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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Summary: Inspiration from cover to cover...
Review: I have read many books in my life, but never one quite like this one. The whole time that I read this book I was thinking to myself, "..and I think that I have had some bad days!" If you have ever found a more inspiring example in a human being, let me know, I'll read their book. Lance Armstrong was near the top of his sport, and he finds that he has cancer. What would you do if someone told you that not only were you losing your health, your ability to work, and maybe your life? Did he quit and give it all up forever? Not only did he NOT, he battled back from cancer and beat death, but he attacked it with the same energy that he used as a cyclist. He got his life back, found a wife, and won the Tour de France. What a role model. Read this book. I hope that this athlete can become a role model and an example to all.

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Summary: Cancer as a tool for transformation
Review: Lance Armstrong in his book recounts the transformation that happened in his life out of finding out at age 25 that he had very advanced testicular cancer. Incredibly, he was able to beat very unfavorable odds and come through cancer free. The cancer in his case seems to have worked as a tool that helped him transform and wake up to the richness of his life. He discovered how loved and supported he was by his family and friends, he discovered and was able to appreciate the dedication and incredible talent of others who collaborated to save his life, he discovered his inner resources and his passion for living, he rediscovered his love for the Bike which he was taking for granted... Out of this experience he won the Big Price: Huge professional success and a very fulfilling and loving marriage. If you are interested in transformational experiences and in discovering the state of being where success, love, satisfaction, self expression and aliveness reside, I highly recommend that you also read the book WORKING ON YOURSELF DOESN'T WORK by Ariel and Shya Kane. This book is a gem and it delivers all the keys to personal transformation and enlightenment. I highly recommend it to anybody who, like Lance Armstrong, is willing to challenge the limits of what we think it is possible to make happen in our lives.

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Summary: Wow!
Review: What an incredible (true) story. I could not put it down. Read half one night, finished the next morning.

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Summary: Whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger!
Review: The odds are part of the result, not the direct indicator; Lance Armstrong -- fellow Austinite -- proves that. When you're expected by all to give up, don't. As Lance's mom says: "Son, you never give up."

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Summary: Just read it!
Review: Not one for reading biographies, I read this book in two days. It has all the elements of a great story.....rags to riches....overcoming adversity....love interest, and a wonderfully happy ending that continues on as Lance recently won his second tour. A great story of survival about one of the greatest athletes of our time.

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Summary: I couldn't put this book down...
Review: At first I thought "what a cocky person, with attitude" but as I discovered later in the book, that without that attitude, as he battles cancer, Lance would be dead today. I wish I had this book eight years ago before my dad died of cancer, Lance would have made me ask more questions and demand more answers from the doctors that my family thought we could trust. Lance is remarkable and I pray that his inspiration spreads across the world.

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Summary: From manic inconsistency to darkness and back...
Review: Very interesting book and well written, I read it from cover to back and must say that normally I am not too interested in biographies as a whole, but this one was exceptional. Though the book takes you through the life of Lance, from his immature, spoiled and manic upbringing to his overall success in the 1999 Tour de France; it really isn't about Lance at all, but about survivorship against cancer. You come away with the distinct feeling that this event in his life changed him forever as a person to where he stopped thinking about himself to where he has started to think about others...i.e. his cancer foundation. I never thought I would read a story about cancer and its effects on people until I picked this one up. Unfortunately, the only reason I did was because I am myself a cyclist and have watched Lance's career as well as other's in cycling blossom in the US in the last decade. Don't make that your reason for reading this book. EXCELLENT, kudos to the writer...!