Biography: sport Books

Book SynopsisIn 1988, then struggling writer Davis Miller drove to Muhammad Ali’s mother’s modest Louisville house, knocked on the door and introduced himself to his childhood idol. Nearly thirty years later, the two friends have an uncommon bond, the sort that can be fashioned only in serendipitous ways and fortified through shared experiences. Miller now draws from those remarkable moments to give us a beautifully written portrait of a great man physically devastated but spiritually young—playing tricks on unsuspecting guests, performing sleight of hand for any willing audience and walking ten miles each way to get an ice cream. Following in the tradition of writers such as Gay Talese and Nick Hornby, Miller gives us a series of extraordinary stories that coalesce to become a moving introduction to the human side of a boxing legend.Trade Review"[Miller's] new book gives you an intimate glimpse of Tragic Ali: a man of once-uncontainable animation now locked behind facial features that do not move 'one-tenth of an inch'." -- Financial Times"Ali’s friendship with Davis is brilliantly detailed in the author’s latest book Approaching Ali: A Reclamation In Three Acts." -- Mirror Online

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Book SynopsisIn 1988, then struggling writer Davis Miller drove to Muhammad Ali’s mother’s modest Louisville house, knocked on the door and introduced himself to his childhood idol. Nearly thirty years later, the two friends have an uncommon bond, the sort that can be fashioned only in serendipitous ways and fortified through shared experiences. Miller now draws from those remarkable moments to give us a beautifully written portrait of a great man physically devastated but spiritually young—playing tricks on unsuspecting guests, performing sleight of hand for any willing audience and walking ten miles each way to get an ice cream. Following in the tradition of writers such as Gay Talese and Nick Hornby, Miller gives us a series of extraordinary stories that coalesce to become a moving introduction to the human side of a boxing legend.Trade Review"[Miller's] new book gives you an intimate glimpse of Tragic Ali: a man of once-uncontainable animation now locked behind facial features that do not move 'one-tenth of an inch'." -- Financial Times"Ali’s friendship with Davis is brilliantly detailed in the author’s latest book Approaching Ali: A Reclamation In Three Acts." -- Mirror Online

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Book SynopsisFor generations, American athletes have enjoyed the ever-escalating celebrity lavished upon them when they combine on-the-field talent with off-the field charisma, but never before have we seen as transformative a sports dynasty as the Mannings: a bloodline of strong arms, Southern values, and savvy business instincts—each man compelling in his own right, made whole by family. But how, in just fifty years, did this private trio achieve football immortality? A gripping and definitive account, In the Name of the Father traces Archie, Peyton, and Eli’s roots from red-clay Mississippi to the bright lights of the Super Bowl to reveal the truth of their grit and dedication, their inherent ability, and the drama they endured behind closed doors. As New York Times Notable biographer Mark Ribowsky meticulously chronicles, the road to football stardom was not paved smoothly for patriarch Archie. The most celebrated and beloved athlete to emerge from tiny Drew, Mississippi, Archie lost his father to suicide during his heyday at Ole Miss. Then, despite his playing through the pain, a string of surgeries prematurely ended a storied NFL career, most memorably spent with the New Orleans Saints. Similar savior-like expectations were passed to Archie’s eldest, Cooper, the most gifted of his brood, but the shocking discovery of a spinal condition prevented Cooper from ever playing a single snap of college ball. Luckily, Archie had been raising all three of his sons to love the gridiron, throwing deep balls to them off the front porch, and there were two more heir apparents in the wings. Raised watching dusty old game films in the family den, Peyton was swiftly hailed as a generational talent, his record-breaking tenure at Tennessee paving a clear path to the NFL. Winning Super Bowls with both the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, he was able to overcome a debilitating neck injury—after barely being able to hold a football—to eclipse Archie in football success. It was Peyton who would first pair his football cachet with capitalism, selecting commercials and appearances to show off his humor and expand the now-ubiquitous Manning brand into mainstream popular culture. And finally there was quiet Eli, with an arm and a career to match his big brother’s but a reserved and enigmatic affect all his own. The good-boy who followed his father to Ole Miss, Eli entered the NFL even more carefully managed then his brother was, forcing a trade when the lackluster San Diego Chargers selected him with the first pick in the draft. Even with two dramatic Super Bowl wins with the New York Giants, Eli’s lows have been catastrophic, and he has never been quite the media darling his brother is. But even as their football careers wind down, the power of the Manning name only grows. Drawing on new interviews and research, Ribowsky reveals a family of transcendent talent and intense loyalty dedicated to maintaining an all-American façade that has, on occasion, shown cracks. From the family’s past steeped in problematic parts of Southern identity, to locker-room scandal turned lawsuit, to flashes of fraternal jealousy, Ribowsky leaves no stone unturned. Rich in gridiron dramatics and familial intrigue, In the Name of the Father is a quintessentially American saga of a multifaceted lineage that has forever changed the game.

