Customer Reviews

Dare to Dream: Connecticut Basketball's Remarkable March to the National Championship

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I can't say enough about this new book by Jim Calhoun. Jim's accomplishments during his time at UConn are a tribute to everyone who has gotten back up after being knocked down. This is a truly inspirational story of a family of young men who simply would not give up. The behind-the-scenes look provided by Coach Calhoun at the Huskies' championship season should not be missed by Connecticut Basketball fans in particular, and sports fans in general. I will read this book over and over again.

Calhoun and Montville have crafted a masterpiece!

Calhoun writes like he talks, quick and witty (yes, it's funny!). It is an effective, fast-break style that has readers feeling like they are participating in one of Calhoun's practices. It is never boring, always moving. If you love UConn hoops, you will love this book -- guaranteed.

Calhoun is never chest-thumping. His tone is honest, warm, and humble. He is even a little self-effacing (hey, not even The Coach is above reproach).

Calhoun takes us from his days at Northeastern and prior, through the Dream Season, and into the X's and O's of the Championship Season. You will want read this slowly because you won't want it to end! There are a plethora of tid-bits and stories about the Calhoun era that even the most avid fans will respond with frequent shouts of "Wow!" and pumps of the fist.

Thanks Coach, and thanks, Leigh -- two guys who bleed Husky blue just like the rest of us in Husky Nation!

Jim has written a warm and sincere account of the Huskies run to the Final Four. The average basketball fan will enjoy reading about the action behind the scene leading to the game against Duke. UCONN fans will absolutely love it!

...for the Connecticut Huskies you must read this book. I am a 1995 Graduate of UConn. I was at the school for a chunk of this miraculous decade. And I have never felt more proud of that school or that amazing basketball team than I do after reading this book. Jim Calhoun is funny, strong, tender and candid in this book. A man whom we don't often get an insight to (other than reading a few four letter words on his lips from the sidelines) opens his heart and soul to us in this book. He shares the moments that tore him down, and the moments that made him realize he has the best job in the world. He is an inspiration. A leader. A great coach. And, a champion.

As a UCONN grad (class of 88) this book was a wonderful retrospective of Jim Calhoun's work ethic, love, tragedies, perseverence and humor that led to a storybook finish at the NCAA Final Four. I couldn't put this book down as it took me down memory lane. I really enjoyed Jim's wit and honesty and understand why he has built such a great program. It shows how success is created; with a lttle luck but alot of hard work, perseverence, discipline and making the best of what you have. I think this is a great read for any sports fan but is a must read if you have been caught up in the magic of Connecticut basketball.

I'm not prone to hyperbole, but after reading Dare to Dream, I can honestly say it's the single best sports book authored by a sports figure that I have had the pleasure to read since "I am Third" by Gale Sayers. When I was a kid, I used to read the Superstar series -- Mean Joe Green; Joe Namath; Wilt Chamberlain; etc... I loved those books because the author didn't get in the way of the subject matter. Just great profiles and legends. Then, as I grew older, most of the sports books became self-indulgent "here's why I'm the greatest" memoirs, totally lacking in humanity. Perhaps the worst was Rick Pitino's book on his personal philosophy -- so didactic and uninspirational -- I felt like it was written by Tony Robbins or Don Lapre. Calhoun's book is like the man himself: unassuming, grateful, honest, and sarcastic. I really loved this book, and read it in about 5 hours. I can't wait to read it again. Seriously.

The book is about Uconn's season leading up to winning the championship and the people that made it happen.The book is about the people around the program and the players themselves along with interesting view of a coach's life..

A great book, an incredible team with a legendary hall of fame coach in Jim Calhoun.
A must have for any true Huskie Fan.

Do you dare to dream? The Uconn Huskies basketball team goes on a big dream ride during the 1999 season. Jim Calhoun is the coach of the Huskies. He has worked them hard for their chance into the Final FOur. Most people didn't think Uconn was a big factor in the tournament. So Uconn was out to prove to the world that they could play with the big dogs. They might have never been to the Final Four before, but this year feels like they've been there before.
I like this book because I love sports and it gives you an idea of good teamwork. I think this book is good because if you work hard it might pay off. I watched the team come together right before my eyes. I felt like I was helping them along to win or I was in the story.
I would recommend this book to people who like sports or who enjoy a good book. I also think that anyone who likes to get lost in a book would love this! The book is exciting and suspenseful. I think people who don't mind getting trapped in the best sports book in the world should read this book!!!!

The other readers must have read this right after the Huskies won the championship--the fact that it was such an intoxicating moment for UCONN lovers must have hurt their judgement. I for one *LOVE* UCONN, yet this book reads like a rough draft. Calhoun also reveals little about the season that a devote UCONN fan wouldn't already know. I reccomend "Huskie-Mania" by Jim Shea for Huskie fans out there.