Sports and Fitness Recent Picks
NOVEMBER 2009
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Cycling Is My Life by Tommy Simpson
“The cyclist Tom Simpson is a legend. The first British world champion, the first Briton to pull on the fabled yellow jersey of the Tour de France - he brought professional cycling to a nation and inspired generations of riders. His autobiography, "Cycling is My Life", was written the year before he died tragically on the barren moonscape of Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour aged just twenty-nine. Forty years on, hundreds of fans still make the pilgrimage to the windswept memorial which marks the spot where he died. In an age where each Tour de France seems more blighted by scandal than the next, Simpson's story is as relevant now as it was then. A man of contradictions, Simpson was one of the first cyclists to admit to using banned drugs, yet the dapper 'Major Tom' inspired awe and affection from the British public for the obsessive will to win which was ultimately to cost him his life. First published in 1966, Simpson's autobiography is essential reading for every dedicated cycling fan and an engaging story of the life of an iconic sportsman. From the original reviews: 'The book will be an inspiration to all the thousands of youngsters starting in the sport” - Daily Express - (Amazon)
The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert
“By the time Eustace Conway was seven years old he could throw a knife accurately enough to nail a chipmunk to a tree." Such behavior might qualify Eustace as a potential Columbine-style triggerman, but in Gilbert's startling and fascinating account of his life, he becomes a great American countercultural hero. At 17, Conway "headed into the mountains... and dressed in the skins of animals he had hunted and eaten." By his late 30s, Eustace owned "a thousand acres of pristine wilderness" and lived in a tepee in the woods full-time. He is, as Gilbert (Stern Men) implies with her literary and historical references, a cross between Davy Crockett and Henry David Thoreau. Gilbert, who is friends with Conway and interviewed his family, evidences enormous enthusiasm for her subject, whether discussing Conway's need for alcohol to calm down; his relationship with a physically and emotionally abusive father; or his horrific hand-to-antler fight with a deer buck he was trying to kill yet she always keeps her reporter's distance. At times, Conway's story can be wonderfully moving (as when he buries kindergartners in a shallow trench with their faces turned skyward to help them understand that the forest floor is "alive") or disconcerting (as when, in 1995, he's uncertain about Bill Clinton's identity). Gilbert has a jaunty, breathless style, and she paints a complicated portrait of American maleness that is as original as it is surprising.” (Amazon)
Rugby Union : Technique, Tactics, Training by Peter Johnson
“Crowood Sports Guides provide sound, practical advice that will help make you a better player whether you are learning the basic skills, discovering more advanced techniques or reviewing the fundamentals of your game. This new, substantially revised, and updated edition includes Star Tips, Kit Checks, Rules Checks, and Key Points. Covering skills and techniques at every level, this book features action and sequence photographs; helpful, detailed diagrams in color; and an introduction to rules and equipment. Aimed at those learning the basic skills as well as those who wish to discover more advanced techniques or to review the fundamentals of the game.” (Amazon)
Fantasy Freaks And Gaming Geeks:An Epic Quest for Reality Among Role Players, Online Gamers, and Other Dwellers of Imaginary Realms by Ethan Gilsdorf
“In the late ’70s, playing fantasy role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons put [Ethan Gilsdorf] on equal social footing as the AV club. Thirty years later, though, fantasy films rule the box office, J.R.R. Tolkien is considered essential reading and games like World of Warcraft are pop-culture phenomena…. But there are still pockets of fantasy culture—Lord of the Rings conventions, Society for Creative Anachronism battles, LARP (Live Action Role Playing) camps—that the casual fantasy nerd wouldn’t even dare to tread…. ‘I wanted to know why a 40-year-old man is still so interested in this stuff that he’d dress up in armor on the weekends,’ [Gilsdorf] says. The author travelled from the woods of South Carolina to libraries in Wisconsin, from battlefields in Pennsylvania to the mountains of New Zealand—all in the quest to find some answers. His conclusion? They get to the heart of why any of us, geeks or not, become involved with any group. ‘It’s all about a sense of belonging,’ says Gilsdorf. And maybe a bit about killing stuff.” (Amazon)
Into Thin Air : A Personal Account Of The Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer
“Into Thin Air is a riveting first-hand account of a catastrophic expedition up Mount Everest. In March 1996, Outside magazine sent veteran journalist and seasoned climber Jon Krakauer on an expedition led by celebrated Everest guide Rob Hall. Despite the expertise of Hall and the other leaders, by the end of summit day eight people were dead. Krakauer's book is at once the story of the ill-fated adventure and an analysis of the factors leading up to its tragic end. Written within months of the events it chronicles, Into Thin Air clearly evokes the majestic Everest landscape. As the journey up the mountain progresses, Krakauer puts it in context by recalling the triumphs and perils of other Everest trips throughout history. The author's own anguish over what happened on the mountain is palpable as he leads readers to ponder timeless questions.” (Amazon)
