glorified. Very professional throughout.
   Best book of the year.
   
   Oh yeah, if you like the book you'll also want to give [...] a vist. The site has daily music and reporting webcasts from multiple hosts, including this books author Mr. Robinson. Knukle Up!!!



4. This book stands alone. There have been many books written about fighting and I have read close to 20 of them. This book is the only book that covers all aspects of hand to hand combat. From mixed martial artists, boxers, street fighters, special forces, to greco roman wrestlers and prison survivers. This is not only history and perspective but also how to, hands on information. This book makes other books look like bitches.



5. While this book possesses a definite sense of humor tempering a very serious subject, this fun is well placed, well delivered, and actually serves to intensify the poignancy of humans smashing other humans.
   
   The book is rich in documented "fight" history and realities, debunking many of the long held myths and consequences of fighting, fostered and marketed by over zealous, commerical martial arts propaganda.
   
   This is not a "how to fight" manual, but the information contained within this book is valid and reputable. Humans wanting to enter into the real-world of violence truly need to assimilate every word into a highly proficient, working format. This would actually be a great beginners book for anyone contemplating entering the martial arts, self-defense, and/or combat-sports arena. It is a rough and tumble ride, for sure, but it is well worth the price and more.
   
   I personally found the book difficult to follow at times, merely because the book does NOT fit into the sterile and boring academic formula of writing to which I am conditioned. My personal ineptitude for reading this entertaining, yet informative writing style of Mr. Robinson's, however, in no way diminished or subtracted from the wealth of important lessons to be learned while I read this book. Mr. Robinson provides the reader with a first hand look at the harshness of real-world confrontations like no others.
   
   My wife, on the other hand, found the book quite easy to read, incredibly enlightening and insightful, as well as, respectfully humorous and truly bittersweet with its raw, unstoppable honesty. We both give it two thumbs up, and I am making it required reading for all of my students.
   
   In my opinion, it is a superb work of art...indeed...the photography, alone, is worth the price of the book!

5 comments about Boxer's Start-Up: A Beginner's Guide to Boxing (Start-Up Sports series).

1. This is a great book for anyone interested in learning to box, as well as for martial artists interested in more practical striking and footwork.

   If you're serious about learning to do it right though, find a qualified trainer. Books are great supplements to qualified instruction, but even well written ones like this can never replace it.




2. I have previously thought that you simply can not learn a new physical skill by just reading a book. After being introduced to Boxer's start-up my opinion has changed. The book is filled with exellent photography to support the text, and you really can learn the techniques from just reading the book!

   The book can be divided into three parts. The first part covers about 100 pages, and it is the actual instructional part of the book. It covers everything from the ground up (boxing gear, stance & footwork, the punches, punching combinations, hitting the bag, defense & counters, sparring, and so on). The second part is really just one chapter, and it covers the essential history of boxing, including the greatest fighters. The third part is shortened version of the author's diary, covering his experiences on learning to box. This part is about 35 pages long, and it's a matter of taste if this is too much. On the other hand, you don't learn much from reading this, but on the other hand it is fun to read other beginner's experiences.

   In conclusion, I have to say that I was impressed with this book. It's amazing how good an intruction you can get from reading a book. Compared to the instruction I got from my beginner's boxing class, I think I learned more from this book.




3. I really liked this book.

   The first 2 chapters are an introduction to boxing and what equipment you'll need as you go deeper into training.

   Chapter 3 through chapter 10 are the fundamentals - from stance (very important) through sparing.

   Each function and mechanic of a technique is described very well and great and useful detail is given.

   The section regarding wrapping your hands - don't worry too much if you don't get it here. It takes a while to figure out how to wrap. They have dvd's and videos dedicated to just wrapping your hands so don't stress out.

   The writing has personality and the teaching isn't preachy or too butch or too vague. It's a nice and easy introduction to the fundamentals. Again - this is a beginners guide and is really for the beginner - NOT exclusively as I got some good detail regarding throwing a hook punch.

