You'll learn a lot about Willie
935545
Loved this book.  Learned a lot about Willie.  I didn't really know him before.  Have passed it on to my son and it's making the rounds at his place of business now.
615166
My husband and I enjoyed this story so much.  Willie's transformation from a bored and self-centered little boy to an aware and charitable child is a good lesson for children as well as an entertaining one.
757966
Being a Packer fan from birth, I knew that I would enjoy Mr. Davis's stories about the Glory Days of the Green Bay Packers.  What was a delightful surprise about this book were the life lessons that I learned along with the stories.  When you read this book, you get a recipe for how to be committed to your team, to your business and to yourself.  Willie tells his story in a way that makes you feel very connected to him and I must admit, as he told the story of each championship season, game by game and sharing the behind the scenes observations, it took me back in time to those Sunday afternoons sprawled out on the floor listening to the games with my family - jumping up and down every time the Packers scored!  And we sure spent a lot of time jumping around!  I also enjoyed all of the stories about Willie shared by his friends and associates.  This book weaves all of Willie's memories and achievements both on and off the field into a beautifully written tapestry of green and gold!
4735589
In only about 46 pages, I learned much about Sitting Bull, the man.

I already knew several interesting facts about Sitting Bull. EX: Tje Colonel and Little Missy was intriguing and it recorded many of the side note tidbits. But that book focused more on Buffalo Bill.

Charles Rivers Editors did a terrific job with this book by explains the more significant points on Totanka Yotanka. And let's us see Sitting Bull's befriending beggars and the poor. But, welcome as that insight was, and as interesting as was his youthful bravery, the single most interesting trivia was the Sioux's likely true meaning of their description of the white man --- instead of white man, they likely thought of the invaders as stealers of the fat of the land.

In closing, if you was a super fast nonfiction biography of a great, kindly leader of the Sioux-speaking Native Americans, I highly recommend this book, as well as Charles Rivers Editors books on history and culture of the Sioux; Battle of the Little Bighorn.
1396603
It's always a risk, learning more about the people you've enjoyed watching on TV.  Will you still like them when you're done?  Or will you discover that they're a weapons-grade twit that you never want to see or hear about again?

Thankfully, I had no such reaction to River Monsters.  It's an interesting adjunct to the TV series that I would certainly recommend, and I think no less of Jeremy Wade now than I did before.  The book has twenty chapters, all of which but the first and last are dedicated to one of the fish, or fish types, featured in an episode of the TV series.  These tales are not just retreads of the relevant episodes, though; while they do cover much of what you see on screen, they place a different emphasis on events and provide supplementary information on both the fish and Wade's previous fishing adventures.  Not all the fish featured in the TV series are covered, though most are, and the colour photos are well chosen.  Also included is a basic map of rivers fished, a diagram of fish evolution and a section on references and further reading.

There's interesting information in this book and many good stories.  It's quite startling to learn what Wade has been willing to endure just for the chance to catch a fish in parts of the world that most of us would consider no-go areas.  As I was forewarned by reviewers here, I didn't have too much trouble telling when Wade's narrative was set at any one time, but I would agree that sharpening each chapter up with more grounding information would help, as would avoiding the use of present tense.  What really struck me while reading River Monsters was how little is known about so many of the featured fish, even in developed countries, and the importance of research, method and technique when attempting to catch them.  I would have liked a glossary or diagram explaining the basics of fishing, though, because as much as I like watching fishing shows, I don't fish myself and so some passages were incomprehensible to me.

What also struck me with River Monsters, though, was the lack of emotion.  Wade might be obsessed with catching these astonishing fish, but it doesn't seem to bring him any joy.  On the other hand, maybe it's just a question of style and he prefers not to go there.  Yet there is an unexpected sense of humour lurking within River Monsters' pages, which gave me more than a few chuckles.

Wade avoids beating the reader over the head with environmentalism, but it's a shame that the last few pages of his book are gloom and doom about the future of river fish and humanity.  The illogical and ill-informed comments about the hypothesis of anthropogenic "climate disruption" and those who are sceptical about it don't sit well with his previous emphasis on the importance of research and keeping an open mind, either.  Encouraging people to do something positive and specific is more likely to bring change than fear and negativity will, and ending on such a glum note with people whose interest in his book suggests a predisposition to share his concerns about the future of fisheries seems a missed opportunity.

