Book Description
This riveting sequel to My Bloody Life traces Reymundo Sanchez’s struggle to create a “normal” life outside the Latin Kings, one of the nation's most notorious street gangs, and to move beyond his past. Sanchez illustrates how the Latin King motto “once a king, always a king” rings true and details the difficulty and danger of leaving that life behind. Filled with heart-pounding scenes of his backslide into drugs, sex, and violence,
Once a King, Always a King recounts how Sanchez wound up behind bars and provides an engrossing firsthand account of how the Latin Kings are run from inside the prison system. Harrowing testaments to Sanchez’s determination to rebuild his life include his efforts to separate his family from gang life and his struggle to adapt to marriage and the corporate world. Despite temptations, nightmares, regressions into violence, and his own internal demons, Sanchez makes an uneasy peace with his new life. This raw, powerful, and brutally honest memoir traces the transformation of an accomplished gangbanger into a responsible citizen.
Customer Reviews:
The gang life has not changed........2007-06-27
I live in the neighborhood and see the same things that the author went through in the youth today. Gang life destroys neighborhoods and familys and it saddens me to know that life continues to get worse for these young confused children that don't have God in their life.
Reality in Today's World.......2007-06-23
In a world dominated by drugs, sex, and violence Raymundo Sanchez begins to see an exit to the Latin Kings, one of Chicago's most feared Latino Gangs. He knows that to leave the gang will mean taking a three minute head to toe beating by three Latin Kings, something which could easily leave him dead.
Having earned the name "Lil Loco" in the prequel My Bloody Life for his random acts of violence and his alcohol, drug, and sex addictions Sanchez is now faced with the ultimate decision. Leave the Latin Kings once and for all or become more involved and continue his path to self destruction.
After being arrested, Sanchez has to face jail time which allows him to slow down his life and see things from a different perspective. He begins to see the Latin King's original message, to protect the Puerto Rican community, has faded and is now overcome by power and greed. The Latin Kings have turned on each other.
He must deal with their motto, "once a king, always a king." If he leaves the gang life he will always be haunted by his past. Others will always see him as a Latin King even if he's not involved. His life will always be in danger by rival gangsters.
The inability to keep a relationship due to his pimp lifestyle causes him to leave the one person who truly loved him. He must fight nightmares night after night, reliving the moments of death and pain he caused others.
Raymundo Sanchez's journey as he tries to leave the Latin Kings illustrates the struggle of leaving the gang life but in the end it proves well worth it.
Watching Humboldt Park from the boat house. .......2006-10-12
While reading this book I felt like I was watching a movie from the boathouse that sits in the middle of Humboldt Park by the "lake"-facing Kedzie St. It took me there. It was really captivating.
very important book.......2006-05-31
As the author of the Chicano gang novel FOREVER MY LADY on Amazon.com, I have to endorse this book. It is so important to see the reality of people living in the Chicano and Latino gang life. It is a group of people often ignored and looked down upon but who have heart and soul and this book helps you understand why they are the way they are. They are misunderstood but nevertheless alive and real. -- Jeff Rivera (Author of FOREVER MY LADY on Amazon.com)
Once A King Always A King.......2006-05-26
Age 13 and up. A brief summary of Once A King Always A King by, Reymundo Sanchez is just about Reymundo's life and how he struggles throughout it and how he has been a gangmember for ten years. The ten years have been of killings, beatings and drug deals. However, Reymundo finally wants to be able to make a change in his life and become a better person. He wants to be someone in life. This is not an easy task because he had to go through many obstacles to get to his attempts.
Average customer rating:
- Once and Always...confusing read
- Marvelous!
- Vaguely familiar
- All-time favorite!
- Believable
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Once and Always
Judith McNaught
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 McNaught, Judith | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
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Whitney, My Love
ASIN: 0671737627 |
Book Description
Across the vast ocean sailed Victoria Seaton, a free-spirited American beauty left suddenly orphaned and alone. Eager to claim her long-lost heritage, she was amazed at the formal elegance of Wakefield, the sumptuous English estate of her distant cousin...the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Sought after at plays, operas, and balls by London's most fashionable ladies, Jason remained a mystery to Victoria. Bewildered by his arrogant demeanor, yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she came to sense the searingly painful memories that smoldered in the depths of his jade-green eyes.
