Rating: 
Summary: Punchless Redundancy
Review: Having read and admired several of Feinstein's earlier works (notably A Good Walk Spoiled, A Season on the Brink, and The Majors), I was eager to read this account of an event which occurred on December 9, 1977, when Kermit Washington threw a punch at Rudy Tomjanovich during an otherwise forgettable NBA game. I seriously doubt if that incident "changed basketball forever" but it certainly had a great impact (no pun intended) on Washington and Tomjanovich. In my opinion, Feinstein's greatest challenge was to provide an analysis of that incident within the historical context of the almost 25 years since "the punch" was thrown. He had several options. Here are three: Focus primarily on the two principals; or focus primarily on what he views as the larger significance of violence in competitive sports; or focus on the society within which such violence is tolerated, if not admired. For whatever reasons, he seems to have elected all three and the results are disappointing. The narrative is excessively redundant, the coverage is generally superficial, and worst of all, Feinstein (if only by implication) suggests to this reader a number of questions which are worthy of thoughtful responses. Why, for example, are the NFL and NHL now imposing more serious penalties (fines and/or suspensions without pay) on athletes for what are viewed as acts of violence? How does the behavior of certain athletes reflect their socio-economic background? And what about the violent behavior of fans (even those attending their children's games) who attack officials as well as each other? During a recent college football game, an assistant coach was arrested on the field after allegedly injuring a fan. What's going on? What does it all mean? Given the opinions I have just shared, my rating is explained by the fact that I think Feinstein has at least refocused attention on a distant event which invites thoughtful analysis in books yet to be written. That alone is worth an additional Star. My hope is that someone else (John Updike? George Will?) will come forth with a book which Feinstein could have and should have written.
Rating:
Summary: What about the punch itself?
Review: I read the book today and found it to be a pretty good story of the events surrounding the punch. But I was surprised and disappointed not to see more information on the medical aspects of the punch. I think the book would have been much more interesting if some facial x-rays or photos of Rudy T's face or even more medical description of the actual damage was included. I think the book would have been more meaningful if the doctors involved had been interviewed about their recollections of the actual medical treatment. And a psychologist or two could have been used to describe the psychology of the throwing of that punch, such as description of the "fight or flight" syndrome of human evolution. I believe that Kermit Washington's reaction was a instantary and involuntary response to a perceived threat that appeared instantly in his field of view. I grew up in Houston and always loved Rudy T., and especially loved watching him bank shots off the backboard from the wing. He was a wonderful basketball player and I did love the way the book described his reactions to the doctors, his wife, his daughters, etc. I believe that Kermit Washington was a victim in a very real way of this tragedy, but and his victimhood may very well have been ultimately more profound than that of Rudy Tomjanovich. I am glad the situation is nearing resolution, and it would be great if Kermit could finally get a job within the league and make a decent living after his livelihood was virtually destroyed by what happened in 1977. Stan Moore San Geronimo, CA
Rating: 
Summary: The best basketball book since Playing for Keeps
Review: Much like Halberstam's work on Michael Jordan and his place in American culture, Feinstein takes us back to the "enforcer" days of the NBA where every team had one guy to keep pressure off of the "stars". Kareem Abdul Jabaar's sometimes hesitant enforcer was one Kermit Washington. On one tumultuous night, a minor tiff between Kevin Kunnert of the Houston Rockets and Kareem turned into Washington doing what was the "understood" rule, protect Kareem. In the meantime, one of the real good guys of the NBA and the Houston Rockets came sprinting to midcourt to break up the fight. Kermit, sensing someone running towards him, turned and made contact with Rudy's unsuspecting and still forward moving face. The results for both men, both organizations, the NBA, the media circus, the players of both teams, the referees, and the announcers had long lasting psychological and philosophical implications. This all is played out behind the backdrop of the United States in the mid-70s, still getting used to the idea of Civil Rights laws and a sociological shift. The power behind the black man's literal punch to the promising white man resulted in the demonization of the otherwise considered gentle giant, Kermit Washington, and the elevation of Rudy T to martyr status. Whereas, Kermit has struggled with the punch looming so large as to prevent his own ability to move on personally or professionally, Rudy has gone on to become one of the best NBA coaches, leading the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships. This is the perfect gift for the basketball or sports fan, but also for those whose reading interests are concentrated in popular culture and its influence on America. This is truly a wonderful read. Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Recommended
Review: A great book for the sports fan and non sports fan alike. Feinsten has a clear and concise writing style that spells out the facts of the incident in question, but more importantly lets the reader in on the people behind the story. In dealing with human nature and personal memories, morphing the past into the present can be tricky but Feinstein pulls it off well. He definitely invokes the mood of the NBA's dark era in precise fashion and makes the reader feel like it is the late 70s all over again. If I had a small gripe with the book, it would be with the books slightly over dramatic subtitle : 'the fight that changed basketball forever'...I found only one tangible change in the game noted in the book ( going from two officials to three to help curb violence) , and while I am sure the fight did change the game in other ways - maybe some not so obvious - Feinstein never really explores his own thesis. This minor criticism noted, I whole heartily recommend this fine book.
Rating:
Summary: Pedestrian Summation
Review: As other online reviewers have noted, "The Punch" is comprehensive, but suffers from a serious lack of editing. The same phrases and even sentences are repeated in the book 4 or 5 times. It's as if Feinstein believes that his readers are so stupid that they need to be told the same thing over and over again -- or that his publisher asked him to pad this book to its 350-page length.
