Rating: 
Summary: Interesting Story of His Life's Journeys
Review: He may be a d--- in real life, but you have to hand it to him about the journey he has taken. In reading the book it was refreshing to believe that he was writing the book in his own voice (very personally with anger, vulgarity, and fast paced). The book was inspirational to the point that here was this guy who had the chips stacked against him and although I don't think most people will just roll over and die at the news (most people do choose to fight the cancer), he not just survived but was able to rebuild himself to become the best at what he does. He pays tribute to the other cancer patients he meets and vividly describes the battles he and everyone else has with the cancer, the treatments and the 'loss of self'. He doesn't paint a pretty picture about anything that happens except in the network of patients, survivors and some healthcare professionals he mwt along the way. Another refreshing aspect to the book that adds to its validity is his honesty about his roller-coaster of emotions, where at times he wanted to give up certain pursuits and had to rely on the strength of those around him to go on. It is a strong dose of reality for everyone who reads it, and educates those of us fortunate not to have cancer on the debilitating effects on the body and soul it has. The bike and racing is a side-bar story that just adds to the strength of character that many survivors have after they beat the disease, on their "new lease" on life. This was a great and humbling book that I could not put down when I started it.
Rating: 
Summary: unbelievable book
Review: Like the title says this books is not (all) about the bike. Since you probably know the story, I won't rehash it here. I'll simply repeat that it is an unbelievable story.
Rating:
Summary: uplifting!
Review: This is a good book to read when you are feeling "blah"...
While I wasn't annoyed when Lance got resentfully back at some people that he feels let him down in life (after all, he is human, just like all of us!), I read with much interest his accounts of his battle with cancer, and of the Tour de France.
Whether you like Lance Armstrong or not, whether or not you are into cycling,you have got to admit he's got guts, drive and resiliance. I don't think Lance aimed at being depicted as perfect in this book. Rather, he aims at being the best he can be. And for this alone, the book is worth reading.This is a good reminder of what you can accomplish if you work hard enough for it. Remember the famous quote "never, never give up..."?
Rating: 
Summary: typical
Review: It;s not about the bike is a typical, supposedly inspirational, typical "american dream" book. It is just another book written by a typical American for other typical americans.Yes sure to fight cancer and then win the most difficult road race on earth is amazing, but not as amazing as this book makes it out to be. Lance Armstrong was privileged as a child - he had the opportunity to become what he became! People who do not have the opportunity (the money maybe) to pursue their talents and then to create an opportunity, and in the end, win, THAT's inspirational! This book is about Lance Armstrong, and only about how great Lance Armstrong is, period. It is boring and uninteresting - just another person's life story, except this one had talent and used it - yay! for him!Sorry to be so cynical, americans should wake up out of their perfect little "american dream" world, and maybe read about something that describes what is really going on in this world, and maybe even something that is really inspiring!!!
Rating:
Summary: It's Not About the Bike
Review: In my opinion this is one of the greatest books ever written. Lance's story is incredibly motivating, and Jenkins captures the essence of this American hero. Her use of cycling diction, race scene description, and team orientation help clarify this highly European sport for her American readers. Her use of metaphor extends the reader's understanding of how the cycling world ticks. Lance's many dialogues in the novel add substance to the work, while providing a better understanding of his battle with testicular cancer. Also, Lance's use of subconscious feeling helps the reader understand his attitude toward certain situations. He delievers a wonderful story that will touch of the heart of even the most skeptical readers. His message is clear, no obstacle is to tough to overcome with motivation, perserverence, and dedication. This book is wonderful for anyone looking for a good "pick me up" to motivate them to get in gear!
Rating:
Summary: Captain Narcissism, white courtesy telephone please...
Review: For most people, giving them some paper and a typewriter is like giving them rope to hang themselves with. And this book is an excellent example. Lance Armstrong wastes no time in demonstrating his staggering vulgarity and total self-absorption.
Apparently, rather than tax himself with the task of being a good person - something that seems not even to have penetrated the outer edges of the universe of his ideas - Armstrong considers himself to have made a compelling case for greatness simply by being a good cyclist. And apparently many, many readers cannot see anything wrong with Armstrong's narcissistic totalitarianism and in fact drink it down like water. You want the book boiled down for you? Lance Armstrong is a piece of ... who happens to ride a bike.
Rating:
Summary: You have to own this book..
Review: The most amazing and awe inspiring book I have ever had the pleasure of reading. You will want to read it again, and again and again! I know I have.
Rating:
Summary: Must Read!
Review: A great book! I couldn't put it down... in a word Lance is Amazing!
Rating:
Summary: You're Right -- It's All About Lance
Review: I got this book for inspiration from a high-visibility athelete. I thought it would be interesting to read about Armstrong as a top representative of the athletic commmunity and a cancer survivor. Armstrong testified to his early problem childhood which I can understand. Frankly, though, I am glad he wasn't a neighbor! As I read along, I was hoping that his cancer experience and the blessing he had with remission would show in a changed person, somebody I would want to see emumlated in others and someone better for himself and his family/friends; someone who had truly changed and was thankful to the Almighty that he had gotten a second chance. He certainly had plenty of time and money to spend thinking about life. I waited and waited and finally gave up midway through the chapter on the Tour. His language was foul before and after his cancer and I wouldn't want a young person to read some of this stuff. I gave up when he added his own foul-mouthed enhancement to Matt Damon's answer to "Do You Like Apples?" in that chapter. This book could have been so much more to inspire those beseiged with cancer and for amateur athletes. Instead, it is a self-serving testimony of a boy high on himself.
Rating:
Summary: A book not just for cycling fans!!
Review: If you want to know what people with cancer go through, this is the book for you. Two thums up for Lance Armstrong for sharing his personal experinces dealing with cancer. Detailed, honest, and informative! Really enjoyed it!
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