Unable to resist her spitfire charm, Jason gathered her at last into his powerful arms, ravishing her lips with his kisses, arousing in her a sweet, insistent hunger. Wed in desire, they were enfolded in a fierce, consuming joy, free at last from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of blinding anguish, Victoria discovered the shocking treachery that lay at the heart of their love...a love she had dreamed would triumph...Once And Always.
Customer Reviews:
Once and Always...confusing read.......2007-10-02
Intially the story of Jason and Victoria intrigued me but the second half of the book was abysmal.
This story did have some very touching scenes that romance/regency readers will truly appreciate (just look at the reviews) but I have a problem reading a "romance" in which a bride is raped on her wedding night (while she's intoxicated and sick, no less). Jason's abuse of Victoria and Victoria's willingness to go back for more went beyond the usual storyline of protagonist misunderstandings and "getting to know you."
Also, with the exception of the protagonists, most of the major characters are introduced then pretty much disappear or their stories are truncated, for example: Andrew at the very end - how convenient he appears then immediately disappears; Grandmama - she certainly got over her resentment of Victoria quickly; Dorothy - on one page she's tearfully begging Victoria not to marry Jason and practically on the next we read she's one of the few people who welcomes him. (And why wasn't Dorothy returned from France to her beloved sister when things were ironed out with Grandmama?)
If you're a McNaught fan you'll probably love Once and Always!
Marvelous!.......2007-09-30
1815 England
ONCE AND ALWAYS is a wonderful engaging tale of finding love and overcoming emotional difficulties. Judith McNaught does it again!
Absolutely splendid!
Vaguely familiar.......2007-09-09
There is a disturbing pattern in her books of the heroine being raped by the 'hero'. I could not imagine a woman taking the abuse that this man heaped upon her for no reason, and then she does a 180 and tries to seduce him after he rapes her on their wedding night. Then he doesn't want her, but when he does want her she doesn't want him. It was hard to believe. So why do I still read Judith McNaught's books??? The characters are likable, even if you don't want to like them. Also the covers of her books are NOT HUMILIATING TO LOOK AT!!! Who in the world, other than a thirteen year old girl, would want to see those cartoon pretty people on the front of the books!!?? And the Fabio like man who is usually on the inside cover. I have to rip the covers off to be able to read them in public. Lighten up publishers. It's the twenty first century and most women don't swoon anymore!
All-time favorite!.......2007-08-30
This book made me a Judith McNaught fan instantaneously! I wish she would write more historical romances set in the regency era.
Believable.......2007-07-11
I wish this had been the first book I read by Judith McNaught because if it had been, I would have instantly become a fan! But anyhow, I absolutely adore this book because to me the story is believable and the characters are well written. I absolutely adore Jason simply because he isn't your typical dark romance hero who deep inside is still really Fabio. He's damaged goods but still a diamond in the rough. When you finally figure out why he acts the way he does, I assure you... you will weep for this man!
I would admit, this novel isn't really for everyone. It has its violent moments and the fact that Jason rapes Victoria the first time they do it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
What got me the most is the pacing! I love the fact that the author took her time with the pacing and the romance between the two characters. When he first meets Victoria he is mildly interested and just scoffs it as being just a lusty thing instead of the usual "Bham Wham, I think I am obsessed with you!". Instead no, he still sees his mistress, he doesn't really treat Victoria any differently and he still lives his own life. It's a slow process for the two of them as they finally come to terms with the feelings within them.
The story is pretty similar in vein and feel to 'Whitney, My love' but unlike Clayton (who to be honest, I don't really like) Jason Fiedling actually HAS reason to have trust issues and to be dark and brooding. If you enjoyed Whitney, My love only to feel cheated because of how irritatingly silly the story gets after they're married then please give 'Once and Always' a try!
Book Description
Practical help for determining healthy boundaries for parenting adult children. Previously published as Just Because They've Left Doesn't Mean They're Gone.
Customer Reviews:
Once a Parent, Always a Parent (Focus on the Family).......2007-02-13
I found the context of this book very helpful and encouraging. I would recommend it to parents of adult children. We read it and decided to use it as part of a resource in a Christian based parenting workshop that we were asked to give for our area. As in all advice and experiences of others one has to take it and evaluate how it fits into their lives and the lives of their family. It is for the most part a Christian based book and I liked that. I gave it a 4 because I felt there were several remarks made that weren't necessary or had anything to do with the subject material.
