A Coach's Life: My Forty Years in College Basketball

Rating:
Summary: I could wretch
Review: The book was mostly appealling to me because of my love for Carolina basketball. However, the novel would be interesting to any basketball lover in that of the genius behind Dean's coaching strategies. He also sets a great standard for morals that a person should have in life. The book DOES travel into other sectors of life rather than just basketball. Dean Smith provides an excellent role model as his character is nothing less than the fine aspects of discipline, church, and honesty.

Rating:
Summary: More than just a basketball book
Review: The book was mostly appealling to me because of my love for Carolina basketball. However, the novel would be interesting to any basketball lover in that of the genius behind Dean's coaching strategies. He also sets a great standard for morals that a person should have in life. The book DOES travel into other sectors of life rather than just basketball. Dean Smith provides an excellent role model as his character is nothing less than the fine aspects of discipline, church, and honesty.

Rating:
Summary: I could wretch
Review: This book is boring and Dean fancies himself a martyr. I don't need to read another book about someone who believes that Jesus cares about a sporting event....yuck.

Rating:
Summary: a great book,a great person
Review: This book is wonderful. I respected Coach Smith as a basketball legend. After reading this book, I respect him more as a great human being.

Rating:
Summary: Strictly for Tar Heel Fans!
Review: This is a year by year by year by year (!) review of Tar Heel basketball with Dean's life prior to Carolina thrown in for good measure.(He actually had one). It makes no effort to be balanced. You see, Dean never made a mistake, had a player who flunked out or got in trouble-ever! Down in Chapel Hill, life goes on and the Heels keep winning. Phooey! I'll take Bobby Knight throwing chairs and tantrums anyday. However, if you're from Carolina or a UNC alum, ignore this review and buy the book right away. You'll never notice the shortcomings. Now, how about a bio of Dean's predecessor and mentor, Frank McGuire.(He first hired Dean as an assistant). That would be a story.

Rating:
Summary: Strictly for Tar Heel Fans!
Review: This is a year by year by year by year (!) review of Tar Heel basketball with Dean's life prior to Carolina thrown in for good measure.(He actually had one). It makes no effort to be balanced. You see, Dean never made a mistake, had a player who flunked out or got in trouble-ever! Down in Chapel Hill, life goes on and the Heels keep winning. Phooey! I'll take Bobby Knight throwing chairs and tantrums anyday. However, if you're from Carolina or a UNC alum, ignore this review and buy the book right away. You'll never notice the shortcomings. Now, how about a bio of Dean's predecessor and mentor, Frank McGuire.(He first hired Dean as an assistant). That would be a story.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: This is the best book that I have ever read! I am a huge Tarheel fan and I totally loved this book! This is a must read! Anyone who likes Carolina will love this book!

Rating:
Summary: At Last, Dean Speaks
Review: This is what every die-hard Carolina basketball fan has been waiting years for-an opportunity to hear in-depth from Dean Smith. This book is a wonderful example of what a great teacher Smith is. The stories are great and we finally get to learn a little about the personal side of Coach Smith. A must read for all North Carolina enthusiasts.

Rating:
Summary: don't expect kiss and tell...
Review: This memoir is consistent with what I have observed of Smith over the years: intelligent, organized, interested in the world outside of basketball, publicly reserved, and loyal to a fault. The last two characteristics make the book a little frustrating to read: Smith will not name names or criticize his former players or coaches, though if you are fan of Carolina basketball you will know the names to fill into the anecdotes and incidents he describes (e.g. J.R. Reid's suspension from the 1989 ACC tournament semifinal for missing curfew.) Nevertheless, it is far better than most other sports memoirs (i.e. he actually had a life off the court)and should broadly appeal to people not especially interested in basketball in general or Carolina in particular.

Rating:
Summary: don't expect kiss and tell...
Review: This memoir is consistent with what I have observed of Smith over the years: intelligent, organized, interested in the world outside of basketball, publicly reserved, and loyal to a fault. The last two characteristics make the book a little frustrating to read: Smith will not name names or criticize his former players or coaches, though if you are fan of Carolina basketball you will know the names to fill into the anecdotes and incidents he describes (e.g. J.R. Reid's suspension from the 1989 ACC tournament semifinal for missing curfew.) Nevertheless, it is far better than most other sports memoirs (i.e. he actually had a life off the court)and should broadly appeal to people not especially interested in basketball in general or Carolina in particular.