5 comments about Mind Gym : An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence.

1. This book includes many of the basic mental concepts discussed in sports: staying positive, etc. Although there were some helpful tips, it was a task to sort through the excessive name dropping. As an athlete, I don't need to know the names of everyone the author has ever helped. I assume, since I am buying and reading the book, that I will at least somewhat trust what is being said and that I will be willing to try it myself. If you need the 150/224 pages of professional athlete anecdotes, then this book is for you. If, like most athletes, you don't have time to sit and read fluff, find another book.



2. I am an 1,90 and 120kg marathon runner. When I announced that I intend to run a marathon the reactions varied from amusement to worry that I will not survive. That might have been the case if I wouldn't have had THIS book. It made all the difference in the world. Maybe half of the training time was "mind gym".
   The result? Not only I have finished alive but I made quite a good time (3h44). This performance changed not my weight (I am still 120kg) but my self-image. I know now that the only limits are in my head. I changed. A lot. From the introvertit obese to the cocky, confident obese :) I fired my boss. Actually, the company fired him for mobbing. I got a fat settlement. I switched careers. I took one sabbatical year and focused on learning trading. Here, again, the "Mind gym" made a huge difference. I become profitable and then ... very profitable. I don't own a Porsche but I am free (of worries, schedules, bosses)
   
   If you intend to buy only one book for the next year: BUY THIS ONE !!



3. Pretty good book if you need some general motivation... The author knows the topic and gives some good examples, but doesn't really get into specific actions to help resolve issues. Also, alot of baseball and golf examples, I found it hard to relate it to the sports I am involved in. Tons of great quotes, etc to get you amped.



4. This book is tough to review because people have different expectations with sport psychology books. If you are looking for a neatly organized system of beliefs, principles, and exercises to begin applying to your game tomorrow this might not be the book for you. Maybe you should check out With Winning In Mind or 10-Minute Mental Toughness? With that said, I loved this book. Once you start it you might not be able to put it down. Its a motivational book that weaves sports psychology principles into stories to illustrate the importance of each principle. This book inspired me to write down an effective system of beliefs and checklists I can go through before a game. The important part is the system and beliefs are mine.



5. This book was recommended to me get over issues I had playing racquetball. I kept making mental mistakes and things got worse as the match progressed. This book has taught me how to stay focus and keep moving forward. My game has improved quite a bit and I have beaten players that I have never beaten before. When things go wrong I use the techniques in this book. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs to take the next step. This is one of those books that you will read more than once and make notes of certain chapters.

5 comments about Deal Breaker (Myron Bolitar).

1. Coben has a very easy, smooth way of writing. I found his character Myron to be a bit like those characters of Robert Parker, but much more sarcastic and funny. I will definately be going back to read more of Caben's Myron Bolitar series. Just plain fun to read.



2. As always love Coben's books...I have read all of them and wait impatiently for his next book.



3. There are reasons why Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar series are so popular. Great reads, simple, funny, sexy, fast moving, great characters are a few. Try this one for yourself and see if you don't read more. I highly recommend it.



4. This series overall is a 4 to 4.5 in grade. There are very, very few mystery series where I can go the whole 5 stars.
   
   I've discovered a reading trick which gives me great pleasure. I find a series of mystery books that is very well underway, even close to being done, and in the space of a week to two, I read every single book starting with number one. I did this with John Sandford's PREY series, George's Lynley-Havers series, McDermott's Tony Hill-Carol Jordan series and the Jack Frost series, among others. This is an especially fine thing to do during the summer months, out at the condo swimming pool, on a lounge chair under a big shade tree. It is a much greater pleasure than reading the first one and then agonizingly waiting for the subsequent books to be published. This February, in hibernating from the bad winter weather, I tackled Coben's Myron Bolitar and read all nine of those. Coming up for air, I am now a bit closer to spring and coben helped me get there!
   