A great realistic overview.......2004-01-09
A very "down-to-earth" realistic overview of life with adult children in today's world and the challenges and victories we face together. The first 35 pages don't contain a lot of "meat" so skip over it or hang in there for the best part. Great suggestions,ideas, true stories, and loads of encouragement for both parents with struggling or "successful kids." Some of my favorities: specific examples of how to talk to your kids that would be more effective and get good results such as the chapter "Six Characteristics of a Nice No", another great chapter, "Dumb Decisions" (theirs) which weaves the Prodigal Son throughout, and the last two chapters which focus on reparenting the adult child and passing on the truth. This book is an easy-read and helpful no matter what your situation.
Much needed encouragement!.......2000-09-27
Covers almost any situation of dealing with adult children who aren't entirely gone from the nest. Helps reader sort out priorities and guidelines for one's own situation. Highly recommended!
Book Description
The Bible commands us to make our calling and election sure. Why is it then that so many Christians today struggle with the issue of assurance? Embracing the doctrine of eternal security, R.T. Kendall encourages the Christian struggling with legalism, bondage, and fear, and points us towards God's glorious promises. Once Saved, Always Saved is not a book for the complacent, as secure in our salvation we are challenged to live our lives with godly fear before the judgment seat of Christ.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful, deeply truth-filled book!.......2004-02-23
I have believed in eternal salvation for a long time but it is very hard to find books about the subject. So many evangelical and Protestant churches teach that Christians can "lose" their salvation. What a terrible thing to teach people when it is not true! This book reminds us that God gives the gift, the Holy Spirit guides us, and Christ redeems us for all eternity. A message that needs to be restored to the church during these uncertain times.
He shall lose none..........2003-07-10
The below reviewer obviously does not agree with Jesus that He should lose none that the father gave Him (John 6:39- And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.) and that none shall be able to pluck His out of His hand ( John 10:28- And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.) Was Jesus not telling the truth?
What a joke!.......2002-09-01
Yes God gives us the gift to be saved but we can lose our salvation! It's like someone gives you a gift and you accept it, but its up to you how to take care of the gift. Some ruin it, some take good care of it, and some lose it only to recover it later on in their lives. People who believe in "once saved always saved" doctrine are living in delusion. That doctrine basically says that you are entitled to go to heaven, no matter what you do on earth! What a spoiled attitude! People who actually read their bibles (KJV) find the truth! Apostle Paul said "work at your salvation with fear and trembling".
Once Saved, Always Saved.......2000-06-08
This book was definitely a highlight of my Christian experience. What a freedom to understand what God's grace really is--and is not, i.e., freedom to know God, not freedom to sin. This presentation of the Gospel walks right down the middle of Calvinism and Arminianism and sets the captive free--free to rest in God's unmerited favor, freely given, never to be taken away. Who wouldn't want to know and love and serve a God like that? Thank you, R.T. Kendall, for this wonderful book! I hope they reprint it soon!
Book Description
We can't speak for other schools, but at the University of Tennessee, they never want to turn loose of their sports heroes. After bidding their seniors farewell in their final game at Neyland Stadium, Vol fans begin charting the career paths of the school's athletes. When safety Charles Davis is featured on national television providing commentary for a West Coast football game, they will tune in. Or if towering offensive lineman Tim Irwin becomes the judge at Knoxville's Juvenile Court, they rejoice in their community's good fortune. It's safe to say UT fans have trouble letting go.On these pages are collected the stories of 25 former Tennessee football players. They were not chosen for the impact they had on the school's proud gridiron tradition, although it's fair to say all performed with distinction. Rather, it was their unusual-in some cases, daring-lives after college that captured the authors' attention.
Customer Reviews:
Once a Vol, Always a Vol!.......2007-01-09
This book is a fun look back over the history of Vol greats! We loved the pictures.
Average customer rating:
- 80s romance
- Mild disappointment
- A good, deep read...
- Really enjoyable book.
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Once And For Always
Stella Cameron
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Cameron, Stella | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1551665808 |
Customer Reviews:
80s romance .......2007-04-26
I didnt want to write a review for this but I didnt want anyone else buying this thinking this book actually deserved 4 stars. Perhaps it DID back then when most romance novels were written like this, however its the year 2007 and like myself I am pretty sure if you enjoy romance novels written lately you wont like this book.
