Customer Reviews

The Heart of a Champion: Celebrating the Spirit and Character of America's Sports Heroes

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Do you remember growing up and hearing about Wheaties, The Breakfast of Champions? We were always told that if we ate our Wheaties, we would grow up to be champions as well. Well, that part of the story never did hold true for me, but the champions that did appear on the front of the cereal box over the years have proved to be an enduring selection of sports heroes who have great stories behind their acheivements.

In this very engaging and beautifully photographed book, the front of the Wheaties' boxes that I remember as a child have come to life. The author, Frank Deford, has written great essays to allow us to better understand the underlying stories behind the athletic acheivements of these memorable champions of sports.

Interestingly enough, I am not a big follower of sports and originally purchased this book as an early Christmas gift for my brother. Sitting down for a cup of coffee, I became involved with the book and found myself enjoying the well written stories and great historical photos. I've decided to keep this copy, and I'll buy my brothers and nephews additional copies for their own use. I'm sure they will enjoy the great gift.

I highly recommend this book. Trust me, it is much better than reading the back of the Wheaties box while enjoying a bowl of cereal.

Great sports athletes really inspire us. And as I read Frank Deford's inspiring profiles of Cal Ripken, Jr., Tiger Woods, Jerry Rice, Chris Evert, Jackie Robinson, the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team, and ohers, I was again sent back to relive some of the greatest sports moments of my life. The photos enhance the categories of commitment, grace, courage, team effort and perseverance. Frank Deford has captured the enduring spirit of these amazing men and women, and thanks to Wheaties, they ae enshrined in our minds and hearts forever. If you have a sports lover in your family, this is the book to get them this Chrsitmas.

This book is one of my favorite sports book! I love sports and enjoy all books on this subject; which is a great study in American history and culture. This copy was bought, for a gift. In 2006, I bought six copies, for myself and for gifts. It is a book of beautiful words and pictures. The best gift, which I can give......is a book of merit.