Lou Gehrig: The Story of a Great Man [Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Carol Birch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2002

In recognition of Lou Gehrig's 100th birthday celebration, a portion of each sale will be donated to the ALS Association.

2003 marks the 100th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's birth. Gehrig's career is bigger than his stats. His spirit is more significant than the disease which destroyed him. His story is more than a baseball story, yet it brings to life an extraordinary time in baseball history.

The nearly hour long CD tells of Gehrig's personal life, his baseball career, and his battle with ALS. The story was written and is told by one of America's greatest storytellers, Carol Birch. The story of this man's life is its own home run.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-10-Although Lou Gehrig was overshadowed during his career by Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio, history has recognized the great impact he had on the sport of baseball. His statistics still remain on the top of the ten-best lists and his rise from the poverty of his German immigrant family is legendary. Tragically, his name is also associated with the disease that ended his baseball career and took his life at the age of 37. Carol Birch has detailed Gehrig's life and career in this no-frills recording that marks the 100 year anniversary of his birth. While the topic would be of interest to middle and high school students, the overly enthusiastic reading and exaggeration of words may distract older listeners. Classes studying this time period as well as young baseball aficionados may find this recording of interest.
Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Birch goes beyond facts to help us see the soul of this shy hero and to appreciate his noble spirit. -- Hearsay - Spring, 2003 Review by Connie Rockman

Compelling, heartwarming, inspiring. Birch's storycrafting is nuanced, capturing essential qualities in carefully chosen words and images. -- NAPPA Award Judge, Marilyn McPhie

Informative, oral biography. Birch describes Gehrig's baseball career with carefully enunciated incredulity, unintentionally emulating her subject's famous humility. -- Booklist, May 15, 2003 review by John Sigwald

You share the depth of feeling Birch has for Gehrig. Give this to a baseball coach as a thank you. -- Appleseed Quarterly - Summer, 2003 Review by Mary-Eileen McClear

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Silver Birch Productions; Unabridged edition (December 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972693203
• ISBN-13: 978-0972693202
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,553,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A well-told tale, April 4, 2006

By 

Mitch Weiss "storyteller" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lou Gehrig: The Story of a Great Man (Audio CD)

Having grown up in the New York metropolitan area as a baseball fan, I was well acquainted with the story of Lou Gehrig. At least I thought I was until I listened to Carol Birch's spirited retelling of his life. I knew of his statistics and his tragic demise, but Carol brought this American hero to life. Too many baseball fans are unaware of those who so gracefully pioneered the game. However, Carol's story will be enjoyed not only by baseball aficionados but also by anyone who enjoys a good story - which covers everyone.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lou Gehrig: The Story of a Great Man, June 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Lou Gehrig: The Story of a Great Man (Audio CD)

This is an excellent CD. It highlights the life of a man who started with humble beginnings and rose to true greatness. Carol Birch reveals not only the highlights that made Lou Gehrig a superb ball player, but she also paints a portrait of a man who understood humility and viewed his achievements as a gift he received.

It is a fascinating dialog that reminds us that a true hero is one who gives of himself asking nothing in return and faces difficulty with courage. Quite a contrast to the shooting stars of today that receive so much undeserving praise. This CD was enjoyed by everyone in my family.