To sum up what this book is about: Two kids, 17 and 18 yr olds, fell inlove, it was a summer romance. After, they lose touch. 19 years later they meet again, Caitlan goes back to the town where she met the hero with her teen daughter to get away from everything, like her husband ( they've been seperated for years). When the H/H meets again, they realize they still have feelings for each other.
However, there are many problems that stands in their way...a husband that uses her for money, a daughter who wants the heroine to get back together with her husband, h/h's parents... and so on...
Now, why I didnt like this book, I tend to dislike romance novels with weak-willed female charaters, and 80s romance novels are filled with heroines like this. The male lead was very shy, understanding hunk, NOT a alpha type. He spends most of his time chasing the heroine, who was easily lead around by everyone, he was too good to be true and I thought he desevred better. Heroine tended to drop him every time something came up, and that was the whole plot... As for love scenes, there was only one in the whole book and was pretty short and it seemed pretty passion-less. But it was written in the 80s so *shrug*...
I liked the "idea" of this novel and I think it COULD'VE been a sweet story, however I spent the whole time being mainly disgusted with h/h. I dislike romance novels that puts me in a bad mood, I read romance novels for that heart-felt happy glow, if you're a fan of romance novels you know what I mean.
If you like 80s romance novels, this book is for you.
Mild disappointment.......2002-06-14
Caitlin McBride returns to Wales with her teenage daughter, contemplating divorce, and meets up with Trevor Morgan now a widower who runs the local pub and coaches the school rugby team.
Caitlin seems to be a doormat, buffeted by the demands of her daughter, her mother who wants her to return to her husband, and her manipulative husband. She seems a bit shrill however in respect to the violence she sees in Trevor.
It hit a false note at the end when her mother changes her opinion about Caitlin getting a divorce. She has a thing against Welshmen (she married the exception), she kept saying that Mary needed her father, and she has a self-interest in keeping the marriage together. The about-face was abrupt.
The most admirable characters in the book were her Uncle Thomas who fixes everything and Mary and her boyfriend Owen who seem to be more mature and sure of their love than the adults.
Perhaps I came to this book expecting more since the first grown up romance I read years ago had the same basic plot idea, two young people in love separated by parents and time meeting up again as adults.
A good, deep read..........2000-08-05
"Once and For Always" reminded me of Stella Cameron's other book, "True Bliss." Although I never get tired of the plot (childhood sweethearts meet up again years later and give it another try... you can't go wrong...), I didn't really feel like I understood the characters' actions. The hero was gorgeous, if a bit shy, but the heroine seemed to be a bit mean towards him in terms of, "We can't be together until..ect. My problems come before you. Ect, ect." And yet in dealing with her problems she seemed to be a bit weak-willed, letting her husband push her around.
I did enjoy most of the book, though. It was a bit too melodramatic for my tastes (I usually prefer a lighthearted one to an angsty one.), but Stella Cameron is a wonderful writer, and she can't really go wrong. She's a master at writing these types of plots.
I'd recommend this book if you prefer those angsty romances with a happy ending. It's a very sweet book, I thought it was very romantic.
Really enjoyable book........2000-03-26
Who has not fantasized about that long lost love from your childhood? This book makes the dream reality! A solid book that leave a warm feeling long after you put it down.
Average customer rating:
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Once a Bum, Always a Dodger
Don Drysdale
Manufacturer: St Martins Mass Market Paper
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Baseball | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0312924623 |
Book Description
This book reconsiders the phrase "Once saved, always saved" and challenges the reader to re-examine the security of his or her salvation.
Customer Reviews:
Readable but deficient.......2006-04-05
I have to commend David Pawson for making his book accessible and readable, he does not overwhelm readers with theological terminology but speaks simply but still argues his case.
His exegesis, however, is deficient. Having listened to many of David Pawsons tapes in the past, he demonstrates a morbid tendency to seize any verse he can find to undermine Gods grace and scare people into thinking they can lose their salvation. He also injected this view into any talk on any subject. In the book some eternal security "proof texts" such as John 6:37-40 are not even considered. He confuses salvation with discipleship. He also fails to recognise that the word "if" in the Greek can have different classifications (such as "if, and it is", "if, perhaps it is, perhaps not", "if that was the case but it isn't" etc) and does not make any distinction.
