News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

This selection of Recent Picks (for Sports & Fitness) offers books on winter sports as well as summer, for those heading to warmer climates.

Skateboarder’s Start-Up : A Beginner’s Guide to Skateboarding / Doug Werner ; [technical advisor], Steve Badillo.
“Providing updated and revised chapters on safety, equipment, and basic skills, this instructional guide discusses the fundamentals of skateboarding. More than 500 new images and step-by-step instructions promise to turn skateboarding novices into experts.” (Syndetics summary)

Why We Run : A Story of Obsession / Robin Harvie.
“Where the book truly excels is in its depiction of Harvie’s internal landscape. He largely shuns training tips and inspirational advice in favour of a true memoirist’s tone, exploring the reasons why he runs – grief, ambition, boredom – with an almost brutal honesty. These passages are as moving as they are illuminating.” (Amazon.co.uk)

Surf for Your Life / Mick Fanning and Tim Baker.
“The ultimate grom’s glimpse into the life of a two-time world champion and a guide to living and breathing the surf life. Mick tells his own story of overcoming the odds to become one of the best surfers in the world while dropping pearls of wisdom gained from his life on and off the tour.” (Library Catalogue)

Swimming Anatomy / Ian McLeod.
“For swimmers, McLeod, an athletic trainer and massage therapist who has served on the US Olympic team’s medical staff, presents 74 exercises with step-by-step descriptions and anatomical illustrations that show the muscles in action, as well as how each exercise is linked to performance in each of the four competitive strokes.” (Syndetics summary)

Gotta Tango / Alberto Paz, Valorie Hart.
“Gotta Tango is your guide to the authentic Argentine tango. Master teachers Alberto Paz and Valorie Hart take you on a journey through the rich culture, history, and music of Buenos Aires that inspired the romantic passion, alluring creativity, and natural elegance of the Argentine tango dance. Book jacket.” (Syndetics summary)

Kings, Queens and Four-Legged Athletes : the Telegraph book of horse racing / [edited by Martin Smith].
“It is the Sport of Kings. And Queens. And Lords and their Ladies. It is also the sport of knaves and bounders, spivs and cheats. Horse racing, moreover, is the sport of the ordinary man: from housewives with their 50p on whichever horse Lester is riding in the Derby, to anyone who has entered the office Grand National sweepstake. It is a massive commercial industry with a multi-million pound turnover in betting, breeding and prize-money. Yet it is a fun day out, whether it be the splendour of Royal Ascot, Epsom dolled up for the Derby, Cheltenham rocking to the Irish enjoying ‘the craic’, or the homeliness of the most humble country course.” (Library Catalogue)

1000 checkmate Combinations / Viktor Henkin.
“Checkmate, the object of the game of chess, can be executed in more ways than anyone can count. This truly outstanding book, first published in Russian in the ’70s and regarded as a classic, contains one of the most comprehensive collection of checkmate combinations ever assembled. Available for the first time in English, it also sports an introduction by former world champion Mikhail Tal.” (Global Books)

Pig Huntingitis / Chris Fraser.
“Warning: PIG HUNTINGITUS is very infectious, people have been known to catch it just by reading about it. If you own an old 4WD truck with a dog box on the back, a long pointed knife, a collection of motley looking dogs and when you are talking to your mates every second sentence has the word “pig” in it at least once, don’t panic, you already have it. As for the rest of you, proceed with caution. Chris Fraser discovered pig hunting later in life. Already a successful hunter, the invitation to join a friend on a pig hunt started something that continues to this day.” (Global Books)

Classic : the Revival of Classic Boating in New Zealand / Ivor Wilkins.
“Renowned yachting writer and photographer, Ivor Wilkins, showcases the leading lights of the recent classic yacht revival movement: big names such as Waitangi, Rainbow and Ariki, treasures such as Little Jim and Rona, and the classic dinghies and launches which dot our coast. It is a tribute both to the original builders of these magnificent craft but also to their current owners and restorers, who have gone to what might seem incomprehensible lengths to bring them back to their former glory and return them to home waters. Lavishly illustrated with contemporary and historic photographs, this book tells the fascinating stories of these boats and at the same time tells a story of New Zealand’s own history.” (Global Books)