   Here is the gist of the series: Myron Bolitar is a former basketball hero whose career ends abruptly when his knee is blown out in a game. He goes to law school and then becomes a sports agent, representing other former sports stars. He has a great weakness though: he is attracted to solving complex mysteries when he stumble into them. Fortunately, he is surrounded by friends who are able to back him up when he (always) gets in over his head. These are: Esperanza, a former woman wrestler who is now his assistant (later his partner), Win, his roommate from Duke who is a super wealthy force in the financial world and Big Cindy, Esperanza's friend, a huge, huge, former wrestler and bouncer. Win is his most critical backup though because behind his super preppy image is a man who lives for fights and violence, skilled in every sort of mayhem. Bolitar is also Jewish, although his friends are not, and he comes equipped with the super Jewish family. His Mom and Dad are great, great characters, almost like the Seinfeld parents.
   
   There are over 100 reviews of this specific book's plotline so I will not add to them here. All nine books are very good who done its but the charm of the books is in the characters.



5. I discovered Coben with his stand alone thrillers. Then I heard he had a series. By some stroke of luck, a co-worker had this book and let me borrow it. As usual, I wasn't disappointed. The author has a nice way of blending humor, mystery, and interesting characters and all the while keeping you guessing. It was a little odd though because of the time difference of when this was written & when I read it. The discovery of *69 to redial a number was mentioned, nobody had cell phones but at least 2 car phones were mentioned. Otherwise, you'd never notice the difference! I'll definately be buying the other books in the series.

5 comments about Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life.

1. There's one piece during practice when a player asks Coach why he doesn't yell--Dungy replies that "I'm not a yeller, but watch out if I whisper at you." Dunge has proven that he's more than a football coach; he is a Man of God. His character, persistence, faith, and dedication to the Word and Faith is evident on each page of this book. He definitely has the shield of faith, breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, and sword of the spirit (from Ephesians 6:6-18). This is truly an inspirational book that tells you more about the Coach than the NFL. Dunge's non-profit "All Pro Dads" born in Tampa during his tenure with the Bucs continues to this day and is a testament to his belief that the Christian's husband responsibility is to his wife and children. Most poignant was his "homegoing" homage to his deceased 18-year old son to be a participant on the ultimate eternal playing field.



2. I truly enjoyed listening to this book on audio. It was very inspirational. I think it should be required reading for all high school or college aged men. I have shared this with many members of my family already. Don't pass up this book.



3. It reads like a calm, confident conversation with Coach Dungy. I wish that all young men could be tutored by people like this man.



4. I was a little skeptical when this book was referred to me, but I'm glad I purchased it. The main precept of the book can be applied to almost any challenges we face in life; whether they be personal or professional. A truly inspirational read based on Christian teachings and values.



5. Dungy provides excellent insight into living a life of character. He is a man's man and is able to relate his football experience to the every day living in a world with many heartaches and brokenness. He gives encouragement through his personal faith in God.

5 comments about Million-Dollar Throw.

1. I have bought two books at Amazom of Mike Lupica's titled, "The Million Dollar Throw" for my older great grandsons because they like his books and will read them as soon as they get them. They are both fifteen years old and relate to sports. One is a great reader and reads many books, but the other only reads books of direct interest and that means sports. They live many miles apart and have different interests, but they like Mr. Lupica's books.



2. For Nate Brodie, there's nothing else quite like the sport of football. The 13-year-old from Valley, Massachusetts is a huge fan of the New England Patriots, his favorite player being star quarterback Tom Brady. Brodie (aka "Brady," as his family and friends call him) is the starting QB for the Valley Patriots, and is known as "the boy with the golden arm" for his fantastic throws and great sportsmanship. But football is more than just a game for Nate; it's a chance to get away from the daily grind of school and hang out with his friends.
   
   However, football has now taken on a more important meaning. Shortly after his 13th birthday, Nate, his mom, and his best friend Abby McCall make a trip to SportStuff, where Nate is finally able to buy the limited edition autographed Brady football for which he's been saving up. It's there where he learns about the contest "The SportStuff Million-Dollar Throw":
   
   "The winner of the contest was going to get the chance to make one throw --- from thirty yards away through a twenty-inch hole --- at halftime of the Patriots Thanksgiving night game against the Colts."
   