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Book SynopsisWhen a sudden accident resulted in a broken leg that could take him out of the game permanently, Seattle Sounders soccer star Steve Zakuani faced his biggest challenge yet. Steve's road to soccer success hadn't merely involved athletic challenges; in the years leading up to joining the Sounders, Steve had overcome an upbringing in one of London's roughest neighborhoods, battled personal apathy, and overcome a serious injury. He found renewed purpose through the influence of a mentor and, through that mentor, found his purpose in God's call on his life. Yet his early challenges began to look small when Steve suffered an even more severe injury that shattered his leg--and, it seemed, his career. That injury--and his 500 long days of recovery--forced him to grapple with who he was when his identity in soccer and his personal goals were taken out of his hands. This book, drawn from journals written during his recovery, will give you a raw, honest look into Steve's story. Let him coach you on how to face tragedy with a positive mindset, how to set goals that are bigger than your adversity, how to remain hopeful in your darkest moments, and how to help others in your life overcome their own greatest challenges. Rise Above: My 500 Days of Faith, Forgiveness, and Fighting Back includes a study guide for personal reflection or group discussion.

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Book SynopsisOn May 30, 1958, thousands of racing fans poured into the infield at dawn to claim the best seats of the Indianapolis 500, unaware that they were going to witness one of the most notorious wrecks in racing history. Seconds after the green flag, a game of chicken spiraled out of control into a fiery 16-car pile-up that claimed the life of 29-year-old Indiana native and rising star Pat O'Connor. The other drivers escaped death, but the tragic 1958 Indy 500 seemed to leave its mark on them: the surviving drivers were hounded by accidents and terrible crashes, and most would die at tracks around the country. But the tragedy also prompted new regulations and safety precautions like roll bars that would ultimately save hundreds of lives. In The Curse of Indy 500: 1958's Tragic Legacy, veteran sportswriter Stan Sutton profiles the ill-fated race and the careers of the drivers involved, highlighting their lives in the dangerous world of auto racing.Trade Review"In all, the book offers an exciting story of the 1958 Indy 500 and a thought-provoking discussion of its aftermath." * Daily Journal *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments1. A Convoluted Account of the Crash2. A Race-Day Shootout3. May was Busting Out All Over4. O'Connor's Eternal Home5. The City of Railroads6. Deadly Summer of '587. Safety Wasn't First8. Daytona Enters the Picture9. No Average Day at the Teach10. Champion of the Dirt11. How Fast is Too Fast12. O'Connor Victim of Jinx13. Jerry Unser Unlucky Trend Setter14. The Good and Bad of Ed Elisian15. Journeymen Drivers Also Victimized16. Death Common at Langhorne17. The Short Career of Bobby Ball18. Speedway Claims Bettenhausen19. Tony's Legacy Continues20. Check Out Those Helmets21. Keller in Vukovich Crash22. Thomson Known for Bravery23. Among All Else, Foyt is Survivor24. Sachs Almost Won in '6125. The Little Car that Could26. Everyone Loved the Novi27. Innocent Victims28. Sport Loses Two Good Men29. He Was a Wonderful Gentleman30. Fire and Fear are Synonymous31. Just Get Over It32. Danger Highest on Short Tracks33. '58 Drivers Can't Escape Fate34. Dodge Loses in Photo Finish35. Phrase Almost Prophetic36. Later that Night he was Gone37. Jud Larson, A Breed Apart38. A New Rival for Indy39. Ward's Time Finally Arrives40. Dick is Jim and Jim is Dick41. Ward Walks Away42. Major Celebrities Missed Race43. Dick, the Other Rathmann44. Hollywood Comes to Indy45. Fans Fall to Their Death46. Goldsmith was Multi-dimensional47. The Lady Lost her Life48. Indy Among Top 10 Dangerous Tracks49. The Former Winner's Last Race50. Death Wasn't Only Bad Result51. Most Great Indy Drivers Survived52. Mario Survives Spectacular Flip53. The Most Deadly Sport?54. The Trials of Cal Niday55. Weyant the Oldest Survivor56. Stewart Pushes for Safety57. He was Still Alive58. Lower Leg Injuries were Prevalent59. Flying Starts Can Be Frightening60. Getting Out While Getting's Good61. Major Survivable Crashes62. No Chance of Survival63. Bill Cheesbourg, One of a Kind64. Sutton Retired After Seeing Kenyon Wreck65. Turner Did a Turnover66. Boyd Saw A Lot of Action67. Speed and Safety May Not Mix

