Gordon Gronkowski

It's Raining Gronks...

While Rob is the most famous of the Gronkowski's (and, is it weird that after only three years as a NE fan of Rob Gronkowski that I can spell his name without thinking, between him and being able to spell Gostkowski I think that the Patriots should draft some Smiths and Joneses...) most people will pick up the book because of Rob. That's why I wanted to read it. His section in the book is not really any bigger than any of his brothers' though, and actually, I thought show more that the oldest brother Gordie Jr. probably had the longest section. And, it was one of my favorite sections of the book.

Everyone knows Rob's basic story. Works hard while growing up in Western New York state, goes to University of Arizona for two years, has back surgery and misses his Junior year, and still gets drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft. The bones of the stories of the other brothers, and even the Dad aren't all that different from Rob. Gordy Sr. seems to have put into all five of his sons an insanely intense work ethic and that gets repeated -a lot- during the book. That was one of the things that I didn't love about the book, it was a bit repetitive in places. In other places it seemed a bit choppy too. But, overall the flow was good and the stories in there (some of the them were hilarious, others inspiring) kept me engaged and reading.

I do wish that there had been more about Diane, the Gronkowski brothers mother, in the book (there was a little bit about her in the middle). Maybe it's the female in me, but it would have been cool to learn more about her.

Also, a bit of a nitpick, but Worcester's not really 'near' Foxborough. Maybe it is in a 'whole country' way (and it's not exactly wicked far away either), but, in a Massachusetts way it's not really 'near'.

I've read quite a few sports nonfiction books that have to do with New England sports players and New England sports teams and overall I really liked the book. The author who helped Gordy Gronkowski write it was pretty good. I'd rank this book just below a Michael Holley sports tome. It's a solid four star book.

I got this advanced galley through Netgalley.com on behalf of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt hoping that I would review it. show less

I really don’t know why anyone would be particularly interested in this book, unless maybe they are a diehard New England Patriots fan, like me. It is mostly a vanity project for Gordy Gronkowski, the father of five amazing athletes. His five sons have all achieved a great deal of success in sports, with three making to the National Football League, one who played professional baseball, and the youngest is an up and coming star in his own right.

This book talks about how his sons achieved show more that success. Beyond being naturally gifted athletes Gordy appears to be a somewhat obsessed workout junkie and had his five sons competing with each other in the basement using a workout regime created by Gordy himself. He created five workout junkies in his own image who were motivated by their father but also by their competition with each other. This healthy competition resulted in a clan of professional athletes.

The book also provides some details on what their family life was like growing up and how their incredible mother managed to rein in five Gronks (six if you count the father) and cook and clean and drive them around to all their various sporting events. She is a bit in the background in the book, for the most part, but clearly a hero in her own right.

While the book is not just about Rob Gronkowski he does get more air time here, which is only fair as he is the most successful of the five Gronks. As a tight end for the New England Patriots he’s had a few monster seasons and could potentially be one of the greatest tight ends of all time. Unfortunately, his history of injuries, especially recently, will probably derail that dream. He is described as a bit of a fun loving goofball but a hard worker dedicated to being his best. But the rest of the brothers get their just due as well and we get a glimpse into the personalities of each.

I did enjoy the read but only because of the Rob Gronkowski angle. I otherwise would have found it a waste of time and not that interesting. show less