   Also the pace of the book builds as your skill builds - the order of chapters and tools taught are exactly where they should be.

   Chapter 11 is a brief history of boxing which I enjoyed.

   Chapter 12 consists of the author's journal entries(a newcomer to boxing)- they are his first 6 months of lesson's with Alan Lachica - who sounds like one very cool guy and one of the best coaches out there for those interested in practicing the Sweet Science.

   Great book for the beginner




4. This was a really easy read and enjoyable book. The points and presentation are first class and explained very well.
   
   On the whole a really good introduction to Boxing and its nuances.



5. This is hands down the best boxing book i've ever read! not to vague like most boxing instuction books. i recommend it to all my students as a guide. if you like this book i strongly encourage you to consider fighting fit. it's the sequel to boxer's start-up. both books don't take anything for granted. it's easy to follow, filled with practical advise and in perfect sequence. buy this book!!

1 comments about Boxing: A Cultural History.

1. I was given this--wouldn't have imagined that I was interested in boxing. After reading the section on Dickens (the reason I was given the book), I started the preceding chapter, then started from the beginning, then had to read the end. Boddy's writing is so witty and interesting and her bits of information so thought-provoking that I kept wanting to read it to friends. (I had to explain all my references to 'claret,' Regency slang for 'blood.') Everyone I've shown it to has found a different reason for wanting to read it. It's a bit like an encyclopaedia and provides the same pleasure as the Oxford Companion to Food. The illustrations are wonderful.
   This book makes a wonderful present, even to oneself.

5 comments about A Fighter's Heart: One Man's Journey Through the World of Fighting.

1. Sam's account of his experience's are written so well in this book i kind of felt i was there with him at times.
   I have learnt so much from reading this book gaining a deeper appreaciation of all the fighting styles including tai chi. very inspired...



2. I try really hard to motivate myself in finishing this book - I am about 3/4 into it after one month. For some reason I feel that Sam's aspirations are never quite achieved: a) to be a fighter, not just train to become one and b) write a book that is coherent. Interesting cover. I would not buy this book.



3. From the Mauy Thai training camps in Thailand, to the Jiujitsu dojos of Brazil, to Boxing and MMA gyms across the USA, Sam Sheridan goes on a mission of self discovery and lives the fighters life of training and competing in various martial arts. He makes you feel like you are right there with him in the ring, or on the mat training; but more importantly you get an insiders account of the misunderstood sub-culture of pro fighting, and a look into the heart and minds of the people that do it. A must read for any aspiring martial artist or anyone who has ever stepped into a ring, onto a mat, or has entertained the idea of doing it. If you are a fan or practitioner of MMA, boxing, or any competitive martial art this book is a must read.



4. A Fighter's Heart by Sam Sheridan decodes the mystery of the pugilistic, roughhousing or mixing it up instinct, one I never really "got." There has been plenty said and written about the urge or instinct, but "Heart" provides a context, a ringside view in setting after setting, one fight then another, on one continent and then another, in the experiences the author (also a fighter) has in Eastern and Western styles, from the ancient, classic and traditional to the newer, Mixed Martial Arts fighting forms. If you never really understood why a person would as an amateur, a pro or for play start, join or continue a fight, then you'll be intrigued by this page turner. The reasons for the fight are more than "just meet me outside," more than we ever might have figured. On the home front, Sheridan gives us a look at the making of 2004 Olympic Gold medalist for the U.S., Andre Ward and his trainer, Virgil Hunter.



5. Maybe my favorite book of the last 2 years. The only book I've given out as a gift more than once - to my martial arts teacher, and to a co-worker who appreciates MMA.
   
   Highlights for me: Sam writes well. He's simply a clear, thoughtful writer who reminds me of Hemingway. Clear, simple - but with real insight and smarts, and toughness. The story is fascinating. Makes me want to retrace his steps though the modern gravity wells of fighting - Bangkok, Brasil, Northern California, NYC, the US midwest.
   