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Book SynopsisAs the first African American player to be drafted by the NFL and the first African American to play quarterback, George Taliaferro was a trailblazer whose athletic prowess earned him accolades throughout his football career. Instrumental in leading Indiana University to an undefeated season and undisputed Big Ten championship in 1945, Taliaferro was a star when many major universities had no black players on their rosters and others were stacking black players behind white starters. George Taliaferro would later rack up impressive statistics while playing professionally for the New York Yanks, Dallas Texans, Baltimore Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles. His athletic prowess did little to prevent him from facing segregation and discrimination on a daily basis, but his popularity as an athlete also gave him a platform. Playing professionally gave Taliaferro more opportunity to use football to fight oppression and to interact with other important trailblazers, like Joe Louis, Nat King Cole, Muhammad Ali, and Congressman John Lewis.Race and Football in America tells Taliaferro's story and profiles the experiences of other athletes of color who were recognized for their athleticism yet oppressed for their skin color, as they fought (and continue to fight) for equal rights and opportunities. Together these stories provide an insightful portrait of race in America.Trade ReviewA good, readable, and generally engaging descriptive history of an athlete who worked for social justice. * Choice (reviewing a previous edition) *The book's many anecdotes from Taliaferro's life are entertaining, revealing his feelings and courage while making the focus on football more approachable and personal. * Foreword Reviews *Table of ContentsForeword by Delise S. O'MeallyForeword by Bob KravitzForeword by Tony DungyPrefaceAcknowledgements1. October 2005: Trick or Treat2. 1944-1945: Taliaferro's Football Roots3. 1945-1946: Adjusting to Life at Indiana University4. 1945-1946: Indiana University Football5. 1946-1947: Army Days6. 1947: A Volatile Time for Professional Football7. 1947-1949: Back at Indiana University8. 1949-1955: Integrating Professional Football9. 1955-Present: Life After Football10. 1949-Present: Integration of the NFL11. 2016-Present: The New TrailblazersEpilogueBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisAs the first African American player to be drafted by the NFL and the first African American to play quarterback, George Taliaferro was a trailblazer whose athletic prowess earned him accolades throughout his football career. Instrumental in leading Indiana University to an undefeated season and undisputed Big Ten championship in 1945, Taliaferro was a star when many major universities had no black players on their rosters and others were stacking black players behind white starters. George Taliaferro would later rack up impressive statistics while playing professionally for the New York Yanks, Dallas Texans, Baltimore Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles. His athletic prowess did little to prevent him from facing segregation and discrimination on a daily basis, but his popularity as an athlete also gave him a platform. Playing professionally gave Taliaferro more opportunity to use football to fight oppression and to interact with other important trailblazers, like Joe Louis, Nat King Cole, Muhammad Ali, and Congressman John Lewis.Race and Football in America tells Taliaferro's story and profiles the experiences of other athletes of color who were recognized for their athleticism yet oppressed for their skin color, as they fought (and continue to fight) for equal rights and opportunities. Together these stories provide an insightful portrait of race in America.Trade ReviewA good, readable, and generally engaging descriptive history of an athlete who worked for social justice. * Choice (reviewing a previous edition) *The book's many anecdotes from Taliaferro's life are entertaining, revealing his feelings and courage while making the focus on football more approachable and personal. * Foreword Reviews *Table of ContentsForeword by Delise S. O'MeallyForeword by Bob KravitzForeword by Tony DungyPrefaceAcknowledgements1. October 2005: Trick or Treat2. 1944-1945: Taliaferro's Football Roots3. 1945-1946: Adjusting to Life at Indiana University4. 1945-1946: Indiana University Football5. 1946-1947: Army Days6. 1947: A Volatile Time for Professional Football7. 1947-1949: Back at Indiana University8. 1949-1955: Integrating Professional Football9. 1955-Present: Life After Football10. 1949-Present: Integration of the NFL11. 2016-Present: The New TrailblazersEpilogueBibliographyIndex

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Book Synopsis"They don't know me. They don't know what I'm capable of." Diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder, a form of autism, as a toddler, Anthony Ianni wasn't expected to succeed in school or participate in sports, but he had other ideas. As a child, Ianni told anybody who would listen, including head coach Tom Izzo, that he would one day play for the Michigan State Spartans. Centered: Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete's Dreams is the firsthand account of a young man's social, academic, and athletic struggles and his determination to reach his goals. In this remarkable memoir, Ianni reflects on his experiences with both basketball and the autism spectrum. Centered, an inspirational sports story in the vein of Rudy, reveals Ianni to be unflinching in his honesty, generous in his gratitude, and gracious in his compassion.Sports fans will root for the underdog. Parents, teachers, and coaches will gain insight into the experience of an autistic child. And everyone will triumph in the achievements of Centered.Trade ReviewBoth authors did an amazing job in writing a book that is a definite resource for parents, students, schools, hospital workers and everyone to understand Autism Spectrum. -- Fran Lewis * Book Pleasures *If the general reader is deeply moved by Ianni's story, parents of autistic children, and the children themselves, will find Ianni's story a source of boundless, manifold inspiration. -- Alan Moores * Booklist (starred) *An exceptionally well written, inherently fascinating, impressively candid, memorable and inspiring memoir. Centered: Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete's Dreams is especially and unreservedly recommended, especially for community, college, and university library Contemporary American Biography collections. -- Able Greenspan * Midwest Book Review *Centered is both a captivating triumph of the human spirit and a testament to people behind the scenes who guided Ianni in his journey without a roadmap or manual for how to help him. -- Brenda Ortega * MEA Voice *Table of ContentsForeword, by Tom IzzoAcknowledgmentsPrologue: The Bres1. "We Are Okemos"2. The Diagnosis3. That Anthony Kid4. Talking to Nobody5. Pushing My Buttons6. Sports7. Grandpa Nick8. Hating to Lose9. On the Banks of the Red Cedar10. "Do Those Impressions"11. "We Want to Tell You a Story"12. AAU13. #4414. Family15. Instant Classic16. Committed17. On Campus18. The Streak19. Sophomore Slump20. Release21. Getting Back Up22. Sitting Out23. The Jersey24. "I'm Screwed Up"25. The Carl Vinson and the Garden26. The Big Ten27. Tournaments and Awards28. Commencing