His chapter "those tantilising texts" attempts to deal with some texts that affirm eternal security, yet it is only three pages and only a very few considered. He says that 1 Peter has nothing to say on the matter when in fact it clearly says that "we are guarded by the power of God through faith". He wrongly teaches that Judas lost his salvation, when it was evident he was never saved to begin with and only trusted Jesus as a political conqueror.
Chris
http://lightoftheworld.250free.com
Competent defence of an Arminian view of salvation.......2001-02-17
David Pawson is always readable, and always has perceptive insights into the biblical text that are well worth hearing and examing. In this case, Pawson has presented a well-grounded defence of a basically Arminian theology of salvation, which stresses the need for perseverance in the faith in order to attain to final salvation. He takes the reader systematically through the New Testament to see what each of the writers has to say on the subject. His exegesis is frequently disarmingly honest as to the thrust of each text, and he certainly pulls no punches in spelling out the life-or-death issues at stake when it comes to Christians flirting with sinful lifestyles and trying to keep the faith without producing the fruit.
On the other hand, he steers away, as one might expect, from some of the texts that might harm his case. He does address, in a separate chapter, some of the texts raised by eternal securists, but his treatment of them is rather superficial and dismissive at times. The most compelling biblical evidence in favour of eternal security, such as a number of instances in the Johannine writings, are not even addressed. His appendix on the fate of Judas, and the implications of the Bible narrative for our understanding of election and predestination, is rather unconvincing. Pawson also needs to take more care to spell out the implications of what he is saying to the doctrine of justification by faith, as he is open at some points to the charge of semi-Pelagianism.
Despite this weakness, his overall arguments are convincing and need to be taken seriously. On a theological level, Pawson's comments will help to contribute to a more rounded understanding of what the Bible has to say on the issue of salvation and security. On a practical level, believers need to hear the severe warnings offered by the Scriptures to those who are in danger of falling back into sin and rejecting their faith in Christ.
Competent defence of an Arminian view of salvation.......2001-02-17
David Pawson is always readable, and always has perceptive insights into the biblical text that are well worth hearing and examing. In this case, Pawson has presented a well-grounded defence of a basically Arminian theology of salvation, which stresses the need for perseverance in the faith in order to attain to final salvation. He takes the reader systematically through the New Testament to see what each of the writers has to say on the subject. His exegesis is frequently disarmingly honest as to the thrust of each text, and he certainly pulls no punches in spelling out the life-or-death issues at stake when it comes to Christians flirting with sinful lifestyles and trying to keep the faith without producing the fruit.
On the other hand, he steers away, as one might expect, from some of the texts that might harm his case. He does address, in a separate chapter, some of the texts raised by eternal securists, but his treatment of them is rather superficial and dismissive at times. The most compelling biblical evidence in favour of eternal security, such as a number of instances in the Johannine writings, are not even addressed. His appendix on the fate of Judas, and the implications of the Bible narrative for our understanding of election and predestination, is rather unconvincing. Pawson also needs to take more care to spell out the implications of what he is saying to the doctrine of justification by faith, as he is open at some points to the charge of semi-Pelagianism.
Despite this weakness, his overall arguments are convincing and need to be taken seriously. On a theological level, Pawson's comments will help to contribute to a more rounded understanding of what the Bible has to say on the issue of salvation and security. On a practical level, believers need to hear the severe warnings offered by the Scriptures to those who are in danger of falling back into sin and rejecting their faith in Christ.
Thoughtful and well researched.......2000-08-03
One thing I like about David Pawson's writing style is that he aims to make the reader think. He guides you through detailed source material and presents thoughtful conclusions from the biblical text. When his opinion is voiced, it is clear how the conclusion has been reached, but he leaves the reader to make up their own mind concerning the material.
Pawson is a man of strongly held beliefs and isnt afraid to tackle tough subjects - in this case challenging the reader to think about the topic of "Perseverance of the Saints" - are Christians unconditionally and eternally secure in their election, can they turn their back on salvation?
