Outside of a Dog, #82

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Even though the Olympics have concluded you can still enjoy sports via some interesting sports biographies…..here is a sampling of several titles available at our branch as well as other libraries in the library cooperative.

A Champion’s Mind: Lessons from a Life in Tennis by Pete Sampras

Sampras is arguably the greatest tennis player ever, a man whose dedication to the sport made it possible for him to achieve a record-setting fourteen Grand Slam titles. Here he shares his own story of his success and well as a behind the scenes look at the sport of tennis.

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A Golfer’s Life by Arnold Palmer

The name Arnold Palmer is synonymous with golf. The winner of sixty-one tournaments on the PGA Tour and still active on the Senior PGA tour, Palmer pens a biography with insight, compassion, humor, and candor as he looks back on his highly distinguished career in golf.

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Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy

Named Coach of the Year in 2007, Tony Dungy made history as the first African American coach to win a Super Bowl title. In this entertaining memoir Tony gives football fans a look at the personal as well as professional obstacles he overcame to achieve success in the world of professional football.

Bio Dungy WCV WDB UPL SHL MPL

Bode: Go Fast, Be Good, Have Fun by Bode Miller

Published in 2005 this book gives readers a look back at the life and career of brash American skier Bode Miller. Bode’s approach to life and his skiing career may not be conventional but it is none the less an entertaining and inspiring story for fans of skiing.

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Cinderella Man: James J. Braddock, Max Baer, and the Greatest Upset in Boxing History by Jeremy Schaas

During the Great Depression years, boxer James J. Braddock was a champion many times over form Hell's Kitchen, in New York. In 1929, Braddock fractured his right hand (his dominant fighting hand) and his amazing, winning record fell to pieces. He gave up on boxing briefly to work as a longshoreman, gradually strengthening his left hand in the process. In 1935, Braddock, a 10-to-1 underdog, earned the heavyweight boxing title versus Max Baer, and the more colloquial title "Cinderella Man." This inspirational book (and the movie patterned after it) is a great tale of sports fame.

796.83 S WMB

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Cinderella Man

Starring: Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko

Starring: Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko, Bruce McGill, Paddy Considine

Directed by: Ron Howard

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Outside of a Dog, #30

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

So...the Lions have not been the most winning football team this past season, setting a new record for the NFL. Still, in preparation for the Super Bowl on February 1^st, here are some entertaining football reads you might enjoy.

The 100-Yard War: Inside the 100-year-old Michigan-Ohio State Football Rivalry by Greg Emmanuel

ESPN coined it the number one sports rivalry of the century. This title showcases the two great football teams with history, behind-the-scenes stories, and information about the players as well as the fans.

796.332 E WCV WDB CHE

Football Made Simple: A Spectator’s Guide by Dave Ominsky and P.J. Harari

Do you believe over 60% of Americans watch football? Do all these people really understand what’s going on? This simple guide is filled with illustrations and explanations and contains everything for necessary for fans and non-fans alike to better understand and enjoy the game.

796.33202 O WCV SBL CHE

The Way We Played the Game: A True Story of One Team and the Dawning of American Football by John Armstrong

Back in 1903, football was a very different game than what is played professionally today. This is the true story of a high school football team, its young quarterback and an enlightened coach pushing them toward modern-day football. A uniquely American story that will delight readers of history and fans of football.

796.33262 A WCV SCS