Sports Books

Didn't need to wait forever to get book and it came in in awesome condition!

This book is great for anyone who has an interest in learning more about the business of sports. The authors have created a resource that gives important information in an interesting format. The content is extensive and yet easily read. I highly recommend it. This is an ambitious undertaking and I will be curious to see what they do next.

This book makes sense out of the disorganised mess that is the Offical Baseball Rule Book. Good indexing and graphics clear up the confusion most fans have about balks, interference, and other fine points of the game. A must for the serious fan.

I have attended minor league baseball for 15 years. It is amazing what I didn't know.

The illustrations in this book are excellent. The visual layouts of all the major league fields alone is worth the price of admission. All of the visulas are excellent. Makes the book enjoyable to peruse even if you know the rule. The book is smart enough to know the difference between the official and actual strike zone too.

This book is full of interesting information for beginners and long-time fans. But what makes it especially appealing to read is the design and the layout of the book. It's beautifully done. I've given away many copies to serious fans.

I love baseball and this answers all the questions I've ever had. Read this cover to cover and you can not only sound smart about baseball but be smart :)

Halberstam was an even more prolific writer than I had thought, as demonstrated by this collection of his short sports pieces published in various magazines over the years. The collection demonstrates his keen eye for the cultural changes mirrored in sport and his appreciation for character. As for the latter, the portrayals of Ted Williams, Joe Torre, Reggie Smith, Muhammad Ali, and Pat Riley are excellent.

Two pieces on basketball are exceptionally strong -- a 1985 article about Indiana high school basketball (with some Bobby Knight mixed in) that captures the State's passion for basketball and the changes in society and sport since the 1950s. Another excellent piece concerns Halberstam's friendship with a little known basketball player who was part of the North Carolina team that beat Wilt Chamberlain and Kansas in the 1950s and who had a brief stint in the NBA.

Many of the pieces explore male friendships and bonding in the context of sports. Halberstam does not delve much into the darker side of sport, perhaps getting his fill of that in his political writing.

Some of the pieces in the collection are a bit superficial and lack the depth of reasearch and passion that gave so much life to Halberstam's longer works. They smack of taking a break and making a quick buck.

On the whole, a worthwhile collection.

This is a very solid collection, and a reminder of what a talented writer Mr. Halberstam was. The themes he would turn into books can be found throughout the essays. He was, it seems, most interested in the combination of race, the media, fame, and friendship. There is a certain weight toward his more recent writings (much of it available online through espn.com and other sites). Certainly worth reading, and for those of us who found Halberstam to be the most gifted writer who happened to write about sports, it is a must have book.

I purchased this book for my 9th grade classroom library. Chris Crutcher hits the controversial topics so well. Though I haven't read all of his other works, this seems to be a great follow-up book to revisit his characters. Another Crutcher book to open up the mind and start conversations.

In this collection of six short stories based on characters from Crutcher's books, he reminds me again of why he is one of my favorite YA authors. And also one of the most-often banned. He uses the world of high school sports to address issues faced by young adults in a sensitive and realistic way. As his heroes get on with the task of growing up in a difficult world, they deal with just about every -ism there is.

Crutcher's books provide excellent talking points for conversations that parents, teachers, and any other concerned adults should be having with the kids we love.

This really is a wonderful collection, one that anyone seeking to understand the mind and actions of a teenage boy or even girl should read. Chris is simple, straightforward, and always fun to read. I'd highly recommend this to any student and even some teachers.

Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher is a collection of six short stories revolving around six different characters. More than a mere collection of sports related stories this book looks at everyday situations and problems about teen life. Weight problems, pushy parents, uncomfortable situations, racism, homosexuality and death. Packed into less than 200 pages Crutcher is able to captivate readers through this book with his humor as well as his insights into the young adult mind. My favorite story of the six is "The Other Pin" about a guy named Petey who is "volunteered" by his best friend to wrestle Chris Byers who has a habit of not just beating all opponents but humiliating them in the process. If that wasn't bad enought Chris Byers is also a girl. Though some of Crutcher's stories are emotional and heart wrenching all are worth the read.

In ATHLETIC SHORTS, Chris Crutcher presents original short stories involving characters from his previous novels. In the book's forward, Crutcher explains, "In my travels around the country and in letters from readers, I am constantly asked what happens to certain characters in my books. So once in a while I check in" (pp. ix-x).

Each of these short stories involves a central character from a previous novel, but, while Crutcher may have intended a particular story to be a prequel or an afterward, the stories remain independent. So a person who has not read RUNNING LOOSE will still be able to understand the storyline behind IN THE TIME I GET, in which Louie Banks looks into the eyes of a friend dying of AIDS and realizes the value of time. Additionally, after getting a taste of Crutcher's novels through his short stories, readers may well be inspired to go out and acquire the novels themselves.

Athletics are the uniting theme throughout these stories, but they also give Crutcher a medium to introduce physical, mental, and emotional challenges for his characters. Sports allow a safe setting for conflict and failure, while also providing a site for characters to achieve and excel.

