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

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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 )

Product Description

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.

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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: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #39,996 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Mahlon Christensen (Monterey, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Typical John Feinstein..., June 20, 2009

By	hibbi (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

Having read several books by Feinstein this book delivers about the same amount of humor, seriousness and detail as one would expect. It is obvious John did a great deal of research as he quotes and uses information from many different people. If you enjoy golf books and hearing how sports stars think about playing golf and competing you will like this book. There is a good amount of quotes from various golfers regarding their life at the US Open and the trials and tribulations an athlete goes through during their life. The story about Rocco is intriguing and in many cases sad. It is great hearing about his background, how he came about playing golf, his relationship with various people close to him as well as he thought process regarding golf and life. As a point of personal conflict I was disappointed in the lack of discussion regarding his family later in the book. In the early parts of the book it was nice to read about how he was feeling and how his son's and wife were feeling as it gave perspective from both sides. However as Rocco's life changed so did the amount of information we received about his family. Maybe this was intentional due to the struggles he was experiencing but it made for a lack of perspective. All in all the book was a good read.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	J. L. Bongione "Bongoman" (Union Dale PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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...