Average customer rating:
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The Case for Late Intervention: Once a Good Reader, Always a Good Reader
Stephen Krashen , and
Jeff McQuillan
Manufacturer: Language Education Associates
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Language Experience Approach | Contemporary Methods | Education Theory | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0965280802 |
Customer Reviews:
The Big D takes the mound one last time.......2006-09-08
Back in my teenage years, and mainly from 1962-67, I was a huge Los Angeles Dodgers fan, listening to every game that I could on my transistor radio. My chief heroes were hurlers Sandy Koufax and Don "The Big D" Drysdale, in that order. The most highly anticipated game day was one featuring a double-header in which both pitchers started. The ultimate delight was hearing both record a victory. Drysdale died in 1993 at age 56. His book, ONCE A BUM, ALWAYS A DODGER had been published 3 years before. For me, reading it only now, it represents The Big D's last walk to the mound.
This volume is Don's memoir of his time as a (Brooklyn) Dodger beginning in 1956 to his retirement from the (Los Angeles) Dodgers in 1969 and his subsequent career as a sportscaster.
Though California born and raised, Drysdale's biggest thrill in life was putting on the Brooklyn uniform, and that New York borough remained his sentimental professional home for the rest of his career. He remembers with fondness the Brooklyn greats with whom he first played, some of whom made the move to Los Angeles: Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges, Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Sal Maglie, Carl Furillo, Don Newcombe, and Duke Snider. Oddly, he has relatively little or nothing to say about the next generation of players whom I followed over the airwaves in Chavez Ravine: Maury Wills, Tommy and Willie Davis, Ron Fairly, Jim Brewer, Ron Perranoski, Claude Osteen, Johnny Roseboro, Jeff Torborg, Jim Lefebvre, Wes Parker, Dick Tracewski, and Lou Johnson. Sandy Koufax, of course, gets big mention inasmuch as it was Sandy and Don that joined forces for the infamous Great Holdout before the 1966 season. But, even then, I didn't sense that The Big D and Dandy Sandy were that close, not because either was overtly unfriendly, but because Koufax was (and is) a supremely private person. At one point Drysdale writes:
"I don't know if Sandy enjoyed watching me pitch, but I sure as hell enjoyed watching him do his thing. He was something."
The most useful personal insights, such as they are, are pretty much limited to Manager Walter Alston, General Manager Buzzie Bavasi, and Dodger owner Walter O'Malley during Drysdale's playing era, and to Vin Scully and Howard Cosell during his broadcasting years. But, even here, there's not much meat.
The book includes a 16-page section of photographs, but it lacks even a rudimentary section on Don's throwing statistics covering his 13-year major league career, though there is an entire chapter - "The Scoreless Streak" - dedicated to his most memorable achievement, the 58 2/3 innings of scoreless ball pitched in 1968.
The reader might be left with the impression that The Big D's life was without bumps. Therefore, I found refreshing his last chapter admission to and brief discussion about the failure of his 24-year marriage to his first wife Ginger. Indeed, it was only at this late point that I discovered the man to be human and his story retrospectively engaging. Nevertheless, Drysdale remains a larger-than-life figure in the endless summer of my adolescence.
Wonderful book for a true Drysdale fan........2003-09-01
As a 1960s era Dodger and Drysdale fan, I found this book very interesting and entertaining. You follow Drysdale's career from a boy to becoming one of the most successful and aggressive pitchers of all time.
The 1960 era Dodgers were a very special team. They won by every player giving over 100 percent. Drysdale was no exception, throwing hard and doing everything to win. The Koufax / Drysdale pitching combo was death to batting averages.
Drysdale shares many of his experiences with Dodger management and players. I often found myself laughing as he related humorous events. It was a grand time in baseball. It was a time when players roomed together and socialized together. They lived baseball in way that is foreign to the players of today. It was also nice to find out the inside on many events that I had been curious about.
I with a book like this you hope to read about many of the Dodger players. However, Drysdale's stories involve only his closest friends on the club and management. Even with that limitation, it was wonderful to read the stories about Gill Hodges, Duke Snider and others.
He did waste a chapter on Howard Cosell at the end of the book. He and Howard were friends and I think he wanted to present the other side of Cosell. Although Howard may have been a cool guy, he was never a good sports announcer.
If you liked Don Drysdale you should enjoy this book. After reading it, I wish I could have met him. This was a perfect title. Once a Bum (Brooklyn Dodger) Always a Dodger - and that he was for his whole career.
