Reviews Written By: A3IBA6SK6DM3Z3provided by Amazon.com |
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 | If I Die in a Combat Zone : Box Me Up and Ship Me Home | |
 | "Beautiful writing by the talented Tim O'Brien" | 2009-07-01 |
| Simply put, this is one of the great memoirs of the Vietnam War. Very highly recommended! A short book describing the year spent on the front lines of the war by Mr. O'Brien, this one will grab you by the throat. Eloquent prose evoking the best of battlefield narratives. Can and probably should be read in one or two sittings. | ||
 | SEASON ON THE BRINK | |
| "One of the great sports books " | 2009-02-06 |
| This one goes in the sports book hall of fame, along with "boys of summer", "ball four", "breaks of the game" and a bunch of others. Simply put, any serious sports fan who has NOT read this is ill informed and not allowed to say anything about bobby knight. The coach of IU is fascinating and actually comes off pretty well despite the excessive language. Coach Knight was upset with feinstein for using his actual words, but in today's media world, it doesn't seem all that bad. Can't be recommended highly enough for sports fans and people interested in American culture in the 1980's! Enjoy! | ||
 | Loose Balls | |
| "The definitive book on the ABA" | 2009-02-06 |
| Also, one of the funniest sports books ever written. You can't go wrong reading anything by Terry Pluto. For anyone of the age that they can remember the wild and wacky ABA, or even younger readers interested in the game's history, this one is highly recommended. Should be read by every serious sports fan! | ||
 | A Season on the Brink: A Year With Bobby Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers | |
| "One of the great sports books " | 2009-02-06 |
| This one goes in the sports book hall of fame, along with "boys of summer", "ball four", "breaks of the game" and a bunch of others. Simply put, any serious sports fan who has NOT read this is ill informed and not allowed to say anything about bobby knight. The coach of IU is fascinating and actually comes off pretty well despite the excessive language. Coach Knight was upset with feinstein for using his actual words, but in today's media world, it doesn't seem all that bad. Can't be recommended highly enough for sports fans and people interested in American culture in the 1980's! Enjoy! | ||
 | His Bright Light : The Story of Nick Traina | |
 | "Loving tribute by author Steel " | 2009-01-21 |
| Danielle Steel is known for her works of fiction, but in this one (the first Steel book I have admittedly read) she shares a great deal of personal history. Her son suffers from bipolar disorder and causes much heartache in her life. Yet she loves him unconditionally. A terrific love letter from a mother to her son... | ||
 | Courtroom 302 : A Year Behind the Scenes in an American Criminal Courthouse | |
| "Outstanding Book, Invaluable Subject Matter" | 2009-01-21 |
| I can't recommend this one highly enough to anyone interested in how our nation actually works. America is the greatest country on earth, but if you think it's perfect, you have another thing coming: "302" describes a year in the life of an American courtroom, where drama and heartache replace anything Hollywood could come up with. A troubling look inside the workings of our legal system, yet told with such care and insight. Absolutely terrific book. Should be read by one and all! | ||
 | His Bright Light : The Story of Nick Traina | |
| "Loving tribute by author Steel " | 2009-01-21 |
| Danielle Steel is known for her works of fiction, but in this one (the first Steel book I have admittedly read) she shares a great deal of personal history. Her son suffers from bipolar disorder and causes much heartache in her life. Yet she loves him unconditionally. A terrific love letter from a mother to her son... | ||
 | Ted Williams : The Biography of an American Hero | |
| "The definitive bio of Boston's biggest sports hero" | 2009-01-21 |
| A must read for any Bostonian, or New Englander for that matter. The Splinter was, as someone familiar with some tales from those who had met him, much bigger than life. A great book by a great writer. Montville has written the ultimate biography of one of the greatest hitters ever and one of the 20th century's most seminal figures. | ||
 | Joe DiMaggio : The Hero's Life | |
| "The best sports bio I have yet read" | 2009-01-21 |
