Customer Reviews

Gladiator: A True Story of 'Roids, Rage, and Redemption

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This book was delivered this morning and I finished it early this evening. I was riveted and could not seem to pull myself away. I was a fan of the American Gladiators and specifically Nitro. I had no idea the pain he felt, only that he brought fun and entertainment into my family's home every week. The book is very easy to read and gives insight into the world of sports in a way that most don't offer. The constant struggle between man and social stigmas is potrayed very eloquently in this book. All of us know what traumas in childhood can lead to, but not many of us are willing to put that in writing for all of the world to read. Anyone struggling with their past and addiction should read this. Thank you Dan for recognizing that you were and still are a role model for young people. As a teacher, I appreciate the Epilogue and the message it sends to young people as well as the message it sends to other sports figures urging them to recognize the impact they have on the young people who look up to them.

I purchased this book on the recommendation of a girlfriend who read the book after seeing Dan Clark (Nitro) interviewed on a TV show. It wasn't an easy purchase for me as I wasn't really a fan of the show and didn't think this was the kind of book a woman would read. But after my friends assurance that it was one of the best books she's read in a long time, I decided to purchase it. I'm so glad I did. I thought it would be difficult for me to get into the book, but Dan Clark aka Nitro writes in such a conversational style it made it an easy read. In the opening chapter he chronicles his older brother dying in his arms when he was 10 and his brother was 12. This broke my heart and all I cared about through the entire book was that this little boy who suffered such a tragedy (that no kid should have to go through) was going to be okay. I do have to admit at times it was a tough read because certain chapters are graphic, but also because it was very emotional. Dan writes with a vulnerability and an availability that most men, especially men like him, don't normally have access too. His honesty and candidness was refreshing. He takes you through the entire journey of his life and what a riveting life it was. At times I wanted to scream at him, and yet others times I wanted to comfort him. Over all it was a great and a fast read. I wasn't able to put it down and finished it in two days. Another book I recommend is "Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff.

Be ready to go on a ride as your heart is captured, your eyes opened to the behind the scenes. It is not just about the life and styles of a "Gladiator", there is so much more depth as you gain insight on how events and people can shape and impact who you are as an adult. Dan's story will resonate with many and may cause you to look at our own stories of whatever your form of "steroids" may be and your wrestlings with redemption.
It is well written and you will be sucked in by the first chapters!

For a child of the 80s and 90s such as myself, there was no denying the instant appeal of the American Gladiators TV show. Unbelievably proportioned real-life superheroes clad in patriotic colors engaged in physical combat against mere mortals. It was more than simply man vs. man, it was also man vs. himself, as competitors and Gladiators were put through rigorous physical obstacles unseen before on the nighttime TV landscape. Perhaps no Gladiator personified the intensity of the show better than the Gladiator known as Nitro. More than just a spandex wearing caricature, Nitro seemed blessed with an imposing physique, athletic prowess, and a gift for trash talking that would put most professional wrestlers to shame. But behind the arrogant and macho exterior laid real life personal issues that masked a lifetime of pains.

In this autobiography, Dan "Nitro" Clark attempts to unravel the convoluted mess that was once his life, while making certain to remind the reader that his addiction to steroids is far from over. The narrative jumps around chronologically, but some constants are his guilt over the untimely death of his brother, his addiction to steroids and its effects, and his obsession with women. In fact, Clark can be quite graphic in detailing the depths he sunk to in pursuit of some of these vices, which at times tend to overshadow the message of redemption and hope. Fans of the Gladiators TV series hoping for juicy, behind-the-scenes tidbits will be sorely disappointed. Clark is careful not to incriminate anyone else in connection with steroids, even though it is quite obvious when one reads between the lines that many, if not all of the Gladiators, were also using steroids. Aside from salary disputes and his fight with fellow Gladiator and former friend Jim "Laser" Starr, there is little in the way of revelations from his days on the show. Perhaps this was due to the short-lived revival of the new American Gladiators TV series and Clark's desire to not cast it in a negative light with speculations. More likely, though, Clark simply wanted to take the high road and not expose secrets about those he was or still is close to. A rare attribute in the world of "tell all" celebrity books.