A GOOD LOOK AT THE TWIN D'S.......2002-05-25
DON DRYSDALE DOES A NICE JOB OF TELLING HIS LIFE AND CAREER. HE REALLY DOESN'T GO INTO GREAT DEAL ABOUT HIS PRIVATE LIFE BUT THAT IS HIS RIGHT OF PRIVACY. HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SAL MAGLIE, SANDY KOUFAX, AND WALTER ALSTON ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS BOOK. I WISH HE WOULD HAVE GONE INTO MORE DETAIL ABOUT HIS CAREER AND GAME SITUATIONS HE WAS IN. BUT OVERALL A GOOD READ FOR DODGER AND FANS OF THE TWIN D'S.
Good Book, Terrible Title.......2002-01-30
Despite its awkward title, Don Drysdale's autobiography is an enjoyable read, but even the first-person narrative doesn't save this memoir from blandness. Although Drysdale was both a fireballer and something of a fireball in personality (at least on the field), he comes across here pretty much as a generic athlete. Unlike Jim Bouton's "Ball Four," this book doesn't project a distinctive, personal voice. The memoir rambles along entertainingly enough, but there's not much that's particularly memorable about it.
An interesting aspect of the work is Drysdale's description of his close relationship with Sal Maglie, who came to the Dodgers in 1956. Drysdale, who seems to have been a very naive kid when he joined the Dodgers that same year (he was only 19), reports that he learned "a lot about pitching, a lot about baseball, a lot about life" from the "great and grizzled veteran" Maglie (who was all of 39 at that point!) His hero worship of Maglie when the latter was in the twilight of his career was touching, all the more so as it seems that Maglie didn't make many friends during his brief tenure with Brooklyn.
In the last chapter Drysdale sums up some relatively recent events in his personal life, including a nasty divorce, followed by a late remarriage to a much younger woman and the birth of two children when he was in his early 50s. He goes on about how happy he is, how great his health is, despite a "meat and potatoes" diet and a fair amount of drinking, and how he expects to live a good, long life, etc., but readers today know that this didn't happen. In 1990, when the book was published, Drysdale wasn't in the middle of his life--he was near the end of it. He died of a heart attack in 1993 at the age of 56.
For dyed-in-the-wool Dodger fans, the book is worth a trip to the library, but not to the used book store.
Good Book, Terrible Title.......2002-01-30
Despite its awkward title, Drysdale's autobiography is an enjoyable read, but even the first-person narrative doesn't save this memoir from blandness. Although Drysdale was both a fireballer and something of a fireball in personality (at least on the field), he comes across here pretty much as a generic athlete. Unlike Jim Bouton's "Ball Four," this book doesn't project a distinctive, personal voice. The memoir rambles along entertainingly enough, but there's not much that's particularly memorable about it.
An interesting aspect of the work is Drysdale's description of his close relationship with Sal Maglie, who came to the Dodgers in 1956. Drysdale, who seems to have been a very naive kid when he joined the Dodgers that same year (he was only 19), reports that he learned "a lot about pitching, a lot about baseball, a lot about life" from the "great and grizzled veteran" Maglie (who was all of 39 at that point!) His hero worship of Maglie when the latter was in the twilight of his career was touching, all the more so as it seems that Maglie didn't make many friends during his brief tenure with Brooklyn.
In the last chapter Drysdale sums up some relatively recent events in his personal life, including a nasty divorce, followed by a late remarriage to a much younger woman and the birth of two children when he was in his early 50s. He goes on about how happy he is, how great his health is, despite a "meat and potatoes" diet and a fair amount of drinking, and how he expects to live a good, long life, etc., but readers today know that this didn't happen. In 1990, when the book was published, Drysdale wasn't in the middle of his life--he was near the end of it. He died of a heart attack in 1993 at the age of 56.
For died-in-the-wool Dodger fans, the book is worth a trip to the library, but not to the used book store.
Books:
- One Night of Sin: A Novel
- Phil Gordon's Little Green Book: Lessons and Teachings in No Limit Texas Hold'em
- Return of the Warrior (Avon Historical Romance)
- Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes...in You and Your Kids
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- Secret Weapon (Star Wars: Last of the Jedi, Book 7)
- Shards of Crimson (Crimson City)
- Sister Pelagia and the White Bulldog: A Mystery by the internationally bestselling author of The Winter Queen (Mortalis)
- Sniper: Master of Terrain, Technology, And Timing, He Is A Hunter Of Human Prey And The Military's Most Feared Fighter.
- Someone to Watch over Me
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