Customer Reviews

Freddie & Me: Life Lessons from Freddie Bennett, Augusta National's Legendary Caddie Master

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a wonderful read. While golf fans will surely love this book for the behind the scenes insights, I'm sure just as many will love it for the beautiful story it tells, and the smooth yet vivid way the author tells it. A boy's coming of age thru guidance from an unlikely source, in a unique backdrop. You will find yourself wondering who the Freddie in your life has been, and hoping you may one day be one for someone else.

From cover to cover this tale elicits smiles, laughter, and tears. There are good lessons revealed about friendship, growing up, and loss... and the difficulties we face with all of them.

Having grown up in Augusta, Georgia, I found it brought forth memories of my own youth.

You will love this story.

I'm more than a decade older than Tripp and from a different region of the country, but his stories nonetheless managed to take me back to a simpler and more enjoyable period of my life. It's too bad everyone couldn't have such a wise and kind mentor as Freddie was to Tripp; you can't help but think the world would be a better place. This is a book that can make you laugh out loud one minute and tear up the next and when you're finished you can only regret that you never had the chance to meet Freddie Bennett. I'm looking forward to Tripp's next writing endeavor.

First a disclaimer. I have lived in Augusta all my life, worked at the Augusta National during the Masters Tournament though out my teenage years, and actually met Freddie Bennett on a few occasions. This book took me back in time and reminded me what a great character Freddie was and I actually learned a bit along the way!
Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.. I guess that really says it all!

I was on an airplane on my way home after being Medevac'd from Iraq and having a discussion with a flight attendant that was assisting me with my bags. A blond man in a pink tie and saddle shoes with his suit asked my name, thanked me for my service and returned to his seat. About five minutes later before we took off, he returned to hand me a book "Freddie and Me". This man thanked me again, for both my service and allowing him to hear the story of how I ended up at home, and said he wanted me to have the book. I honestly thought...sure, give me something to read. I then realized it was the Author, Tripp Bowden.
I read the book the whole flight. I was touched by his selflessness and his inscription, and certainly moved by his writing style. I am not a golfer, though I have clubs, a successful day for me is going home with as many golf balls as I left with. But it didn't matter...I feel like I know Freddie just through Tripp's writing style. How fortunate he was to have someone like that in his life. How inspirational.
Mr. Bowden, thank you again for your book and for recognizing our service members. Looking forward to your next endeavor!

Just wanted to say that the book is GREAT !!! I like golf about as much as Tripp did the first time Freddie took him fishing, but I thought -"I'll check out a few chapters, after all, I went to school w/ Tripp..." Well, several hours later, I was done reading it - I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN ! What a story teller Tripp is - the Freddie-isms are fabulous !

For anyone who hasn't read it yet - READ IT, READ IT, READ IT - it's a great life lesson - or a bunch of life lessons, with a little golf thrown in there...

Oh, and my Daddy was my Freddie - so it was even more fitting that I gave it to my hubby for Father's Day - Here's to Tripp and the Best Sellers List -

Today is my 47th birthday and I spent some of it finishing this wonderful book. Freddie and Me is similiar to Tuesday's With Morrie in that it involves the shaping of a young man and a mentor who guides the way (without even knowing). Tripp Bowden does a great job introducing the many characters found in "caddy shack" and the others he meets along the way -- like the homeless man in NYC. I will admit, I was very skeptical before buying this book because I thought it would be boring. I bought it because it's in the same genre as Tuesday's With Morrie (which is in my Top 5 of all time). Beautifully written, easy to read, very captivating and even provides a history lesson for those who love the Masters Golf Tournament. I am considering Freddie and Me a wonderful birthday present to myself.

I must clarify - I am not a golfer. However, I grew up in Augusta around golfers and am married to an avid golfer. Until I read this book, I did not fully understand the mystique and life lessons that makes golf so special for those who love it. I could not put this book down!! Tripp is an intelligent and creative writer who makes you want to read one more page, one more chapter . . . even though you have "things you must do". I have ordered three more copies for young golfers in my life that "must" read this book.

What Tripp Bowden does in the book Freddie & Me is capture the essence of a man in such a way that the reader feels like you are there in Freddie's office, hearing the stories and life lessons right along with Tripp. More than a golf story, the reader is taken on a journey both inside the ropes of Augusta National and inside a life discovery of simple philosophies, common sense, hard work, and genuine people. This book was recommended to me and now I want to pay it forward.

Whenever a book can make you laugh, think, and cry at the same time, you have something. Tripp, i didn't just read the greens, i will remember them!

This book is full of folksy charm and very smart advice for people of all ages, sizes, shapes and color. I enjoyed each page and have made sure to have my 12 year old read it to. I cant wait for the sequel! (Is that possible Tripp?!!)