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

Rocco Mediate (Author), John Feinstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 26, 2010

The U.S. Open in June 2008 produced one of the most unexpected, dramatic, and memorable showdowns in golf history. Day after day, Rocco Mediate, a respected journeyman whose career had been dogged by injuries pushed the seemingly invincible Tiger Woods to his physical and mental limits. Not even Mediate would ever have predicted that for five days, he would match the unbeaten world number one, explosive shot for explosive shot.

The first 72 holes ended with Mediate and Woods locked in a dead heat, and an 18-hole Monday playoff was required to decide a winner. When this was still not enough to break the tie, the two men went into a sudden death round before a champion was finally crowned. Through every stage, the irrepressible Rocco rose to the ever-escalating pressure with clutch shots, grace, and humor, emerging as one of the most likable and intriguing golfers of our time.

Now, at last, Rocco Mediate tells his own story: his life on tour, the battles to stay healthy enough to play, the everyday struggles of a Tour player. It all leads up to his story of the Open, and the joy he felt as he seized the challenge he'd dreamed of and trained for his entire life. In this intimate collaboration with bestselling author John Feinstein, Rocco Mediate looks back at his life through the prism of the 2008 season and the life-changing tournament. And through interviews with Rocco's family, friends, and other top golfers, Feinstein vividly brings to life one of the most heroic golfing battles of all time.

Editorial Reviews

Review

RESOUNDING 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 Living on the Black, Tales from Q School, Last Dance, Next Man Up, Let Me Tell You a Story (with Red Auerbach), 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 three sports mystery novels for young readers. He writes for the Washington Post,Washingtonpost.com, and Golf Digest and is a regular commentator on National Public Radio's Morning Edition.

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

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Back Bay Books; 1 Reprint edition (May 26, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316049115
• ISBN-13: 978-0316049115
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #971,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 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)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Are You Kidding Me?: The Story of Rocco Mediate's Extraordinary Battle with Tiger Woods at the US Open (Kindle Edition)

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

PAR-TEE "Bongoman" (NEW JERSEY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Are You Kidding Me?: The Story of Rocco Mediate's Extraordinary Battle with Tiger Woods at the US Open (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...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Johnson (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

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.