   It's a one-in-a-million chance, but Nate wins the contest and a shot at the big money. While excited about getting the opportunity to go to Gillette Stadium, he knows that this is the most important play of his life. If he wins, the million dollars could definitely help his family: his dad has had to work two jobs after he was laid off at his old real estate company, and his mom works at a gift shop and volunteers at the hospital. In addition, they have had to put their house up for sale, the only home Nate has ever known.
   
   To add to Nate's worries, his best friend has her own troubles. Abby, a talented artist who creates vivid, colorful paintings, has a form of retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes complete blindness. Nate wants the best for her and tries to continue to be optimistic, the same way she is for him even as her own world begins to darken. Could Abby benefit more from this money? And if so, what about his family's woes?
   
   As Nate deals with these difficult changes and as Thanksgiving night creeps closer, the pressure to make the million-dollar throw begins to affect him on the field, and he wonders if he will be able to achieve his goal of winning not just one but two championships.
   
   Featuring some great game play and cool sports references, MILLION-DOLLAR THROW is a wonderful, heartfelt story about the strength of friendship and family that can be enjoyed even by those who are not football fans. Mike Lupica scores a touchdown with his latest winning novel.
   
   --- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle



3. While I find the reading sometimes a bit technical when they refer to certain pass plays or game statistics; the seventh grade football boys love it. As do the sixth graders (who are probably participating in flag or peewee football). Great story.



4. My nephew really wanted this book, he has read all the others from Mike Lupica. It arrived quickly and in perfect condition.



5. Thanks and God Bless y'all and your family, friends, etc... for providing this much appreciated product to our family. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

5 comments about Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance.

1. I'm not a football fan, or have a religious background, but that did not take away from the message of the book. Tony Dungy's message on leadership, attitude, work ethic, and generosity are universal for all of us, irrespective of faith or background. I may not agree with all of the authors conclusions based on his faith or upbringing, but I do wish that more people would read and put into practice his message on personal character and integrity. Great read.



2. Any book of Tony Dungy's is a good read. I got this for my nephew for Christmas with the intention of a present that would be life changing. He is a teen so I hope he reads it and applies the principles therein. I just know how Tony Dungy lives--and he practices what he preaches. I would recommend this book for any young man starting out in life.



3. This is a great book. Tony has a heart for the younger generation and has many good points to lead them from many mistakes that many make. He makes several religious points, but that is who Tony is. I am sure many people wish our young men would live according to the principles Tony lays out.



4. This book is a must read for anyone who deals with children, whether your own or others. Women, men, teens need to read this book it gives many uplifting examples living our lives to be the best and to be an example to others. I loved reading this book, it is a keeper. So I purchased two and sent one to my son serving as a Marine in Japan. Great book for him to read.



5. Excellent service. Book is a great read - most men would like this book as it talks the "football" language. Dungy really provides good info on becoming an uncommon man.

5 comments about Soccernomics: Why England Loses, Why Germany and Brazil Win, and Why the U.S., Japan, Australia, Turkey--and Even Iraq--Are Destined to Become the Kings of the World's Most Popular Sport.

1. I'm only a little over 100 pages in, but I love what I have read thus far. Points are intellectually made yet explained in layman's terms. The authors can border on coming across as being infatuated with their own opinions and brilliance at times, but you never forget that they still love the game in the end.



2. Well written book. I can't say anything that the other 5 star reviews don't put more eloquently. I will say that they explain how they go about making their conclusions in a much more transparent and easier to understand way than Freakonomics. Nice purchase for an econ undergrad or any fan of soccer.



3. if you're interested in sociology of sport you'll enjoy this book. some very interesting ideas.



4. I first came to know the name Simon Kuper when he was a guest lecturer at a local university in Toronto, Canada. The articulate British author talked about his new novel Soccernomics and some of the core arguments. Despite making some fascinating points about football, he looked uncomfortable and unable to answer some of the questions that the audience prosed in the Q&A period. I was greeted with a great deal of skepticism, but decided to purchase the book anyway.
   