Thumbs Up! Award Winner, 1992

Reviewed by: Mechele R. Dillard

I am reading this whole series: Creating Havoc, Simon Says and Hard to Handle and have really enjoyed the whole storyline. I like the characters that Lori Foster creates and even though there are several storylines, I do like the plot and endings. I recommend the series and the author if you are one who likes romantic mysteries.

I loved this book. It was fast paced and there was a good story line. The only thing that was a little dissapointing was that it was the same old story. Scared ex-wife running from abusive ex-husband. Although I think its awseome that she got to kick his but in the end. That rocked. Although she could have done a bit more damage. Its cool that Foster brought back so many of the characters from other books. It makes the plot more intersting to see were other charachters are from past books.

Simon Evans' stepfather hired Dakota Dreams to find his stepson, who is getting in shape for his comeback fight as an extreme fighter, to arrange a meeting between them. When Simon meets Dakota for the first time he is instantly drawn to her, but is absolutely not interested in meeting his stepfather. The relationship between them becomes more and more interesting as well as hot, but Dakota keeps some secrets from Simon and those secrets come back to hound her and Simon.

SIMON SAYS kept this reviewer up all night because she wasn't able to put it down. There is no moment where the storyline slows down for even a little bit. It's a good mixture of action-filled and sensual sequences plus Mrs. Foster's special kind of witty humor that keeps you glued to the pages.

The chemistry between Simon and Dakota is absolutely perfect and Dakota really needs someone special after the way her abusive ex-husband treated her.

Although SIMON SAYS is the second book of the SBC Fighter series, it can be read as a stand-alone. This reviewer is really looking forward to reading the next book Hard To Handle, which will be released in February and she hopes that there will be more books in this series.

SIMON SAYS is not only a book for long time fans, but this book is also great when you want to try out one of Mrs. Foster's books. So if you are fan of sport romances or Mrs. Foster's books you really should get a copy of this book.

Courtesy of Loveromances and more

This was a good stroy. Predictable but that didn't diminish the quality. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Dakota Dream? If your 1st name was Dakota and your married last name was Dream and you got a divorce would you not change back to your maiden name instead of keeping a name that makes you sound like a stripper or a porn star? Her reason for keeping it didn't make any sense. On the other hand not much she did made any sense.

She was 23 years old and acted about 16. I noticed in the last few Lori Foster books the female lead has been in their early or mid 20's. If I wanted to read a book with the woman so much younger than the man I'd get an old Harlequin. Dakota was a slob, wearing baggy clothes and no make up with a personality like a rabid badger yet every guy she ran across was hot for her?

Also it's my own personal preference but I don't think a man who shaves his head can be particularly handsome.

The sex scenes were boring and mostly stupid.

I liked "Causing Havoc" and hope the 3rd in the series "Hard to Handle", which I already have, is better than this one.

We bought this book for our 9 year old son and he loved it.

I read the Eric Liddle story (Chariot's of Fire hero) and all the other books in this series this summer. I can't begin to tell you how inspirational the lives of these people are. The one on Gladys Allward is unbelievable. The things these people accomplished were amazing. The books are easy, quick reads and are great for read alouds to children. These authors also have a series of biographies of famous Americans (George Washington, Harriett Tubman, etc that are excellent. Good job Amazon for placing this book up on the web page.

Well written with lots of beneficial information. Not all of it is relative but all of it has it's purpose. It definitely gives those of us who are interested in touring food for thought.

This is a fantastic book about the realities of bike touring. Everything you need to know about the appropriate equipment, the countries, road conditions, visas, weather, etc. I couldn't put it down.

In the mid 1970's when I was a kid my mom gave me a coffee table book on bicycling. I forget the title and author and the book is long gone. In it was a section on "bikepacking" as cycle touring was coined back then. It was the inspiration for a life of traveling by bicycle. Stephen Lord's "Adventure Cycle-Touring Handbook" will do the same for countless others with a spirit of adventure, but the information contained within is invaluable. No more learning the hardway. Pay attention to what is written and know yourself; you will go a long way. Like the Patagonia cataloges of the era in which I grew up and the Bridgestone Bicycle cataloges of the era in which I matured, this book will be coveted by those in the know and become treasured and collected. If you've ever toured, read it and know what I mean. If you haven't, pick up a copy and hit the road.

I thought this book was very through, from gear selection, to stories to get you excited go on a trip. I would recommend it to any long-distance dreaming cycler.

This is a great book. The 3 sections allow riders to learn about adventure travel according to the mood they are in. I used the bike recommendations to buy the Volpe. Great purchase. Warning: this book will encourage you to travel. Wish list: a web site like crazyguyonabike.com so readers can keep abreast of updates. Cheers Lord. Nice job.

The product came as it was described and was shipped in a timely manner. The book was like new and was available at a great price. I plan to buy from this seller again and recommend them to others.

This was the first Kate Angell book I've read and I could NOT put it down!! I think that there could have been 2 books rather than squeezing the 2 girls into 1. I can't wait to buy moer Kate Angell books!!

If you want to read at least three love stories this is the one.
If you want to read about baseball trivia this is the one.
If you want to read about golf this is the one.
But if you want to read a good book that keeps you interested in the story don't read this one.