   Read it if you enjoy the strategy dimension of MMA, and wonder what motivates these guys to test themselves in combat.

5 comments about Iceman: My Fighting Life.

1. Sometimes there are icons of sports. In the UFC, Chuck Liddell is a name that immediately comes to mind. His fights with Tito Ortiz are legendary, and the trilogy with Randy Couture is even more so. His kick to the head of Renato, "Babalu" Sobral, is still a highlight KO to this day! And the painful comeback fight with "Ramapage" Jackson that didn't even make 2 minutes in the first round still lingers in the hearts of UFC fans. But who is Chuck Liddell? What makes him tick? Read this book to find out!
   
   He's been called the baddest man on the planet, and he will always be a legend in the UFC. But you learn that he's always loved to fight. Whether in a bar, or on a simple street corner, or, of course, in the Octagon, just waiting to load up for that knock out punch that will end it all. You'll read about it all in this. From his days of football and wrestling, to when he stepped into a dojo, and simply longed to spar. You'll find out about The Pit, and about the man John Hackleman is. And you'll read about most of his fights. He really gets into it, and he loves to talk fighting.
   
   But you'll also see a man outside the Octagon, the man who likes to party and hang with the ladies. Somewhat of a lifestyle that has had many saying he lives a rock-star MMA life.
   
   All in all, you'll find out about Chuck. When reading the book by Matt Hughes, I was impressed, despite the fact that he didn't go into detail all that much like Liddell did. And Liddell does indeed go into detail, because he's proud of who he is. Sometimes he offers a little too much information, attempting not to boast.
   
   But he knows what it's like to be the best, and to be beaten by the best. But he's still ready for a fight or two. And until he can't get in that cage anymore, he wants to keep on fighting! Quite interesting overall.



2. I wasn't a Chuck Liddell fan until I read this book.I'll being cheering for him to win his fights until he retires now.Thanks Chuck!



3. I read Chuck Liddell's book in about a 3 week span, inbetween work and working out and other activities. Although it was a quick read, it was a very insightful and entertaining book. Growing up in SLO and his problems with his father not being in the picture. To playing HS football and then being a near perfect student-athlete at Cal Poly. Until his fighting days in obscure bare knuckle fights in Brazil to what we have as the UFC today, with all the highlights and lowlights pinpointed and brought to life in a fun way. Kickass Book!



4. This book tells a good story and gives you a peek at the explosively popular world of MMA. Chuck Liddell is an example for America's youth to look up to. Honest, hardworking and straight to the point. Very happy with this purchase.



5. Chuck Liddell is a great fighter and his fights are entertaining. The contradiction of his ferocity in the Octagon to his mild-mannered nature outside of it is fascinating. I wish the book had more depth and exposed more of the real Chuck. But after reading about how Chuck was raised and getting a glimpse into his demeanor and lifestyle, it makes sense why the book is rather shallow. I enjoyed and appreciated the insight Chuck gives into each of his fights (e.g., his opinions on this opponents, his disposition towards the fight, the technical breakdown and strategy employed, etc.). But I could do without his bragging, the awkward-at-best and poor-at-worst writing, and the general lack of biographical meat.

3 comments about American Son: My Story.

1. If you are a fan of Oscar you will love this book. It is a very short book though.



2. Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Extensively details who Oscar is and where he (and his family) came from. A truly rags-to-riches story. You cannot help but like this young man. A brisk, intelligent read for everybody especially boxing fans and people of Mexican heritage.
   
   Excellent book!



3. The autobiography on "The Golden Boy," who parlayed his pugilistic skills into successful business and philanthropic ventures outside the squared-circle, is an informative and inspiring story on chasing and capturing a slice of the American Dream.
   
   It works because Oscar De La Hoya is candid about every facet of his professional and business careers & personal life, while co-author Steve Springer - through his award-winning reporting in the Los Angeles Times - has literally watched the champ grow up in public.
   
