It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life

Rating:
Summary: A truly remarkable book
Review: Thank you, Lance Armstrong, for giving the world an honest look into the life of a great athlete. I read your book in one sitting then went out and bought copies for my chidren and their children. Whether you ride bicycles or not, this book is an honest look at life through the eyes of a young man who has everything to live for and decided nothing, not even a life-threatening disease could keep him from his goals. He gives a lot of credit to his Mother, wife, friends and teammates. He never takes credit for having done it alone. Besides being inspirational, it was a facinating look into the world of bike racing, a subject I knew little about. Now I'm looking forward to being in Austin next year to watch the Ride of the Roses. Maybe I can't ride a bike anymore, but I'd love to be able to watch those who can and to help fund the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Put me on your mailing list.

Rating:
Summary: Tour De Lance
Review: As a kid, Lance had issues. He grew up on the wrong side of the Dallas tracks with a mother who coddled him. He played catch with flamming tennis balls, and terrorized the streets in his Camaro IROC. He nursed his grudges. But along the way he discovered a world class talent in endurance sports,(his VO2 rates are still the highest ever recorded at the Cooper Clinic)and began successfully competing in triathalons and bike races. Focusing his angry energy and prodigious talent on cycling, he became a world class champion. Then the cancer struck and Lance had a whole new battle to fight. It's Not About the Bike interested me because along with the great sports story, Lance reveals a lively intelligence and some real humility. He knows that fate played just as big a role in his life as his indomitable will. His book reads well and has a nice flow to it. I gave it four stars because while it is not a classic, it is certainly one of the better sports autobiographies around.

Rating:
Summary: a story everyone should read
Review: I just finished Lance's book two days ago and I found it heartwarming and inspirational. I can personally relate to his struggle with cancer as my husband was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer in 1993. We went through the chemo, the fears, the blood tests, the cat scans and all the side effects. We already had a family-seven kids aged 9 months to 11 years at the time, and it was a great struggle. My husband never talked much after his remission and eventual cure. I am grateful to Lance Armstrong for being a spokesman for this disease and for his courage. And I agree with him-"It's not about the bike."

Rating:
Summary: Wow!!
Review: This book is fantastic. This is my first ever online review, that's how good it is. I read this book in one long sitting, and was sorry when it was over. Buy it, you won't regret it.

Rating:
Summary: It is about more than the bike
Review: For the last two years Lance Armstrong has captured victory at the Tour de France. In It's Not About The Bike, he captures the heart and soul of his readers. Rarely has an athlete's depiction of his struggles been more moving. Rarely has an athlete's depiction of his ultimate victory been more compelling. Armstrong's focus is his victory (physically, psycologically and spiritually)over life-threatenting cancer. His oddessy to beat this deadly disease is well crafted, easy to consume, and rewarding to complete. Oh and by the way, he wins a big race too.

Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal Book
Review: Let me be the first one to admit that I know very little of the cycling world. I had heard of Lance Armstrong and I knew that he won the Tour de France. So I was a bit leery reading a book, much less a biography who normally would never even hit my radar screen, but I have learned my lesson. This book just blew me away, it capitivated me in a way that only a good book can. It moved me, made me think, and made me feel grateful. If only for that short time I felt I really knew Lance and I was right there with him -- pulling for him the whole time. He was open, outright and honest in this book and it was was written in a respectful and responsible manner. For readers like myself, I feel thankful that Lance chose to share his story with us. It was touching and I'd truly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book that means something and can teach you something too.

Rating:
Summary: Great story about a cancer survivor
Review: Although I really haven't followed Lance Armstrong's cycling career, I was compelled to get this book. I found it very interesting and although I haven't personally been very close to someone dealing with cancer, it was a great story of hope. I think this would be an awesome book to give someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. No matter how grim of a prognosis someone may be given, Lance Armstrong is a living example of how there can always be hope. I also think that when people are fighting cancer, they probably want to read success stories on those that have overcome cancer so that they may have hope.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful look into the life of a professional cyclist
Review: The book gives an interesting view into the life of a professional roadracer and into Lance's own battle with cancer. His determination and will are most admirable. He gives hope to others, make that great hope to others and often hope is the only thing a cancer patient has. There were a couple of things about the book that were detractors. One was Lance's own self absorbtion which did not seem to change from his pre-cancer days and the other was the all to frequent use of the "f" word. I find it amusing that Lance found the porno magazines at the sperm bank offensive, but doesn't mind using crude sexual language in his own book.

Rating:
Summary: Total Inspiration..
Review: If you think you're not the "autobiography" type -- think again! As the title states, it's not just about the bike. As a rider however; I thought it was neat to get the athlete's perspective on the Tour, as well as the type of training Lance endured. It's an easy read and would make a great gift book for anyone who is living with/has survived cancer, come from a single parent home or loves riding.

Rating:
Summary: The Most Intense Inspiration
Review: If you can read this book without becoming caught up in Armstrong's struggle and inspiration, you're a pretty tough nut--if I can use that expression in this context. Huge kudos to Sally Jenkins for telling Lance's story without diluting any of his true voice and character. The book is extremely well-written and riveting from the first words. Whether you are an avid cycling fan or not, this a story of human drama that transcends the pro sport aspect and becomes simply a tale told beautifully--no holds barred.