Skillful storytelling.  Not a typical sports book - will appeal to all types.
588802
This book is not your typical cookie cutter championship recap book.  Reiter had years of insider access to the team, and uses that catalog to satisfy both sports junkies and sports novices with his excellent storytelling.  I came away really appreciating the work and thought put in, and was hooked on page 1 - definitely worth buying.
4930853
Frank Deford's memoir is full of wonderful and enjoyable writing about his life in general and sports in particular.  Within, we get to learn about how he grew up, and grew as a writer of all things sports, in a manner that's free of ego or self-consciousness.  He comes off as the kind of guy that you'd love to just sit and listen to, telling tales of the interesting people he's met and things he's done, but in an "aw shucks, I've been lucky" kind of way, rather than "I achieved this. I, I, I..."

It's 345 of the quickest pages I've ever read, with tales of sports mixed in with his life story (giving one the opportunity to jump around the book by chapter as interest dictates) and I sure hope that his next book is called "Double Overtime", as I'm sure he's got more stories to tell.

While I thought I was mostly familar with Mr. Deford from his NPR commentary, I used to have a Sports Illustrated subscription when I was a younger guy, and in the course of reading his memoir, I found out that I'd read a lot more of his writing than I'd thought.  The fact that his writing has stuck with me after all those years, and that his mention of those past articles instantly summoned them to mind, says a lot about the quality of his writing then, and now.  I was also stunned to realize that I remembered seeing him a Miller Lite commercial lo these many years past, and his recounting of his experiences on the "Tastes Great! Less Filling!" All Star Team were both unexpected and quite enjoyable.

Some of the other topics in the book of general interest to sports fans include:

* The pioneers of sports writing, including Grantland Rice
* Ted Williams vs. Joe Dimaggio
* The tragedy of Jimmy the Greek
* The failure of National Sports Daily
* The mystery of golf
* A magically classy moment from Magic Johnson
* The legacy of Arthur Ashe

...and quite a lot more.  While most of the concentration is indeed on sports, I learned more about Deford himself than I expected, and my admiration of him as a man is now added to my previous admiration of him as a writer and commentator.

Well worth a read.
2085486
Walker offers an entertaining look at leadership, using sports teams as his focus.  Walker describes the book this way, The Captain Class is not an ordinary sports book.  Im not claiming that its better than other sports books, only that it does not have any relatives that Im aware of.  Its not the story of one teams triumph, although there are many triumphs recounted here.  Its not a biography of a transcendent star, although many legendary athletes will be discussed.  You could argue that this book isn't really about sports at all but an idea  one that is simple, powerful, and can be applied to teams in many other fields of endeavor, from business and politics to science and the arts.  Its the notion that the most crucial ingredient in a team that achieves and sustains historic greatness is the character of the player who leads it.

The characteristics of these leaders that Walker focuses on are:
1  They lacked superstar talent.
2  They weren't fond of the spotlight.
3  They didn't lead in the traditional sense.
4  They were not angels.
5  They did potentially divisive things.
6  They weren't the usual suspects.
7  Nobody had ever mentioned this theory.  (That is, the captain wasn't seen as the driving force.)
8  The captain isn't the coach.

Overall, this is an entertaining read that has something to offer those involved in sports from Little League on up.
3600742
Although I have never followed the sport, I found myself fascinated by the telling of this amazing story.  And Mr. Brown's addition of national and world events, help put the story and the accomplishments of these young men into perspective.  A great read.
624387
I typically don't like books that are more about storytelling than the actual story, but I could not put this book down, and I'm about to start book 2.  Not what I expected, and I almost didn't make it to chapter 2.  So glad I stuck with it those first pages (so many books never make it that far for me).  So much wisdom can be gathered from the story.  That said, I would never recommend this to a 'typical' male reader (like my husband), or a fundamentalist Christian. ;)
1855820
This wonderful coming-of-age story by Robin Reardon transcends stereotypes, focusing on a main character who is, if not a jock, athletic. Jason Peele is on his school's track team, and so are all of his potential romantic interests.

It's nice to see an author address gays who are athletically inclined. The topic isn't broached enough, in my humble opinion to reflect reality. In other words, there are a large number of high school teens who play football, baseball, basketball, tennis, teens who are on the track team, swim team, etc. - who are just as good as their heterosexual counterparts, and who get short shrift in gay literature. These teens, seeking out YA gay literature, don't find themselves in many books and are often disillusioned. There are notable exceptions of course. Alex Sanchez' superb "Rainbow Trilogy" (Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High, and Rainbow Road ), comes to mind, as one of the three main characters is the star of the basketball team, and another is on the swim team.

But this isn't just a book with athletic teens. This is an extremely well written and well researched book. Jason's journey is an interesting one. We meet him in the first chapter after a wet dream (about David Bowie - to each their own, I suppose <grin>), and watch him grow. We see how easy it is for him to be around girls, how willing he is to help others, and how difficult and tongue tied he is around boys, especially one - Raj, an Indian student on the track team whose event is the high jump. (Jason's is the relay, and I think, the 100 meter dash.) Jason is immensely likable. He seems at all times to take other people's problems and concerns into consideration, at one point going so far as to tell a girl something that could backfire, if she chose to have loose lips. He is honorable and kindhearted, and these are the qualities that attract Raj - and the reader.