   The legend truly comes to life through De La Hoya's own words and honesty. Though the final chapter in boxing will be "written" later this year, this is an outstanding look into a life that is just starting to get into a top gear.

5 comments about The Boxer and the Spy.

1. This is a terrific book. The fact that it's a "young adult" novel seems to have concentrated Parker's mind on the basics: plot, theme, character. The situation is simple: a young boy has been found dead on the beach, a seeming suicide. Blood tests reveal steroids.
   
   His friend, fifteen year old Terry Novak, refuses to believe it, and enlists the aid of his friends, particularly the beautiful Abby, to solve the mystery.
   
   Terry is the Boxer and Abby is the spy, and if the two of them seem just a little too self-possessed and quick on the uptake for fifteen year olds, I'm willing to forgive the author. This is Parker at his best, telling a simple story that works very, very well.



2. When a shy classmate's body is found, everyone assumes he killed himself; that is, everyone but Toby Novak, who does not believe it. With the help of his best friend, Abby, he begins to probe the death, sure he'll discover a murder. Another source of help and support proves to be his mentor, a retired boxer whose lessons in discipline and strength prove invaluable in the investigation. Delving deeply into the politics of his small town high school leads Toby into trouble and dangers better faced by men far older than he. Yet, despite his youth and inexperience, his quest for truth and justice proves Toby is not a boy, but a young man.
   
   *** Mr. Parker's fans, young and less young alike, should highly enjoy this new venture. In the tradition of Trixie Belden's imperfect, yet intrepid teen sleuth stories, Toby Novak makes a place for himself in his readers' hearts. Though somewhat milder than the author of Spenser's other works, nonetheless, there is a satisfying, emotionally intense quality to the work that makes it clear who wrote this. ***
   
   Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews



3. Thank you Parker for entering the young Adult "ring" again!
   
   The quality of Parker's writing shines again - while being timely for teen readers also venturing into areas of examining values; and actions and consequences.
   
   Thank you Parker and publishers for putting a book out there for Teens to see they can make a difference, as well as adults are not always role models.



4. I've read just about every Robert B. Parker book and must say that this was one of the worst. I know it is meant for a different audience and is a totally different plot type, but even so, the best thing I could say about it is that it was short.



5. Fifteen-year-old Terry Novak has two hobbies: learning to box with former fighter George and trying to talk his best friend Abby into kissing him --- and maybe more. A new pastime comes his way when local teen Jason Green washes up on the tide near their small town. Jason was quiet and unassuming, yet his death is blamed on suicide caused by steroid usage. Terry can't believe that is what happened; he thinks Jason had help dying and is determined to prove it.
   
   Terry's father lost his life at his job in an electrical plant a few years ago, and Jason's dad passed away some time earlier. Terry remembers that Jason is the only one who offered him words of comfort, and though they did not have much to do with each other since then, he can't let go of this mystery.
   
   Abby is smart and a great confidant, not to mention beautiful --- at least in Terry's eyes. Terry begins to ask around school and town about the side-effects of steroids. He doesn't think it can cause people to go crazy enough that they would want to kill themselves. Abby keeps track of all the research and comments they collect. Then Terry is told by the school principal to stop nosing around in things that aren't his business. He is also warned by Kip, a top athlete and bully. Abby steps up her game to become an official spy who runs a spy network. The teens in the town begin to watch the principal, as well as Kip. A new home built by high school design students and some local officials also seem to be involved. The kids know something is going on, and as the reports around town come in about the activities of the two people, pieces start coming together.
   
   Frequent workouts with George become frustrating. How will he know what to do in a real fight? When will he know he's ready? Terry even brings Abby in to a practice session, and she's surprised by this side of him she has not seen before. Who is he becoming?
   
   The warnings to stop asking about Jason and steroids don't let up. Terry is threatened with suspension, and Abby is cornered by Kip. He does not intend to let a threat to her go unanswered. Soon this fight pulls in everything Terry knows about boxing, fighting and control. He's aware that, when it's important, you have to fight for what is right.
   
