Customer Reviews

No Limits: The Will to Succeed

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, if you've read Michael's autobiography he published shortly after Athens Olympics, this isn't book's sequel. It doesn't claim to be, but you may think it is if you look through chapters' headings, as they're based on all events Michael swam in Beijing (autobiography as it is published now stops pretty much shortly after Athens). What that means is that some of the stories are repeated, but if you keep that in mind and ignore it, you'll enjoy all the new stories he shares.

As a former college swimmer and now a masters swimmer I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. It's well written, and gives you an idea of what it takes to get to the level that Michael is at. He's obviously gifted with a body well suited for swimming, but it was 99% hard work and effort that got him to the top where no other swimmer have been before. He tells you how he got there while also sharing other stories about his life outside of the pool.

This book also provides a chance for Michael to tell you more about Beijing experience. He was too busy during the Olympics to sit down and give a lengthy interview, and in a way, this is what this book is all about. For example, 12,000 calories a day diet that everyone talked about is actually a myth.

What always impressed me about Phelps was his focus and determination on staying on top of his goals. I have no idea how he was able to remain focused and execute to perfection every single stroke and turn in 17 races he participated in Beijing. In this book he shares how you can overcome distractions and remain motivated to reach your goals.

Finally, if you're into setting any kinds of goals in life, this book is a must read.

I am listening to the audio version of this book narrated by Holter Graham. I am really enjoying it but it did take me a while to get used to the format. Phelps and Abrahamson skip around a lot, but you have to realize this isn't Phelps' autobiography. It isn't "Then when I was 14, I tried out for the Sidney Olympics." There's no "This one time, in band camp..." moment. The chapters are headed with words like "Perseverance" and "Redemption" and the authors use Michael's various races to illustrate their point.

That said, there are a LOT of stats and figures and it is hard to keep them all straight, especially in an audio book. But it's really fun to find a particular race on YouTube and then watch it while listening to Michael (via Graham) narrate what is going on.

To those who say Abrahamson wrote the whole book, I say, "Funny I didn't see him in the pool. How does he know that Phelps was smiling to himself underwater on the final turn of the 200 Free in Melbourne?" It may be Abrahamson's words, but it is Phelps' voice. I gave it four stars because really nothing besides "To Kill a Mockingbird" gets five from me. OK, maybe "Kite Runner."

This is a great read for young and old. If your looking for inspiration this is it. Michael will wake up your senses, give you a new sense of the importance of setting goals and you'll appreciate his maturity and integrity. Every High school, Middle school, Elem school and Recreational coach will benefit from reading this.

Michael Phelps defines the American dream.

If you're looking for an inside glance at what was going on behind the goggles in Beijing, this is the book for you.

If you're looking for more of an autobiography, you want Phelps' other book (written after the Athens olympics) Beneath the Surface.

If you're a Phelps fan, or a swimmer (or just a fan of good swimming) you want both. There are a few stories that appear in both, but the vast majority of material is different.

This book is a fast read, and I feel that Phelps' voice comes through clearly. Both this and Beneath the Surface were very down to earth and easy to understand. At times the stories are a bit disjointed, and maybe some work could have been done to connect things a bit more clearly, but I don't think this distracts from the book overall. In fact, my only real complaint is that it's too short!

If you watched in awe this summer, are a swimmer, are a fan of the olympics or of athletes at their greatest level, pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.

I am a huge Michael Phelps fan, and fan of swimming in general, but I still managed to get lost in the technical talk in this book. I found the overall message and story highly inspirational and very compelling. I loved reading about how Michael over came all those hard times to reach where he is, but every exact time, split time, and tons of names are mentioned that, yes are important, but get in the way of the message. I loved the book, some parts were work to get through, still love Michael Phelps, and if anything I left the book with a sense of "never give up on your dreams".

This is an excellent book if you love swimming. He focuses on the events he won medals in, his swimming and that of others. It's a fast read - very good. Michael Phelps is a great guy. He's the ultimate sportsman - nothing bad to say about anyone else, but still an obvious competitor at heart. It was great to relive those Olympic moments through his eyes.

A decent read of the life and swimmer, Michael Phelps. This is not really an autobiography, but Michael shares a few stories growing up, and the challenge and dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer. This book clearly focuses on his training, scores, and his 2008, 8 Gold Medal win that set new records for Olympic swimmers. It is a decent read, but you learn select bits and pieces of his life growing up with his two sisters and lovely mother. There is a touching moment with Michael who reached out to a young boy who passed away from cancer. Yes, Michael has made mistakes, but who are we to point and judge when all us of has screwed up at one time or another in life? I say, go Michael. Do it again in 2012!

If you want truly inspirational story this is for you.Phelps give you a different dimension.So much dedication,sacrifice........Try this and audiobook version

My 14 year old son is reading this book and is really enjoying it. Reads like a story. Inspirational, especially if you are a swimmer.

I really enjoyed this book. A glimpse into the mind of Michael Phelps. He seems to be just as he has been portrayed. A family focused, driven athlete. Certainly one to be admired. I loved the book and read it on kindle. Inspirational for athletes and gives a glimpse into the dedication necessary to compete at that level.