It's also nice to see an interracial relationship depicted without any of the typical (and clich&eacute;d) race issues. Jason sees Raj, and is attracted to him. When he gets to know Raj, he likes him even more because Raj is a nice guy. Period. (As it should be in an ideal world - not that this book expresses utopian ideals...) There's never a question about whether or not he could see himself with someone of a different nationality. Reardon handles their relationship deftly.

There are times when the book might feel preachy to some, and I mention this in my review only to refute reviews that (if written in the future, because as of this writing there are none) look down on it. I'm of the opinion that the book is not preachy; rather, it's sharing essential information that teens need. Just the facts, ma'am - so to speak.

Robin Reardon has a strong, assertive voice, is able to portray different yet complex characters adeptly, and is unquestionably a writer to keep an eye on.
658778
I do not care for baseball (I was once a huge fan but owners and players chased me away 20+ yrs ago) but this book is so much more than a baseball book. This is a book about a driven young man who works hard and exceeds his own expectations (both good and bad). The stories are epic and Lenny's bigger than life personality shines through on these pages.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
3050394
Good sports book with subtle moral issues to savor.  Couldn't put the book down, fished it in three nights of reading.  Author has done a good job of showing how individuals deal with temptation from the source of a cursed glove.  Read very easily, did not preach, but delivered a motivating story about good and evil.  Memorable characters, well worth a purchase...
2000380
I can't say when I have ever enjoyed a sports book more. Ralph tells it "like it is" in the language used in the NFL. Understanding where he came from and what made him is a unique backdrop for his story. I recommend it enthusiastically!
3849082
Finding Frank is more than a typical sports story.  As a matter of fact, there isn't that much football in Buzz Ponces' book about, ironically, a football player.  And that's the beauty.  This is a story of an accomplished man to be sure, but it is also a story about a relationship formed many years ago and a promise made by the author.  Sure you learn a little about the 65-69 Chargers --Sid Gilman as the team's executive, primarily.  But what you really learn is about the man, Frank Buncmon and you are reminded about the time in which he grew up and excelled.  As a nation, we should not be allowed to forget the sixties and the civil rights movement and the incredible bigotry that existed (and still exists?) in many parts of the country.  Buzz reminds us while framing the life of the All Star linebacker.  If you're a football fan of any generation --not just the sixties-- this book should appeal to you.  If you're a person who likes a good book on friendship and positive mentoring, this book should appeal to you.  If you're the type of person who 'worships' his or her idols, this book should convince you that worshiping an athlete is not as important as respecting what that person has accomplished and how that person has lived their lives.  And finally, the younger generation may find some inspiration for establishing a family legacy by leading by example.  Maybe?  There's hope.  Frank did it.
2268428
The stories are entertaining and worthy of reading beyond interest in sports.  Human nature is to be seen at its best...and sometimes not.  This book is a real treat in every way.  Years ago, I went to an Indians game in my racoon coat; recognizng Dan in the stands, I introduced myself; he thought he was back in college for a moment.  Words from Dan Coughlin not only tell fascinating tales, but convey a spirit and joy unduplicated in sports writers.  You will savor this book.  I bought another three for distribution to my kids and grandchildren--it will teach to be a good guy.
  Samuel A. Nigro, MD
3480745
Sports fans of all ages and backgrounds would enjoy this book.
4075584
Great storytelling! If you are into sports, especially cycling, this drama tells the story based on the true events that shook the cyling world. The Director and Editor deliver their work in an thrilling and engaging way. Great performance by Ben Foster and all the supporting cast.
815104
To provide some context to this review, I am an athlete/runner who enjoys non-fiction, works in the Internet technology industry, and would be considered a type-A personality by many. Race Across the Sky is a departure from my usual reading list, and I'm truly glad I set time aside to discover it.

When I think about the commonalities between the book titles on my "all-time favorites" list, the very best seem to share an ability to engage at a personal level (e.g., provide insight, educate, engage emotion, shift perspective).  Race Across the Sky is one of those rare stories that builds tension nicely across each character story-line, and the environments in which the story unfolds is as vibrantly described as the characters and their circumstances.

If you are a runner, you will not only relate deeply to Caleb's descriptions of the mental processes and visceral experiences, but will be hard pressed to cite another book that does it so eloquently.  Moreover, Sherman adeptly contrasts the perspectives of each character as they "see the world" professionally and personally, and how those views among family members can be both endearing and divisive. Undoubtedly, the latest addition to my list of all-time favorites.
4795257
One of the best sports books I have read. I loved how descriptive the stories were. As a coach and as a man this book taught me so much.
3018446
This autobiography surprised me. I like sports but am not a big fan of baseball, yet this is a human story more than about a particular game. Josh opens his soul and shares his greatest victories at bat and on the mound, but especially in his triumph over addictions. This very readable story shares the rise, fall, and steep climb back into health and vitality from the point of view of a young man who has everything to live for, but must learn the value of his own life. I had heard thirdhand accounts of drug addiction but this firsthand account opened my eyes to the real grit of the daily decisions, or maybe lack of decisions, that lead to drug use and the lack of motive to get out. I now better understand the people who continue to use, and see how someone I love could not make it out of the pit.
3509954
I am a collector of sports books (and a former college athlete). I have a number of books written by former major league players. While most are interesting, none provide the same insights as Doug Glanville's memoir. Without being a locker-room tell-all, the book informs the reader of the trials, tribulations, triumphs, and disappointments experienced by a baseball professional. An entertaining and instructional must read for any baseball fan.