Deborah Riley Draper

Whenever the name Jesse Owens is mentioned, the first thing everyone says is that he "beat" Hitler. A compelling story of courage, heroism, dignity and humility. Incredibly well written and researched. We learn of the experiences of 17 other African American athletes who also competed against Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, during the time of the Nazi invasion. These extraordinary individuals held up under the pressure of racism from both the Nazis and when they got back show more home to America. I highly recommend this book as a "must read" for everyone, young and old. I hope they also publish a young readers version. show less

It is truly inspiring and beyond serendipity the way these athletes coalesced to dominate the 1936 Olympics. The authors piece together a plethora of trivia about these athletes and even though Jesse Owen is among them they wisely focus primarily on the others. I was particularly captivated by the female track and field athletes, which seldom get the accolades they deserve. My major criticism with the book is it appears to be slapped together like a last-minute book report. In today’s show more publishing world the editor should have thrown it on the floor and said polish, polish, polish.

Recommended for athletes and coaches.

**This was a review copy supplied by NetGalley for an honest review** show less