Travel and holiday Books

Book SynopsisWinner of the 2018 National Outdoor Book Award Handcrafted for Northwest caregivers that want to spark a love of nature, 50 Hikes with Kids highlights the most kid-friendly hikes in Oregon and Washington. These hikes are perfect for little legs—they are all under four miles and have an elevation gain of 900 feet of less. Some are even accessible by stroller. Every entry includes the essential details: easy-to-read, trustworthy directions; a detailed map; hike length and elevation gain; bathroom access; and where to grab a bite to eat nearby. Full-color photographs highlight the fun things to see along the trail.

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Book SynopsisWildcraft your way to wellness! In Southwest Medicinal Plants, John Slattery is your trusted guide to finding, identifying, harvesting, and using 112 of the region’s most powerful wild plants. You’ll learn how to safely and ethically forage, and how to use wild plants in herbal medicines including teas, tinctures, and salves. Plant profiles include clear, color photographs, identification tips, medicinal uses and herbal preparations, and harvesting suggestions. Lists of what to forage for each season makes the guide useful year-round. Thorough, comprehensive, and safe, this is a must-have for foragers, naturalists, and herbalists in Arizona, southern California, southern Colorado, southern Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, western and central Texas, and southern Utah.

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Book SynopsisA pithy guidebook for Buddhist pilgrims to the four holy sites of India.“The aim of all Buddhist practice is to catch a glimpse of the awakened state. Going on pilgrimage, soaking up the sacred atmosphere of holy places, and mingling with other pilgrims are simply different ways of trying to achieve that glimpse.”—from chapter 1, “Holy Buddhist Sites”   Pilgrimage is a powerful method for remembering the Buddha’s teachings and putting them into practice. For Buddhists, the most important holy places are the four sites associated with the Buddha’s life:             • Lumbini, where Siddhartha was born as an ordinary human being             • Bodhgaya, where Siddhartha became enlightened             • Varanasi (Sarnath), where the Buddha taught the path to enlightenment             • Kushinagar, where the Buddha passed into parinirvana While it may be an inconvenient, chaotic, and even dangerous journey, traveling to these places can be profoundly affecting and transformative for a practitioner.   In his fourth book, Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse skillfully lays out how we can make the most of our experience as pilgrims. He explains what makes a person or place “holy,” what pilgrimage is all about, and what we can do when visiting the four holy sites of India and Nepal—or any holy place. This manual shows us how to partake in one of the most potent practices available to remind ourselves of the entirety of the Buddha’s teachings.

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Book SynopsisChow down on Calabicitas with Red Serranos and slake your thirst with a Prickly Pear Margarita. Dave Dewitt brings together 145 recipes that exemplify the diversity, ingenuity, and unique flavors of New Mexican cuisine. In addition to revealing the secrets behind regional delights ranging from Chipotle Pumpkin Seed Pesto to Spicy Chocolate-Raspberry Muffins, Dewitt offers a glimpse into New Mexico’s vibrant food scene with engaging profiles of local food producers. Pass the Buffalo Green Chile Eggrolls!

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Book SynopsisA tribute to the late Dean Smith, who was a basketball coaching legend at North Carolina as well as a socially conscious person who did what he thought was right, no matter the consequence. When he retired in 1997, he was the winningest coach in NCAA Division I men's basketball history. Beloved by fans and players alike, Coach Smith's legacy was apparent well before his passing in February 2015. In Dean Smith: More Than A Coach, the Charlotte Observer's commemorative tribute features rare stories and photographs from the newspaper's archives, with a powerful foreword by Phil Ford, one of North Carolina's all-time great players, as well as the writing of acclaimed Observer columnist Scott Fowler. Whether celebrating Smith's two national championships or his leadership in integrating the North Carolina basketball program, the book is a moving tribute to a beloved man.

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Book SynopsisMost Tigers fans have taken in a game or two at the Zou, have seen highlights of "Mister Magic" Willie Smith, and remember the 2002 and 2009 Elite Eight appearances. But only real fans know the Civil-War roots of the "Tigers" nickname, the significance of Al Abram, and can name the football and basketball stars who went on to be Hall of Fame players. 100 Things Missouri Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource for true fans of the Missouri Tigers. Whether you’re a die-hard booster from the days of Dan Devine or a recent supporter of the team, these are the 100 things every fan needs to know and do in their lifetime. Tigers writer Dave Matter has collected every essential piece of Tigers knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom.

