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Woody Strode starts his story by also including the story of his best friend Kenny Washington, the great UCLA football player. By contrasting their stories the book is was able to provide a clearer insight into the struggles of Afro-Americans in the Los Angeles area of Southern California. Although their life would have been much harder in the Old South, they still had to overcome many cruel racial barriers to begin their adult lives and reach their goals.

Woody Strode's superior athletic ability was his immediate vehicle on the way to success, but it was his determination to mentally and emotionally overcome racism throughout his life that kept him from ever giving up. This quality allowed him to experience seventy years of adventure, travel and experiences that few people will ever know. Woody Strode's personal outlook on life and his consistent adherence to his personal convictions, such as hard work and loyalty resulted in a 40 year loving marriage, and sincere friendships with the great personalities of his day. Woody Strode was more than an Afro-American, he was also proud to be a Native American, and he loved his wife's Hawaii culture. It was his acceptance and admiration for all cultures made him truly an international man.

A great read. I've been a big fan of Mr. Strode since I saw him in "Tarzan's Three Challenges." The book is illuminating, and Woody as storyteller is entertaining and a refreshing model of humility. He doesn't take himself too seriously, admits his faults and shortcomings - he actually admits he dropped a pass that would have won an important football game - yet emerges as a dignified giant of a human being. Possessor of one of the great muscular bodies ever, he built it up through long sessions of pushups, situps and bodyweight squats. He knew his limitations, but worked within those boundaries to emerge as a respected athlete and actor. This is a must-have for any sports or movie-fan library.

One of the first two Black football players to play professionally in the USA, when white people still did not want to play sports with Blacks and lose to them in front of other whites. He also mentions how he developed one of the most versatile, muscular and lean physiques when weight training was not condoned by trainers (he performed 1000 pushups, situps and squats daily!). His departure for the Canadian League and the better reception he received there while also being embraced by his Native American brethren was touching too, Woody was part Native. He actually wrestled a bear that had its claws taken off!). Wrestling with many legendary personalities of the era like Gorgeous George (his coming to George's aid when his career was over while living in a run down motel is touching and sad), Hollywood was a natural especially being an ex football player/Wrestler and knowing many people. He always took care of both his families financially. His love for his Hawaiian wife and their long and happy relationship is an example for the rest of us. Insights into his relationship and experiences with such Hollywood actors as Lee Marvin (who kissed him in Las Vegas while drunk!), John Wayne (almost going to blows with the Duke in a stagecoach scene!) and his close relationship with the legendary film director John Ford are discussed. Hope more people get to know this pioneer and are moved as well as influenced by how he lived his life to the full without compromising his ethics or those around him. Highly recommended!!!