Throughout the reading, Clark draws parallels between his struggles with self-image and high expectations and those placed on other professional athletes, such as baseball players. But Clark is also quick in holding himself accountable for his actions, rather than simply using steroids as a scapegoat, although he does state repeatedly that steroids exacerbated many of his negative tendencies. The latter part of the book acts as a heartfelt plea to raise awareness of the dangers of steroids, especially among young people. While Clark's intentions are admirable and worthy of support, it is important to note that Clark himself admits that he readily abused steroids and justifiably suffered the repercussions; such as his massive overdose stemming from a chance encounter with one-time football player and fellow addict Lyle Alzado. There are many steroid users who are able to safely use the drug in moderation without any significant adverse short or long term side-effects, as was explored in the critically acclaimed Bigger, Stronger, Faster documentary. Whether one agrees with Clark's denunciation of steroids or not, his unique brand of self-deprecating humor and unbridled honesty make the 256 pages breeze by. After reading this book, one is left with a feeling that Clark has come full circle with regard to who he was, is, and never will be. A message that is bound to resonate with all readers.

I attended college with Dan "Nitro" Clark and knew him only as a serious football player and very self-assured fellow student. The image he protrayed then gave nothing away as to the serious pain he was concealing.
This book honestly conveys a young boy's pain of losing his idle/big brother in an accident which he incorrectly blames himself. It chronicles his life, as he is bounced through different childhood homes, never being allowed to deal with his grief. It follows him through adolescence when he doesn't feel good enough or deserving enough when anything good happens for him. Then it shows the start of addiction when he is injured and gets introduced to the power of steroids. Steroids were both a blessing for him in terms of his future career as a Gladiator, and detrimental, in regards to the many health issues they caused for him. He throws in many interesting details of his Hollywood lifestyle and all of its' highs and lows. He writes of all of this in a way that brings the reader to tears. It's as if Dan is trying to live two lives; his, and his brothers. I honestly could not put the book down, and read it in one night. He is, thankfully, on the other side of that addiction and the book shows that, too. Through all of his pain he learns that he does deserve to live a rewarding life and that his brother would have wanted him to.

Haunted by childhood demons and feelings of insecurity, Dan Clark turned to steroids at an early age to try and develop a football career. While he never became a star football player, he did become famous as Nitro on the hit TV series "American Gladiators". Clark enjoyed the perks of his success, at least on the surface, but underneath it all he was becoming increasingly dependent on steroids despite the devastating effects they were having on his body and actions.

"Gladiator: A True Story of 'Roids, Rage, and Redemption" is the brutally honest, tough to read at times, account of Dan Clark's struggle with his self-esteem, a devastating childhood event, his family, his battle with steroids (both in using them and trying to get off them), and fame. I went into this book thinking I was going to dislike Dan Clark but it was just the opposite - I liked the guy, felt sorry for him, and hope he can keep his act together. Part of the reason for this is how he comes across - brutally honest about his past and his faults, with self-deprecating humor mixed in with the honesty. He never makes excuses for what he did, just states them matter-of-factly and says what a fool he was.

There are several eye opening bits in the book - starting with his messed up childhood; how he got the steroids in the first place; and how the producers of "American Gladiators" handled testing for steroids. Clark's description of what the steroids did to his body is tough reading as are his attempts to stop taking the steroids and how that affected his body. The chapter titled "'Roid Rage" is a scary example of how steroids can affect your personality. Clark is now outspoken on the devastating affects of steroids and parents will want to read his eye opening epilogue.

"Gladiator: A True Story of 'Roids, Rage, and Redemption" is a nicely written, brutally honest, sad account of a man struggling to get over his addiction to steroids and move on with his life. Well done.