   Robert B. Parker is the author of the Spenser series for adults, and this is his second teen mystery (following EDENVILLE OWLS). While it is easy to tell who some of the villains are in this story, the hows and whys will keep readers wondering until the end. What really makes the book such a page turner is the way that Terry grows and steps up to the ring to make this terrible situation right. His romantic tension with Abby is fun and quite realistic, as the two friends struggle with the line of when to become something more. Parker is sure to find new young adult fans with THE BOXER AND THE SPY.
   
   --- Reviewed by Amy Alessio

5 comments about Training for Warriors: The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Workout.

1. Few trainers or coaches have the education to train someone when it comes to MMA, BJJ, or martial arts in general. This book will serve as a complete guide to exercise as a "warrior" ready for battle as opposed to a body builder or weekend warrior. Although you do need "fancy equiptment or tons of space for a few of the exercises; the majority of the exercises can be completed at home or at a local track. The nutrition section is easy to use as well on the section on how to porperly go food shoping. This is a must have for anyone willing to kick butt on the ring or mats.



2. This book has a TON of great exercises. Yo may not have access to al the machines and tools to do all of them but you can still utilize plenty if these exercises. A great tool for MMA fighters as well as average Joe's trying to get in better shape.



3. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Martin Rooney has effectively given us the conditioning road map. The book is of the highest quality, the photographs are excellent, the editorial succint and clear. For anyone who want the conditioning edge, this is the book.
   
   Fighter or not TFW provides a broad range of excercises and drills. The book follows a logical path giving an overview of MMA and then gets into Warrior Anatomy covering warm-ups, training by bodypart (don't confuse this with traditional body split training) and then goes on to cover specific programs, nutrition and injuries. You can follwo the programs or mix it up and simply focus on the areas that you need to work.
   
   As for the weight training aspect, I'm a RKC Kettlebell instructor and consequently the Kettlebell is my tool of choice. I simpy us kettlebell drill and lifts to replace the conventional weighted drills.
   
   The most valuable aspect of TFW is the way it translates many conventional drills into a MA context.
   
   Most important, once you've read the text, looked at the pics...Go Train!



4. This book contains everything you need to know when it comes to fitness for mixed martial arts and combat sports. Almost every single exercise that has existed in the history of the world for every single part of the human body is in this book. There are many combat sport-specific drills, but there are also your typical gym fitness routines. Even if you're not a mixed martial artist and don't have any plans to be one, this book will still serve your needs as a fitness enthuasist. There is a chapter for every muscle group, which contain about 15-30 different exercises each. There are also sections on diet and nutrition, cutting weight, and flexibility, there is the beginning section explaining the philosophy behind being a warrior and why hardwork and preserverance is important. When I say this book has everything, I'm not kidding. Once you have this book, all you'll need to get in shape from this point on is hard work and disipline, such as getting off your butt to go to the gym and staying away from pizzas and bacon cheeseburgers. There are too many exercises in this book, you can't do all of them. Just pick out 5 exercises and let that be your fitness routine for the next three weeks and pick another 5 exercises for the three weeks after that, changing up the routine every three weeks, you should get results in a few months because of muscular confusion(your body constantly changing to adapt to different physical activities).



5. If you are at the very beginning of your training and have never done sports before in your life then this is a good book for you. If your looking for more of a stratigical more informational book then dont bother. It does give te reader a little insite on the MMA life style and mentality. It is also chock full of quotes form famous people and photos. It takes up alot of the books volume actually is photos and quotes. But mostly about what muscles to target and many ways build them. Has a chapter on nutrition, endurence and a small incomplete chapter about enjuries and mentality. If your looking for something more indept, try something else.

5 comments about The Contender.

1. This story is about a teenager named Alfred Brooks, and in the book he is simply trying to make a life for himself. He dropped out of High School, and he's working at a grocery store. To make things even worse, his friend is turning to drugs and he is getting harassed by a group of guys. Alfred decides to go to Donatelli's gym, because he wants to become a champion, a boxer.
   
