Mi Vuelta a la Vida = It's Not about the Bike

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Mi Vuelta a la Vida = It's Not about the Bike

by Lance Armstrong, Sally Jenkins

3.83 · rating details · 10,297 ratings · 1,142 reviews

The #1 New York Times bestseller from the cancer survivor who became a four-time Tour de France champ. "In 1996, young cycling phenom Armstrong discovered he had testicular cancer. In 1999, he won the Tour de France. Now he's a new father and a memoirist: with pluck, humility and verve, this volume covers his early life, his rise through the endurance sport world and ...more

Paperback, 332 pages

Published December 30th 2004 by Punto de Lectura (first published 1999)

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Feb 03, 2008

Julie rated it

· review of another edition

This review will probably upset some people, but here it is: I had more respect for Lance Armstrong before I read this book. Now I just think he's pompous, self-absorbed, and egotistical.

So you survived cancer...big deal. What, do you think you deserve a friggin' cookie? People survive cancer every day. People are diagnosed every day. People are re-diagnosed every day. People suffer from treatment every day. People fight insurmountable odds every day. But nobody writes a boo...more

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Sep 07, 2010

Emanuella rated it

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След случаен разговор за жълтите гривни Livestrong, колоезденето и силните духом, един колега ми даде книгата да я прочета. Бях впечатлена и си я купих. Започнах да я раздавам.

Докато четях отделните глави и части от живота на Ланс, чувствата ми към него непрекъснато се променяха - ту ми се струваше егоист, отворко, самохвалко, ту му се възхищавах колко упорит, смел и борбен тип е. Животът му е чудо и стискане на зъби. Голям късмет е да имаш такива хора до себе си - амбициозна майка, ...more

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Jan 07, 2009

Jamie rated it

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A friend of mine loaned me this book years ago; he enjoyed it and recommended that I read it. This friend had never loaned me a book before, and since he's a bit more of a jock than me, I thought I might not get the same satisfaction as he did. So I put it on my shelf and considered it from time to time over the years, but finally picked it up when there was nothing else of interest on the shelf.

This book was a pleasant surprise. I have never read any sports books before, and didn...more

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Jan 08, 2012

Anbu rated it

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Shelves: bio-autobio

I pick up this book to read when I was feeling low with the certain things happened in my personal life. Lance, thru this book helped me realize that anything is achievable and any hurdle could be overcome. Thank you Lance.

I have heard of Lance Armstrong, the man who won the Tour de France record-breaking seven times after recovering from life threatening cancer. So what I expected from this book was a fairy tale of a rider who survived cancer and became successful in the tour. But wha...more

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Jan 23, 2010

Lobstergirl rated it

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Shelves: own, memoir

There is no more remarkable story of surviving cancer than Lance Armstrong's, and perhaps there is no better athlete in history. His rise from poverty and being raised by a young single mother is quite impressive too. But I have to give his memoir 2 stars, because

1) He's such a cocky son of a bitch. Really, it gets quite annoying.

2) He couldn't keep his marriage and family intact, especially after putting his wife through the IVF, twice. Before they even began dating,...more

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Dec 04, 2008

Kimberly rated it

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Talk about an inspiring book. He didn't hold back any details when it came to his treatment and struggles with cancer. It makes his accomplishments with the Tour de France that much sweeter in my mind hearing what he went through. I think my biggest take home from the book is that your mindset and attitude towards struggles can make or break you.

I will say that he also showed signs of being quite arrogant and prideful, but in his defense lots of competitive athletes are. If the...more

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Oct 21, 2008

Chantal rated it

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Recommended to Chantal by: Bret Gadberry

The strangest thing for me in reading this book was realizing that I was right in Paris when Lance won for the first time. I was eating at a restaurant with my grandparents when the Tour de France was going by. My grandfather, who doesn't speak a lick of French, was proudly trying to show off my French to the waitress...I had to say something about the Tour de France to her. He didn't realize that I could barely speak French. I kept praying that she would at least pretend she understood me, ...more

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Aug 26, 2007

Melanie rated it

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Shelves: 2002

In early 2002, I was going through a rough time--I had just dropped out of college after a semester marked by panic attacks, the inability to leave my room, and a variety of reckless behaviors, and I was convinced that my life was over. I was also convinced that my parents hated me because I was such a failure. It was in this weakened state that I agreed to read It's Not About the Bike (and, later, The Hobbit), because they were recommended by my stepmother (Bike) and my father (Hobbit), and ...more

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Jul 09, 2008

Stefani rated it

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So...I understand that Lance is not a writer - but why hire a ghost-writer that cannot write either?

