Wooden

It is pregame. We are in the locker room. We've gone over the scouting reports, our assignments and our game plan. Yet still the players wait. The girls all wait for the "quote". Before every game and most practices we have a quote. Something to inspire or perhaps something on which to reflect. Well there is plenty of that in this small little book as the master philosopher coach teaches us his beliefs and shares his wisdom. I had purchased a copy of this years ago. A bit worn and tattered now, but then at the end of the 2000-2001 season my lone senior captain, a wonderful and bright young lady named Callie, gave me a new shinny copy in which she inscribed "I've had a great four years and learned many valuable lessons." She didn't mention wins or losses. She mentioned lessons. That's what sharing Wooden with your team can do for you - help teach the game of life. Short but powerful. A good book from a great man.

Many books exist that teach you about life and "strategies" for living. But none will give you the kind of depth Wooden gives you. What takes others a hundred pages to say John Wooden says in one paragraph. What's more, his words stay with you. This book does not push you toward action by simply giving you a two-hundred page pep talk. Rather, Wooden discusses the importance of fundamental values, character, and true success. And he leaves the rest up to you. I agree with the previous reviewer... keep this book next to your Bible.

In some sense, I think reading 6 to 10 pages of Coach Wooden's book before your day begins would benefit anyone reguardless of their situation. Not only is Coach Wooden's testimony powerful, enlightining, and inspiring, it informs the reader that basketball and life with the concept of team, coincides with all of our daily events. Learning Coach's "Pyramid of Success" will help anyone make solid decisions, stand firmly with them, and more importantly propel the iniative to excecute your decision with a positive attitude! Keep this book next to your Bible, it a keeper!!
-AllotofVision-

Coach John Wooden's new book is a keeper. I would recommend placing it on your desk at work and living every day by a new phrase or paragraph because each tactful sentence is well placed and full of purpose. He discusses from his childhood to his marriage how he used a few little philosophies sewn into his daily life by his parents and his own eagerness for learning. He is a man who is at his own peace of mind who knows clearly who he is and what his purpose is, and with this book you too can learn your peace of mind and your purpose in life. The book is excellent to live by or just pick and choose sections to live by from day to day. I recommend any persons infatuated with sports or just infatuated with anything beside themselves, because that's not the key to being successful in a sport or business or any career or objective. Through points he's lived by, intriguing questions, some of his own favorite poetry, and some life history, John Wooden can turn a life around if one would live by his principles.

Wooden is a wonderfully inspriational book and with challenge the reader be upright on behalf of his/her values. An easy read yet profound, Wooden will make you focus on improving yourself and at the same time show to how to build others up. Every leader should read this book at least once.