You Can't Make This Up - Al Michaels & L. Jon Wertheim

You Can't Make This Up

By Al Michaels & L. Jon Wertheim

  • Release Date: 2014-11-18
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4
4
From 377 Ratings

Description

In this highly entertaining and insightful memoir, one of television’s most respected broadcasters interweaves the story of his life and career with lively firsthand tales of some of the most thrilling events and fascinating figures in modern sports.

No sportscaster has covered more major sporting events than Al Michaels. Over the course of his forty-plus year career, he has logged more hours on live network television than any other broadcaster in history, and is the only play-by-play commentator to have covered all four major sports championships: the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, and the Stanley Cup Final. He has also witnessed first-hand some of the most memorable events in modern sports, and in this highly personal and revealing account, brings them vividly to life.

Michaels shares never-before-told stories from his early years and his rise to the top, covering some of the greatest moments of the past half century—from the “Miracle on Ice”—the historic 1980 Olympic hockey finals—to the earthquake that rocked the 1989 World Series. Some of the greatest names on and off the field are here—Michael Jordan, Bill Walton, Pete Rose, Bill Walsh, Peyton and Eli Manning, Brett Favre, John Madden, Howard Cosell, Cris Collinsworth, and many, many more.

Forthright and down-to-earth, Michaels tells the truth as he sees it, giving readers unique insight into the high drama, the colorful players, and the heroes and occasional villains of an industry that has become a vital part of modern culture.

Reviews

  • Great Read!

    5
    By SydTinDad
    Al Michaels is the man!
  • Never Jaded

    5
    By Jeffro an American
    Great stories and insights to all the broadcasters we see and hear on TV. A very enjoyable and easy read
  • Great book

    5
    By Pappenfoose
    Very entertaining read
  • You can't make this up Al Micheals

    5
    By Vincent1435
    Excellent book! He tells the inner workings of the television business, and he crushes certain individuals who were not very good people. Refreshing honesty is sorely lacking in personal stories. Excellent read!
  • Great Read

    5
    By Wasatch Skier
    Thanks, Al. What a fabulous career. Very well written. I couldn't put it down.
  • You are trapped

    5
    By Husseyjw
    From the introduction to the last page you are trapped in the stories of Al Michael's career. Give credit to both Al and Jon for a great story and a great book. The book is more than a collection of diary entries, it's tied together by the fabric of events throughout his career. This is not a tell-all, it's not a confession, and it by no means is a crowning ceremony. Instead, it's the reflection on a career -- from a dream -- as told through events and people. Once you read the opening ...prepare to be trapped until the last Olympic interview. Enjoy!
  • Could have been much better

    3
    By NSrythme
    It never seemed to grasp what a reader really wants; behind the scenes stories of famous sports figures and events.
  • Superb Book!

    5
    By BradRob
    Especially for us 50 and over types who can relate to many of the Sports stories of Al's day. I primarily read this because "The Miracle on Ice" remains my best sports memory to this day and wanted Al's insight on that. But, there is so much more! From his early days broadcasting minor league baseball in Hawaii, to Monday Night Football and now Sunday Night Football, Al Michaels tells some great "behind the scenes" accounts of the games, events, and people he has covered and worked with. If you're even mildly curious about the sporting world told from a broadcaster's point of view -- then read this book!
  • What a Ride

    5
    By An86Boiler
    Michaels shows up in so many great places with such stories, you feel like he's sports version of Forrest Gump.
  • Great read

    5
    By JR2647
    Very insightful book. It gives you such a rich look behind the scenes of sports most memorable moments.