That aside - "Its Not About the Bike" is a combination cancer survival against the odds/sports prodigy story/inspiration.

Lance seems like an arrogant asshole, its true, but I couldn't help getting all ferclempt when he wins the tour the first time...I love cycling, I am truly fascinate by the mental and physiological processes of true athletes, and this book *did*...more

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Nov 22, 2008

David rated it

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Lance Armstrong was 25 years old and starting to achieve fame and fortune on the world cycling tour, when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He wrote this account in 1999, three years after the initial diagnosis, describing his fight against the disease and the highly improbably comeback that led to his victory in the 1999 Tour de France, cycling's greatest event.

The book describes his youth in Texas - slight of build and not suited for the football that was the passion in his Te...more

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Oct 15, 2006

Otis Chandler rated it

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Shelves: biography, nonfiction

I read this right after my dad passed away from cancer. Lance was a hero of my dad's for some time, but I'd never seen his autobiography until I found it on my dad's shelf. Lance's drive to survive and win against all odds is an inspiration to anyone, but especially to cancer survivors & their family. It really helped me get through a difficult time, and inspired me to start doing triathlons with Team In Training (a great organization which helps benefit cancer victims).

Oh - and Lan...more

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Nov 14, 2011

Dylan Becker rated it

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It’s About The Journey

The book that i read was called It’s Not About The Bike. This is a book about Lance Armstrong's journey about cancer. I think this book is very inspiring because it tells about how he was able to fight through cancer and was able to still ride his bike after. This book is also very sad because it shows how fast you can be at the top of the world (not literally) and then you can lose it all. This is very sad because he had everything going for him but h...more

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Oct 31, 2011

Ismail Elshareef rated it

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Lance Armstrong's life with all it's stupendous ups and cruel downs is a true testament to the human spirit and its incredible powers to triumph. In this very descriptive account of his life as a cyclist, son, husband, father and a cancer patient in recovery, he delves into details that will both awe and inspire you. He'll take you through a journey of seemingly insurmountable obstacles which he eventually overcomes with perseverance, determination and the ample love with which he's surrounded. ...more

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Aug 23, 2011

Valerie J K rated it

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Lance Armstrong's mother summed his life up perfectly when asked by a reporter if his victory at the Tour de France was against the odds---"Lance's whole life has been against all odds." The only child of a working (and often single) mother, Lance turned his time and energy first to swimming, then triathlons, and soon became a world-class cyclist. His career was cut short when he developed testicular cancer that spread to his lungs and brain. There were 2 facets of the book I enjoye...moreLance Armstrong's mother summed his life up perfectly when asked by a reporter if his victory at the Tour de France was against the odds---"Lance's whole life has been against all odds." The only child of a working (and often single) mother, Lance turned his time and energy first to swimming, then triathlons, and soon became a world-class cyclist. His career was cut short when he developed testicular cancer that spread to his lungs and brain. There were 2 facets of the book I enjoyed--his description of the actual sport of team cycling (I was surprised to learn about the inner workings of a peloton), and his personal battle with cancer. Early on in his battle, he received an email from a soldier that read "You don't know it yet, but we're the lucky ones." Although my own cancer wasn't life threatening, I knew immediately what the soldier meant--cancer gives you a new perspective on life. A very few things are important, everything else is inconsequential. Lance credits his fight with cancer as the best thing that ever happened to him, giving him the mental and physical drive and discipline to win the Tour de France 7 consecutive times, and shaping him into the person he is.

