Body Slam: The Jesse Ventura Story [Mass Market Paperback]

Jake Tapper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1999

In every arena, Jesse Ventura puts a headlock on the competition--now he's turning the country on its ear

How did an outrageous, outspoken, boa-wearing pro wrestler nab the title of Minnesota's governor in an overwhelming upset? This is the question the nation is asking--and Washington journalist Jake Tapper provides the fascinating answers. From Jesse Ventura's Navy SEAL days, to his infamous wrestling years, to his stunning political victory, read the story of the Body, a man who truly embodies the American Dream.

Get the real story on:
-His intense training to become an elite Navy SEAL and his experiences overseas during the Vietnam War
-His lengthy career in the pro wrestling field--from flamboyant pro wrestler to colorful commentator--including his feuds with Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon Jr.
-Ventura's acting stints, including a part in the film Predator
-How the Body mouthed his way to the top of shock radio
-His rise through the ranks of politics, from mayor to governor--and maybe beyond
-Ventura's political vision--what he sees for Minnesota and the country
-And Much, much more!

The Body Politic Will Never Be the Same

with 8 pages of amazing photos

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jake Tapper is a senior writer for Washington City Paper in Washington D.C. He has written for The New York Times Magazine, Washington Post, George, Spy, GQ, and Entertainment Weekly. He draws a weekly political comic strip for Roll Call, the newspaper of Capitol Hill, and his political illustrations and caricatures have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and Philadelphia Inquirer.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (May 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312972024
• ISBN-13: 978-0312972028
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,082,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, October 21, 1999

By 

Dorothy R. (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Body Slam: The Jesse Ventura Story (Mass Market Paperback)

Who in their right mind would compare Tapper to Norman Mailer? (Read: the author or his close friend) The book surely did not lack the titillating details of the Body's turbulent life. But the book read more like pulp than a serious political or biographical analysis. I was extremely disappointed; to say the least.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Absolute waste of time and money, October 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Body Slam: The Jesse Ventura Story (Mass Market Paperback)

Intellectual cotton candy and complete puff piece for this political flash in the pan. This read like some political 'Hammer of the Gods' (you know, the smarmy Led Zeppelin bio). Provided no insight to the Ventura phenomenom. At least it ONLY cost a Mickey D's value meal.....

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Nice try, Jake, October 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Body Slam: The Jesse Ventura Story (Mass Market Paperback)

A masterful job? I can't help but question the authenticity of that review. This book failed to deliver on the relevant and compelling story of what could be the political story of the 2000 campaign. Ventura's straight shooting, in your face and often tactless persona invites readers to delve deeper into Jesse's life. Tapper dropped the ball on this one, big time. Maybe Edmund Morris can add meaningful perspective on the 'Body.'