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Book SynopsisLooking back at the lives and sailing careers of some of our lifetime’s finest yachtsmen, this collection of eleven original, moving accounts is just as much a celebration of the good – tales of hope, achievement and courageous spirit – as it is an account of their tragic final voyages. Included are world-renowned racers, like Eric Tabarly and Rob James, highly experienced cruisers and adventurers, like Peter Tangvald and Bill Tilman, and the notoriously ill-prepared Donald Crowhurst, as well as other famous and some less well-known sailors. Starting with the sad loss of Frank Davison and Reliance in 1949, the book concludes with the amazing last voyage of Philip Walwyn in 2015 – crossing the Atlantic single-handed in his 12 Metre yacht Kate. All of the men and women described were friends with or known to the author, Nicholas Gray, who himself competed in several short-handed long distance races, where he met and raced against many of these fascinating characters. Peppered with photographs showcasing the sailors and their yachts, this is a refreshing look at those who have helped to shape this sport’s history, honouring their lives and accomplishments before detailing their tragic last voyages.Trade Review"This is an unusual and absorbing book. The subject matter is not as depressing as it sounds. Nicholas Gray has succeeded in making it more of a celebration of the lives and achievements of these remarkable people. They all lived life to the full, and Last Voyages is a very fitting tribute." (Royal Cruising Club) “breath-taking accounts of events that led to the tragic seafaring deaths of seventeen people….in a captivating easy-to-read style, each page crammed with information and insights… a ‘must-read’ for anyone contemplating a serious sea voyage or offshore race.” (Cruising Association) “These memoirs are just as much a celebration of the good – tales of hope, achievement and courageous spirit – as they are an account of the tragic final voyages.” (All At Sea)Table of ContentsForeword: Sir Chay Blyth; Introduction; 1: The last voyage of Ann and Frank Davison and the loss of the Reliance (1949); 2: The strange last voyage of Donald Crowhurst and the trimaran Teignmouth Electron (1969); 3: The life and last voyage of Mike McMullen and the loss of the trimaran Three Cheers (1976); 4: The last voyage of Simon Richardson and Bill Tilman and the loss of En Avant in the South Atlantic (1977); 5: The life and loss of Alain Colas and his trimaran Manureva (1978); 6: The last voyage and loss of the trimaran Bucks Fizz and her entire crew in the Fastnet Race of 1979; 7: The life, last voyage and loss of Angus Primrose and Demon of Hamble (1980); 8: The life and last voyage of Rob James on board his trimaran Colt Cars GB (1983); 9: The life, loves and last voyages of Peter Tangvald on board L'Artemis and his son Thomas on board Oasis (1991 and 2014); 10: The life and last voyage of Eric Tabarly on board his yacht Pen Duick (1998); 11: The extraordinary life and last voyage of Philip Walwyn on board his 12 Metre yacht Kate (2015); Afterword

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Book SynopsisThe Life of O'Reilly is a chronicle of the career of one of the European PGA Tour's most famous caddies-John O'Reilly-and it's full of funny stories as only this Irishman can tell them. Like the one about the time he and some fellow caddies were arrested and jailed in East Germany on their way to the German Open in Berlin. Or the one about the Tour pro who, in a fit of temper after a bad shot, put his foot through the bottom of his golf bag and could not get it out again! The Life of O'Reilly is a rollicking ride around the world-and the world of professional golf-by one of the game's most interesting characters. No golf library would be complete without it. "I hope that you'll find this book as entertaining as I found Johnny to be throughout our three successful years on tour. There was never a dull moment!" --Padraig HarringtonTable of ContentsIntroduction. Chapter One: Reilly the Globetrotter. Chapter Two: Tantrums, Pranks, and High Jinks. Chapter Three: King of the Castle. Chapter Four: The Players. Chapter Five: Hobnobbing with Royalty. Chapter Six: Behind the Iron Curtain. Chapter Seven: Thailand. Chapter Eight: Dubai. Chapter Nine: South Africa. Chapter Ten: “The Boss.” Chapter Eleven: Nanny and Gopher. Chapter Twelve: More Caddie Yarns. Chapter Thirteen: The Holmpatrick Cup. Chapter Fourteen: Kiawah Island.

