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Rating:  Summary: Fathers and sons Review: A prominent coach was once asked why it was that he thought black athletes were so dominant at the higher levels of professional sports. He replied that in his experience, black sportsmen were better because they trained harder and acted in a more professional manner. Furthermore, he suggested, the reason why he preferred to work with black athletes was that typically, they were involved in sports for a reason; to gain money and fame. "Most of the white athletes aren't", he added "For the most part, they seem to me to be in sports because they're trying to sort out issues with their fathers".
Food for thought.
Rating:  Summary: Dynamite Book Review: I live in the Chicagoland area, so I was intrigued but not too optimistic about how the book would be. That doubt was quickly put away after the first few chapters. Claerbaut does a very good job of keeping the reader interested by blending different plots and ideas together. This book could fall into many different genres: sports, nonfiction, advice/"how to", father-son bonding, etc. But amazingly it still follows a very linear storyline. I was surprised at how many facts about college football history that he included, therefore appealing to me as an avid sports [history] lover. Also, the stepson-stepfather bonding is heart-warming, especially if you have a similar background such as I do. But the real treat is how much you can learn about the recruiting process. If my father had this when I was being recruited, I probably would have gotten to play in college. Read it for entertainment, but be sure to read it for advice if you're parenting a recruit. After all, it is their future.
Rating:  Summary: Quick read! Review: I, too, enjoyed this book. I was less putoff by the author than other reviewers although I can certainly understand some of their points. Still, he's a father looking out for his son and, well, I guess I could understand the lengths he went to help and protect his son during the recruiting process. By the end I was really pulling for the kid to do well and I was anxious to read his decision. You really can't ask for more from a Sunday afternoon read. I had wished for a different ending but, hey, it's not my life!
Rating:  Summary: Quick read! Review: I, too, enjoyed this book. I was less putoff by the author than other reviewers although I can certainly understand some of their points. Still, he's a father looking out for his son and, well, I guess I could understand the lengths he went to help and protect his son during the recruiting process. By the end I was really pulling for the kid to do well and I was anxious to read his decision. You really can't ask for more from a Sunday afternoon read. I had wished for a different ending but, hey, it's not my life!
Rating:  Summary: Dynamite Book Review: Recruiting confidential is just a great book. It operates at two levels. It is a dynamite sports story, and at a deeper level, a terrific family drama. I really liked the HONESTY and SENSITIVITY with which James' dad writes the story. He explains how he was adopted and how "blood" means nothing to him as far as being a dad is concerned. If you read between the lines you can tell that something horrific happened with James' father and that the bond James has with his dad is now as important to him as it is to the author.The inside football stuff is just first-rate. Instead of the same old "rip city" treatments of big-time recruiting, you see it from the inside. You ride in the car with James and his dad, you go to the schools, and meet the coaches. You experience the highs and the lows as they happen. Best of all, you can't put it down, because you want to know how it will end. Get this one, it's a treat.
Rating:  Summary: Not as good as advertised, very average!!! Review: The description on the cover reads like this is a big-time football star and is wanted by several very major college football teams. Truth is that he was a very good player in Illinios, but not a Blue Chipper that is sought by all of the major college football teams. If you consider "Big-Time" college football as Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Northwestern then you won't be disappointed. There are mentions of a few big college football schools, but nothing serious. There are some very good academic schools that are interested instead cause the kid is smart. You can tell this father cares about his step-son and his step son is a bright person willing to put in the time it takes to be a good athlete. There's also a few mentions of the Olive Garden throughout the book if you're hungry. If you're looking for a recruiting story that involves under the table cash, cars, girls and all of the other stuff you hear about, this is NOT the book for you!!! If you just want to read about the average college recruiting experience, this is your book. I was disappointed!!! The ending also was not very good, but it's how it happened.
Rating:  Summary: Not as good as advertised, very average!!! Review: The description on the cover reads like this is a big-time football star and is wanted by several very major college football teams. Truth is that he was a very good player in Illinios, but not a Blue Chipper that is sought by all of the major college football teams. If you consider "Big-Time" college football as Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Northwestern then you won't be disappointed. There are mentions of a few big college football schools, but nothing serious. There are some very good academic schools that are interested instead cause the kid is smart. You can tell this father cares about his step-son and his step son is a bright person willing to put in the time it takes to be a good athlete. There's also a few mentions of the Olive Garden throughout the book if you're hungry. If you're looking for a recruiting story that involves under the table cash, cars, girls and all of the other stuff you hear about, this is NOT the book for you!!! If you just want to read about the average college recruiting experience, this is your book. I was disappointed!!! The ending also was not very good, but it's how it happened.
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