   My english class read this book, and I enjoyed it. I think you should read the book, and maybe it'll make you think about reaching the goals of becoming a champion.
   [...]



2. Set in Harlem in the 1960s, The Contender is a moving story about a 16 year old named Alfred Brooks who lives with his aunt and cousins in a small, dingy apartment. His father has long since disappeared, his mother died of pneumonia, and Alfred, essentially a very good kid, has made some mistakes. He dropped out of high school and now works sweeping floors in a grocery store. His best friend James hangs out with thugs and drug users and is quickly becoming an addict himself. One evening when Alfred goes looking for James he finds him at the usual hangout of him and his thug buddies. While talking, Alfred lets it slip that the grocers he works for, the Epsteins, leave money in the cash register overnight on Fridays while they observe the Sabbath. The thugs, and Alfred's best friend James, decide to rob the grocery store. What Alfred forgot to tell them was about the new alarm system recently installed. So of course, after they are caught and arrested, and eventually bailed out, they come looking for Alfred. One night while they're chasing Alfred he runs into Donatelli's Gym, a boxing club where fighters train. And this begins Alfred's journey into fighting, not just boxing, but fighting to make something of himself when the odds are against him. Realistic and gritty, this novel is a wonderful book for young adults. I have read it many times with 7th and 8th grade, and 10th and 11th grade, language arts students and they love it, whether they are themselves from inner-city neighborhoods in Harlem or the Bronx, or from the suburbs. The consistent theme running through the story is the importance of striving to make something of yourself, to become a contributing member of society. It is extremely well written and a novel I enthusiastically recommend.



3. The streets of Harlem are a nasty place to live. Drugs, alcohol, and stealing are just a few of the problems that you would face if you lived there. This is where Alfred Brooks is living. He lives in a small apartment with his aunt Pearl and his three younger cousins. He is a high school dropout and is having trouble keeping his current low-paying job at the local grocery store. His only true friend, James, is slowly sinking into drug trouble.
   Things aren't looking up for him, to say the least. After some close brushes with the cops and some vicious thugs, he decides he needs to do something to change his life. Finally, he makes his way to a boxing gym on a street corner, not far from where he lives. Alfred has passed the gym before, but he has never gone in. From that moment on, he decides he wants to become a boxer.
   In The Contender, the writer really brought me into the story and made me feel like I was right there with the characters. He uses real-life type language and real-life situations that make sense. All of the characters that he introduces flow well with the plot and I became attached to them.
   I recommend this book to anyone who is even remotely interested in sports and the struggle to reach the pinnacle of your athletic ability. I give this book five stars.



4. the author of this book is a fantastic writer, but this book overall was nothing special. i was forced to read it for my 7th grade adv. Lang. arts class, and was a little disapointed. I ended up being bored to tears in class ,and got the cliff notes. I think I would have enjoyed the book better if I read it myself not in a classroom. I think it deserves 3 stars. Its ok thats it. It is about how a boy can change his life by taking up boxing. Good luck if you have to read it (=



5. Robert Lipsyte's novel, The Contender, is written for pre-teens and struggling students. The story is about Alfred Brooks, a young Harlem teen who works at a grocery store and discovers boxing through Donatelli, a successful coach. Until then, Alfred has dropped out of high school at 11th grade to work a dead-end job at family owned supermarket in Harlem. It's not until his friends Henry and James get in trouble that he decides to take up boxing with Donatelli who sees a contender much like the film, On the Waterfront starring Marlon Brando as a man who could have been a contender. Alfred's story can relate to the youth today and it's not so much about winning as it is about getting in shape and striving for something. Alfred begins his journey to be a boxer by training himself with Donatelli's help and belief in him to be the next contender despite all the risks of physical damage. It's not until Alfred starts striving to become a boxer that he becomes more alive in character and somebody to root for in life.