Born to a Japanese mother and an American father, Dan Clark's life didn't begin well. His father took him and his older brother Randy away from his mother and little sister when Clark was only four years old. A man on the airplane told him "Big boys don't cry", and Dan has never forgotten those words. Dropped off to live with relatives for a few years, the boy's father returns and uproots them again to go live in Vietnam with his new family. Just before leaving Vietnam, at the tender age of ten years old, Dan witnessed the electrocution death of his old brother Randy, the one person he always looked up to and was inseparable from. After this kind of childhood, Dan learned to block out his emotions.

Starting with a football injury, and an offer to "rapid recovery", Dan began taking steroids. Steroids were perfectly legal at the time, and he quickly learned that the way to win on the team - and get noticed - was to "gain" (meaning pump up on steroids to get big). Trying at first for college and then pro football, Dan doesn't quite make it but never gives up. Never did he dream he would become the sweetheart of the nation on a groundbreaking TV Reality show called American Gladiators, in the persona of 'Nitro'.

This is Dan Clark's 'Rags to Riches' story, and the price he paid to get there. Over twenty years of steroid use left him with painful breast tissue that had to be removed, urinating blood, shrunken testicles, multiple injuries, an overdose, and an inability to feel emotion other than the constant rage that ruled his life both on and off stage. His love of contact sports came from having a legal outlet for that rage.

I personally never once watched American Gladiators, so I wasn't a fan of the show. But I do like to read books on addictions. This book was a surprising eye-opener for me, and Dan hopes it will be an eye-opener for young kids out there who are thinking about using steroids. He holds no punches back as he tells of his addiction, how it drove him and controlled his life, and how it stopped him from being able to feel emotion. Many times he mentions how empty he was inside, and how only returning to his addiction could fill that void. This is a poignant tale of a man lost in a very big world, compelled to over-achieve by an unseen force, and driven by drug-induced rage.

The book is well written and Clark expresses himself splendidly. It's a fast read as well, compelling and entertaining, and sad as well. His gripping tale of a twenty year addiction and recovery will keep you up late into the night reading. Enjoy!

Books such as "Gladiator" are tough reading. Not so much because the prose is bad or the story uninteresting, but because the subject matter is "unseemly" and for a lot of us shows like "American Gladiator" or other non-traditional sport entertainments (including nearly any form of wrestling) tend to be guilty pleasures and "unworthy" of serious consideration. The fact of the matter is, while looked at as subjects of societal derision or "low brow" entertainers, these "entertainments" are populated with real human beings, men and women with families, friends, career concerns and . . . yes, all of the other things that make them just like you.

Dan Clark (aka "Nitro") was at the top of that heap, handsome and funny, a good guy and a bad guy and he had, what for many, would seem a charmed life. And a lot of that's true. But as is too often the case in ANY field of entertainment, there is a dark side and when you add competitive sports on ANY level - high school, college, semi-pro and pro, the ugly and often unspoken underbelly is exposed and we, as viewers, tend to look away.

Gladiator surprised me. While the story will appeal to many (and the book should do well) Clark's prose will alienate many readers, which is a pity because it's a story that is far more reaching than the rarified world of athletic entertainment. Clark's writing style alternates between deep, contemplative thought and a casualness that is probably not meant to, but will be jarring or shocking to a number of readers. It is, in fact, this very casual quality that makes the book read as though "Nitro" were actually in the room telling you his story. And what a story it is!

While there is plenty to shock, it is never done in a titillating manner and Clark's eagerness to tell all is earnest, painful and (surprisingly to me) endearing. His story provoked me into a web of myriad and conflicting reactions and emotions, but, by story's end, his redemption, sense of honor and willingness to paint even the darkest, ugliest parts of himself without shame, made me like this guy more than I thought I could.

