Customer Reviews

Body Slam: The Jesse Ventura Story

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

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.

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.....

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.'

Jake Tapper has leveraged his unique insight into the mechanics of today's political process and produced an insightful, wry account of how an entertainer tapped the well-spring of populist rhetoric and rode a gusher of voter resentment to the Governor's mansion. As he details with deft clarity, celebrity in its own right has become a form of political capital in today's multi-media driven political process, where serious political dialogue competes with entertainment for voter attention. Tapper has provided a valuable commentary on media-driven political movements.

With a prose as gripping as a sleeper hold, Tapper offers an insight into the rise of the most fascintating figure to enter American politics since Frank Rizzo. Ventura may have his own book out, but it's as unbiased as Mean Gene Okerlund's reporting. Tapper's book is an objective account about a man at the center of wrestling's renaissance in the 1980's and politics' rebirth in the 1990's. I couldn't put this book down. Tapper is a rising literary talent. Is he the Norman Mailer of the 21st century?

This is an excellent read. Mr. Tapper has done a masterful job of piecing together an intriguing story about one of the most fascinating political characters of our day. Unlike Mr. Ventura's self promoting autobiography, this book provides an unbiased and refreshing view at the life and times of Mr. Ventura. I would highly recommend this book to all.

How else to explain the proliferation of atrocious writing like this? Look no further than the subject matter. The prominence of the subject matter (Ventura) and the Jim Gray-esque tone (author/reporter larger than the story)of the book convey the stark reality of just how bad our pop culture has degenerated. Simply put: when telegenic political Puffed Rice like Ventura can be elected governor, we shouldn't be surprised by the public's appetite for shallow works from such "literary talents" like Tapper.

Unlike other books on the Body, Tapper took the low road with this dull expose. Avoid the book. Period!

This is the first book/first anything I've ordered on-line (I ordered it in December and received it on Christmas Eve). Very prompt and professional service. Anyway, as far as book content, this (the book) wasn't written professionally by any means. It appears to be aimed towards WWF fans with WWF mentality. Or at the very least (and most charitable), young people and/or people who don't have a large vocabulary. It was informative, however, gave a different perspective on "the Body"! The author interviews people who knew Jesse in different stages of his life. Any book or video on Jesse Ventura, whether authorized by him or not, will draw me to it like a magnet! Huge fan, huge follower, agree with much of what he has to say! Having been raised 5 minutes or less from Minnesota, there's a more personal connection for me! :) I highly recommend this book to any fan of Gov. Ventura's!

I read this book to get an idea of what the masses are learning about Jesse Ventura. I'm a political science buff in Minnesota and can tell you that this book is a shallow portrayal of our surprisingly complex governor. Poorly written, poorly researched, this book was quickly written for distribution in grocery stores ect. This is not a serious or insightful biography, and should be avoided.