| A simply incredibly well written account of the bittersweet life of one of America's icons. Cannot be put down, both out of pity and contempt for DiMaggio. Joltin Joe led a fabulous life; it would have been nice if he enjoyed even a day of it. Not to be missed! | ||
 | Joe Dimaggio: The Hero's Life | |
| "The best sports bio I have yet read" | 2009-01-21 |
| A simply incredibly well written account of the bittersweet life of one of America's icons. Cannot be put down, both out of pity and contempt for DiMaggio. Joltin Joe led a fabulous life; it would have been nice if he enjoyed even a day of it. Not to be missed! | ||
 | His Bright Light | |
| "Loving tribute by author Steel " | 2009-01-21 |
| Danielle Steel is known for her works of fiction, but in this one (the first Steel book I have admittedly read) she shares a great deal of personal history. Her son suffers from bipolar disorder and causes much heartache in her life. Yet she loves him unconditionally. A terrific love letter from a mother to her son... | ||
 | The State Boys Rebellion | |
| "Terrific stuff!" | 2009-01-21 |
| An important book about both the depths and the heights of the human condition. Tells the tale of boys who were basically institutionalized largely due to neglect by both their uncaring parents and society. Shockingly detailed and lovingly told. | ||
 | The Children | |
| "Reads as the shortest 800 page book ever!" | 2009-01-21 |
| Author Halberstam needs no introduction, and, in my eyes, this is one of his most underrated books, which is saying something. A wonderful and moving portrait of important American history. I write this review of one of my favorite works of history the morning after President Obama's inauguration. President Obama! And how wonderful to see Rep. John Lewis being such an important part of the proceedings. A great work of history by possible the most important American historian of the second half of the 20th century. | ||
 | Joe DiMaggio : The Hero's Life | |
| "The best sports bio I have yet read" | 2009-01-21 |
| A simply incredibly well written account of the bittersweet life of one of America's icons. Cannot be put down, both out of pity and contempt for DiMaggio. Joltin Joe led a fabulous life; it would have been nice if he enjoyed even a day of it. Not to be missed! | ||
 | Joe Dimaggio : The Heros Life | |
| "The best sports bio I have yet read" | 2009-01-21 |
| A simply incredibly well written account of the bittersweet life of one of America's icons. Cannot be put down, both out of pity and contempt for DiMaggio. Joltin Joe led a fabulous life; it would have been nice if he enjoyed even a day of it. Not to be missed! | ||
 | Why Not Me : The Inside Story | |
| "Hilarious and imporant book by (hopefully) Senator Franken" | 2009-01-21 |
| One of the funniest books I have ever read. Makes you think as well as giggle. And the fact that Franken actually wanted a political career while writing this amazing work makes for a better story. Great stuff! | ||
 | Comfortable with Uncertainty : 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion | |
| "Terrific work from Pema Chodron" | 2009-01-17 |
| People who are absolutely sure of themselves have always filled me with unease. Reading this wonderful book filled me with hope that there are others like me living healthy and happy lives at ease with the world and universe. Thanks to Ms. Chodron for providing me with additional hope. I hope you purchase and enjoy this brief but enlightening work! | ||
 | Among the Thugs | |
| "Requisite reading for those interested in English society" | 2009-01-15 |
| An exciting yet shockingly detailed blow by blow account of a writer who found himself "among the thugs" of the lower class who follow English football/soccer. This book has been described as "A Clockwork Orange" in print, and I wholeheartedly agree with that characterization. Absolutely shocking ending to this great book. Author Buford describes how the thugs operate, but disappointedly does not spend much time analyzing how and why this awful stuff occurs. First of all, no tickets should be sold to English soccer games without having a proper seat assigned. The lower priced tickets are sold to lower class patrons, and then the cattle are simply jammed into "pens" like cows led to slaughter. Of course deaths occur! The same thing would happen here in the States had we pens at American football games! And the lack of empathy that the English ruling class has for the lower class patrons of that favored sport is astonishing. Class warfare is alive and well for our allies across the sea. England, if it truly wants to stop these atrocities, needs to stop putting patrons in pens, arrest and JAIL those responsible instead of letting them loose to create mayhem, and needs to address the class distinctions that cause so many of these atrocities to be swept under the rug. The most civilized country in Europe should do better and can do better if they simply make the effort. | ||