This goes on my keeper shelf. Great read. It had it all, humor, drama, sexual tension, kinkyness, and a few teary moments. The main character romance is about best friends that had been casual lovers for years while being secretly in love with the other one. Their history and their mutual craziness make them an adorable couple. The secondary romance is a bit more serious but just as sweet. It's about letting go of lost love and having confidence in onself. And the other characters, which includes three rogue baseball players, are so well defined that you want to smack them one minute and pray for a naked sence with them the next. Don't pass this book or author up. Sexual Content : Moderate
If you like this book try Wendy Markham's The Nine Month Plan

I had such high hopes for this book. I have enjoyed other sports-related romances (but they have all dealt with sports I'm not a fan of) and had hoped to especially enjoy this one as I am a fan of baseball and a fan of romance what could be better than combining the two?

The answer is not this book. I had several problems with Squeeze Play which I will list below:

1. Jacy and Risk are not really the main characters. Why they are portrayed as such in the synopsis on the back, I have no idea. I suspect it is because the editors didn't think anyone would read a book about people named Zen and Stevie.

2. There were characters in the book named Zen and Stevie. I'm willing to accept unusual character names, but it's a little over the top when every character has an unusual name. For example there are Romeo, Psycho and Chaser.

3. For being the main characters, Risk and Jacy had very little page time and their interactions were superficial and sexual at best. The relationship/storyline of Zen and Stevie was much more interesting and more deeply explored.

4. And finally, the entire coffee shop thing annoyed me. I hated the give blow thing. It was not sexy and all I could think about was having someone spit in your coffee. Truly, I had to skip those parts it bothered me so.

I thought Squeeze Play was well written and the dialouge was good (save the part about blow) but the story didn't really flow. It was like three short stories put together.

If you are interested in reading a good baseball romance, I recommend Bright Promise by Connie Deka (it is a historical, but it's a good story).

Jacy is a high-energy, free-spirited woman who has loved Risk for years. When Risk decides to come back to their hometown for an entire month, Jacy is a bit nervous that she won't be able to keep her secret from him. For more than 12 years, he has been her "rebound" lover; whenever she breaks up with someone, he flies in and helps her pick up the pieces. The problem is that he is the only lover she has ever had, and she's afraid that when he finds out he will run like the wind, while Jacy wants to keep him all to herself. Risk is wondering if Jacy is the one he is willing to dedicate all of his homeruns to and be the one he runs home to. The time in November will hopefully help him decide this. They are so explosive together, but will they both let their guards down enough to let their hearts talk?

Zen Driscoll, the team's shortstop, is kidnapped by Risk when he heads home, for the month and the charity event. Well, not kidnapped, but a ride to the grocery store in Richmond happens via Florida. Zen is amused when he learns he is to be part of a charity event that weekend. The thing that intrigues him even more is Jacy's best friend and worker in her coffee shop, Stevie. She can match him on baseball statistics and physically sets him on fire. Unfortunately, Stevie is taken, and it will remain to be seen whether the rumors about her long-time boyfriend are true or not. If the locker room rumors are true, that her boyfriend has actually gotten engaged to someone else, then she is going to need a friend more than a horny baseball player. Can he fit the bill?

Squeeze Play is going onto my keeper shelf. I highly recommend this book to all contemporary romance readers. Kate Angell is an absolutely fantastic author who magically intertwines the lives and stories of three couples into one novel with enough originality that makes me wonder where she is getting her ideas. I am not even a fan of baseball but I could see how the `Bat Pack' would make any sane person laugh. At the same time, I know people who would line up for hours for service like that offered at Jacy's Java. The author keeps the story realistic in ways that many wouldn't take the time to remember, such as how a hamstring or cracked rib injury might hamper the finer movements of sex, but not keep the people out of the game all together. If you like Deidre Martin's hockey series, Susan Elizabeth Phillip's football players then you will love Squeeze Play. Ms. Angell you hit this one out of the park!! I am now heading out, no make that running out, to purchase all of her other stories that I missed.

Tanya
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

this book has been a great insipiration for my decision to get fit.. I read it avidely and now that I finished I have a better idea of how to actually get myself trained for a triathlon, but really It helped me to change my point of view regarding my ability to excersise... Great book Sally!

This book was a bit dissapointing and hard to follow. The writing style was straining and I felt it was a big advertisement for Danskin. I'm a newcomer to triathlons but have extensive competitive athletic experience and as much as I tried to appreciate the advice, I felt bound and gagged by repeated Danskin references.

Even as a beginner, I found it too simple for what it claims to be, and not well written enough to hold it high on a virtue other than information given.

I am a beginner triathlete in every sense of the word. Although I have swam biked and ran before I had never done any competitively until my first Danskin triathlon. I bought this book after that and have gotten some really great tips and realized a lot of the things I was doing wrong. Great How to's on all three sports as well as nutrition, training and gear. I love it!!

I was not impressed. Even as a newcomer to triathlons, the book helped very little. It had some motivation, but there are far better books for that out there, and very little useful training advice.
My definate advice is not to get this book--- I still regret spending my money on this one.