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Book SynopsisSiendo un bebé, le pusieron una raqueta de juguete en la mano. Desde entonces, Agassi no ha hecho otra cosa que golpear pelotas de tenis. Su padre, obsesionado en convertirlo en un astro del deporte, cosntruyó una máquina (el dragón) que disparaba 2.500 pelotas al día contra el pequeño Andre. Escrita por el premio Pulitzer J. R. Moehringer, Open es la semblanza a corazón abierto de André Agassi, que en estas memorias se muestra tal como es: un hombre que debió enfrentarse a las presiones de su familia, de la fama, pero que siempre conservó el valor de la amistad y un sentido altruista de la vida. En esta cautivadora autobiografía, Agassi revela, con sentido del humor y ternura, una vida definida por la contradicción entre un destino impuesto y el anhelo por complacer a quienes lo han sacrificado todo por él.Odio el tenis, lo detesto con una oscura y secreta pasión, y sin embargo sigo jugando porque no tengo alternativa. Y ese abismo, esa contradicción entre lo que quiero hacer y lo

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisPain Don’t Hurt is the no-holds-barred memoir from the only professional fighter in history to return to the ring after open-heart surgery, kickboxer Mark “Fightshark” Miller—an inspiring story of family, determination, and redemption.In 2007, Mark Miller was a rising star in professional kickboxing, until a routine physical uncovered a serious condition that required open-heart surgery. The crisis helped to temporarily reunite his fractured family and made Miller more determined than ever to return to the kickboxing ring. But within a year, his parents and brother were all dead, and Miller’s fragile optimism imploded, sending him into a tailspin of drugs and alcohol.Pain Don’t Hurt is a story of incredible tenacity, dedication, and hard work—how one fierce competitor overcame repeated obstacles to realize his dreams. Miller recounts stories ranging from his childhood spent in the Steelers locker room to the s

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Book SynopsisThe definitive account of Lance Armstrong's spectacular rise and fall.In June 2013, when Lance Armstrong fled his palatial home in Texas, downsizing in the face of multimillion-dollar lawsuits, Juliet Macur was there—talking to his girlfriend and children and listening to Armstrong's version of the truth. She was one of the few media members aside from Oprah Winfrey to be granted extended one-on-one access to the most famous pariah in sports.At the center of Cycle of Lies is Armstrong himself, revealed through face-to-face interviews.But this unfolding narrative is given depth and breadth by the firsthand accounts of more than one hundred witnesses, including family members whom Armstrong had long since turned his back on—the adoptive father who gave him the Armstrong name, a grandmother, an aunt. Perhaps most damning of all is the taped testimony of the late J.T. Neal, the most influential of Armstrong's many father figures, rec

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Book SynopsisInspired by Arthur Ashe’s bestselling memoir Days of Grace, a collection of positive, uplifting stories of seemingly small acts of grace from across the sports world that have helped to bridge cultural and racial divides.Like many people of color, James Blake has experienced the effects of racism firsthand—publicly—first at the U.S. Open, and then in front of his hotel on a busy Manhattan street, where he was tackled and handcuffed by a police officer in a case of mistaken identity. Though rage would have been justified, Blake faced both incidents with dignity and aplomb. In Ways of Grace he reflects on his experiences and explores those of other sports stars and public figures who have not only overcome adversity, but have used them to unite rather than divide, including: Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, a Pakistani Muslim and Amir Hadad, an Israeli Jew, who despite the conflicts of their countries, paired together in the 2002 Wimbledon men’s doubles draw. Muhammad Ali, who transcended racism with a magnetic personality and a breathtaking mastery of boxing that was unparalleled. Nelson Mandela, who spent twenty-seven years in prison for his commitment to social reform, peace, and equality yet never gave up his battle to end apartheid—a struggle that led to his eventual freedom and his nation''s transition to black majority rule.Groundbreaking tennis legend Arthur Ashe, who was a model of courage, elegance, and poise on the court and off; a gifted player who triumphed in the all-white world of professional tennis, and became one of his generation''s greatest players. Weaving together these and other poignant and unforgettable stories, Blake reveals how, through seemingly small acts of grace, we can confront hatred, bigotry, and injustice with virtue—and use it to propel ourselves to greater heights.

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Book SynopsisIn this definitive biography, veteran sportswriter Tom Callahan shines a spotlight on one of the greatest golfers ever to play the game, Arnold Palmer.The winner of more than ninety championships, including four Masters Tournaments, Arnold Palmer was a legend in twentieth century sports: a supremely gifted competitor beloved for his powerful hitting, his nerve on the greens, and his great rapport with fans. Perhaps above all others, Palmer was the reason golf’s popularity exploded, as the King of the links helped define golf’s golden age along with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. In addition to his talent on the golf course, Palmer was a brilliant entrepreneur off it, and one of the first sportsmen to create his own successful marketing brand. Forging an alliance with sports agent Mark McCormick, Palmer parlayed his popularity into lucrative deals, and helped pave the way for the multi-million-dollar contracts that have become standard for s