I really respect his dedication to his foundation--now one of the top 10 groups for funding cancer research. Lance was fortunate to have access (time, $, and referrals)to the best Doctors in the country. Not every cancer patient has that advantage. I respect that he uses his position in life to better the lives of other cancer patients. It was awkward to read about his wife, of whom he speaks so highly, knowing their marriange ended a few years later.

Some of my favorite quotes--
"We are so much stronger than we imagine, and belief is one of the most valiant and long-lived human characteristics. To believe, when all along we humans know that nothing can cure the briefness of this life, that there is no remedy for our basic mortality, that is a form of bravery."

"One thing the illness has conviced me of beyond all doubt--more than any experience I've has as an athlete--is that we are much better than we know. We have unrealized capacities that sometimes only emerge in crisis. So if there is a purpose to the suffering that is cancer, I think it must be this: it's meant to improve us."

"...I believe I have an obligation to make something better of my life than before, and to help my fellow human beings who are dealing with the disease...Anyone who has heard the words You have cancer...is a member of it. If you've ever belonged, you never leave."

"...put aside your ideas about heros and miracles, because I'm not storybook material...I've read that I flew up the hills and mountains of France. But you don't fly up a hill. You struggle slowly and painfully up a hill, and maybe, if you work very hard, you get to the top ahead of everybody else."

"When I was sick, I saw more beauty and truth in a single day than I ever did in a bike race." (less)

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Aug 03, 2011

Natasa Tovornik rated it

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Shelves: auto-biography

It is a page-turner. Maybe also as after a long time I read a book in slovene. :) Easily written and with no bullshitting. I really liked the style of writting and it is also an inspiring insight in a man's life. As said - it's not about the bike. It really is not.

My favourite qoutes (only in Slovene):

Besed mame Lancea Armstronga:

"Sin, nikoli ne smeš odnehati."

"Odnehati pa ne smeš. Četudi boš moral do ciljne črte hoditi"

"Če ne moreš dati od sebe sto deset odstotkov, ti ...more

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Jul 18, 2011

Tamara rated it

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Shelves: voluntaryreads

I grew up a passionate cycling fan. Every summer during the Tour de France, my family and I used to - who am I kidding? we do this still - sit around the TV in the evenings (or, alternatively, while eating breakfast on the weekends) and watch that day's stage, each of us cheering on our respective favourite. The next day, I would clip from the New York Times’ Sports section the short recap article about the race, filing it away in a binder. As an American, my interest was most caught by the m...moreI grew up a passionate cycling fan. Every summer during the Tour de France, my family and I used to - who am I kidding? we do this still - sit around the TV in the evenings (or, alternatively, while eating breakfast on the weekends) and watch that day's stage, each of us cheering on our respective favourite. The next day, I would clip from the New York Times’ Sports section the short recap article about the race, filing it away in a binder. As an American, my interest was most caught by the man more often in yellow than not, none other than Lance Armstrong. As a young girl, I was fascinated by him (I never found him physically attractive, per se, but something drew me to him). I would take my bike out for a spin up and down the block, and pretend that he was accompanying me, and we raced (that was until I fell down and bloodied my knee so badly that even now, a full decade later, I still have a scar). Each of his Tour victories stands out separately in my mind, and whenever he stood on the top step in Paris, the Arc du Triomphe framing the podium, a feeling of pride and elation filled me until I couldn't breathe. I smiled when he brought his kids up there with him, all three dressed in yellow. And I cried when he retired in 2005, the undisputed champion with the eloquent speech I once had memorised (something about "believe in these athletes, believe in these cyclists...Vive le Tour," but I forget it now).

So it is from this perspective that I gave the book four stars.

