Are You Kidding Me?: The Story of Rocco Mediate's Extraordinary Battle with Tiger Woods at the US Open [Hardcover]

Rocco Mediate (Author), John Feinstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 18, 2009

June 2008's US Open produced one of the most unexpected and dramatic showdowns in golf history. Day after day the invincible Tiger Woods was challenged by Rocco Mediate, a respected journeyman. On Sunday, both ended play tied at par, forcing a playoff. Defying expectations, Mediate played Woods to yet another tie, losing only after forcing a sudden-death showdown.

Through it all, Rocco Mediate emerged as one of the most likable, open, and fascinating golfers. In ARE YOU KIDDING ME?, he tells the full story of these five life-changing days. With John Feinstein, whose insider knowledge of the golf world is unparalleled, Mediate relives one of sport's greatest feats, how one man overcame every obstacle to challenge the game's finest.

Editorial Reviews

Review

PRAISE FOR AMERICA'S FAVORITE SPORTSWRITER:

"John Feinstein...has done perhaps as much for golf writing as Arnold Palmer has for golf." (Washington Monthly Ron Rappaport )

"Feinstein is the most successful sportswriter in America....He has the gift of re-creating events known to us all while infusing them with excitement, even suspense." (Wall Street Journal Jay Nordlinger )

"The best chronicler in sports journalism." (Seattle Times Craig Smith )

"John Feinstein has become sportswriting's John Grisham." (Sporting News David Kindred )

"Feinstein makes you care." (Entertainment Weekly Bruce Fetts, )

"One of the best sportswriters alive." (USA Today Larry King )

About the Author

John Feinstein is the bestselling author of Let Me Tell You a Story, Caddy for Life, Open, The Punch, The Last Amateurs, The Majors, A Good Walk Spoiled, A Civil War, A Season on the Brink, Play Ball, Hard Courts, and two novels. He writes for Inside Sports, Golf, Tennis Magazine, and Basketball America and commentates on NPR and CBS. John Feinstein lives in Potomac, MD, and Shelter Island, NY.

Rocco Mediate has been playing professional golf since 1985. He lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 322 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1 edition (May 18, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316049107
• ISBN-13: 978-0316049108
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.1 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #485,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars For diehard Mediate fans only July 3, 2009

By PAR-TEE

Format:Hardcover

I love Rocco, I wish he won the 2008 U.S. Open, but this book is nothing more than a press release... The first half of the book does give some insight into Rocco and his life, but from there it is light in content and outright boring at times; Sorry Rocco... I wish Rocco the best in life, but must warn potential buyers to pass on this book unless you want a signed copy by Rocco or are a diehard Rocco fan like me...

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Is this the end of Rocco? June 18, 2009

By Mahlon Christensen

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been critical of many of John Feinstein's recent efforts, which is why I was so pleased to see that he has almost regained that mid-90's form with his latest book.

Are You Kidding Me chronicles the historic battle between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate for the 2008 U.S. Open Championship at Torrey Pines, already considered by many to be one of the most exciting Major Championships ever contested. The first half of the book is a Mediate Biography, but it's the second half of the book where Feinstein really shines. He takes the reader inside the ropes as only he can, describing the action in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat, even though you already know the outcome.

I did find errors, and I felt that Feinstein glossed over Rocco's relationship with his therapist, but otherwise this is a solid effort. I also wish that he didn't feel the need to continually remind us that the majority of PGA Tour Pro's are Republicans. I, for one, like my sports books free of political statements.

Are You Kidding Me is a fast(I read it in 3 days) fun Summer read, and a must for Golf fans.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Wanted to like Rocco and this book...didn't like either April 12, 2011

By Ed Bilderback

Format:Hardcover

You really start off this book pulling for Rocco even though we know the outcome of the US Open. We pull for him more as a good guy, which it turns out he really isn't. Feinstein really breezes through the part of the book where Rocco is clearly cheating on his wife with his "Therapist" and eventually runs off with her. It was just kind of gross the way he did it though, almost giving him a free pass for the entire thing. Didn't really care for the book except the first half and don't care for Rocco. Walked away wishing I had never read it and feeling a little cheated. Normally love Feinstein books although he's without question become the most arrogant Duke Alumni in the country, perhaps his most impressive feat considering the competition.