Customer Reviews

A Journey The Autobiography of Apolo Anton Ohno

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Anyone who saw this year's Olympics has to be familiar with Apolo Anton Ohno. He emerged as the highest profile athlete of the winter Games. And for good reason...this amazing young man showed the world what class, grace and sportsmanship is. He performed incredibly even after being injured. So it should come as no surprise that he would come across in his book as mature, classy and gracious as well. Mature well beyond his 19 years. Being away from home and more or less on his own since age 14 was bound to make him mature faster...but the sheer beauty of this amazing young man's spirit is something that was born with him. It only became more beautiful as he grew up. Aside from his obvious physical beauty, he is beautiful on the inside as well...and the combination makes for one very special, unequaled human being who also happens to be a talented athlete. This is Apolo's story so far...and it also tells a lot about his father who has done a magnificent job of raising a magnificent young man.This story is supposed to be...and is very much so...an inspiration for kids. But anyone of any age who is a fan of Apolo should read his story. You will not be disappointed.

Everyone must read this moving and inspiring book. While Apolo's words are engagingly kid-like and candid, the thoughts, reflections, and insights they describe are brilliant, deep, and soulful, with a wisdom and maturity far beyond his 19 years. The gracious, generous spirit we loved and admired at the 2002 Olympics is in every word of this autobiography--you will smile, you will cry--you will be filled with even greater admiration and even deeper respect for Apolo after reading his Journey.

Do not miss this book! It is a must have! If you want details about his childhood and teen years - it's here. If you want details about his training - it's here. If you want details about the Olympics - it's here. And if you want nice, juicy, previously untold personal details - it's here, too! No matter what your age, this book is BOTH INFORMATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL. It doesn't get any better than this! Order 2 copies - 1 to read and cherish + 1 to drool on! Buy it now and run to the checkout!!!!

It isn't easy to write from the heart, but Apolo Ohno has never avoided the hard choices. If it is presumptuous to write an autobiography at 19, Ohno has earned that right...and raises important issues apart from his two Olympic medals. Raised from age one by his Japanese father, Apolo paints an indelible portrait of a true father,a man willing to make unfamiliar sacrifices to provide a home for his child. We who have raised rebellious adolescent sons empathize with Yuki, and share his joy when Apolo successfully negotiates the transition. Apolo minces few words in describing his experiences as a 14 year old novice skater, attempting to negotiate the challenges of a new culture 3,000 miles from his father and friends. More disturbing are his assertions that U.S. Speedskating failed to provide adequate training and oversight for the 15 year old when he initially joined the Senior division Shorttrack team. Equally disturbing are his comments regarding deficiencies in safety and medical care for the young athletes. His performance in light of pre-Olympic injuries is impressive. Generous with praise for many coachs and friends he avoids excessive bitterness toward his foes. Ohno's voice is clear and distinctive and his emotional intimacy a generous gift in light of his experiences. His reflective comments mirror the character that mesmerized audiences during the Olympic games. Without doubt he will indeed "have an extraordinary life..."

Apolo Anton Ohno is a great speedskater . . . and after reading the book I find that he has a pretty good potential for a writer too. After watching him in the 2002 Winter Olympics, I was intrigued with his story. This gives me something elso to build off of as well. He sets a good example for kids because he is a true good sport -- always with a "That's the sport. What happens happens" attitude. A great read.

I love this book. Apolo speaks from his heart. He has overcome downfalls, injuries,and challenges in his journey to become the fastest speedskater ever. But this book is more than a book about a great athlete. This book is about a beautiful person who is mature far beyond his years. I highly recommend this book to people of ALL ages.

This is a great story about Apolo and he writes the book so that you are able to feel like your are on the ice with him on every win and fall. You will really enjoy this book.

The book A Journey is inspirational to everyone that tries their hardest and loves the sport or other thing that you are trying to achieve. This book shows use the hardship of growing up and how we can trust our family for our problems. The thought of trying harder to be a success is always a part of all lives and should never be forgoten. This book will always be insiring and must be read by young and old.

Although this book is being marketed for the children's/young adult market, readers of all ages will find much to appreciate in Apolo's continuing journey. What was presented in the media leading up to and during the 2002 Winter Olympics was only a fraction of the story. Reading about his myriad of physical injuries, the psychological and spiritual battle to become an elite athlete and his tumultuous yet ultimately loving relationship with his single father, leaves one with a better understanding of why so many of us were captivated by him during the games. He's had a compelling journey so far - here's hoping that the next leg proves equally rich and rewarding for him. And here's hoping he chooses to share that with us also.

Spare & lean, this young man tells his story with aplomb & humor. Nancy Ann Richardson has not tampered with his way of expressing himself, allowing Apolo Anton Ohno to shine on through.

A JOURNEY is as much a biography of a modern, unassuming hero as it is a tribute to a father's job well done.

A must-read for anyone with a hunger for excellence, & a clue about self-awareness. A splendid read in which we catch glimpses of how one person, with many strikes against him, found something to pull him out of a typical city-bound boyhood, out of the terrible teens, out of obscurity to be the best at what he does.

Apolo Anton Ohno can also add storyteller/author to his accomplishments. Highly recommended.