   After reading through the book, I can safely say Soccernomics is fantastic and a must-read for any soccer fan! Stefan Szymanski lives up to his billing as a top sports economist with thorough detail and Kuper fits the part with his commentary including tidbits of witty humour. Correlating statistical analysis with any sport is extremely difficult because you are attempting to satisfy the common reader without flattening the economic methodology. Kuper is to-the-point and articulate in his arguments. Most importantly, he does not make an argument, and then uses statistics to back up his perspective. Rather, he reads through the information, recognizes patterns, and creates a formula. Several fascinating chapters include Core to the Periphery (Guus Hiddink) and why England loses.
   
   Despite the many positives, there are some flaws. At times, the economic analysis is overwhelming and seems suited more for a peer-reviewed journal than a book for the common consumer. As well, some of the variables are far too large (population, income etc) and rarely include common competing variables (other popular sports etc). Furthermore, Kuper is well-travelled and could integrate more of his personal experiences to add some `spice' to the arguments #Hiddink is an excellent example but we also know how he has done speeches at Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü.
   
   Needless to say, these our not strong enough weaknesses to warrant it a 4-star. All in all, an excellent book and I would highly recommend it.
   
   4.5/5



5. This book is required reading for anyone who calls them self a soccer fan. Granted a good majority of the book focuses on England and English football however there is still much to learn even if you've never seen an EPL match. Kuper and Szymanski's insights on the changing nature of international football and international economics make for an informative and thought provoking read. While I am still a fan of "going with your gut" when it comes to making decisions in sports this book has helped open my mind some more to the value of statistical analysis in sports. This book is equal parts Freakonomics, Moneyball, and primer for the 2010 World Cup. No matter if you've been following soccer all your life or if you're completely new to the game there is something here for you. So much more than a sports book, Soccernomics will lend you a greater understanding of the world in which we live. Highly Recommended.

5 comments about Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman.

1. I've loved every book Jon Krakauer has written, so I was waiting for this one with a great deal of anticipation. I'm glad he didn't disappoint me!
   
   Truthfully, I didn't really know that much about Pat Tillman except for the bare essentials: he was a good football player who, in the wake of 9/11, decided to join the military, and was killed by friendly fire a few years later. I certainly made assumptions about him as a person based on those simple facts, which this book proved were completely incorrect. But while this book tells Pat's story, it doesn't present him as a totally infallible or perfect person, which I appreciate. Certainly, reading about the events that led to Tillman's death and the cover-up that followed made me really angry and a bit surprised that none of this really came to public light. But I also know that there probably is some bias on Krakauer's part that factored into the telling of some of the story. This is a tremendously gripping book, although the background into the history of the Afghan/Iraqi conflicts was a little too dry for me. But Krakauer has brought another tragic story to life.



2. Jon Krakauer has made a good living illuminating the lives of compelling madmen who pursue their dreams to fatal extremes. Along the way we've learned some good lessons: 1) Don't climb Mt. Everest in a storm (Into Thin Air), 2) Carry more than a sack of rice if you tackle the Alaskan wilderness (Into the Wild), and 3) the marriage of multiple women is something to be approached in serial, not in parallel (Under the Banner of Heaven). All well and good, and usually told in arresting prose by Krakauer. But in seeking to add one more cautionary lesson to the list --don't be a soldier unless you're willing to get shot-- Krakauer has finally missed his mark in Where Men Win Glory.
   
   For starters, the narrative flow is jarring and disjointed. Alternating between the convoluted twists of Afghan political history and Pat Tillman's suburban childhood in California creates a vertiginous read that never really settles into a coherent pattern. The book is interspersed with long entries from Tillman's journals, and while he seems like a nice enough guy it's a bit like stumbling upon the diary of a hugely self-absorbed, angst-ridden high school kid. You almost expect to see scrawled pictures of naked women in the margins. It doesn't make you want to like Tillman more.
   