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Book SynopsisEvery St. Louis Cardinals fan has a bucket list of activities to take part in at some point in their lives. But even the most die-hard fans haven’t done everything there is to experience in and around St. Louis. From visiting Ballpark Village to learning how to do an Ozzie Smith backflip, author Dan O’Neill provides ideas, recommendations, and insider tips for must-see places and can't-miss activities near Busch Stadium. But not every experience requires a trip to St. Louis; long-distance Cardinals fans can cross some items off their list from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you're attending every home game or supporting the Cards from afar, there's something for every fan to do in The St. Louis Cardinals Fans' Bucket List.

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Book SynopsisFrom when the Phillies franchise was established in 1883 and a rookie manager led the team to its first National League pennant in 1915 to the World Series titles in 1980 and 2008, Larry Shenk, a longtime Phillies executive, provides insight into a potpourri of faces, places, events, and personalities in Phillies history. He takes readers through every no-hitter thrown by a Phillies pitcher and an incredible season by a relief pitcher who became the Most Valuable Player. Read about Mike Schmidt’s most dramatic home run, the youngest pitcher to ever win a game in the big leagues, the greatest one-game performance in World Series history, the most unbreakable records in franchise history, and why the Phillies held spring training in Pennsylvania during the 1940s.

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Book SynopsisThe Big 50: San Francisco Giants is an amazing, full-color look at the 50 men and moments that made the Giants the Giants. Experienced Bay-area sportswriter Daniel Brown recounts the living history of the Giants, counting down from No. 50 to No. 1. The Big 50: San Francisco Giants brilliantly brings to life the Giants remarkable story, from Willie McCovey and Will Clark to the roller-coaster that was Barry Bonds to the team’s current dynasty and Madison Bumgarner shutting down the Royals in the 2014 World Series.

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Book Synopsis2018 Casey Award for Best Baseball Book Finalist The legendary achievements of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig are undeniable hallmarks of baseball history. Much has been written about the two men as teammates, but Ruth and Gehrig's relationship away from the field is rarely, if ever, explored. In Gehrig and the Babe, Tony Castro portrays Ruth and Gehrig for what they were: American icons who were remarkably different men. For the first time, readers will learn about a friendship driven apart, an enduring feud which wove its way in and out of their Yankees glory years and chilled their interactions until July 4, 1939—Lou Gehrig Day at Yankee Stadium—when Gehrig’s famous farewell address thawed out their stone silence.

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Book SynopsisEvery Pittsburgh Steelers fan has a bucket list of activities to take part in at some point in their lives. But even the most die-hard fans haven’t done everything there is to experience in and around Pittsburgh. From tailgating to studying the Immaculate Reception to finding the best places to watch a game with other fans, author Scott Brown provides ideas, recommendations, and insider tips for must-see places and can't-miss activities near Heinz Field. But not every experience requires a trip to Pittsburgh; long-distance Steelers fans can cross some items off their list from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you're attending every home game or supporting the Steelers from afar, there's something for every fan to do in The Pittsburgh Steelers Fans' Bucket List.

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Book SynopsisClemson Crowned is inside story of the Clemson's magical 2016 football season and first national championship since 1981, featuring stunning action photography, stories, and analysis from The Greenville News and the Independent Mail. There was no holding back the Tigers in 2016. Clemson's triumph over favored Alabama in Tampa capped a 14-1 season. Behind quarterback Deshaun Watson and a stout defense, Coach Dabo Swinney's team emerged as one of the nation's top teams with statement wins over Auburn and Louisville before topping Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game to earn a spot in the College Football playoff, where they dominated Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl to set up the Championship Game rematch with Alabama. From the numerous close games in September and October to domination in the desert and the ecstacy of the championship celebration in Tampa, Clemson Crowned is the perfect souvenir for any Tigers fan. This commemorative edition also includes profiles of Watson, Swinney, linebacker Ben Boulware, and more!