But that's a small flaw in an otherwise decent book, and if you enjoyed the TV series of River Monsters, there's a good chance you'll enjoy the book as well.
3642314
Loved this account of the infamous Willie Sutton and his exploits.  Interesting account of how and why Willie became who he was and demonstrates everyone has a different perspective of reality.
4308640
I checked this out from the library not expecting a lot.  What I liked most was the even-handed comparison of the cousins.  One frequently encounters stories of rulers in a vacuum but Clay presents them side by side with quotes from their journals. It's almost like watching a scary movie, wanting to tell the three cousins, "no don't go in there" as they move through the years.

Due to Nicky's untimely death,  information about his life is easier to find.  Wading through the Georges other multiple number kings is somewhat confusing but information is more readily available than information on the odd man out - Wilhelm.

Now I am researching titles on Wilhelm/William/ and his dual English/German personalities at war within himself.  His mother was right to worry about the flatterers that he surrounded himself with for his counselors.
3474449
I picked up "Wicked Curve" from a used bookstore online, since it was out of stock on Amazon. I am a lifelong Phillies fan, and had seen the book mentioned a few times in recent months on different Phillies message boards. I was pleasantly surprised to expand my knowledge of the 1915 Phillies N.L. pennant winners, as well as reading some information on Dead Ball Phillies stars like Sherry Magee and Gavvy Gravath.

Before reading Skipper's book, I had a basic knowledge of Grover Cleveland Alexander, consisting mostly of the fact that he is tied for third all time in wins, won 30 games in three straight seasons and struck out Tony Lazzeri with the bases loaded in the 1926 World Series. But Skipper's book really delves into Alexander's personality.

At some points, the book drags a little bit when talking about individual games over Alexander's 20-year major league career. But the book is definitely worth reading for the fascinating, yet tragic, story of Alexander's post-baseball life. The book heavily leans on Jack Kavanagh's earlier book on Alexander, the 2001 bio entitled "Ol' Pete." But all sources in the book are meticulously noted at the end of the text.

The last 20 years of Alexander's life were sad, no doubt, but he really does not come across as very likeable in the years following his MLB career. Dozens of people, both inside baseball and outside of baseball, tried to help him to get back on his feet over the final 20 years of his life. Over and over again, it seemed as though Alexander just used the people trying give him some help. That fact is also balanced out by the knowledge that following his retirement, Alexander was one of the most gracious and accomodating HoFers out there for honoring autograoh requests sent to him through the mail by fans.

Repeatedly, Alexander talked about the desperation of trying to find a steady job, yet he had dozens of jobs that he abandoned over the final 15 years of his life. One of the highlights of the book for me was that Skipper was able to talk to an 84-year-old man by the name of Ed Nevrivy, who lived in the same boarding house as Alexander at the end of Alexander's life. That was an amazing first-hand account when talking about a pitcher who was in his prime in the 1910s.

GCA always seemed like such an underated Hall of Famer to me, given the fact that he will probably never be surpassed for tied for third on the all-time wins list. I wonder how much his lifestyle and reputation as an alcoholic unable to hold a job later in life has permanently damaged his reputation when compared to comparable Deadball icons like Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson.

"Wicked Curve" is a great read for anyone wanting to learn more about an inner circle Hall of Famer. The one disappointment, though, is that the book is very short. Not including the notes, bibliography and index, the books runs just 209 pages. If you can pick up a used copy of the book, I highly recommmend it. But I am not sure $30 for a 209-page book would be the greatest value out there.
602034
I LOVE this book! I've listened to it multiple times, there's so much information packed into it. Bill reads it himself. Don't hesitate to purchase this title, you'll love it too.
264151
I just finished reading Andy Martellos wonderful book - The King of Casinos, Willie Martello and the El Rey Club. Its the real life story of a casino entrepreneur whose imagination knew no bounds and for who no idea was too large nor unattainable. What I learned about Willie was that he was an innovator on par with Las Vegas legends such as Steve Wynn, Jackie Gaughan, Jay Sarno, Bob Stupack and Bennie Binion. Only he was doing his magic in Searchlight.

Prior to reading Andys tail of an incredible life, I knew little about Willie Martello other than knowing his picture was on the El Rey chips. The book brought him to life.

While Andy shares a last name with Willie, you need to read the book to find out if they are related. I can tell you that Andy relates the story of Willie and the El Rey in a very personal and passionate manner.

For those interested in Nevada gaming history this book is a must read. But its also a book that would be enjoyed by those interested in a compelling story about an American businessman. And thats without mentioning his relationships with Las Vegas casino owners, Harry Reid, the Searchlight community, the mob and maybe some women for hire.

