|
Every Second Counts | 
| Author: Lance Armstrong
Publisher: Yellow Jersey Press
Category: Book
List Price: £8.99
Buy New: £6.99
You Save: £2.00 (22%)
New (25) Used (42) Collectible (1) from £0.48
Avg. Customer Rating:  30 reviews
Sales Rank: 4406
Media: Paperback
Edition: New edition
Pages: 246
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5 x 0.8
ISBN: 0224064738
Dewey Decimal Number: 796
EAN: 9781863253956
ASIN: 0224064738
Publication Date: July 1, 2004
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
|
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
In the opening of Lance Armstrong's memoir, Every Second Counts (coauthored by Sally Jenkins), he reflects: "Generally, one of the hardest things in the world to do is something twice." While he is talking here about his preparation for what would prove to be his second consecutive Tour de France victory in 2000, the sentiment could equally be applied to the book itself. And just as Armstrong managed to repeat his incredible 1999 tour victory, Every Second Counts repeats--and, in some ways exceeds—the success of his bestselling first memoir, It's Not About the Bike. Every Second Counts confronts the challenge of moving beyond his cancer experience, his first Tour victory and his celebrity status. Few of Armstrong's readers will ever compete in the Tour de France (though cyclists will relish Armstrong's detailed recounting of his 2000-2003 tour victories), but all will relate to his discussions of loss and disappointment in his personal and professional life since 1999. They will relate to his battles with petty bureaucracies, such as the French court system during the doping scandal that almost halted his career. And they will especially relate to constant struggles with work/life balance. In the face of September 11--which arrives halfway through the narrative (just before the fifth anniversary of his diagnosis)--Armstrong draws from his experiences to show that suffering, fear and death are the essential human condition. In so openly using his own life to illustrate how to face this reality, he proves that he truly is a hero--and not just because of the bike. In Every Second Counts he is to be admired as a human being, a man who sees every day as a challenge to live richly and well, no matter what hardships may come. --Patrick O'Kelley, Amazon.com
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 25 more reviews...
 very poor December 30, 2008
I read Armstrong's first book and while not liking the guy I enjoyed the book and bought Every Second Counts on the back of it. Bad move. It's a poorly written book, which reads like a self help book but with half baked anecdotes and part truths. Haven read plenty other cycling books makes it even harder to swallow the stories he presents.
 Inspirational and comforting August 21, 2008
I had already read Lance's first book but after being diagnosed with cancer myself I decided to read this one too.
It is the quickest I have ever read a book in my life, I really couldn't put it down. Very easy to read and made me feel much better about by situation. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants a bit of a 'pick me up'!
Survivor May 22, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This was written in 2004 after his record 6th consequetive win of the Tour de France. If you've read his first book, this is a very necessary follow up. There is some overlap in the telling of the cancer story but that is to be expected.
We get more details, in some cases very sad details of his personal life and relationship break ups. Through it all it seems as though Lance is starting to grow up a little bit. Perhaps seeming a little less arrogant but maybe that is easy now that he is an undisputed champion.
Never shy of controversy, Armstrong offers, with typical frankness, his thoughts on training, competing, winning and failure. He also tells of the work he does for the foundation he created following his dramatic recovery, addresses the daunting challenge of living in the aftermath of cancer and treatment, and shares further inspirational tales of survival.
A fresh outlook on the spirit of survivors everywhere, Every Second Counts is an awe-inspiring book by a man who strives every day to meet life's challenges - whether on his bike or off. There are more descriptions of his cycling and training strategies here too.
This man is a God. And he deserves more credit. Book is great May 17, 2007
I remember the (scant British) TV coverage of some of the races described here... heart-pounding stuff! So I have a lot of admiration for any of the participants and nothing but awe for anyone who wins such a grueling race! Now I have been counting up those years because I can't quite believe anyone could win the Tour de France for seven years in a row! Added to this the fact that this man is a survivor of advanced-stage cancer!!
But what about the book? - it is very easy to read - I finished in two or three days and only tiredness forced my to turn out the light! Whatever the contribution of Sally Jenkins it sounds like the voice of Lance Armstrong throughout with no detectable seams. It is well structured too - even if you are familiar with the main events the story comes alive again through Lance's perspective and insights. It is not too technical, ie. you don't have to be a bike fanatics to enjoy!
Do we get to see the inner man? Are the secrets of his success revealed? This is not a "How to..." book, but there are signs: self-belief, preparation, concentration, demanding of self and others, acceptance of pain, prepared to take risks, not giving up, acknowledging and rewarding others, sharing success, developing talent in others..... all good lessons no matter what our goals in life.
But there is also an attempt to paint a balanced and honest picture of this life - we hear about fears of a return of cancer, frustration at the press and French judicial system promoting and exhaustively trying to prove drug abuse, almost despair at the idleness outside the training/race season, the pain at not preventing the break-up of a marriage, and even admission of failure to be as inspirational as expected!
It is hard to find fault - I did think it a little false that everyone he encounters appears to be a friend. And all that self-assurance - not sure I actually like the guy, or would want to be around him for too long... but the books is great!
 An OK read November 10, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
An account racing in the Tour de France. Partially inspirational. I can't really say this book changed my life. Not as good as other reviews would lead you to believe.
Not a bad read.
|
|
|
| |