   The language of the book itself simply isn't as evocative as the Krakauer's past writings. Given the terrain where Tillman fought and died, and given the author's demonstrated ability to capture with words the features and power of nature, I was surprised that the prose was fairly flat and uninspiring.
   
   And finally --and this is the part I hated about the book-- Krakauer's unrelenting anti-Bush bias was distracting and and so strident that it marginalized the author's credibility. Krakauer tries to convince us of the illegitimacy of the Bush presidency (let's all spend several pages reading a conspiracy theorist's retelling of the 2000 election), the illegitimacy of the Iraq war (because apparently Krakauer must have known at the time there were no weapons of mass destruction but neglected to inform the world), and the byzantine cover-up of Pat Tillman's death by his fellow soldiers (that was admitted to within weeks after the death).
   
   We get it, Jon. You don't like George Bush. Hey, I voted for Obama. But, then how do you reconcile your unadulterated admiration for Pat Tillman, who voluntarily chose to take up arms in Bush's war? Square that circle, Jon, and you might have an interesting read after all. Keep spouting your narrow-minded vitriol, and you will keep getting two stars in my reviews.



3. As someone who could be described as a centrist, I was quite depressed, though not surprised, to see reviews here reflecting political bias from both sides. The true lesson of Pat Tillman is no side can own him - not the left, not the right. Pat Tillman was a complicated man that cannot be pigeon holed. For those who can get past their own politics, this is a fascinating story and I think everyone should know something about it. Who among us can say we approach his level of following his convictions? Some might say he is a tragic figure, because his own stubborn resolve to do the right thing led to his death, but what I took from this book was if there were more Pat Tillmans there would be less tragedies like that of Pat Tillman.
   
   We get enough politics and spin. Read this story and think about the man. When so many of us jump to knee jerk reactions over every issue, he questioned everything and everybody. His independence, intelligence, commitment and willingness to sacrifice and serve represents the kind of American we can all learn from.



4. I was really looking forward to reading this book. When I finally got a copy and started on it not only did I find it slow moving and boring at best; the author puts a lot of energy into working his political opinions into the story. I really did not need a chapter on the 2000 election and how Gore really won; fact is I'm over that argument, it was ten years ago. You would think that the Bush administration personally killed Pat Tillman by reading this book. I have a lot of respect for Pat Tillman and all of our men and women that have died for our great county and I think it in poor taste to try and make a political statement (left or right)with someone else's death. I would not waste your time with this book.



5. The author tells three stories. One is the story of Pat Tillman and another the systematic failures that led to his death and produced a cover up. The third story, the modern history of Afghanistan, is used to parallel the life of Pat Tillman. The first two stories are the heart of the book. The third story is lengthy and seems to be filler. There are good maps and no photos. Given Tillman's interest in philosophy and literature, the title is appropriate as well as the quotes that introduce the chapters. You come to understand that Tillman is no ordinary jock, but an exceptional person with considerable depth.
   
   Dysfunctions in the prosecution of the GWOT have been described many works. Here, as in Operation Hotel California: The Clandestine War Inside Iraq, personnel at a remote location literally call the shots. Here, the brass at the FOB ordered a Humvee carcass to be towed over and down a mountain and a platoon to be divided. There are rules of engagement which, like the towing and platoon split, give little weight to the front line individual's judgment. Why is it that the communications equipment, which should be state of the art (goodness, what did it cost?) doesn't work in battle? Each of these is an element that factored into the "friendly fire" death of Pat Tillman.
   
   While the dysfunctions are described, the book's most powerful indictment is on how the tragedies of war were distorted and fed to an uncritical press in order to build support for the war. Jim Wilkinson's "perception management" had previously been successful in diverting attention from an incident resulting the 29 US deaths, 11 missing and 6 other captives by creating Jessica Lynch as a hero. The author describes how this was done and how the Tillman tragedy was similarly managed at the highest levels. The Tillman story is more insidious because evidence was destroyed, witnesses ordered to silence (despite the presence of brother Kevin Tillman in their platoon) and reports delayed and otherwise manipulated.
   
