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It makes it infinitely more interesting.I particularly recommend this book for those who love someone at any stage of cancer diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship. I picked this book up 9 years after the copyright date. Absolutely. This is an extremely important message to those facing cancer and for those who love them.
My book is heavily underlined. Armstrong may have more lung capacity, but their drive to kick cancer is equal. I have underlined every phrase spoken in the book that my friend has also spoken. I have just seen an extremely close friend through a cancer diagnosis and treatment and, like most of us, know far too many people who are coping with this disease.
Not because Armstrong's attitudes and resentments make for a warm and fuzzy story; they are, though, the bedrock of his success. Sometimes verbatim. Worth the read. Armstrong's response to cancer are the words of every man's and every woman's journey through this disease.
Even if you are not a big cyclist fan, you can follow the 2009 Tour De France carrying with you with at least one version of the back story. Not because it is a well-written book; it is not particularly. The book will give you perspective about what can happen in the decade plus beyond a serious cancer diagnosis.
You do not have to be a cyclist, or an athlete, to enjoy this book.Harry Carpenter, author of The Genie Within: Your Subconscious Mind.The Genie Within: Your Subconcious Mind--How It Works and How to Use It Highly motivating story of one of the world's elite athletes who suffered cancer throughout his body, conquered the cancer, and came back to win the Tour de France, the most grueling, physically demanding sport event on Earth.
One positive feature of this book is its description of cycling races. His wife had to quit her job, give up her dog, her friends, and her entire life. Lance's determination to race even after a life-threatening disease makes this a worthwhile read for anyone who is facing a significant obstacle in life. While his wife and friends make huge sacrifices for him and are very supportive before, during, and after his battle with cancer, Lance does nothing to alert his reader to the ways he is equally supportive in his personal relationships. It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life is an entertaining read that gives the reader insight into what it's like to live with cancer and lose a dream.
Lance accomplishes his goal of telling the story of living with cancer, and how he overcame this challenge to get back on the bike professionally. I had hopes that after his illness he would become more humble, but that voice did not come through in his writing. For example, Lance and his wife, Kristin, moved to France so Lance could get back into cycling after he recovered from cancer. While part of the mindset of being a professional athlete is being confident in one's own abilities, his cockiness is often overwhelming. In reality, racers are part of teams, and each team member works for the good of the whole so that one person from their team can be victorious.While this book is a stirring read, it has numerous faults. This selfish act is one of many which has lowered my opinion of Lance Armstrong.In the beginning of the book, Lance describes how he excelled as an athlete from a young age by competing with older, more experienced athletes. Before reading this book, I believed that each racer's goal was to win. He then lived like a bum, while Kristin had to find a way to get her life back.
Lance's journey back to the bike is inspirational, and it showcases his love of his sport. They spent a few weeks in France before Lance decided to quit biking and moved back home. Unfortunately, his egomania and cockiness subtracts from the message of the book. Not only does Armstrong inform the reader of the competitive nature of the sport, such as the insults exchanged while cyclists are racing, he also describes how a team works together during a race. I agree with Bryan Castro's review when he stated that Armstrong is often annoying.
Where is lacks in style, it makes up for in heart, in spades. I have read over 300 bios. This is one of the best.
The book gave good insight into what Lance had to endure and the success of his efforts dispite the still ongoing doubters that plague many sportsmen and woman.Focus on moving foreward.I have enjoyed reading it and have made a point to bookmark some passages in his book for references that I can use with my children and others I know who are or may face simular challenges Lance wrote about.William
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