Basic Illustrated Canoe Paddling by Harry Roberts ; revised by Steve Salins
“Richly illustrated and information-packed tools for the novice or handy reference for the veteran, BASIC ILLUSTRATED books distill years of knowledge into affordable and visual guides. Whether you're planning a trip or thumbing for facts in the field, the BASIC ILLUSTRATED series shows you what you need to know.” (Book Jacket)
Sister Surfer : A Woman's Guide To Surfing With Bliss And Courage by Kia Afcari and Mary Osborne
“When Mary Osborne won the longboard contest in MTV’s Surf Girls, she immediately became the strong and beautiful figurehead for a nation of surfing women. Now, here’s Osborne’s introduction to the sport, the only guide for women who surf, and, more importantly, for those women who have always dreamed of paddling out beyond the breakers and catching the ideal wave. Osborne is a master of the slickest sport. Here she shares her wisdom with readers, on everything from putting on a wet suit (do wear your bathing suit underneath, ladies) to catching the first wave (don’t start too far out). There are tips on choosing a board, carrying it, knowing which boards need wax, finding a surfing buddy, figuring out what that leash is for and how it works, and finding the perfect spot.” (Amazon)
The Complete Guide To Great Golf : Golf Steps For Beginners Through To Advanced Players by Kevin Smith
“What makes Kevin outstanding is his approach to building better players. Not only does he break the game into simple steps and inspire confidence, but he really knows how to help people take their skill and confidence to the course.” (Book Jacket)
Winning Isn't Everything : Inspiring Moments In Sporting Mate-Ship by Max Davidson
“From Ancient Greece to the Beijing Olympics, sport has delivered thrilling victories and gut-wrenching defeats, but moments of good sportsmanship are increasingly rare. Is chivalry dead? Or have rumours of its demise been exaggerated? Whether displayed by an Australian sculler or an Egyptian judoka, sportsmanship has come in many guises. It's Not the Winning that Counts celebrates the Boy's Own heroism of yachtsman Pete Goss's mercy dash across the Southern Ocean to rescue a capsized French rival; recalls the high ideals of the gentleman-amateurs of the Corinthian Football Club; salutes Freddie Flintoff, hero of the 2005 Ashes, commiserating with an opponent before celebrating with team-mates; and takes its hat off to Jack Nicklaus, conceding a two-foot putt on the final green of the 1969 Ryder Cup.” (Amazon)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu : The Closed Guard by B.J. Penn, David Camarillo, Erich Krauss & Glen Cordoza
“B.J Penn-UFC Lightweight Champion, former UFC Welterweight Champion, former Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, and best-selling author of "Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge" - is the most accomplished jiu-jitsu practitioner competing in the sport of MMA. In "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Closed Guard", through step-by-step photographs and descriptive narrative, Penn shows numerous techniques for shattering your opponent's posture and obtaining control of his body. He covers dozens of collar chokes, arm chokes, and triangle chokes. He shows a plethora of straight arm bars, inverted arm bars, kimura locks, Americana locks, omaplata setups, and finishes from omaplata control. He also demonstrates a host of sweeps and transitions. Whether you are new to the grappling arts or an experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner wanting to take your game to the next level, this book is for you.” (Amazon))
Auckland, 100 Years Of Rugby League, 1909-2009 by John Coffey & Bernie Wood
“This book tells of the struggles & triumphs of Auckland teams and players over one hundred years of rugby league.”(Book Jacket)
Snow Business : Sixty Years Skiing In New Zealand by Ralph Markby
“Snow Business traces the history of skiing and the rise of ski culture in New Zealand over the past \ six decades - from the emergence of ski clubs to the expansion of commercial ski fields. Ralph Markby, a passionate skier who made his first pair of wooden skis in 1944, recalls the days when skiers trudged up mountains for every run. Here he tells irresistible tales of the intrepid skiing pioneers - undaunted by the physical challenges of their new sport, and armed with an unflagging sense of humour. The subsequent development of commercial ski fields called for an adventurous spirit and a burning commitment to the slopes. The cast of visionary characters in Snow Business includes members of the iconic Wigley family, who were tourism pioneers at the Hermitage, Coronet Peak, Ohau and the Remarkables. New Zealand boasts some very fine ski fields: here we are taken on a magnificent tour of them, including the lesser known gems, and can admire breathtaking mountain vistas along the way. An exhilarating look at the history of a sport which has set the pulse racing for generations of New Zealanders and visitors alike.” (Amazon)
Backgammon To Win : Play Like A Pro Both Online And Off by Chris Brayl
Strokes Of Genius : Federer V Nadal : Rivals In Greatness by L. Jon Wertheim
Ricki Herbert : A New Fire by Ricki Herbert with Russell Gray
Out Of The Shadows : A Champion's Return To The Spotlight by Wally Lewis with Neil Cadigan
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