It's How You Play the Game: The Powerful Sports Moments That Taught Lasting Values to America's Finest by Brian Kilmeade


It's How You Play the Game: The Powerful Sports Moments That Taught Lasting Values to America's Finest
Title : It's How You Play the Game: The Powerful Sports Moments That Taught Lasting Values to America's Finest
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0061237264
ISBN-10 : 9780061237263
Language : English
Format Type : Hardcover
Number of Pages : 367
Publication : First published January 1, 2007

You don't have to be a star athlete to take away valuable lessons from the world of sports—whether it's learning how to get along with others, to never give up, to be gracious in victory and defeat, even knowing when to throw in the towel. Each interview conducted by Brian Kilmeade reveals personal stories of the defining sports moments in the lives of athletes, CEOs, actors, politicians, and historical figures. Men and women, pros and amateurs alike, explain how the discipline and rules they learned on the field prepared them to handle life and overcome adversity with dignity and sportsmanship. Some of the world's greatest athletes share their insights learned through the sweat of competition, the tears of defeat, and the heady excitement of victory—from the elation of future NFL star quarterback Terry Bradshaw on the day he threw his first perfect spiral after weeks of trying, to the scary day a determined young model named Beth Ostrosky got her front teeth knocked out in a high school basketball game, and the unusual turn of events that kept her in the contest. Surprising, entertaining, and always imparting an important life lesson, It's How You Play the Game features more than ninety anecdotes and vignettes from men and women such as wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and gymnast Kerri Strug, historical figures Abraham Lincoln and General George Patton, grassroots greats Rudy Ruettiger of Notre Dame and Coach Ken Carter, and many more. These recollections are sure to benefit any reader, whether an aspiring athlete or a sideline sports fan—it's the ideal gift for kids of all ages. As Kilmeade writes, "Regardless of who you are, what era you played, what sport you chose, or how much success you achieved, playing the game is all about getting you ready for life. Winning or losing has little to do with who you will become. Instead, it's how you prepared for the game that determines whether you'll be a winner or loser in life." So while the games do count—in life as in sports, it's how you play the game that matters.

It's How You Play the Game: The Powerful Sports Moments That Taught Lasting Values to America's Finest Reviews

  • Phillip

    This was my third journey into the writings of Brian Kilmeade, and I very much enjoyed the book as I did the others. There were many included in the book whom I had never heard of, while others with whom I had at least a small inkling of name recognition. The stories were awe-inspiring and very encouraging, which is mission-accomplished in regard to the book's purpose. I am looking forward to reading the author's book titled The Games Do Count. Please read this book for its uplifting nature and garner tips on how to approach life a little differently.

  • Will Plunkett

    This reminds me of student essays: too many examples not addressed deeply enough. So many times when one of the "interviewees" mentioned some point that I wanted a follow-up "question" (not sure if these were actual interviews or just emailed responses compiled later), and far too many italicized "comments and questions" where the "interviewer" gets in the way or makes some trite or cliched blurb. Oh, by the way, guess who is the 91st and final person in the book? For someone who kept writing about how he wasn't the focus, the author conveniently inserts himself among these "powerful sports moments" and individuals. There's a lesson to be learned here, kids and parents!

  • Anna Barton

    I enjoyed the not so obvious people he often chose to feature. Overall I enjoyed learned about these individuals and how sports helped to shape them even if they did not become famous players.

    My issue with the book was that it was dry and tedious at times. It would often feel like the author was stretching to make a point out of example that wasn't there. I would have enjoyed a few more women featured as well. There wasn't a single women featured that wasn't a famous athlete.

  • Janette

    Written to inspire

  • Adam Goff

    Such an interesting book. It was fun to read about the importance of sports in a variety of peoples lives and the lessons that sports had taught them.

  • Allison

    Great book to pick up anytime and read a page or two. Good people, good stories.

  • Maggie

    A good book, but very, VERY dense.

  • Jeff

    Another great book by Brian. I actually thought this one was better than "The Games Do Count". Great interviews

  • Nathan Ervin

    Similar to his previous book. It gave short glimpses into the lives of different athletes and famous people. It allows us to connect with them and see how sports has had a life long lasting effect.

  • Kady

    It is basically the same story told over and over...gave up about half way through