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Book SynopsisTake that, Roger Goodell. In a season that began with a controversial four-game suspension for their acknowledged leader, Tom Brady, the New England Patriots tuned out the distractions and the enmity to once again do their job better than anyone else. They went 14-2 for the league's best record, then produced a dramatic playoff run that culminated in their fifth world title and a Lombardi Trophy photo op with their archenemy. The Patriots found new heroes - like Chris Hogan and Martellus Bennett - and leaned on old reliables to overcome a controversy that created headlines around the world. Love them or hate them, future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick's Patriots - led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Brady - truly rank among the greatest franchises ever. In The Boston Globe's Roger That!: With Fifth Super Bowl Win, Brady and Belichick's Patriots Show Who's Boss, Pats fans can revel in their team's latest historic achievement, as well as relive every moment of the 2016 season and playoffs, from opening kickoff to the hoisting of the Vince Lombardi Trophy. With its vibrant color photographs, essential statistics, memorable quotes, and acclaimed commentary by some of the nation's best sportswriters, this is the ultimate New England Patriots keepsake. Roger That! takes you inside the legacy and behind the scenes on an all-access pass, providing commentary and insights on Belichick, Brady, mastermind assistant coaches Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia, as well as other key contributors on and off the field. And it fully commemorates what Patriots Nation has known for most of the 21st century: This is a team of champions, and these champions are a team for the ages.

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Book SynopsisRedemption. After falling to Villanova in the final seconds of the 2016 NCAA championship North Carolina’s goal heading into the 2016-17 season was clear. The Tar Heels’ win over Gonzaga in the 2017 NCAA championship game was the culmination of a basketball season no Tar Heels fan will ever forget. Led by upperclassmen Justin Jackson, Joel Berry II, Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks, Coach Roy Williams’ squad won the ACC regular season championships and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. North Carolina then stormed past Texas Southern, Arkansas and Butler to set up an Elite Eight matchup with Kentucky, where Luke Maye’s game-winning jumper sent North Carolina back to the Final Four. In the national semifinal against Oregon, North Carolina survived a frenetic final minute to reach the championship game. Packed with expert analysis and stunning action photography from The News & Observer, Tar Heel Triumph: North Carolina’s Unforgettable 2017 Championship Season takes fans through the Tar Heels’ amazing journey, from a December loss to Kentucky to the final seconds in Arizona. This commemorative edition also features in-depth profiles of Jackson, Berry, Williams, Meeks and more!

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Book SynopsisIn 2010, the Carolina Panthers hit rock bottom—they were a 2-14 team that had become an NFL joke. But an extraordinary turnaround over the next five years culminated in a 15-1 record in 2015 and a berth in Super Bowl 50. Fueled by charismatic quarterback Cam Newton and a host of other big personalities, the Panthers staked their place in NFL history. Panthers Rising is the inside story of this remarkable turnaround. Author Scott Fowler has covered the Panthers for The Charlotte Observer since the team’s inception in 1995. He writes from an insider’s perspective about what really led to Newton’s rise to NFL Most Valuable Player and the controversies that surrounded the best season the quarterback has ever played. Head coach Ron Rivera, a linebacker on the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears, told his players all season to let their personalities shine through like that squad once did 30 years earlier. Carolina responded with a 14-game winning streak to open the season and an unprecedented run through the NFC playoffs. Based on exclusive interviews with many Panthers stars and Fowler’s behind-the-scenes access to the team, Panthers Rising is the inside story of the Panthers’ rise to the NFL’s elite.

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Book SynopsisEvery New York Yankees fan has a bucket list of activities to take part in at some point in their lives. But even the most die-hard fans haven't done everything there is to experience in and around the Bronx. From visiting Stan's Sports Bar to sitting in the bleachers for the roll call, author Mark Feinsand provides ideas, recommendations, and insider tips for must-see places and can't-miss activities near Yankee Stadium. But not every experience requires a trip to New York; long-distance Yankees fans can cross some items off their list from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you're attending every home game or supporting the Yanks from afar, there's something for every fan to do in The New York Yankees Fans' Bucket List.

