Customer Reviews

Braddock: The Rise of the Cinderella Man

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

 

 

Author Hague starts off this swifly moving, detailed, clear account of James J. Braddock's life and career by putting his birth in context - the 17-pound (yes, you read that right) infant was born in 1906 on the same day the passenger ship Lusitania launched, the same hot day the Chicago Cubs began a 19-0 winning streak. Jimmy Braddock is a big kid, and like the boys in his neighborhood, emulates famous fighters. Hague chronicles, in plain and articulate language, Braddock's professional battles and rise from dockworker to heavyweight champion.

This is a terrific Cinderella story that fans and non-sports-fans, young and old can enjoy. It also fills in background for those who see the movie. Hague is a sportswriter who covers news and sports in the same area where Braddock grew up, so he clearly knows (and is interested in) what he speaks. The book is also nicely put together and easy to carry around. Full Disclosure: I am an editor at the chain of newspapers for which Hague writes sports and some news, so I got the book early through him, but it really is swift reading.

Book is very easy to read, and flows at a nice pace. If you've seen the movie, you'll be surprized at how close the book is to the movie. It's an inspirational story of a true American hero. A man dedicated to the welfare of his family. Most of the book is foucused on his fights. But there is enough of the personal life of James J. Braddock to keep those happy who are seeking a personal account of his life.

The writing was somewhat dry but the overall story was outstanding and Hague made no effort to downplay or inflate the facts.

This was an ok overview of Braddock that was given to me as a gift. Cinderella Man by Jeremy Schaap was a much better book(five stars)and I highly recommend it instead of this three star version by Mr. Hague.