Also curious is Feinstein's repeated referrals to basketball as it was in the late 1970s vs. 2001-2002 when he wrote the book. I assume that the primary audience for the book are people like me -- sports fans of 40-plus who remember the Punch when it happened. We also know what the NBA was like pre-Magic, pre-Bird, pre-Jordan. So don't belabor the point.
Still, the book has done us all a nice service by summing up the events leading up to and post-dating the Punch. And it does a very nice job of giving a more rounded perspective than Kermit Washington has portrayed for the past 20 years. Kevin Kunnert in particular must be pleased.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting Topic, Though Often Repeats Itself
Review: This book has a fascinating topic, and Feinstein has a talent for research and storytelling. However, I feel he did not edit the book as well as he could have. He repeats himself several times throughout the narrative.
The book is about the punch that Rudy Tomjanovich received by Kermit Washington back in 1977, that has haunted them ever since. Feinstein interviews those involved to find out what really happened.
Though often times redundant, this book is a great read, as well as a quick read. I recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: The long term impact of a moment few will ever forget
Review: I remember when the "punch" happened. At the time it was fortunate that our modern media was not in place, because we would have been subject to replays for weeks on end. Even so, what I felt as a young person seeing the impact of the blow, and more importantly, what I felt towards Kermit Washington, stuck with me all these years and came back as I opened and started reading this book.
This book details the lives of the two people; both before and after the event itself. One of the more powerful elements of the story is how fast life can change. Kermit Washington is a man that should be admired for his work ethic, his tenacity in overcoming a tough childhood, and his charity work throughout the world. Unlike many of the NBA players today who get involved in drugs, crime, and are some of the most self-centered people imaginable, Kermit is none of those things. Despite this fact, he also appears to be a bitter man who cannot get beyond the effects of these events. The book explores the fact that Kermit Washington is far more than a man defined by this one moment.
Throughout the book I saw myself as one of those who viewed this man in a negative light for nearly 30 years and realized that I represent what Kermit Washington cannot let go of. That the book has the purpose and result of illuminating that life is not always what it seems makes it a remarkable gift.
The other side of the story depicts the saga of Rudy Tomjanovich. The scars of the damage go well beyond the physical features of Rudy, although he has gone on to much success in his career as a player and a coach. It was fascinating to read about the reactions of his teammates, and how close to death Rudy came.
One valid criticism of this book is the editing. The content is excellent, and the author has provided some great insights into an event that took place nearly three decades ago. However, the story does take a bit of work to get through at times because of the way the editing results in what seems to be a lack of continuity in how the information is depicted. One often gets the feeling that they are reading the same thing over and over.
Overall, if you also experienced this event I would recommend this book despite some of the editing opportunities. If you, like me, have had a view of these two people as a result of the "punch", then a full view of the people involved is invaluable. I changed my long held opinions as a result of reading this book. The story is compelling and well worth the effort.
Rating: 
Summary: Misses his own point
Review: In the introduction, Feinstein tells us how compelling he found this subject and how he pursued Tomjanovich and Washington rather than writing a book on golf. Then he inexplicably rushes through the book without apparent editing or proofreading. As many of the other reviewers point out, the repetition is extremely distracting. Of course, Feinstein's work never really qualifies as fine literature, but he's usually a very good sports journalist. This plainly is not his best work, which is too bad because he was right -- there was an interesting story here.
Regarding that story, the author's presentation was reasonable but could have been more comprehensive. In particular, he presents the punch and it's aftermath as an unfortunate incident -- almost an accident. Although he mentions in passing that Tomjanovich came close to dying, he never explores just what that would have meant, both to Washington and to professional sports. Instead, he recounts both players' careers and alternates between sympathetic and pathetic portrayals of Washington. He seems to want us to choose sides and then tells us that there are no sides.
As for Washington, it's unfortunate that this one event has overshadowed all of the good things that he has done inside and outside of basketball. But I have to agree with John Lucas that Washington has never owned up and taken responsibility for his actions. He refers to events using the passive voice. He childishly blames someone else for starting the fight. Heck, Tomjanovich takes more responsibility for what happened than Washington does. And if we use the measure that bad people are people who do bad things, for one moment at least Kermit Washington was a bad person.
Rating:
Summary: Deja View all over again
Review: Like so many other reviewers, I concur with their repeated assaults on the repetitiveness of this book. I tend to read several books at a time, never having a problem picking up where I left off. However, with this book, I kept feeling that I was reading backwards with the rehashing of events and personalities time after time. A good story, yes, but a difficult read.
Rating: 
Summary: Promises the world, delivers squat
Review: If you are reading this, then you already know what the book is about, so there is no need for me to describe "The Punch" and who was involved. Unfortunately, the author does not share this belief and not only wants to tell you, but insists on telling you over and over again in mind-numbing repetition.
The reason for this is clear to me: this is not really a book. It is a long magazine article masquerading as a book. Some judicious editing would have shown exactly that. But the publishers would have had to issue the book at less than one-half its length which surely would have impeded sales. It is now a respectable length thanks to the author's need to describe the personalties of both men and the surrounding cast too many times. Nevertheless and despite my carping, it is a strangely compelling story and one that most sports enthusiasts may find interesting. Give it a try if the subject interests you, but don't have high expectations.
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