Rating: 
Summary: On the whole good, but
Review: Being an amateur cyclist myself, there was much I enjoyed about this book. The inside information into the cycling world was very interesting. Of course, the inspirational account of Lance's comeback was quite compelling. What I found somewhat disturbing about the book was Lance's liberal use of profanity. I didn't see any need for this to be included, at least not to the extent that is present. No one seemed excempt from this man's foul mouth. Whether it be nurses, friends or competitors, all were subject to it. Lance could have given us the accounts of his life with the same intensity without having to resort to including this. But, as I said, apart from this, it was an excellent read.
Rating: 
Summary: Sorry, but it's not all it's cracked up to be
Review: Cancer survivor, two-time Tour De France Winner, world-class athlete. I guess I was expecting more from the book. I came away sorely disappointed. Armstrong came across as an arrogant, insensitive, unsympathetic jerk. 275 pages of him bitching and complaining about one thing or another. Spoiled, rich, good looks...and zero personality. His story should be a compelling read but I found it entirely too self-indulgent. He has no faith. He has incredible wealth. He, unlike a lot of people, could afford the best cancer doctor money could buy. He was damn lucky to survive. BTW, I'm a theraputic foster parent, adoptive parent, and plain old parent. My wife and I currently have seven children at home. The children who cross our doorstep have been abused, neglected, and abandoned. We fight a daily struggle to keep these kids on an even keel. Their story is a thousand times more compelling than Armstrong's. According to Lance, no one is as great as Lance. No one, that is, except the millions of abused and neglected foster children in the Unites States, who fight a daily battle for survival and the hope of a "normal" childhood. Lance, as an American, I was proud of your personal and professional accomplishments. Your book did not make me less proud, but did give me an insight into the bitter person you are. I'm sorry for you and all of those you come in touch with.
Rating: 
Summary: Unbelievable, inspiring and courageous
Review: "The truth is that cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me. I don't know why I got the illness, but it did wonders for me, and I wouldn't want to walk away from it. Why would I want to change, even for a day, the most important and shaping event in my life?" This single quote could summarize this most remarkable book, by an equally remarkable man. After reading this book, (in which I stayed up until it was finished), I am just totally amazed at Lance's guts, determination and strength in fighting testicular cancer, which should have, according to the poor odds against him (less than 3%), killed him. Lance, instead of becoming a victim, chose instead to be survivor! Here a story of inspiration that will bring tears to your eyes, tears of compassion, joy and triumph. This is one man's story of incredible challenge of digging down deep for inner resources in managing and conquering cancer. Lance refused to become a statistic and instead rallied and became cancer's worst enemy. He refused to give in and chose to fight the disease with all that he had. I admire his love and admiration for his mother, who continues to be one of his strengths in his life. He was fortunate, as well, to have loving friends support him throughout his entire ordeal. "The one thing the illness has convinced me of beyond all doubt - more than any experience I've had as an athlete - is that we are much better than we know. We have unrealized capacities that sometime only emerge in crisis. So, if there is a purpose to the suffering that is cancer, I think it must be this: it's meant to improve us." The book chronicles the emotional and physical changes Lance undergoes as he triumphs over cancer as well as his emotional coping both during and after. This is a book of true courage and determination. Lance set up a foundation to help other cancer patients manage and survive their cancer. Lance lives his mother's inspiration of "make every obstacle an opportunity." Lance proves that the power of the mind, combined with taking control of one's disease, seeking different opinions and doctors, and becoming an expert on the topic can help one overcome and conquer cancer. This is book is an excellent, poignant and emotional testimony to one man's faith and determination. Finishing this book, I have nothing short of admiration for Lance Armstrong. Thanks Lance for being an inspiration to everyone and with your work with cancer patients. The world needs more role models like yourself!
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational? You bet.