Gladiator is an honest and powerful read. I applaud Dan for "going there" and urge anyone interested in sports and entertainment to read it. That's pretty much everyone.

Not being a avid reader, I picked up the "Gladiator" book purely on the title and what is currently happening in sports in regards to steroids. What I got was a intelligent, honest, personal look at a man who's 20 year addictive struggle should give caution to millions of kids and adults thinking about taking steroids. Dan Clark's Journey is that of courage and enlightenment with the real revelation being himself as a father, a brother, and a person who values the real meaning of living. I highly recommend this book to all.

In full disclosure mode, I have to say that I had never heard of Dan Clark before - not being a Gladiator fan in the least. However, a few weeks ago, I received an email from someone named Dan Clark who wrote me an absolutely wonderful email asking if I would consider reading his book. As a book reviewer, I have become quite picky about which books I read, only because I receive quite alot of requests and want to make sure that I can give each book my total and complete attention.

After reading his email, I want to this site and checked out his book. My first reaction was YIKES! a Gladiator???? I was also not fond of the book's cover - but Clark's thoughful email kept coming back to me and I decided "what the heck - this book is either going to be a little gem or a piece of fluff". So, I went ahead and read it.

Let me start off by saying that this book definitely fell into the "little gem" category. I always know I am going to love a book when I start reading it and I can't put it down - in fact, it took me all of two days to read this one because I kept saying "just one more page".

For those looking for "fluff or the seedier side" of this author's life - you will also be rewarded in this book - Clark does not shy away from describing his life as first a football player - trying to play with the big boys, but never succeeding and yet, behaving like he was. Ah the girls, so many girls. He then goes into quite a lot of detail about his life as a Gladiator and how much he loved it (more sex and more drugs and all that "perceived" power).

Having said all of that, this book goes way beyond all of the gloss and glamour of Clark's professional life. This memoir is about a man who struggled from a very young age to accept himself and who spent the better part of his life looking outwards for the thing (or people) that would make him happy and whole.

From the death of his brother, at a young age - which ended up marking Clark deeply (and this only becomes obvious to the reader as Clark spirals more and more into his addictions) to his almost complete lack of interest in the birth of his son - this memoir is deeply honest and sometimes scary. At many points during the reading of this book, I found myself disliking this man - and trying to reconcile the man who lived this life to the man who sounded so genuine in his email to me.

However, as I kept reading, I felt more and more the deep pain and confusion Clark was experiencing. During the entire narration of his story (the good, the bad and the ugly) Clark states it like it is - never apologizing but also never boasting about his choices (and he has made a few bad ones). It seems to me that this guy just had an automatic sensor for the biggest mess - he had a way of finding the absolute most horrible scenario for himself and then just jumping in with both feet.

I found his fascination and obsession with his little action figure to be so sad - and very telling of just how much pain this man was in. I also cried when he talks about his need to get off the drugs and his constant wondering at "how did I get to be this person?". However, I also thought it amazing that throughout Clark's darkest moments, he somehow always had a little bit of a voice of reason, somewhere hidden in the back of his brain - this is, no doubt, the voice that saved him!

This memoir is disturbing and raw and I loved every moment of it. I applaud Clark for his honesty and for telling us that although he is trying to find the right path, he is far from having all the answers.

This book is well written and I was proud to see just how far he has come from those days as "Nitro". As a matter of act, I think that Clark should be very proud of himself - he has managed to get off the drugs, reconnect with his son and find some spiritual and internal strength to be the person he wants to be. Yet, if it weren't for all his past experiences, including his alter-ego Nitro, Clark would not be the person that he is today.

I suggest this book for anyone who wants to read an inspiring story - I loved it.

Speaking of the horrible cover - after reading the book it occured to me that the front cover was a perfect cover after all - it shows Clark as the person he was then with the back cover showing him as he now is - much better back cover - kind of a nice relationshp between the two covers and shows the progression that Dan has made in his own life.