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Book SynopsisThe Baltimore Orioles are one of baseball’s most historic franchises. Through the words of the players, via multiple interviews conducted with current and past Orioles, readers will meet the players, coaches, and management and share in their moments of greatness and defeat. Dempsey recounts moments from the 1983 World Series championship, the rise of Cal Ripken Jr., and the current team under Buck Showalter. Orioles fans will not want to be without this book.

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Book SynopsisWith more than 500 career home runs, an infectious personality, and three World Series championships, David Ortiz has established his position as the greatest Red Sox player of this generation. But Ortiz’ story did not start with postseason heroics and towering blasts into the Fenway Park bleachers. Ortiz struggled to find his power stroke in parts of six seasons with the Minnesota Twins, who released him after the 2002 season. Then Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein signed Ortiz in 2003 and the 27 year old soon became known as Big Papi, setting career highs with 31 home runs and 101 RBIs. The next season, the Red Sox won the franchise’s first World Series championship in 86 years. Ortiz hit .409 in the postseason, twice driving in the game-winning runs as the Red Sox overcame a 3-0 deficit to top the Yankees in the ALCS. Big Papi hit a franchise-record 54 home runs in 2006 and led the team to a second World Series title in 2007. Ortiz continued his assault on American League pitching into his late-30s. At age 37, he hit .688 in the 2013 World Series to earn MVP honors as the Red Sox topped the Cardinals. Following a 2015 season in which he hit 37 home runs at age 39, Ortiz announced that the 2016 season would be his last. Ortiz’ unforgettable career is chronicled in this new, must-have keepsake book from the Boston Globe. Big Papi: The Legend & Legacy of David Ortiz features 128 pages of award-winning reporting, vivid storytelling, dramatic photographs, and statistics capturing the unforgettable moments from Big Papi’s arrival in Boston to his farewell tour in 2016. This one of a kind career retrospective is the perfect souvenir for any Red Sox Fan.

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Book SynopsisTake a look in the St. Louis Blues' record books, and the name Bernie Federko is impossible to miss. A skilled, unselfish playmaker, Federko made those around him better; while his journey did lead him to the Hall of Fame, he is regarded by many as one of the most overlooked talents in hockey. In this volume, Federko reflects on his life on and off the ice. From his childhood in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, to years in St. Louis playing with teammates like Brian Sutter and Mike Liut, and his recent years in the Blues' broadcasting booth, this is a refreshing chronicle of a legendary career.

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Book SynopsisThe San Francisco Giants are one of baseball’s most storied franchises. Through the words of the players, via multiple interviews conducted with current and past Giants, readers will meet the players, coaches, and management and share in their moments of greatness and defeat. Haft recounts stories from this decorated Giants dynasty, which earned World Series rings in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Giants fans will not want to be without this book.

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Book SynopsisRelive the drama and excitement of the first century of NHL hockey in Toronto. This commemorative book — featuring rare stories and photos from the Toronto Star — takes readers inside Canada’s team’s thrilling 13 Stanley Cups, explores the unforgettable players and coaches who have led this popular Original 6 franchise, and much more. From the inaugural season of the NHL to eight Cups during owner Conn Smythe’s unprecedented reign to the 1960s dynasty and into the modern era under Brendan Shanahan and Mike Babcock, 100 Years in Blue and White is filled with fond memories one of sports’ iconic franchises. Featuring dozens of archival stories and nearly 100 rare photographs, this full-color commemorative edition is the perfect gift for any hockey fan.

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Book SynopsisEvery New York Mets fan has a bucket list of activities to take part in at some point in their lives. But even the most die-hard fans haven't done everything there is to experience in and around New York. From singing "Meet the Mets" to running the old Shea Stadium bases, author Matthew Cerrone provides ideas, recommendations, and insider tips for must-see places and can't-miss activities near Citi Field. But not every experience requires a trip to Queens; long-distance Mets fans can cross some items off their list from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you're attending every home game or supporting the Mets from afar, there's something for every fan to do in The New York Mets Fans' Bucket List.