Review: What a book! I defy anyone with a modicum of sensitivity to put it down willingly before getting to page 275. Lance's wonderful closeness with his mother, his resounding praises of the extensive medical team that oversaw his treatment and recovery, his description of the other riders and promoters of road cycling, his delight at his marriage and birth of his son express the essence of one fascinating young man. It doesn't take a rabid cycling fan to appreciate his recapturing of the '99 Tour de France. Masterful, Ms. Jenkins.
Rating:
Summary: It's Not About the Bike
Review: I wasn't prepared for the emotion that poured out of Lance Armstrong, but I was totally captivated. It is a superbly well-written book that tells a harrowing tale of authentic heroism and true bravery. I couldn't put it down and for four days, carried it with me everywhere I went, until at last I was regrettfully finished. It stayed with me long after I was through, too. He's right when he says it's not about the bike. It's also not about cancer or toughness or amazing support and courage. It's about life, and there are not many books that can say that. Buy it. Read it. You won't regret it. And next year, you'll find yourself up at 3am to watch the most fabulous sporting event on the planet--the Tour de France--and cheering on our own cowboy.
Rating:
Summary: Lance Armstrong: It's not about the bike
Review: This book was truly am inspiration! Not many people have the courage to fight back as he did. It was a wonderfully in-depth look at real life for a person stricken with cancer. He has a no-holds-barred approach to every page. He writes with passion and attacks the story aggressively! A must read, especially for those who enjoy biking, wether mountain biking or the Tour de France!
Rating:
Summary: its not about the bike - my journey back to life
Review: I just went through with my grandmother 3 months of radiation. And to a certain extent i understand how Lance Armstrong felt. His book is heartwarming and made me feel like i was with him every part of his chemo treatments. I was even interested in how he dealt with his having to bank semen if he ever wanted children. He made everything very matter of fact and not to be ashamed of. This fact above everything else in this book is what people should come out with. Nothing is wrong with the human body. Yes it is true that a person shouldn't shout out from the roof top how they bank semen, but by Lance telling his story it levels the playing field. I think how matter of fact he tells his story will help others not feel so superior and help other ppl goign through cancer see that their is hope. Thank you, Shani Apter
Rating:
Summary: A Gem of a Memior
Review: I bought this book on a whim. I am not a cyclist nor have I really followed the sport. Inspite of that, I found Lance Armstrong's biography to be incredibly inspiring. I read it while on a plane coming back from Jamaica and found myself utterly enthralled with his story of self-discovering and growth that gained as a cancer survivor. I was also moved by the parallels he described in battling the pethelon and conqueoring cancer. His love for the bike and what it has brought to his life is equally impressive. I felt as though I was with him as decribed cycling through harsh weather, pain and all the wonderous nature of the French countyside. Oncology nurse Ms. Latrice Haney, whom he calls a real life angel, was also inspiring. Her dedication to her patient and her profession was moving. If am ever sick, I also hope encounter an angel like her. Life is miracleous. Lance Armstrong's testimony bears witness to this fact.
Rating:
Summary: Life In The Fast Lane
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Lance's journey really sent home the message that we can all turn our lives around. And I don't mean medically. Lance's transformation into a more "human" caring person, shows us what is possible for everyone. This book was a great read. I highly recommend it. Another book on personal transformation that I thoroughly enjoyed is by Ariel and Shya Kane called "Working On Yourself Doesn't Work." This book shows how, in easy to understand terms, people's lives can be totally transformed by adding a simple awareness to their way of seeing. It too is a wonderful read that I highly recommend.
Rating:
Summary: A book everyone can gain from
Review: As the title states...it's not about the bike. This is so inspiring that I recomend it for everyone. Everyone can learn and gain from this. It will raise the bar you are currently challenging yourself at both mental and physical. Even my roomate who spends most of his time in his room and can't even begin to think of competitive cycling could benifit from this. I hope he and anyone in the dumps reads and becomes a better more solid person. Lance is a true Amercian hero, as well as his wife, and many around him. As you'll learn, the top of the list, he is a "Cancer Survivor".
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