Super quick interesting read by Lewis. Lewis is a terrific journalist. This is basically just a personal story of his High School baseball coach. Its half a nostalgic trip of the writer about his coach, who changed his life, and half an indictment about the current 'crop' of parents of players. (Not just at that school, but in general). Its an quick and easy enough to read to be entertaining, so its briefness is a good thing, anything longer would be too much. It's definitely passable and unremarkable (unless you're Michael Lewis, or Fitz, or went to the school). The pictures (nearly every other page) are pretty much pointless and don't even correlate with the book all that much (except for the last photo which is the author pitching). ( )

This slim tome called to me from the shelves, which is unusual, since I'm not a fan of sports at all. But Lewis' book is less about sports and more about the art of inspiring teenagers to strive for excellence. "Coach" is an homage to Lewis' greatest mentor, Coach Fitz, whose unorthodox methods inspired generations of basketball and baseball players. At least, Coach Fitz was able to inspire the teens under his tuteledge until recently. Lewis spends the greater part of the book bemoaning the fact that Coach Fitz's approach has been considerably softened by parents who regularly call to complain that their child hasn't been playing, that Coach Fitz is to hard on them and that Coach Fitz is just plain unfair. That Coach Fitz works at an exclusive private school funded by these complaining parents puts him at a distinct disadvantage. Unfortunately, there is no inspirational ending, just a sad commentary on parents who wish to shield their children from the slightest difficulties or inconveniences. ( )

very short. but typically well done. lewis is good ( )

Very un-politically correct profile of a tough coach who taught Lewis more than he realized at the time. Note that this is a very slim book indeed -- hardly more than a long essay. ( )