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Book SynopsisThe New England Patriots are one of the most successful teams in the NFL, with five Super Bowl championships and a perpetual playoff presence. Author Scott Zolak, as a broadcaster and former player for the Patriots, has gotten to witness more than his fair share of that history up close and personal. Through singular anecdotes only Zolak can tell, as well as conversations with current and past players, this book provides fans with a one-of-a-kind, insider's look into the great moments, the lowlights, and everything in between. Pats fans will not want to miss this book.

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Book SynopsisCurse broken. For the first time since 1908, the Chicago Cubs are champions of the baseball world! Following a dominant regular season and a thrilling playoff performance, the Cubs captured their long-anticipated World Series title in dramatic fashion and fulfilled the dreams of generations of Cubs faithful. From Kris Bryant's MVP-caliber heroics to the team's dramatic comeback in Cleveland, Fly the W: The Chicago Cubs' Historic 2016 Championship Season is packed with vivid, insightful stories from the Daily Herald as well as dynamic photographs of the Cubs' entire star-studded roster. Relive each key moment of this brilliant year with nearly 100 full-color images printed on museum-quality paper, including exclusive photography from the Cubs' championship celebration. Also featuring in-depth profiles of Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell, and other favorites, this commemorative coffee table book takes fans on an unforgettable journey and is an essential keepsake for all Cubs aficionados.

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Book SynopsisEven before the Edmonton Oilers selected him as the first overall draft pick in 2015, it was clear that Connor McDavid was primed to become hockey’s next sensation. His electrifying speed, vision, and overall dominance invited comparisons to the generational talents of Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky, and it’s no wonder McDavid was quickly named the youngest captain in NHL history after just his rookie season. Now, the young phenom is ready to bring the glory years back to Oil Country. Providing a rare glimpse into McDavid’s life and featuring dozens of full-color photos, Connor McDavid: Hockey’s Next Great One is a must-have for Oilers fans and anyone who has marveled at No. 97’s unparalleled play.

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Book SynopsisWith traditions, records, and Bruins lore, this lively, detailed book explores the personalities, events, and facts every UCLA fan should know--from the hardwood to the hard courts, the gridiron, the diamond, and beyond. It contains crucial information such as important dates, behind-the-scenes tales, memorable moments, and outstanding achievements by legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Troy Aikman, Jackie Robinson, Bill Walton, Russell Westbrook, and more. Whether you were there for the glory days of John Wooden or are a more recent fan of Josh Rosen, this is the ultimate resource guide for all Bruins faithful.

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Book SynopsisIn December 1979, a Detroit tradition began when the Red Wings took the ice for the first time at their new riverfront home, Joe Louis Arena. Named after former heavyweight champion boxer Joe Louis, the stadium that became affectionately known as “The Joe” saw the renaissance of the Red Wings franchise, including four Stanley Cup championship seasons and a 25-year run of advancing to the playoffs. The Joe: Memories from the Heart of Hockeytown takes a look back at the storied history of Joe Louis Arena in this, its final year. The arena has witnessed many stories, recounted with admiration in The Joe. Red Wings greats from Gordie Howe to Steve Yzerman to Nicklas Lidstrom skated on The Joe’s storied ice, and time-honored rivalries, such as those between the Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche, were played out in dramatic fashion. The stadium has spawned such personalities as Al the Zamboni driver, who twirls octopuses overhead, the Knitting Lady, the Guy in the Orange Hat, and Mo Cheese. The Joe also hosted a number of unforgettable non-hockey events, from Ronald Reagan’s nomination at the 1980 Republican convention, to the start of Prince’s Purple Rain tour in 1984, to N.W.A.’s controversial concert in 1989, to Bob Seger joining Kid Rock on stage during Super Bowl week in 2006. The Joe offers a comprehensive tribute in words and pictures to hockey’s last old-time arena. Learn about the history of the Red Wings and The Joe and the unforgettable games played there, as well as a number of key events in Detroit’s history. For anyone who has cheered on the Red Wings over the past three-plus decades, this book is not to be missed.

