Coach: Lessons on the Game of Life Paperback – Illustrated, April 17, 2008

Lewis pays honor to a thoughtful old school teacher and coach who guides the formation of boys into young men through sports competition. Like Bobby Hurley at St. Anthony’s in Jersey City, Coach Fitz is a legend.

I truly value that Michael Lewis wrote an inspiring impactful story at its proper length.A story that has tremendous value was told and written without any fluff or run on tangents for word count or page fill.Do not value this book by the page, value it by the impact that the words on those pages have.I know that I have and I have reread this book many, many times.We all have that 1 coach that we would do anything for - I know that I have.It just so happens to be that 1 coach that some people don't like just as intensely.There is a reason for that - that coach made you surpass your limits of what you thought was possible - made you feel comfortable with being uncomfortable.Some value that, and some would rather stay within their comfortable limits.It is interesting to note that the coach never changed over time, the only thing that changed was how he was valued.With some valuing "not to loose what they have" over "becoming what they could be."Praise to Michael Lewis for telling a meaningful story at its proper length.It is more powerful than any 600+ page book that I have ever read.

I differ with previous reviews lamenting the brevity of the book. Obviously, adults reading the book were thinking in terms of adults. I read the book thinking about my 12-year old grandson and felt it was a perfect book to send him at this stage in his life.This is exactly the type of book you would want to send your grandchildren or have your own children read.It sends a powerful message and being written by someone having been coached by this person at the age of 13 makes it even more valid.It may be short, but that's the beauty of it. It keeps your interest, gets the point across and leaves you wishing for more or better yet, offers the opportunity for discussion with young adults.

Michael Lewis is a superb writer and a very smart guy. In this great little book, he tells the story of how an old school baseball coach at a tony New Orleans prep school literally changed his life. He also tells how, thanks to the attitudes of over privileged modern parents, that kind of impact is much more difficult to achieve today.Lewis, as usual, is both entertaining and on target. All parents of high school athletes should read tis book. It takes takes less than an hour and offers a wealth of insight. It’s lessons are applicable to academics as well as athletics.Highly recommend.

When faced with a similar situation, because an entitled player went home to report that I had coached him “too hard”. Instead of the parent doing what he ought to and what the kid is actually screaming for: him to listen. The parent decided to file a report and make unfounded accusations, that my current school nearly fell for. Thanks for this book!

Although I whole-heartedly agree with Lewis' "lessons" -- such as the lessons that personal achievement requires hard work and that respect from of others is not a right, but must be earned -- I'm not sure he should rest his "case" on a maniacal H.S. baseball coach who never displays warmth, who shows no flexibility and who seems determined to physically and emotionally abuse kids and himself. There are lots of great role models out there who continue to teach these valuable life lessons without being mean-spirited tyrants.Very fast read. If the book had been any lengthier, however, I would have stopped reading as the "lessons" became redundant.

The hardcover “used” book was in excellent shape. Yes, the book was short and inspirational. Yes, I do expect to read it again and enjoy it as much the next time as I did the first time.

I read this after finishing Michael Lewis' The Blind Side. It's a very short read -- basically an extended magazine article -- but well worth the ticket. I thought Lewis conveyed this retrospective on his high school athletic experience very well, and there are some interesting observations about the changing world of high school sports. Every coach, athlete, and parent would benefit.

The book was as good as new

It touches on many of the same themes as Whiplash on an autobiographical look at the author's old coach. It's a great book to read to give you perspective as to why people are sometimes hard on the ones they mentor, coach and teach. Quick read and a must read.

Nice book. Was finished in about 10 minutes which to me translates as, it flows well. There is nothing 'new' in here and I think more people than not will relate or recognise a Coach Fitz character in their lives - whether they found it a positive, enabling experience or not is a different matter! Might have been good to get more perspective from Lewis' peers on their life coach, otherwise it sounds like a homage to the man, which misses the point.

As described and delivered in a timely fashion.

A tremendous short story by a great author. A must read...