 | Tales From The Patriots Sideline | |
 | "Good effort covering history of the Patriots" | 2009-01-07 |
| Solid effort from author Felger. He covers the first four decades of the team's history, from the club's inception (a bag job giving the franchise to Billy Sullivan) up to but not including the team's three Super Bowl wins. Good reading, especially for younger readers not familiar with the Patriots often inept management. Recommended for all sports fans, especially younger NFL fans. | ||
 | Another Bullshit Night in Suck City: A Memoir | |
| "A tough read but worth the effort. Nice payoff at the end!" | 2008-12-17 |
| Nick Flynn's biographical tale of his complicated relationship with his alcoholic father is fascinating, though at times the descriptions of how hopeless life was during the years described can be a bit off putting. But Flynn succeeds in redeeming himself and the reader with a wonderful last 100 or so pages, which are filled with hope and beauty. I read this book at basically the same time I was reading Jonathan Ames fine graphic novel "The Alcoholic" and both struck me at sort of attempts at a "first step." That is, a description of their drinking and drugging and the awful and hopeless places it took them. Though Ames work ends ambiguously, with the main character lost between having another drink and denying himself, Flynn seems to have found a life worth living, and for that I commend him and heartily recommend this book for those interested in addiction and family dysfunction. | ||
 | Word Freak: Heartbreak, Triumph, Genius, and Obsession in the World of Competitive Scrabble Players | |
| "The greatest book ever for the ultra-serious Scrabble player: The rest of us? Not so much." | 2008-11-20 |
| I enjoyed this book on the whole, but can recommend it only to those with a serious interest in Scrabble. A lot of the book gets bogged down in the intricacies of competitive Scrabble tournaments, which is interesting only for a short time. I play living room Scrabble, but did not understand how complex and complete the knowledge required to become a true skilled player is. The parts of the book describing the game's genesis and history were interesting. But the 366 pages could have been cut by a third to make for a better book for the masses, in my opinion. Three stars out of five. But a nice effort nonetheless. | ||
 | Word Freak: Heartbreak, Triumph, Genius, and Obsession in the World of Competitive Scrabble Players | |
| "The greatest book ever for the ultra-serious Scrabble player: The rest of us? Not so much." | 2008-11-20 |
| I enjoyed this book on the whole, but can recommend it only to those with a serious interest in Scrabble. A lot of the book gets bogged down in the intricacies of competitive Scrabble tournaments, which is interesting only for a short time. I play living room Scrabble, but did not understand how complex and complete the knowledge required to become a true skilled player is. The parts of the book describing the game's genesis and history were interesting. But the 366 pages could have been cut by a third to make for a better book for the masses, in my opinion. Three stars out of five. But a nice effort nonetheless. | ||
 | Enduring Love : A Novel | |
| "Wonderful work by the great McEwan" | 2008-11-06 |
| You simply can't go wrong with any fiction by the supreme English writer of the day, Ian McEwan. Though not quite as good as "Atonement", this one was terrific and is short enough that it can be read in two or three sittings, as most of his works can be. I made it a point not to read the jacket beforehand, so the plot was a surprise. McEwan in all his books uses "love, faith, and suspense" to weave a wonderful tapestry. Thanks to him. | ||
 | Like A Rose: A Thoughtful Celebration Of Football | |
| "Expensive but fun book by the always enjoyable Rick Telander" | 2008-11-03 |
| I have always enjoyed Telander's writing, and miss him when I read Sports Illustrated. He is one of the most decent men writing about sports, and has written some important books about college football, especially "The Hundred Yard Lie." Also, the book about Wisconsin getting to the Rose Bowl was excellent. This book, published by Sports Publishing, was a fun, quick read. I just wish it was cheaper than the listed price. Guess that's what happens when you buy from a specialty publishing house. Of course, Telander's greatest book, and a book that should be read by every serious sports fan, is "Heaven is a Playground." A must buy. Enjoy. | ||