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Book SynopsisDuring three consecutive 100-loss seasons, Houston Astros management asked fans to be patient, promising them there was a plan in place that would result in success. That patience was rewarded with the ultimate prize in 2017, as the Astros knocked off the Los Angeles Dodgers in thrilling fashion to claim the first World Series crown in team history. During the regular season they ran away with the American League West, winning the division by a massive 21 games. Anchored by a dynamic offense and boosted by the late-season acquisition of a resurgent Justin Verlander, this historic team would not be denied on their way to the long-awaited title. Packed with superb coverage and vivid color photography from the Houston Chronicle, Astros Strong: Houston's Historic 2017 Championship Season guides fans through the Astros' entire amazing journey – from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and resiliency of the Houston community, to the Astros' quick work of the powerful Red Sox in the ALDS; from their hard-fought ALCS win over the young Yankees, all the way through their incredible World Series triumph over the dominant Dodgers. This commemorative edition also includes feature stories on Astros stars Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer, and other fan favorites, and is a must-have keepsake for Astros fans of all generations.

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Book SynopsisSince Nick Saban was hired as head coach at Alabama in 2007, the Crimson Tide have established a record of excellence that is unparalleled in college football’s modern era. Featuring stunning action photography from all five championship campaigns and expert analysis from author Christopher Walsh, Bama Dynasty is the inside story of Alabama’s era of dominance and the team’s path to its fifth championship under Saban. This commemorative book takes fans through Alabama’s first four championship seasons as well the exciting journey in 2017. Led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and a ferocious defense, Alabama started the season with 11 straight wins, found sweet redemption against No. 1 Clemson in the Sugar Bowl, and finally topped the college football world by beating SEC foe Georgia in the national championship game. Relive an unforgettable season with this must-have keepsake, which includes features on Hurts, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Levi Wallace, Ronnie Clark, and more. Roll Tide!

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Book SynopsisThe Boston Bruins are one of the most successful and historic teams in the NHL, with six Stanley Cup championships and counting. Author Dale Arnold, as a longtime broadcaster for the team, has gotten to witness more than his fair share of that history up close and personal. Through singular anecdotes only Arnold can tell as well as conversations with current and past players, this book provides fans with a one-of-a-kind, insider's look into the great moments, the lowlights, and everything in between. Bruins fans will not want to miss this book.

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Book SynopsisA New York Times Sports and Fitness Best Seller The Boston Red Sox are one of the most iconic teams in Major League Baseball, with nine World Series championships and countless greats who have donned the Sox uniform. In If These Walls Could Talk: Boston Red Sox, former player and longtime broadcaster Jerry Remy provides insight into the team's inner sanctum as only he can. Readers will gain the perspective of players, coaches, and personnel in moments of greatness as well as defeat, making for a keepsake no fan will want to miss.

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Book SynopsisThe Vegas Golden Knights' astonishing run to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season captured the attention of hockey fans everywhere in 2018. Powered by breakout performances from William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault, veteran leadership from Deryk Engelland and the cornerstone presence of goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, Gerard Gallant's team wasted no time putting down roots in the Nevada desert. In their rise from band of misfits to title contenders, the Golden Knights galvanized a new fan base, united a grieving community, and rewrote history to their liking. Packed with insight, analysis and vivid full-color photography from the Las Vegas Sun, this commemorative keepsake takes fans on a journey for the ages, from the expansion draft to the Pacific Division title and beyond, capturing the Golden Knights' memorable series wins over the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Winnipeg Jets and more.

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Book SynopsisThe Big 50: Boston Red Sox is an amazing, full-color look at the 50 men and moments that made the Sox the Sox. Experienced sportswriter Evan Drellich recounts the living history of the Red Sox, counting down from No. 50 to No. 1. Learn about and revisit the team's remarkable stories, from Ted Williams to David Ortiz, to the roller coaster that was the 2004 playoffs, to the team’s subsequent World Series championships and current stars like Mookie Betts.

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Book SynopsisWhy did Desmond Howard spurn Nick Saban to play in Ann Arbor? How did Michigan really find All-American offensive lineman Reggie McKenzie? What did Bo Schembechler do that surprised Mark Messner and his family? And why was Tom Brady recruited so late in the process? The Road to Ann Arbor reveals how many Wolverines greats became just that. ESPN's Tom VanHaaren takes fans back to the start and behind the scenes of the college recruiting process, showing that the path to The Big House is not always straight and narrow.