   While the book is about other systemic problems, Chapter 19, on boot camp, is worthy of note. The description of the recruits is discouraging. This is not a cross section of Americans and clearly not like the universal commitment to WWII. The general recognition that Tillman is an exception, particularly for making a financial sacrifice, says something about the public's perception of this war. While it's the stuff of lore and jokes, what really is the purpose of "Clean your boots, scuff them up, clean them again because I said so"? Have the goals objectives and methods of boot camp been seriously evaluated in recent years? Tillman, who has had years of top notch athletic training and team work conditioning notes a lot of boot camp is "archaic, bizarre and counterproductive."
   
   In some areas the prose seems forced. Quotes from Abdul Ghani and Reka Cseresnyes strike me as too idiomatic for second language speakers. There is a lot of extraneous content. The final chapter's discussion of Nietzsche and the masculinity of western men struck me as just plain weird. While these flaws exist, there do not seem to be any problems with the research. This is an important work and should be widely read.

2 comments about Harry the K: The Remarkable Life of Harry Kalas.

1. Many across the country may not know "Harry the K", but nonetheless, you need to read this book! You may start out not knowing who he was, and it pains me to use that in the past tense, but you likely knew his voice.
   
   This is a story about a solitary, humble man, whose tremendous kindnesses and generosity became legend to the millions who came to know him.
   
   People outside of the broadcasting reach of Philadelphia heard his Campbell Chunky Soup commercials, his Coors Light promotions and many, many others.
   
   He picked up the mantel when John Facenda, the man known as NFL Films' "Voice of God" left us. He did Notre Dame football and basketball. He was the voice of Westwood One's weekly NFL radio broadcast.
   
   But, to those of us in reach of the Philadelphia airwaves, Harry was for thirty-eight years our closest friend and the play-by-play announcer for the Phillies.
   
   At the end, as Mike Jack Schmidt said in his eloquent eulogy, "If you can look past Ben Franklin and William Penn, Harry Kalas might have been the greatest person to ever grace Philadelphia".
   
   I consider myself somewhat a student of history. Schmidt was right!
   
   This is a book that will interest you, captivate you, make you laugh, anger you and make you cry; the latter especially so if you are from Philadelphia or its surrounds. In fact, the final three chapters are absolutely heart-wrenching!
   
   This is not a book about baseball. It's not a book about Philadelphia. It is a very well researched and written book by Randy Miller about a wonderful, wonderful fun loving, good man, who had flaws like the rest of us. But, boy, what virtues! As for now, I'm "outta heeeeere!"



2. Randy Miller has put together a brilliant, revealing and pointed portrayal of the life and times of the baritone grand master. He has, in a manner respectful to Harry and his family, told the stories that his other colleagues in the Philadelphia media were too afraid to tell. The reader also learns a lot about the lives of Richie Ashburn and Chris Wheeler, related to and independent of their interactions with Harry. The book is a must for any lifelong Phillies fan.

5 comments about The Blind Side (Movie Tie-in Edition) (Movie Tie-in Editions).

1. I saw the movie way before i read the book, but i can assure you, if you like the movie you'll love the book, it has and air of remembering the game, and taking you to the moments that really change the game of football.



2. Saw the movie, and found it heartwarming, but the book is another thing altogether. Just wonderful. Learned a great deal about football (The author wrote Moneyball, after all) and the human side of the story was much more richly developed.



3. Like most of Michael Lewis' books, this one read easily and agreeably. Michael Oher's story is genuinely fascinating and inspiring. I skipped through some of the football history parts, as I found these too lengthy and lacking my interest in the story.
   
   The Tuohy family is to be admired for its altruism, dedication, affection, and determination in creating purpose and opportunity for this kid from the projects.
   
   As the book moves along, my appreciation of (mother) Leigh Anne Tuohy personality gradually diminishes, as her seeming almost snobby fixation of- and incessant reference to the (lavish) standards of belonging to the Tuohy family became nauseating.
   