 | The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction | |
| "Good stuff from Jon Stewart and The Daily Show!" | 2008-11-02 |
| This book was enjoyable and lighthearted. I LUUUUVVV naked pix of Supreme Court Justices, and the fact that WalMart banned the book for that reason. Way to go, DS! If you like Michael Moore or Al Franken, this book is for you. It would be hard to believe that anyone in America is not familiar with The Daily Show, but this is exactly the type of humor that has won the show Emmy's and plaudits from people and pundits nationwide. And the book is a steal here at Amazon for just over ten bucks! Buy it if you're a liberal elitist like me with a sense of humor! | ||
 | Firehouse | |
| "Not great Halberstam, but worth reading for its historical value alone." | 2008-10-31 |
| As a longtime fan of the great David Halberstam, I was surprised that I didn't enjoy this book more. Given its sobering and emotional subject matter, it would have been hard for such an important writer to make a mediocre book, but it's my belief that this is mediocre Halberstam. I read the book in the fall of 2008, while it was written in 2002. History is very difficult to write in the months following important events, and this book is proof. The courage and commitment of the fireman in the book is without question, but there are better books to read on 9/11. | ||
 | Firehouse | |
| "Not great Halberstam, but worth reading for its historical value alone." | 2008-10-31 |
| As a longtime fan of the great David Halberstam, I was surprised that I didn't enjoy this book more. Given its sobering and emotional subject matter, it would have been hard for such an important writer to make a mediocre book, but it's my belief that this is mediocre Halberstam. I read the book in the fall of 2008, while it was written in 2002. History is very difficult to write in the months following important events, and this book is proof. The courage and commitment of the fireman in the book is without question, but there are better books to read on 9/11. | ||
 | Firehouse by David Halberstam, ISBN 1590863445 | |
| "Not great Halberstam, but worth reading for its historical value alone." | 2008-10-31 |
| As a longtime fan of the great David Halberstam, I was surprised that I didn't enjoy this book more. Given its sobering and emotional subject matter, it would have been hard for such an important writer to make a mediocre book, but it's my belief that this is mediocre Halberstam. I read the book in the fall of 2008, while it was written in 2002. History is very difficult to write in the months following important events, and this book is proof. The courage and commitment of the fireman in the book is without question, but there are better books to read on 9/11. | ||
 | Firehouse (Wheeler Large Print Book Series (Cloth)) | |
| "Not great Halberstam, but worth reading for its historical value alone." | 2008-10-31 |
| As a longtime fan of the great David Halberstam, I was surprised that I didn't enjoy this book more. Given its sobering and emotional subject matter, it would have been hard for such an important writer to make a mediocre book, but it's my belief that this is mediocre Halberstam. I read the book in the fall of 2008, while it was written in 2002. History is very difficult to write in the months following important events, and this book is proof. The courage and commitment of the fireman in the book is without question, but there are better books to read on 9/11. | ||
 | Firehouse | |
| "Not great Halberstam, but worth reading for its historical value alone." | 2008-10-31 |
| As a longtime fan of the great David Halberstam, I was surprised that I didn't enjoy this book more. Given its sobering and emotional subject matter, it would have been hard for such an important writer to make a mediocre book, but it's my belief that this is mediocre Halberstam. I read the book in the fall of 2008, while it was written in 2002. History is very difficult to write in the months following important events, and this book is proof. The courage and commitment of the fireman in the book is without question, but there are better books to read on 9/11. | ||
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