Wooden

Rating:
Summary: Basketball & More, Wooden's lessons on life
Review: John Wooden is more content with his role in this world than any person I know. But that's easy when you have touched so many people positively. I hated the Bruins until they beat my beloved UofMemphis Tigers in 73 behind Walton's 21-22 shooting, still considered on of the greatest performances in basketball. After that I listened to Wooden as a television analyst and it was inspiring. No words were wasted. Not maximum entertainment. Just pure knowledge for those willing to listen and learn.

That's what Wooden was and wanted to be, a teacher. In this one book, he states his simple principles, where he learned them, and why they are important. Imagine a man growing up early in this century in Indiana in a hardworking Midwestern family. That's what Wooden was and that's what this book relays to the reader.

Don't read this book to get a basketball lesson. Read this book to learn life's lesson and relish in a man who has no ego because he knows that it is a detriment.

I cannot say enough good things about this man and the life he led. This book was given to me by a friend of John Wooden's, autographed and enclosed with his personal business card. The business card contains the Pyramid for success. John Wooden, always coaching, always teaching.

Rating:
Summary: Wizard of Westwood Forever
Review: This book is fantastic. I have coached youth basketball teams at many age levels. I have played on teams that always lost and teams that were always expected to win, in my own younger days. I find Coach Wooden's principles to be sound and if one follows these principles they will be a winner in life, as well as on the court. I plan to buy extra copies of this book for other teachers, off and on the court.

Rating:
Summary: A "Wizard", Yes, But Also Human
Review: Having once coached varsity high school basketball for 13 years and having heard Coach Wooden speak at numerous clinics, I can personally attest to the authenticity of this book's contents. It correctly suggests both the man's wizardry and humanity. Jabbar and Walton have almost nothing in common except their talent to play basketball and their love and respect for Coach Wooden. He is proud of them but probably just as proud of hundreds of other players (most known only to him, their families, and friends) who are physicians, educators, artists, attorneys, public servants, corporate executives, entertainers, etc. He set very high standards, especially for himself. He prepared for each practice and each game with meticulous care. He hated losing for lack of a maximum effort but accepted defeat (after a maximum effort) with exceptional style and grace. Anyone who has any association with children, especially those privileged to coach at any level, should read this book. And may I add, anyone who feels adrift in her or his life should also read this book. The "lessons" provided helped to win so many NCAA national basketball champlionships; they also helped to develop the character of those who played on the U.C.L.A. teams which won them.

Rating:
Summary: Wooden's Wisdom Is Priceless
Review: You don't have to be a basketball nut to appreciate this gem. Coaches and athletes of all sports will relate to this collection of short stories from the Coach! Wooden shares ancecdotes and lessons learned from years of experience as perhaps the greatest coach or our time. Most of these lessons will smoothly transfer over into your everday life. This book is an easy read. I have trouble putting it down sometimes, as the stories are so entertaining I just keep reading.

Rating:
Summary: Simply, an exquisite book
Review: If a child was left on a desert island with no parents and no one else to give her/him guidance, they would be able to raise themselves with a copy of this book. Pardon my hyperbole, but if Sacred Hoops is Ronaldo, then Wooden is Pele'. This is easily one of the best books I've read.

Rating:
Summary: All the championships prove that he knows what he's talking
Review: Without a doubt my most favorite book I have ever read. It tells you all the things that you need to know to exceed in life and on the basketball court. He stresses all the little things and his pyramid of success is outstanding. Every sentence has meaning in its own special way. Before every game I play I will have this book to refer back to and anytime in life I need help I will see what the little blue book says.

Rating:
Summary: Loaded with timeless information!
Review: This is a must read for anyone coaching, teaching or parenting. I refer to the hundreds of quotes and stories to help me in coaching and in life. It is one of the best investments I've made.

Rating:
Summary: Thank you Mr. Wooden
Review: Outstanding book. I've referenced it many times to help provide practical wisdom to everyday decisions. This book is about the journey - life. Basketball was Mr. Wooden's instrument, but his practical journey through life is what he shares through this thoughtful book. Thank you Mr. Wooden.

Rating:
Summary: Wooden- The Wizard does it again!
Review: I bought this book while visiting the UCLA campus to attend a mens' basketball game. I received "Practical Modern Basketball" from my high school coach as a gift when I began my teaching and coaching career in 1976. This became my coaching bible for years to come. When I saw this new book, Wooden, I bought it without hesitation, thinking that John Wooden's "Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court" was as much a mystery as it was curiosity relative to my appreciation and utilization of the words of wisdom provided in the book I received as a gift in 1976.

My career in public education has allowed me to seriously reflect on my life as it pertains to personal gratification of preparing for unknown opportunities and being able to rationalize with poise and confidence. I attribute many successes in my life to the Wooden philosophy that I followed in my early years of my career. Wooden's, reflections, is an outstanding assessment of what a man of Mr. Wooden's character achieved through hard work, dedication to his own philosophy, and the love for life and people. I have recommended this book to personnel within my organization,to coaches and friends. It is also a great asset for parents who need direction in how to raise their children, basing all dialoge and communication on respect. I truly respect the real value of this book as an asset to my future and my family and my responsibities as Assistant Superintendent of Schools!

Thanks, Eddie Booth, Winnemucca, NV

Rating:
Summary: An outstanding work of art.
Review: Quite simply the most impressive book of this nature I have ever read. John Wooden provides all readers with inspiration and a challenge. I only wish I could have met the man. All the people who have been behind the creation of this masterpiece, should be congratulated. It will stand the test of time.