Excellent read, good stories involving all sides of the Earnhardt family
348600
Jay knows how to frame and tell the story of one of NASCAR's most important families. Good stories, some familiar and some new.
3904463
I had the privilege of knowing Frank and Nettie Hall and spent a lot of time with them for a number of years. It was fun being able to read about the dogs they had during that time, and I even got to dog-sit a few times while they were up north racing or helping out at the Iditarod in Alaska. I loved hearing Frank tell fascinating and interesting stories of his life so it was wonderful to be able to read the story of Nettie's life as well! An excellent read and I highly recommend it.
927008
This DVD has actually been available for a couple of months and parts are already being televised on Speed channel. This is a great way to gain insight into a driver's life. The interviews with his family and the old photos are terrific. You realize that Tony had a passion for all things racing since he was a baby. His generous spirit in regards to his charitable works is admirable. I would love to see more of these DVDs of other drivers. FYI-Dale Earnhardt Jr's DVD is being released by the same company around February 2004.
4915868
Gibbs is an excellent story teller and you can actually hear his unhurried southern accent on the pages. The writing style is simple and down to earth.  The characters and events are presented in vivid detail - I could imagine the events unfolding as if I were there watching.  You'll want to savor each story, reread a chapter over again just to savor it.  There is humor, as well as subtle wit and wisdom.

Yes, this is a collection of stories which are seemingly disparate - about growing up poor in rural Florida, Florida history, life in the Marine Corps, and interesting legal cases.  And, although not purposely, the stories share an important common element - strategies for leading a truly successful life and overcoming adversity.  This book is about true grit.
3882704
This is a very informative book on Jeff's life. I sit down and read it in a day. Loved it. I have followed his career all thru nascar. Just love how open he was in the book.
3950984
For a "hillbilly" Ron writes pretty darn well. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I really liked the trips to the factory as the yachts were being built - a really good behind the scenes view. Fun read all around.
2537582
I really enjoyed this book.  The stories were personal, funny, insightful, and sometimes sad.  I really grew to understand how the experiences shared in this book formed Trevor's world view.  I feel that we are exceptionally lucky to have him broadcasting on American television, and I can only recommend this book.
3355834
I admired Olney's attention to detail, the way he explains the game, and how he gives an in-depth account of every key figure for the Yankees during their latest dynasty run.

I especially like the way he writes about Mariano Rivera, the centerpiece of the dynasty. He comes off as a very decent man, as well as very humble, considering how good he is.

I do not like to nitpick, but Olney did use a fair amount of cuss words, which I do not like. Even when he was quoting players who were using such language, he could have used indirect discourse.

Nonetheless, an excellent account of the team by a man with a great baseball mind, as well as one who came to know the Yankee team of 1996-2001, its glorious run, and the internicine feuds that often divided members of that unforgettably dominant team.
1332395
Excellent read! I felt transported back to the Mid-Atlantic region where it was easy to become infatuated with Thoroughbred horses and the sport of racing. A very informative, simultaneously positive and dark journey into the world of horse racing from the perspective of those who are closest to it. Throughout the book, I am reminded of the things I like most about racing, specifically the horses, the thrill of cheering on your favorite, the beautiful farms and training centers Ive had the pleasure of visiting, and the people Ive met along the way who truly do right by their horses and are good to others both within and outside of their industry. Missionville also helps the reader appreciate and better understand the challenges the racing industry faces and the hardships experienced by trainers and backstretch workers all through a realistic lense.
2007004
Excellent read, interesting, compassionate and funny at the same time. I couldn't be happier to have chosen this collection of linked stories.
3803308
I love all of Jesse's stories. They all draw you closer to understanding and loving those folks who live in the Kentucky Hills. Jesse brings out the memorable traits of the Appalachian community. In this book, the stories illustrate the simple integrity as well as the habits and "codes" of the hills. In one story,"Hell's Acre" he shows how a love story can change an age old feud. "Moonin' around the mountain" is also a wonderful and unusual story. Jesse really knows how to tell a short story; he is the master. My favorite was "Six sugar maples in a row". It was the most moving to me. But all the stories are great and worth many reads. Buy this book and enjoy Jesse Stuart's world!
3452328
As a lifelong baseball fan, and a Texas Ranger fan when Mario Mendoza was playing for them during the infamous naming season, I found a lot of the situations and players mentioned familiar and most of it brought back a laugh and memory of what I was doing at that time of my life.  There were also many references to things I had never heard of prior to reading this book which I appreciated.

This is not a book you're going to sit down and read start to finish, as the book is packaged in short stories which was perfect for me: I read snippets and sections of it over the last two weeks during my lunch break at work or when I had a spare moment.

The series of stories is fairly well researched and easy to read.  If you're a baseball fan young or old (but more of an emphasis on people who have been following it for decades), you are absolutely going to love this one.
2920749
Excelent book, well written and researched. I learned some things about Joe's life previously unknown. The bonus CD's of Joe's most notable race calls is excellent. His last race call is particularly impacting.
2878301
Driving grandpa turned out to be a true delight to read. The story is told by the grownup grandson which decides to drive his grandpa around, because he is not allowed to anymore. On these car trips the feisty War veteran grandpa tells stories about his memories to his grandson. These stories had me laughing a few times. It is a heartwarming and feel good book, which brought me back to when my own grandparents lived, and all the lovely stories they told. I can really recommend this book, if you want an easy, and enjoyable read. I too would love to see this as a film in the future.
1437487
The Babe Ruth quotes are excellent and the photos are excellent.  The background stories are very interesting and I definitely plan on reading it again.  I'm trying to locate the accompanying volume issued in the 1990's which should be just as interesting.
1041578
This book is about gritty determination, and it's a great read even for those of us who didn't grow up as NASCAR fans.  I have only recently started to appreciate the sport, and Jay Busbee's book will capture your attention and motivate you no matter what you're into.  It's definitely worth a read.
3841319
No matter what activity you're into, from cooking (Guy Fieri) to golf (Arnold Palmer) to rocketry (John Glenn) to art (Andy Warhol), you'll recognize many/most of the people whose stories are told here. They all attained a measure of fame and fortune and they're all car people in one way or another. Oddly, there are no motorcycle stories here -- must be an American thing!

Even if Matt Stone weren't the author of this book, he probably would have been in it anyway. Sixteen and strapped to a 1971 Olds 4-4-2--his family's insurance man must have loved him! With his long and varied professional and private automotive interests, Stone brings just the right sensibilities to the book. No hyperbole, no pompousness, just good stories well told. The stories here are not about mere transportation but life, dreams, first love, venturing into the world literally and figuratively. "Coming of Age" in other words. American readers may simply not appreciate how uniquely American these stories are in terms of cultural undercurrents. From the age at which people get licenses here to the--damnable--ease with which they get them, "only in America" is what many readers in other parts of the world will think.

Nice photos, excellent typography, pleasing design with a bit of a scrapbook flavor, even an Index that fits the bill.

Full review at SpeedReaders.info. Copyright 2011, Sabu Advani.