Thanks to Andy Martello for writing this book, sharing his passion and helping to preserve gaming history.
3209155
Country music scholars and hard-core Willie fans will love this book! It is packed with details about Willie's history and his associates. The author strikes a good balance between praise and blame when talking about Wille's personality. He doesn't lean too hard on the "Saint Willie" image that so many other writers have harped on endlessly. His appraisal of Willie the man is fair and realistic. The casual reader might feel as if there is a little too much detail about every two-bit dance hall promoter and backup musician that has ever been associated with Willie, though. Those whose interest lies mainly with the music will enjoy the details of Willie's sessions and the different record labels he has recorded for through the years. Very thorough and very readable!
3901024
If you own "Solo", then you must also buy "Fantasmas".  Those two albums are Willie's best solo projects.  On "Solo" the instrumentals Chinacubana, Colonizaciones and Julia are superb (especially Chinacubana).  The song "Juancito" tells a familiar story as does "Mentiras Tuyas".  I love the entire album.  I love the length of the songs and even if you do not speak Spanish (fortunately for me I do), you will appreciate the crisp clarity of the timbales, bongos, congas, tumbadoras and horn section throughout both albums.  "Solo" is definitely a Latin/Jazz classic which belongs in everyone's collection.  If you buy "Solo", get "Fantasmas" too.  You won't be disappointed.
460186
I am a BIG country fan from Kentucky and have loved Willie for years.  I got to see him live several times.  The latest was in Indian at the casino.  I was in the second row.  I enjoyed reading his story.
3409979
I'm currently reading this book. I enjoyed learning things about Elvis, like what he liked to eat, everyday products he used like Colgate Toothpaste and learning he had all his clothes washed in good old Tide like the rest of us. I also enjoyed learning more about Elvis' grandmother Minnie and his Aunt Delta. Just hereing about everyday life in Graceland with Elvis. I would highly recommend this book.
2064077
I've always been facinated by Ozzie Nelson's talents and background.  I knew his family was of Swedish heritage, of which I am too, but when writing about the family's trip to Sweden in 1952, to trace his roots, he has enlightened me all the more.  I am also interested in life as it was during the 1930s and 1940s and a good deal of the book covers his life during those years. The book covers much of his love of music and how he had a successful career being a "big-band" leader(it is known how he helped guide Ricky's music career).  He includes much about bringing his wife to be, Harriet, into the band, and their early years of marriage.  Also, informative are his early years in radio and then bridging over into television.  A good part of the book in the end chapters covers the making of the Ozzie and Harriet TV show and how he kept it on the air so many years.  An interesting book and life.
2185136
I'm not a baseball fan. I just don't care much about it. And while I've definitely heard of Willie Mays, I didn't know much about him. But I met cool illustrator Terry Widener last year in Texas, and I saw great reviews for this book, so I had to check it out.

The lenticular cover bringing Mays' swing to life is a fun start to a really good book. Of course, it gives lots of info about Willie Mays, but the story illuminates a lot about American history, racial prejudice, and civil rights. And it does it all in a folksy, storyteller style. Here's the opening:

"You never heard of Willie Mays?! THE Willie Mays?! Oh, geez, where to begin?"

As with most narrative nonfiction, there are anecdotes that probably can't be confirmed 100%. Winter handles that perfectly with the use of phrases like, "As the story goes," "Word was," "Legend has it."

The art is fantastic. The spread that shows Willie Mays mimicking Joe DiMaggio's batting stance is wonderful. The book is about light and dark, on many different levels. On the opposing page, the contrast between the water fountain labeled Whites and the one labeled Coloreds says a whole lot.

Sidebars and backmatter add lots of baseball and history support. I had no idea what a putout was, for instance. Luckily, the glossary explained it.

This will be an easy sell to baseball fans, of course. But the story and the struggle of Willie is sure to bring even non-baseball-fans like me to their feet.

Extension activities for You Never Heard of Willie Mays?!:

* Make a baseball card. Choose a person (famous or not), and create a baseball card to celebrate his or her accomplishments. These would make a great bulletin board display.
* Read some baseball poems. Listen to me read J. Patrick Lewis powerful The First here. Read Pats The Slugger here.  On a lighter note, enjoy Douglas Florians Poem Runs: Baseball Poems to celebrate baseball season.
* Be broadcast journalists. There are several super fun quotations of announcers reacting to plays by Mays. Have kids pair up and create presentations where one kid demonstrates something (anythingCcould be a hobby or something content-related) and the other kid does the play-by-play for the class. He picks up the hula hoop. He tests its weight. Look at that grip! He steps insideChes in the zone now. Will it circle? Will it twist? It will! The crowd is on its feet!
3747887
This is a fantastic book written by a man with a huge heart. If you pay attention, you will learn many things that will be of great value to you, your family, and others.