Dusty: Reflections of an American Dream [Paperback]

Dusty Rhodes (Author), George Steinbrenner (Foreword), Howard Brody (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2006

There has been much said about Dusty Rhodes, the "American Dream," over the years by both his fans and peers. Aside from the frequent fictional prose penned by wrestling magazine journalists and internet smart marks that run rumor-mill websites, however, there has not been much written about him. Until now. With the exception of a select few, there has been no bigger name or personality in the annals of pro wrestling history than Dusty Rhodes. Of those few, none of them can claim the compelling back story Rhodes shares in Dusty: Reflections of an American Dream of an industry plagued with political loyalties and disloyalties, greedy promoters, manipulative bookers, destructive personalities, multi-millionaires, and great leaders. Behind the "million-dollar smile" and the milliondollar gate receipts is a man with a story to tell – not just of tall tales, yarns, and fabrications, but of a life filled with aspirations, dreams, disappointments, challenges, controversies, angst, conflict, success, and reflection. Dusty: Reflections of an American Dream is the story of a transformation from mediocrity to superstardom. It is the story of how the boy Virgil Runnels Jr. became the man Dusty Rhodes and truly lived the "American Dream." This is his story.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dusty Rhodes had a stellar career in pro wrestling, garnering numerous titles – including three stints as National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Heavyweight Champion – and being at the industry’s creative epicenter as the head of wrestling operations, a position that encompasses the skills of being a talent coordinator, writer, television producer, and live-event coordinator. He currently works for TNA both on-screen as their "Director of Authority" and behind the scenes. Howard Brody was born in Brooklyn, New York, and spent his late teens growing up in Hollywood, Florida. He is a former journalist with training at the University of Florida. He has written for numerous publications and organizations, including the New York Yankees and the World Wrestling Federation. Brody is the former president of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).

Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: Sports Publishing (August 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596701609
• ISBN-13: 978-1596701601
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #903,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not as Great as the Author Himself, October 4, 2005

By 

Asia Voss - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dusty: Reflections of an American Dream (Hardcover)

I've read just about every Wrestling Bio, and I when I heard this book was out I was r-e-a-l-l-y looking forward to it. Afterall, here is a guy who has done it all, met them all, fight them all...what could be wrong with the book?

Well...the format, language and endless self-promotion come to mind.

When I read a bio, I want to follow the Chronology. In Dusty's case, I want to hear stories about Florida and Kevin Sullivan. Then I want to hear about Mid-Atlantic and Georgia. Then I want to hear about WWF/Polka-Dot run. Then the WCW. Then ECW. You follow?

This instead reads like a series of 'recollections'. Imagine, if you will, that you and Dusty are having afew beers in your living room, and he's just telling you some stories. Sometimes, in the middle of a story, he jumps to a 'related' story that takes place 10 years later..or sooner. It's a mess.

It's a 'nice' read...but not an in-depth bio of any kind.

Let me also mention that Dusty devotes 20 full pages of his book to copies of 'Dusty we Love You' letters he recently received. DAMN! I know why I like Rhodes, I don't need to pay $24.00 to hear from his fan club.

If you collect Wrestling Bios like I do, then it's worth reading. But PLEASE don't pay top dollar for it. This book will absolutely disappoint you in the end.

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars worse than the rocks book, November 30, 2005

By 

Jess (truth or consequences, NM) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dusty: Reflections of an American Dream (Hardcover)

I got half way thru this book and couldn't take it anymore. I've read almost all the wrestling books and this one rates among the worst. Dusty lives in a dream world. He takes credit for everything yet blame for nothing. He claims if hogan wasn't around, he was all set to be the biggest draw in wrestling. His hatred for hogan runs throughout the book. He thinks since he came up with "the great american bash" that vince should pay him around 200,000$ in royalties . He goes on to say how he was the first to drive a truck into a stadium and drink beer, not austin. According to dusty, he's done it all. He believes magnum TA and nikita koloff would have been nothing without him.Save your money, this ego maniac's book isn't even a good door stop.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Dustys Dreaming, May 11, 2006

By 

T. R. Shaw "2ndtuenon_220" (Christchurch : New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dusty: Reflections of an American Dream (Hardcover)

Keeping this short and to the point.
Although not even half way though it ,Dustys book is doing my head in .
His shameless self promoting /name droping/ disreguard for time lines is just to much.
Moving onto JJ Dillions book instead.
Read it ,If you will
But have pain pills on hand