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Book SynopsisWhen the game is on the line, some coaches tense up. They scream, they yell. But Mike Brey remains calm, having instilled confidence in his players and having built a system in which they have great freedom. Fueled with a competitive streak that belies his fun and easygoing demeanor, Brey has turned Notre Dame into a national contender. When he took over Notre Dame, the school had not reached the NCAA Tournament in a decade. Under Brey the Fighting Irish have qualified for the Big Dance 12 times in 17 seasons, reaching the Elite Eight in 2015 and 2016. And in 2018 he passed the legendary Digger Phelps to become the winningest coach in program history. In this autobiography Brey, the son of educators and athletes, depicts the culture he has created at Notre Dame while profiling his amazing basketball path, having learned from coaching legends Morgan Wootten and Mike Krzyzewski. From the whirlwind turn of events during Matt Doherty’s departure that led to his hiring, to recruiting battles, to changing conference affiliations, to epic NCAA Tournament games against Kentucky and Wisconsin, to defeating Tobacco Road powers en route to winning in the ACC, Brey reflects on his remarkable life and career in Keeping It Loose. That includes growing up in the Beltway, teaching at DeMatha Catholic High School, coaching under Krzyzewski, and guiding Delaware into the NCAA Tournament. Brey shares insider stories and memories of Fighting Irish stars Troy Murphy, Luke Harangody, Jerian Grant, Bonzie Colson, and many more. You’ll learn why the man described as the “loosest coach in America” is also one of its finest.

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Book SynopsisAfter 55 years of waiting, Houston Astros fans were hungry for World Series glory. After three consecutive 100-loss seasons, some tantalizing tastes of playoff success, and a devastating hurricane that united a community, their patience was rewarded in dramatic, exuberant fashion. In Liftoff!, Houston Chronicle writer Brian T. Smith expertly retraces the team's magical 2017 championship season as well as the moves and moments that made it all possible—the hiring of general manager Jeff Luhnow in 2011, drafting Carlos Correa with the first overall pick, the meteoric rise of Jose Altuve, the trade that brought ace Justin Verlander to Houston, and more. Featuring an unforgettable cast of characters both on the field and in the front office, this is the story of how the Astros went from empty seats to packed stadiums and, at long last, earned history.

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Book SynopsisWhen Dabo Swinney officially took over Clemson football for the 2009 season, it was considered a good program that couldn't quite recapture the greatness of the Danny Ford era. Dabo had spent his entire life as an underdog, but his defiant grit pushed him past personal hardships and professional adversity. His simple formula—faith, family, forgiveness, fortitude, and fun—pushed the Clemson football program past its potential and to the next level, taking the Tigers to 10 bowl games and four ACC championships, earning three College Football Playoff appearances, and most importantly, capturing the 2016 national championship. In Top of the Hill: Dabo Swinney and Clemson's Rise to College Football Greatness, Greenville News sports columnist and Clemson insider Manie Robinson traces Dabo's coaching ascension along Clemson football's return to glory, going behind the scenes of one of the powerhouse programs in the country.

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Book SynopsisBill Belichick is a different man on Fridays. With preparations for Sunday's game essentially complete, and the media presence reduced to those regulars Belichick calls the "Friday Warriors," the normally terse coach is known to open up in provocative, entertaining, and expansive fashion. Fridays With Bill provides a rare glimpse inside one of history's greatest football minds, featuring insights and musings from the man who has won five Super Bowl championships and who is destined for the Hall of Fame. This is Belichick at his most relaxed, profoundly philosophic and often puckish, with topics ranging from his preference for left-footed punters to his struggles with technology to his favorite Halloween candy. Covering themes of communication, decision making, technology, and more, this curated collection of wit and wisdom is an indispensable read for Patriots fans and all those who love the game.

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Book SynopsisThe man on the mic for countless memorable moments from Larry Walker, Todd Helton, Nolan Arenado, and more, Drew Goodman has lived and breathed Rockies baseball as the team's longtime television broadcaster. In If These Walls Could Talk: Colorado Rockies, Goodman provides insight into the Rockies' inner sanctum as only he can. Featuring conversations with players past and present as well as off-the-wall anecdotes, this indispensable volume is your ticket to mile high history.