Dressage School : a sourcebook of movement and tips demonstrated by Olympian Isabell Werth / by Britta Schoffmann.
“In this fantastically detailed and uniquely organized reference, 2008 Olympic gold and silver medal-winner Isabell Werth demonstrates the what, the how, and—most importantly—the why of more than 100 dressage movements. She shows readers how each should look, explains common mistakes and how to avoid them, and then describes the benefit of the exercise and how it contributes to the dressage training scale. In addition, emphasis is placed on the horse as an individual and customizing movements and lessons to benefit any animal, with their particular physical and psychological characteristics in mind. Practical and easy-to-follow, this resource promises to take the mystery out of dressage schooling forever.” (Amazon)

Top Catch : hook up New Zealand’s top 12 species / John Eichelsheim.
“Popular fishing writer John Eichelsheim spills the beans on how and where to catch he best examples of New Zealand’s top fish species. John draws on his own forty years of experience fishing around the country to tell personal stories of his own ‘top catch’ for each species, then provides biological/ geographical information on the fish, the nuts and bolts of tackle and technique, including the peak season, and the current records (biggest fish ever caught etc.)” (Global Books)

Apollo’s Angels : A History of Ballet / Jennifer Homans.
“This is a history of ballet by a dancer turned historian and critic. It begins in the courts of Europe, where ballet was a form of aristocratic etiquette and a political event as much as it was an art.” (Global Books)

One Mountain Thousand Summits : The Untold Story of Tragedy and True Heroism on K2 / Freddie Wilkinson.
“When eleven men perished on the slopes of K2 in August 2008, it was one of the deadliest single events in Himalayan climbing and made headlines around the world. Yet non of the surviving western climbers could explain precisely what happened. Their memories were self-admittedly fogged by exhaustion, hypoxia, and hallucinations. The truth of what happened lies with four Sherpa guides who were largely ignored by the mainstream media in the aftermath of the tragedy, who lost two of their own during the incident, and whose heroic efforts saved the lives of at least four climbers. Based on his numerous trips to Nepal and in-depth interviews he conducted with these unacknowledged heroes, the other survivors, and the families of the lost climbers, alpinist and veteran climbing writer Freddie Wilkinson presents the true story of what actually occurred on the “savage” mountain.” (Amazon)

Basketball’s Greatest Stars / Michael Grange.
“Profiles of the best NBA players provide a great history of the game.” (Syndetics summary)

Fishermen’s Tales : Incredible Stories from New Zealand and the World of Fishing / Peter Jessup.
“Fishermen’s Tales is a collection of favourite stories, from the streams and coastlines of New Zealand to the rivers, lakes and seas of the world. As incredible as these stories seem, all of them are true.” (Book Jacket)

Kook : what surfing taught me about love, life, and catching the perfect wave / Peter Heller.
“Heller details the strenuous, exciting adventure of learning to surf in only six months.” (Syndetics summary)

In amongst our picks this month: a biography of Matthew Hayden, a best-of anthology of cricket writing, the Liverpudlian football story, and a guide to cricket ‘banter’. Have a browse:

Standing my ground / Matthew Hayden.
The country boy from Kingaroy rose to greatness in the cricket world. Here is the superstar batsman, the surfer, fisherman and chef in a book as bold and powerful as the man himself. Hayden delivers a characteristically direct assessment of the matches and the people that shaped his journey, and opens up on umpires, the media, superstitions, teammates and opponents with disarming honesty and humour.

My favourite cricketer / edited by John Stern.
An anthology of some of the finest writing on the sport which first appeared in the world’s number one cricket magazine, The Wisden cricketer. Includes contributions from Sid Waddell, Alan Davies, Christopher Martin-Jenkins and others.