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Buzz Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights is an American classic. With The Mosquito Bowl, he is back with a true story even more colorful and profound. This book too is destined to become a classic. I devoured it.” — John Grisham “Take your pick: This is either the story of the most improbable game of football ever played, an anthem to immigrant America, or a brilliant tribute to an exemplary brotherhood that would be decimated at Okinawa. In every case it’s an indelible account of promising young men themselves hurled into history. Buzz Bissinger has stitched their story together as no one else could, powerfully and seamlessly, offering up a tender-tough tale in his signature high-octane prose.” — Stacy Schiff, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Witches: Salem, 1692 “Here may be the most uniquely fascinating story ever written about World War II. Like the best of Buzz Bissinger, it is about far more than a football game, or even the war. He’s a gifted narrator and prodigious researcher, and in this book his skills are all on display: indelible characters, a bizarre and remarkably distinct setting, action, drama. . . . A great story told with insight and humor and deep feeling. Do not pass this book by. It is magnificent.” — Mark Bowden, New York Times bestselling author of Black Hawk Down and Hue 1968 "Harrowing, profound, and illuminating, The Mosquito Bowl humanizes war and elevates athletic competition in one fell swoop. Bissinger is the master of showing us life in a single grain of sand, and he has done so brilliantly here. As familiar as the subject of World War II may seem, this book makes you see it in a fresh and exquisite way, with all its pain and triumph rendered in close detail." — Susan Orlean, New York Times bestselling author of On Animals and The Library Book “Stephen Crane famously discovered ‘the rage of conflict’ while watching a college football game. For Buzz Bissinger, football is no metaphor; it is the way into one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Deeply researched, told with extraordinary empathy and verve, The Mosquito Bowl will break your heart.” — Nathaniel Philbrick, National Book Award winning author of In the Heart of the Sea and Travels with George “The Mosquito Bowl is savage, piercing and haunting. Buzz Bissinger has written an utterly heartbreaking saga that fuses the macho glory of college football with the brutality and futility of combat. It is a measure of Bissinger’s singular talent that his searing account is tragic, yet also inspiring and unforgettable.” — David Zucchino, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Wilmington’s Lie "[Bissinger] succeeds brilliantly, interweaving rich back stories of a few superior college football players whose sports careers and lives were upended and often ended by war . . . . it changed the way I thought about World War II." — New York Times Book Review “[This] remarkable work profoundly communicates the experience and importance of the United States Marine Corps while preserving a rich history that our Corps and Nation should never forget.” — From the Citation for the General Wallace M. Greene Award from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation “A gripping real-life story.” — Washington Post “There simply aren’t enough ways to tell you just how good The Mosquito Bowl, Buzz Bissinger’s new book remembering a remarkable football game in the depths of the Pacific theater of World War II, is. Here’s one: it’s every bit as good—and maybe even better—than Friday Night Lights." — Mike Vaccaro, New York Post "The Mosquito Bowl adroitly resurrects a long-forgotten episode to explore American values across the generations." — Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Bissinger effortlessly combines sports and military history in this gritty account of a football game played by U.S. Marines on Guadalcanal in December 1944 . . . . The book excels in its sweeping yet fine-grained portraits of how these Marines got to Guadalcanal and in the harrowing descriptions of Pacific Theater combat, including the bloody fight for Sugar Loaf Hill on Okinawa. This is a penetrating tale of courage and sacrifice." — Publishers Weekly "College football and World War II: not an obvious combination, but Bissinger handles it brilliantly." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “From the virtuoso of narrative nonfiction and author of Friday Night Lights comes an astounding story, plucked straight from the annals of the Greatest Generation. Bissinger creates, in intricate detail, a composite portrait of young men caught up in the Not-So-Good War. An inspiring tale of heroism and sacrifice.” — Oprah Daily "Fans of Bissinger’s previous books will find a rich character-driven narrative about two of the dirtiest and deadliest battlefields of World War II . . . . Bissinger has found a way to merge sports with World War II to give readers a heartbreaking narrative of what many young men went through in the last days of World War II. Highly recommended." — Library Journal (starred review) "This well-researched and impassioned book not only chronicles a little-known moment in sports history but also offers a poignant snapshot of the tragedy of war." — Booklist "The Mosquito Bowl is not just a book about war. It is, instead, about the men who fought that war. The author brings us rich details about their lives, their hopes, their dreams, and their aspirations, many of which were either delayed, derailed, or destroyed on Okinawa." — New York Journal of Books "In exploring the hearts and souls of those who risked everything for their country, Bissinger’s book defines some of the qualities that make America great—then, now and forever. And such greatness characterizes exceptional men and women around the world. He also showcases the horrors of war and the blunders that cost lives on the battlefield." — Associated Press "While The Mosquito Bowl is seemingly about an ersatz football game, there is far more here than what occurred on a dirt and coral field on an island in the Pacific in 1944." — Bookreporter “The Mosquito Bowl is about so much more than a football game. Buzz Bissinger captures the heart of America in this brilliant story of young men in a brutal war that at once feels long ago but also a part of who we are today.” — Admiral James Stavridis, 16th Supreme Allied Commander and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Rockefeller Foundation “Bissinger brings the Pacific Theater home in this masterpiece of a book, written by an indomitable author who has never been afraid to confront truth in the written word.” — Coast Weekend “Bissinger unearths a profound story during World War II that is much more than a book about a football game.” — Jacksonville First Coast News “This book shows a new side of WWII—and football for that matter—like we have never seen it before. Sports fans, history buffs, and fiction lovers can all find common ground in this captivating read.” — We Are The Mighty