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Book SynopsisThroughout his 13-year professional and collegiate career, Braylon Edwards has heard all the talk—that he's only out for himself, only about the money; he’s a bust, a bad guy, a troublemaker, a typical wide receiver who doesn’t get it. He's also heard the cheering fans singing "The Victors" after victories in the Big House and cherished the smiles he saw in the crowd. Now, for the first time, the misunderstood receiver, who so often got in trouble for speaking the truth, is telling his own personal history—through the ups of athletic honors, success, and fame and the downs of injury, addiction, and arrests—in his own words. The son of start Michigan player and NFL running back Stan Edwards, Braylon emerged from the shadows of his father, with who, he has a complicated relationship, to create his own All-American legacy at Michigan—but no without clashes with his eventual mentor, head coach Lloyd Carr. Braylon takes readers inside his decorated four-year career at Michigan, the intense rivalry games against Ohio State and Michigan State, and the back-to-back Rose Bowls. Drafted third overall by a struggling Browns franchise, he endured a turbulent time in Cleveland, which included a misreported fight at a club with a member of LeBron James inner circle. Braylon resuscitated his career in The Big Apple, belting out Frank Sinatra tunes while reaching to AFC Championships Games with the New York Jets before playing under Jim Harbaugh with the San Francisco 49ers, catching passes from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, and delving into a broadcasting career. In this frank, unflinching autobiography, Braylon shares how football helped him find his place and gave him a voice. He lays bare all the bumps, bruises, and unexpected turns along the way.

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Book SynopsisThe Chicago Cubs are one of the most historic teams in Major League Baseball, and their World Series championship in 2016 will forever remain one of baseball's iconic triumphs. In If These Walls Could Talk: Chicago Cubs, Jon Greenberg of The Athletic Chicago provides insight into the team's inner sanctum as only he can. Readers will gain the perspective of players, coaches, and personnel from this modern era in moments of greatness as well as defeat, making for a keepsake no fan will want to miss.

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Book SynopsisDavey Johnson is best known for managing the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, and Baltimore Orioles—and taking all three clubs to their respective league championship series during his time at the helm. When teams needed to improve, they hired Johnson, and he delivered, memorably leading the Mets to the 1986 World Series title. Yet even as he raised the bar of their success, all three clubs parted ways with Johnson, a pattern that puzzles him to this day. A self-termed "army brat," Johnson kept moving, managing the Los Angeles Dodgers then the Washington Nationals before announcing his retirement in 2013. But managing baseball has been just one part of Johnson's fascinating life. A true Renaissance man, Johnson has also found incredible success as a land investor, pilot, scratch golfer, scuba diving teacher, and mathematician, pioneering the use of sabermetrics in the big leagues. Now, Johnson finally takes the time to meditate on his wild and remarkable journey, with reflections on not only his All-Star playing days and years of managerial success in New York, Cincinnati, and Baltimore, but on his entire career.

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Book SynopsisWith his irreverant personality, laid-back approach, and penchant for the unexpected, Joe Maddon is a singular presence among Major League Baseball managers. Whether he's bringing clowns and live bear cubs to spring training or leading the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series victory in 108 years, Maddon is always one to watch. In Try Not to Suck, ESPN's Jesse Rogers and MLB.com's Bill Chastain fully explore Maddon's life and career, delving behind the scenes and dissecting that mystique which makes Maddon so popular with players and analysts alike. Packed with insight, anecdotes, and little-known facts, this is the definitive account of the curse-breaker and trailblazer at the helm of the Cubs' new era.

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Book SynopsisIn 1963, Dick Portillo built a 6’ x 12’ trailer with no running water or bathroom and opened a simple hot dog stand in Villa Park, Illinois. He called it "The Dog House." More than 50 years and 50 locations later, his namesake Portillo's restaurants are a Windy City institution, famous for perfect, Chicago-style dogs. In Out of the Dog House, Portillo tells the incredible story of his life, sharing the ingenuity and hard-earned wisdom that went into building a beloved restaurant chain. From a modest childhood as the son of Greek and Mexican immigrants, to the core principles that became essential in growing a national business, this is a singular, at times surprising, tale of how one man crafted his own American dream, one hot dog at a time.

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