Rating: Summary: Great History of Southern Football Review: I was captivated by this story. I am from Tuscaloosa, but until I read this book I never knew so much about the bond forged between Bear Bryant and Gene Stallings in the 1950s. This book captures the personality of Bear and reminds the readers what it takes to be successful in anything, not just football.
Rating: Summary: Good story of a mean man Review: While much of the book may be true the one thing that stood out for me was the reality of Coach Bryant's carelessness with his players. Yes you have to work to become better, but Coach Bryant's I don't care attitude is the real story of this book. His unconcern with their physical, mental. and emotional well-being shows what kind a a man Coach Bryant really was. While he may be an icon in college football this book shows his true feelings about his players. Only after players are subjected to physical hardship and almost die does Coach Bryant show any caring. This caring is only because it would be bad for Coach Bryant not for the player of the player died. While some may read this book and laugh at the workouts and giggle when someone goes down, i found it to be harsh punishment for the sake of harsh punishment. I did not read much coaching in the book as far as plays or technique is concerned. Yes there was some but the main idea was to knock heads just to knock heads. Also the book glorifies the Junction experience as THE reason the Aggies won. Not so. No one wins without talent. With only 8 boys surviving the Junction "field trip" the real reason the Aggies won were the talented freshman that were left behind. The book was good in showing the personality of a man, while being a "good" football coach, who was just mean to be mean. Like head knocking just to head knock. Just working with no purpose except to work.
Rating: Summary: Read It Soon! Review: Jim Dent has done a fabulous job of bringing back to life the "Ten Days from Hell" in Junction. It's been a long time since I've read a book that made me laugh out loud, cringe, cry and rejoice at every turn of the page. This book is not just about football. It's a story about ideals, courage, dignity, sacrifice and love. I hope my children grow up with the spirit of The Junction Boys!
Rating: Summary: Great Book Review: This was one of the best books I have ever read. If you are an Aggie or if you just like football, you've got to read this book. Jim Dent goes into great detail about how much hard work it took for the Aggies to become SWC champs. They go to the tiny town of Junction with 111 players, and come back with only 35. But those who survived would be changed forever. Bear Bryant was truely a great coach. The book shows how the Junction Boys changed his life. You have to read this book!
Rating: Summary: A Must for Football Fans Review: Growing up in Texas and loving the game of football, I found this story to be the most riveting football account I have ever read. Jim Dent really got my attention with his detailed biograpies of the deathcamp survivors. I really enjoyed his mentioning of the players hometowns and what brought the players to A&M for the faithful '54 season. The book took me back to a time when players earned their scholarships or they went home without an education. It was as imple as that. Those boys are my new heroes. As a Texas High School Football Coach, I will never forget this book. I recomend it to anyone interrested in football or life's lessons, in general.
Rating: Summary: Absolutely amazing Review: This is the best book I have ever read. The heart and determination of the men who survived Junction was and still is truly amazing. Every football player on any level should read this book. Injuries such as "turf toe" would never be heard of again.
Rating: Summary: Powerful Review: If you're a sports fan looking for a powerful story, look no further. This is one of those books you read very slow at the end to prolong the entertainment.
Rating: Summary: A Book Hard To Put Down Review: I heard about this book on sports radio in NY. Mike Francessa claimed it was one of the best books he had read and I second that remark. I am not a avid reader of books but finished this one in 2 days. If you are a sports enthusiast don't miss this epic story of the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant. How one man created a championship program by running his new team into the ground, seeing who wished to remain standing with him on the sidelines of Texas A&M. The book shows how the strength of a coach and the courage of just a few players can overcome all odds. Jim Dent takes you to Junction, Texas and to the campus of A&M with these brave players. This book will not disappoint and it will open your eyes to what the true meaning of competition and rivalries are all about. There are so many inspiring stories that it will leave you with a lasting impression on what hard work can do for not only a team, but individuals who give their all for that team! From now on I'm rooting for the Aggies!
Rating: Summary: Best Book Ever About Coach Bryant Review: This book, gives a wonderful insight not only into how Coach Bryant forged a championship team, but also into how he forged his own greatest coaching years. Although the 10 days at Junction were brutal (the squeamish and soft-hearted should find another book to read)the results produced a group of players and men who were and remain both tough and successful. The 10 days also made Coach Bryant aware that he'd probably gone too far. His practices at Texas A&M and Alabama remained as tough and demanding as any ever were in college football. But "Junction" was never repeated.
Rating: Summary: A winner Review: Before there was Joe Paterno or Bobby Bowden or Lou Holtz, there was the incomparable Bear Bryant. Kids today act as if today's coaches are insufferable, or unbearable to work under, but most kids never knew Bear Bryant or even heard of the fabled coach. Dent retells the tale of how 111 boys went into the Texas backwoods, and how only 35 survived. When you finish this book, it's hard to believe what the boys had to put up through, and why some of them even stayed around. Although the yarn of Junction is covered through only a few chapters, it's important to know how the Texas A&M program came from the ashes before Bryant to a respected and fear team after Junction. From this book you'll learn the meaning of perseverance, dedication and hard work. You'll never complain about how hard something is until you've been put through Junction. A town during the mid 50's that was in drought and just about desolate. Then you'll learn about who Bear Bryant is. A man who didn't know the meaning of quit. Who knew hard work and the will to win. If you thought Lombardi or a Parcells or even a Bobby Knight was incorrigible, then you never met Bear Bryant. If you want to pick up a great book on everything described above, then the Junction Boys is the place to start.
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