Red men : Liverpool football club : the biography / by John Williams.
“The Story of Liverpool Football club has been a joyous and remarkable one, if one also characterized by vital moments of real human drama and occasional terrible loss. This is, of course, what makes the modern Liverpool FC precisely what it is. Come on, you Red Men!” (Syndetics summary)

Why are you so fat? : cricket’s best ever sledges / Gershon Portnoi.
“In this hilarious book, Gershon Portnoi has selected some of the very best examples of cricket sledging of all time…..this book is the laugh-out-aloud funny ultimate guide to cricket’s unique form of banter which will ensure you are never lost for words when the right insult or riposte is required.” (Book Jacket)

Cycling is a fun way to improve fitness without adding to global warming. Written for recreational riders Bicycle: love your bike: the complete guide to everyday cycling gives practical information for all levels. Questions are answered by Helen Pidd about what bicycle to buy, how to stop getting knocked off, how to stop a bicycle thief, even whether you can be arrested when cycling drunk – read and find out.

In 1531 Thomas Elyot described football as “nothing but beastlie furie and extreme violence”. How has it changed over the centuries? Beastly fury: the strange birth of British football written by Richard Sanders looks at the modern version of the most popular game in the world and answers some interesting questions. Who invented heading and who dreamed up the off-side law?

Think like a caddie, play like a pro: golf’s top caddies reveal their winning strategies by James Bartlett will benefit players and caddies alike. Inside tips and advice along with 50 colour photos produces an enjoyable book show-casing some of the world’s best golf courses.

Enjoy this mixture of sports and other titles about dungeons & dragons, pool, darts, chess and fishing in this month’s Sport Recent Picks.

How can a sporting match last for five days with no winner and strangely, the fans are still happy? Cricket enthusiasts get it but others are left bewildered. Give Lawrence Booth’s book Cricket, lovely cricket?: an addict’s guide to the world’s most exasperating game a go. It explains many aspects of this often puzzling game in a humorous manner and looks at the past, present and future of this absorbing sport.

Amy Taylor’s book Lake Taupo cycle challenge guide shows novice and experts alike how to prepare and train for this very Kiwi race. It features 16 or 32 week training programmes suitable for solo, experts and relay riders. Anyone even thinking of entering the race should read this book first to get on the right track and increase your chance of success.

My life in and out of the rough: the truth behind all that bull****you think you know about me by John Daly with Glen Waggoner. The title says it all really!

Enjoy reading more about these sports and others including Kiwi hunting yarns, junior soccer, State of origin and Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu in this month’s Sports Recent Picks.

Read Mondo Lucha a go-go: the bizarre and honourable world of wild Mexican wrestling by Dan Madigan and find out what super head-scissors takedown, Molly-go-round and corner slingshot splash are. Beginning in Latin America this form of wrestling is now worldwide and has a large fan-base. Many of the wrestlers cover their faces and fight incognito. Why? It would take a brave person to ask. Colourful posters, cards and mementoes are found through-out the book.

Figure skating is beautiful to watch and requires grace, power and an incredible amount of courage. Steve Milton’s book Figure skating’s greatest stars is a who’s who from the 1950’s through to today’s champions. Artistic and technical boundaries will continue to expand wowing judges and public alike.

New Zealand fishing guide: North Cape to Stewart Island edited by Bruce Duncan and Mark Airey covers all types of fishing including boat, surfcasting, freshwater, diving and game fishing. Find out the best spots for marlin, snapper, kingfish and many more chosen by New Zealand Fishing News writers and other experts.

Read these books and others including boxing, soccer training, tennis, basketball and more in this month’s Sport Recent Picks.

J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan loved cricket, and although more enthusiastic than talented, he still managed to enlist the most extraordinary amateur cricket team of the time. Included was A. A. Milne, P. G. Wodehouse, Jerome K. Jerome and Arthur Conan Doyle and this only stopped when World War II began. Peter Pan’s first XI: the extraordinary story of J. M. Barrie’s cricket team is part cricket, part history and part biography.

What are you doing out here: heroism and distress at a cricket test by Norman Harris is a drama of two events that unfolded in different parts of the world. In New Zealand the railway disaster at Tangiwai killed 151 passengers from a lahar, including the fiancée of test cricketer Bob Blair. No-one expected him to take any further part in the South Africa-NZ test match far away from home, but when New Zealand was at risk of losing he chose to go out to bat. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.