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Book SynopsisThe electric and daring independent wrestling tag team share their inspiring story of how two undersized, ambitious athletes from Southern California became the idols of millions of popular sports fans, coveted among the ranks of AEW’s elite wrestling lineup. Featuring over 60 photographs and alternating between each brother’s perspective, this entertaining memoir is a complete portrait of what it means to grow into—and give back to—wrestling, the sport and profession they embody and love.Famous for their highflying moves, Superkicks, and viral videos, Matt and Nick Jackson are two of the hottest and most talented competitors in professional wrestling today. Known as the Young Bucks, this pair of ambitious brothers are an inspiration to both fans and aspiring wrestlers worldwide due to their message of resilience and determination. That they are also faithful family men devoted to their loved ones gives them additional appeal.Young Bucks begins in Southern California, where two young boys grew up dreaming of success and fame. Matt and Nick look back on the sacrifices they made to achieve their ambitions, from taking odd jobs to pay for their own wrestling ring to hosting backyard events with friends. They share their joy at being recruited into the independent California wrestling circuit and the work it took to finally make it professionally, and speak frankly about what it means to have the support of millions of fans cheering their talents in arenas nationwide. The Young Bucks talk endearingly about their sport, their faith, and their families, sharing personal reflections and behind-the-scenes anecdotes while paying tribute to the wrestling acts and inspirations that came before them. They also elaborate on this historical time in the evolution of wrestling, as the sport and its culture dramatically change day by day.Told with the brothers’ signature wit and charm, Young Bucks is warm, heartfelt story of hope, perseverance, and undying ambition.Trade Review“These guys are the pioneers of making it BIG in the pro wrestling business outside of the corporate structure by doing things their own way: Booking their own tours worldwide, creating their own mainstream bestselling merch, producing their game-changing weekly YouTube series and basically making every critic eat their own words by constantly having excellent matches, with amazing athleticism and a dose of satirical humour. On top of that, they’ve remained the same guys and retained their strong family values the whole time. Matt and Nick are the true definition of success in the wrestling world... and beyond.” — Chris Jericho, multiple-time world champion and author of three New York Times bestsellers "The Young Bucks are two guys who not only beat the odds to become one of the greatest, most popular tag teams ever, but also two industry changing visionaries. Matt and Nick are two of the smartest, hard-working, passionate individuals I’ve met during my 28 year career. With the creation of AEW, The Bucks will definitely leave the pro wrestling industry in a much better place then they discovered it in." — Matt Hardy, multiple-time world tag team champion “Through selfless sacrifice and consistent show-stealing performances, the Young Bucks make an argument for greatest tag team of all time. And through their innovations in merchandising, self-branding, and ability to inspire, they also make an argument for the most influential wrestlers of the last decade. If you enjoy anything about pro-wrestling in the year 2020, chances are you owe at least a bit a gratitude to these good Christian boys. They’re the architects." — Kenny Omega, the greatest wrestler alive (probably) and Executive Vice President of All Elite Wrestling “Through innovation both inside the ring and in marketing themselves outside the ring, The Young Bucks opened the door and led the way to a seismic change in the pro wrestling industry, which changed the very structure of the game.” — Dave Meltzer, journalist, sports historian, and publisher and editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter "This intriguing, personal, family-centered telling of the Jacksons’ story will draw in and inspire many readers." — Library Journal “Young Bucks makes you feel motivated to pursue your own dreams and shows us the real meaning behind the phrase, ‘Never give up’…Whether you’re looking for a book on pro wrestling, a motivational journey or an example of how to take a risk and start a business to do things on your own terms: this is a book for you.” — SLAM! Wrestling

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Book SynopsisFriday Night Lights meets Unbroken. —Tony Reali One of the most profound stories you will ever read. —Ian O''Connor Plaschke delivers a masterpiece. —Jeff PearlmanFrom L.A. Times columnist and ESPN Around the Horn panelist Bill Plaschke, a story of tragedy, triumph, and the remarkable power of high school football in one small California townOn November 8, 2018, the Camp Fire ravaged the town of Paradise, California. The fire, which burned up to 80 acres per minute, killed 86 people, and nearly every building and home in the town was reduced to ashes. In a single day, Paradise, a proud working-class town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, saw its population fall from 25,000 to 2,000.The Paradise High football team had long been the town’s source of joy and inspiration. But in the wake of the fire, their season was abruptly cancelled on the eve