   On the other side (father) Sean Tuohy's role in Michael Oher's life gains in stature as the book moves along. Sean Tuohy's determination to find loopholes in order for Michael Oher to reach the necessary GPA and be permitted to attend college, I appreciate as a father. The existing loopholes and the murky ways to reach a set GPA, as described in the book, I find highly debatable, if not unacceptable. It partially negates the purpose of an academic life and demonstrates a different set of rules with regard to gifted athletes.
   
   Regardless Michael Oher is a remarkable individual, who crossed an immense number of obstacles, through character strength and resolve, undoubtedly aided by an exceptionally selfless family.



4. I loved the movie. The book? Not so much.
   
   As an avid HS and college football fan, I appreciate the emphasis on the evolving game.
   
   As a long-time teacher, I appreciate the efforts to bring a struggling child up to his potential.
   
   As a football mom, well... Let me just say that we don't have bazillions of dollars and a myriad of contacts at our respective alma maters (and beautiful window treatments and $2000 kitchen tables). Nor were we willing to flaunt the rules or have our son declared LD and then sign him up for "personal development" classes from an online school so that he could circumvent the NCAA rules. He's playing DII ball on his own merits, and we're happy about that.
   
   I'm 3/4 of the way through this book, and while I am not one to give up on a book, I am just tired of reading this.
   
   The Tuohys have lots of money. Money talks. Ho-hum.



5. The Blind Side has great information. I teach students like Michael and I found the story very inspirational. The football information was very interesting. However, if you are not into football, you can skip those chapters and still get all of Michael's story. The most valuable information for me was the facts about differences in the children from different economic classes which are apparent as early as kindergarten.

5 comments about Not Without Hope.

1. I was hooked on page one. This is definitely in my top five list of the most loved books. It tells of disaster, life's elements and what people are made of. I picked this book up from the "okay" pile at a grocery store. It should be number one! I was captivated from the very begining...four friends take on some "bonding" and innocently intended fishing time. Young men who had their whole lives ahead of them. It tells of the past and future of promising careers, their relationship to each other. I know those men now. I lived through their terror and demise through a graphic,tragic account play by play. When I was in the middle of the book and crying I realized that the story had just begun. I thought...what more could go wrong? I felt their pain, their loses, their hope and their lives. The author is an amazing human being and taking that courage to survive alone depicts his super human strength that is inside him.
   I was so captivated that I couldn't "stop" reading because my heart and soul was into these four strangers who are strangers to me no more. The book made me look within myself for courage, strength and hope under devastating circumstances. I have a new view on humanity, the elements of sea and air and survival. Hooray for you Nick, it is a beautiful, sad, astounding and "impossible to imagine story". I can't imagine finding my next book of choice to even come close to this confession of the bravest soul I would ever get to know on paper. Las Vegas Nevada.



2. I purchased this book and hated it! A total waste of money!This was a terrible book!



3. Not without hope was an interesting and inspiring account of survival. It was a very easy read and a real page turner. Only Nick knows what happened out there and I can only hope for his sanity that his accounts were accurate. I would have a difficult time going on with my life after such a tragic ordeal.



4. This was one of the best non-fiction books I've read in a long time. It's disturbing, but truthful. You know the ending, but this explains how everything went down that weekend. I cried a few days, and laughed a few, but mostly read it so intensely that I couldn't help from turning page after page despite the fact that my clock read 3:00 a.m. just a few pages from the end of the book.



5. I absolutely could NOT put this book down! My heart hurt so much for these men that I've had a hard time sleeping since I started reading it. What a TRAGEDY for 4 sweet, innocent men to have to endure what they did. My husband fishes in the Gulf of Mexico so I couldn't stop thinking about how this could happen to him. I have really come down HARD on him to make sure he is completely prepared for an emergency situation. He is now purchasing an epirb for his boat because of what happened to Nick and his friends. I want to wrap my arms around Nick's neck and tell him he is such an inspiration. He didn't give up hope and tried to pursuade his friends not to either. This book was one of the best reads I've had, but also one of the sadest. VERY well written.