#1 NY Times bestseller by Lance Armstrong is a terrific, engaging book. I believe it's Lance's 1st time writing a book; he's gifted in writing, though there is a co-author, but all the emotions are pure Lance. The title reflects on his ordeal w/cancer & is a metaphor of his life; it's his journey back to health & how he became a better person and evolved into a more passionate, caring, compassionate man. I bought this book for Jeff's bday but I read it before him. We're both huge fans of this miracle boy, especially me. It covers his childhood growing up without a dad, his early days of racing, the cancer & subsequent treatment, battle for survival, meeting his wife, infertility, racing again & living/surviving.
I have intense respect for this amazing athlete, respect & admiration for him as a father, a spokesperson & a human being. He's given so much back to the cancer community. Greg, you must read this book. I proudly wear my Livestrong band. One doesn't need to have experienced cancer or be a bike race fan to appreciate & enjoy this book. I'm one of those. Yes, my dad did die of cancer (pancreatic like Greg's dad) & yes, I've followed Lance's wins since '99, But before then, I never watched bike races. This book is for anyone who simply likes poignant, inspirational writing. It's autobiographical, raw, brutally honest nonfiction writing & basically amazed me. Published in '01, it's "pre Cheryl Crow" & ends when he's still happily married to his supportive wife, Kik.
There are great photos, thrilling synopses of the Tour de France that get the adrenaline pumping, and moving portraits of Lance in true form. This is a true story of 1 man's evolution from a cocky, arrogant overconfident young athlete to a mature, wise beyond his years, loving person. His illness & how he took it in a positive direction had a profound effect on me. His most telling statement is when he says he's glad he had cancer, for it made him a better person and he wouldn't have won the Tours without it. Whether you're fan or not of Armstrong, just read it. You won't be disappointed, trust me.
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