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Deep and intelligent…a portrait of football greatness.” — Arsène Wenger "A comprehensive primer into the entwined histories of the two titans and the commercial forces that have molded their careers and, by extension, the sport." — New York Times “While these two soaring greats are known for their transcendent wonder on the field, this rollicking narrative plunges into the complex backstories and entire ecosystems that propelled their colliding trajectories. With a pair of epic hero stories like The Last Dance or Homer’s Odyssey in cleats, this book traces the journey from aspirational prodigies to global commercial billboards, explaining how these two juggernauts and their rivalry shaped the most popular, and lucrative, era of the world’s most beloved sport.” — Roger Bennett, founder, Men in Blazers Media Network "This rigorously researched book avoids becoming hagiography. The result is an ambitious and valuable study for all those who want to understand the modern world of football that Mr. Messi and Mr. Ronaldo have helped forge." — The Economist “This book explains the brilliant backstory behind how each player became a start and how that stardom changed the footballing landscape not just in Spain but in the wider world as well…I read it in a day.” — Rebecca Lowe, NBC Sports "Excellent... A brilliant follow-up to The Club." — The Independent (UK) "Impressive." — Boston Globe An absorbing cautionary tale for soccer fans and students of sports finance alike. — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERThe definitive biography of college basketball’s all-time winningest coach, Mike Krzyzewski.Mike Krzyzewski, known worldwide as “Coach K,” is a five-time national champion at Duke, the NCAA’s all-time leader in victories with nearly 1,200, and the first man to lead Team USA to three Olympic basketball gold medals. Through unprecedented access to Krzyzewski’s best friends, closest advisers, fiercest adversaries, and generations of his players and assistants, three-time New York Times bestselling author Ian O’Connor takes you behind the Blue Devil curtain with a penetrating examination of the great but flawed leader as he closes out his iconic career.Krzyzewski built a staggering basketball empire that has endured for more than four decades, placing him among the all-time titans of American sport, and yet there has never been a defining portra

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Book SynopsisAn entertaining and comprehensive look at America’s fastest growing sport, Pickleball for All is the ultimate primer for any level of player interested in the wacky history, unique rules, and exciting future of pickleball.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“A living testament to the adage 'if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,' the Jacobellis story profoundly illustrates the power of striving for self-knowledge in pursuit of an elusive goal. Anyone who has failed but refuses to give up should know Lindsey’s story. One of the most inspirational stories of all time.” — Denise K. Shull, MA, founder and CEO, the ReThink Group, and author of Market Mind Games “[Jacobellis] delivers a variety of relatable family and sports stories, including accounts of the many injuries she endured and numerous years of competitions fueled by dogged, laser-focused perseverance…inspiring…Sure to appeal to fans of Jacobellis as well as the sport.” — Kirkus Reviews “Not only is Lindsey Jacobellis the most decorated snowboarder of all time, but she is a brilliant writer and storyteller. Unforgiving grips your attention from beginning to end, as we learn more about Lindsey’s well-publicized and never-before-told ups and downs—including her incredible double gold medal win at the 2022 Olympics that thrilled the world. Her never-quit attitude will continue to inspire generations to come.” — Sophie Goldschmidt, President & CEO, U.S. Ski & Snowboard “I know what it’s like to come so close to achieving your goal only to have it slip through your hands. Watching Lindsey pick herself up and fight her way back to not one but two gold medals at the Beijing games was inspiring. It’s easy to smile and wave when you’re on top, but when things go wrong, it’s what you do next that really shows who you are inside. And Lindsey certainly showed us all!” — Shaun White, 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Men’s Snowboarding "The medals that come to you in youth are sometimes easy and expected. The hard part is finding the mindset that allows you to keep competing for the next ten or twenty years, as age and life get in the way. That's the story Lindsey Jacobellis tells in "Unforgiving," covering her journey from an early disappointment all the way to her legendary gold medal runs in Beijing. Lindsey's full throttle energy to never give up will inspire all." — Shaun Palmer “Highly recommended for fans of winter and Olympic sports. Also essential for women’s sports history collections. Winter and extreme sports fans will find this Olympic champion’s resiliency, ability to overcome disappointment, and relationship with her family inspiring.” — Booklist “Olympic gold medalist Jacobellis traces the arc of her snowboarding career in this inspiring ode to self-forgiveness….This forthright account of Jacobellis’s rebound. . .should win her new admirers.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisGale Sayers' book I Am Third, with Al Silverman, is a stirring, painfully honest account of his struggle to become the greatest running back in history and that agonizing moment between immortality and becoming a cripple. —The New York Times Book Review

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Book Synopsis“Hamilton is a guarantee of quality.” —Financial Times“Duncan Hamilton’s compelling biography puts flesh on the legend and paints a vivid picture of not only a great athlete, but also a very special human being.” —Daily MailThe untold and inspiring story of Eric Liddell, hero of Chariots of Fire, from his Olympic medal to his missionary work in China to his last, brave years in a Japanese work camp during WWIIMany people will remember Eric Liddell as the Olympic gold medalist from the Academy Award winning film Chariots of Fire. Famously, Liddell would not run on Sunday because of his strict observance of the Christian sabbath, and so he did not compete in his signature event, the 100 meters, at the 1924 Paris Olympics. He was the greatest sprinter in the world at the time, and his choice not to run was ridiculed by the British Olympic committee, his fellow athletes, and most

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