The Wisdom of Wooden: My Century On and Off the Court Review

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(More customer reviews)John Wooden and Steve Jamison have produced a final gift of excellence from one of America's greatest teachers. The mythical basketball coach whose name was synonymous with excellence lived his life by a simple yet profound mantra from his father, Joshua: "Make each day your masterpiece." This book is a testament to the core values handed down from Coach Wooden's father and shared with his own children and hundreds of student-athletes.
Unique Look and Feel
The book is constructed in the shape of an old-fashioned family photo album. The distinctive rectangular dimensions were a good choice for an equally unique man. I liked the compelling contrast between the cover image of Coach Wooden with a basketball and quotes from two of his prized pupils, Bill Walton and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, on the back. There are no page numbers to further reinforce the photo album ambiance, and the predominant font size is larger than usual. Key quotes were shown in a maroon hue. Perhaps as a reminder that Mr. Wooden was a former English teacher.
Vivid Pictures Paint a Life Story
I grew up watching the fabled UCLA Bruins from afar on television. Flipping through the pages brought back wonderful childhood memories of the impeccably-dressed coach with his precise teams that performed like a Swiss watch. Coach Wooden and Mr. Jamison provide the reader with a wide variety of images. From his early days of coaching, to pictures of his extended family, to handwritten diagrams of plays, to the many highs and extremely rare lows, the life of John Wooden is documented in significant detail. My favorite image was Coach Wooden and Kareem-Abdul Jabbar holding hands as the former student assists his teacher walk on the court.
A Few Memorable Quotes
"Coaching is just another word for teaching; you may have a whistle, but you're still a teacher."
"The bond between teacher and student is a sacred trust. I treated that bond with the utmost respect."
"When you leave the arena, a bystander shouldn't be able to tell by your demeanor whether you won or lost."
"Trophies are not success... Success is measured by the quality of effort you put forth to do your best."
"Basketball is of little importance compared to the rest of the life that we live."
A new colleague told me that this would make an excellent coffee table book. I agree, and my coffee table just took a leap in quality. But if you put this wonderful book on your coffee table, please be sure that it sits at the top of your offerings. The example, life and wisdom of Coach John Wooden deserve no less.
Please Note:
I was contacted by a McGraw-Hill representative and requested to provide a review. This is an objective review and I am not obliged to provide a positive one.

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The Wisdom of Wooden is John Wooden's final book, completed just weeks before his passing in June 2010. In it he shares his most treasured memories and never-before-seen photographs as he looks back on an extraordinary life on and off the court.
Hailed by many as the greatest coach in the history of American sports, John Wooden is as famous for his personal philosophy as he is for his career achievements. He inspired, guided, and motivated generations of fans with his bestselling books on leadership, values, family, and the true meaning of success.
Coach Wooden wrote his final book, The Wisdom of Wooden: My Century On and Off the Court, in the last months before his death. Filled with his most treasured memories and more than 100 photographs, many never-before seen, it captures a life spent teaching, guiding, and serving others. Starting with his father's now-famous 7 Point Creed—including "Make Each Day Your Masterpiece," "Help Others," and "Be True to Yourself,"—Coach Wooden affirms the principles to true success that helped him become an All American at Purdue University, a winning coach at Indiana State University, and an iconic sports figure at UCLA.
Yet anyone who knows John Wooden knows his record on the court was only part of the story. In The Wisdom of Wooden the legendary coach offers readers a rare glimpse not just behind the scenes but inside the man; not just on the court but in the huddles; not just his maxims but his poems, those he wrote and those he loved; not just the people he inspired, but the family, friends, and fans who inspired him; not just the lessons he taught but the lessons he learned; not just what was on his mind but what was in his heart.
Ultimately it was the life he lived that served as a model for his greatest lesson of all: a deep commitment to family, friends, and faith—the bedrock values of the man we all called, "Coach."
Praise for John Wooden
"The Wisdom of Wooden has given me the life that I have . . . Thanks, Coach, for your faith and patience."—Bill Walton
"The Wisdom of Wooden is a lifetime of Coach Wooden's ideas on how to live life without sacrificing your moral principles. His life is a prime example of how this can be done--one that we can all learn from."—Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
"John Wooden sets an example for all of us by constantly striving to be the best in every aspect of his life. Throughout my life, I have found inspiration and direction in the Bible. Today, I also find inspiration and direction in the words of John Wooden."—Tom Coughlin, Head Coach, New York Giants
"One hundred years—what an amazing life. But here's what's even more amazing about John Wooden and the timeless verities his life has embodied. One hundred years from now they will still be talking about his accomplishments and his approach."—Bob Costas
"There has never been a finer man in American sports than John Wooden, or a finer coach."--Sports Illustrated

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