What do a high country farmer, a radio DJ, a businessman, a photographer and a shoe-string traveller have in common? It is their love of cricket. Most Kiwi blokes would wander down to the local match but not for these intrepid five. They chose to go to one of the most exuberant cricket countries. Bowling through India: five Kiwi blokes take on India at cricket by Justin Brown taught them a lot about fanaticism, compassion, friendship and that cricket doesn’t need anything but a bat and a ball and keen players.

Now is the time to read something other than football with this month’s bumper-size Recent Sports and Fitness Picks – apart from those on cricket, included are books on skateboarding, triathlon, golf, poker and even books on “ripping things to do” for children.  However if you really do want to read about the Football World Cup – there are five new titles to chose from.

Wimbledon is a national institution with a multi-million pound budget and millions of followers but how does it run so smoothly? Holding court by former chief executive Chris Gorringe, known as “Clockwork Gorringe” was at the helm for 26 years so is the best person to explain the procedures, some dating back to 1868.  During his tenure he dealt with the 1973 player’s’ boycott, the McEnroe tantrums, the demands for equal prize money and the Olympic bid. No doubt he organised the strawberries and cream as well!

Thinking about running a marathon? Worried about being too old, unfit, over-weight or don’t have the time? This is the book to read. Sam Murphy’s book Marathon and half marathon: from start to finish will encourage anyone and every-one. Information is given on training, diet, clothing, running technique, avoiding injury and race preparation.

Every July a huge number of fans will arrive to watch the Tour de France and Graham Watson’s Tour de France travel guide explains how to avoid potential pitfalls. Quality hotels, reasonably priced food and the best places to watch the race are just some of the “tricks of the trade” to make the event memorable. With maps and photographs Watson’s 31 years of expertise will make this book a must for cycling fans.

Read about these sports and others including golf, cricket, hockey, football, kick boxing and ultimate diving in this month’s Sports Recent Picks.

New Zealander Lisa Tamati’s autobiographical book Running hot is about challenge, endurance and a will to never give up. The Badwater Ultramarathon through Death Valley in the United States is 135 miles long and temperatures up to 55 degrees in the shade is not unusual.  As the first Australasian woman to complete this, along with other desert runs puts her in the upper echelon of long-distance runners.

Sporting contests occur frequently but there are some that will always stand out and be remembered. More than a game: when sport and history collide by Jan Stradling looks at those occasions. Everyone remembers Jessie Owen, Billie Jean King and Maradona as much   for how they changed history as for their sporting prowess.

With the Rugby World Cup next year pressure and expectation will be put on the All Blacks and particularly the captain to regain the most prestigious rugby crown. John Matheson’s book Richie McCaw: a tribute to a modern-day rugby great looks at the fast rise of this talented player. From his first provincial appearance to All Black captain he has gained a reputation for a never-say-die attitude which will be needed in 2011.

Read about other sportspeople including Imran Khan, Va’aiga Tuigamala or learn more about Phar Lap, North Island trout fishing guide, the Warriors, Stormrider guide and skateboarding in this month’s Sport Recent Picks.

Want to know how to toss an opponent eight feet into the air? In Judo for mixed martial arts by UFC fighter Karyo Parisyan find out how it’s done. With 30 throws and 60 submissions to choose from this book will be a must-have for those who practice mixed martial arts.

Judo unleashed features 350 step-by-step colour photographs showing moves and techniques in detail. Author Ohlenkamp is a certified USJA master coach, the highest level of certification and this knowledge will assist beginners and experts alike.

A good book for after the Christmas excesses! Running getting started by Jeff Galloway aims at all levels of fitness. He has developed the Run-Walk method of training which reduces stress on the body. The step-by-step programme includes advice on nutrition, motivation, stretching and strengthening.

Relax or learn a new sport with these books and others featuring Jeet Kune Do, New Zealand champion motorcyclists and tennis in this month’s Sport Recent Picks.