That’s because I read it before he fell out of favour with me, a distaste that came on so dramatically it surprised even me. I still defend him from people who, in my opinion, are not entirely qualified to make judgments on him as an athlete. I still wholeheartedly and unequivocally believe in his being clean and never having doped. On his behalf, I still hate Greg LeMond, who led the way on vicious personal attacks against Armstrong because of sour grapes. And I still wish Armstrong well in all of his endeavours. But I just can’t stomach him now, at all. Since he retired (the first time), my allegiance switched from him to a German (who retired), to a Spaniard (who failed a drug test under questionable circumstances), and ultimately to a Luxembourgian (Andy Schleck FTW); when he popped back up and re-entered professional cycling, I found it an insufferably arrogant move. Not to mention his various relationships with a plethora of females, which are just disrespectful.

But I realise that the review section is not for me to discuss my cycling loyalties. So I’ll say this: I haven’t read the book in years, but I loved it at the time I did read it. I loved the unashamedly candid portrayal of his life, and the descriptions of his development as a cyclist. I loved the unfolding of his relationship with Kik, his soon-to-be-at-the-time-now-long-since-divorced wife Kristin (“the first time we ever talked, we fought”), especially their not being able to keep a straight face during the IVF info sessions. I loved reading how he drew inspiration from other cancer patients (the woman, for example, who said, “My house has burned down, but I can see the sky”), and how he was humbled by the illness, perhaps the only time he was ever truly humbled. (Okay, so that last part was my own opinion, but still. I have a hard time dealing with arrogance, and he’s become full of it lately.) I loved the anxious moments following his son’s birth, and the way his fear and anxiety over another person’s life came through. I think I also loved how cliché it all was, the triumph of the underdog, the man left for dead (literally, as the team which had signed him for the next season – Cofidis – bailed on him, thinking he would die), rising from the ashes and claiming the prize at the top. There’s something almost charming about a man who brings the fairy tale to life for all of us.

(sidenote: I read his second book, Every Second Counts, first, not knowing that it was the sequel to this, and I enjoyed that more, I think. Except for the totally depressing concluding pages, in which (view spoiler).)(less)

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Jul 09, 2011

Cath rated it

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Recommends it for: Cancer Patients, Cancer Patient Families

Recommended to Cath by: Running Club Friend

Shelves: favourites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. In September 2002, I began my own journey with the diagnosis and treatment of an aggressive cancer. I didn't recognise the "early signs" that people talk of. Yes, I was tired, stressed, thin hair and losing weight. But I was also 32 and doing a very stressful job. I'd assumed it was just me not coping with the stress.

During the early part of treatment, I continued to work in a bid to 'run away' from the toll the treatment was taking. Let me not kid anyone, it was traumatic...moreIn September 2002, I began my own journey with the diagnosis and treatment of an aggressive cancer. I didn't recognise the "early signs" that people talk of. Yes, I was tired, stressed, thin hair and losing weight. But I was also 32 and doing a very stressful job. I'd assumed it was just me not coping with the stress.

During the early part of treatment, I continued to work in a bid to 'run away' from the toll the treatment was taking. Let me not kid anyone, it was traumatic to say the least. So I worked because I wanted to keep things normal. Some days I found things amazingly hard to deal with. I was sick of people telling me how brave I was and how much they admired me. I just wanted to be done with treatment & to get back to normal life. No one prepared me for the fact that the life I had, was now gone. No one prepared me for the trauma and pain which would come with treatment and because I was fairly young, I felt lonely and isolated.

Then someone from my running club mentioned this book and it changed my journey significantly. The reason it did so was two-fold. First, it made me realise that I wasn't special - it went a long way to addressing the "why me...? question which a cancer patient incessantly asks themselves in the early days. It made me realise that cancer hadn't singled me out for harsh treatment. Even elite athletes like Lance Armstrong could get it and survive. Second, it made me realise how hard dealing with other people's expectations would and could be.

Lance Armstrong really had no choice but to write this book - someone of his stature and prominence would feel he had a duty to do so... and I have to say, he and the ghostwriter did a pretty fair job. Why did he do it...? To make life a little more bearable and provide some insight for people like me. This book was not written for the masses of his cycling fans. It was not written for masses of his sports critics. It was written as someone who was in a position to make known their journey... and help pave the way of knowledge for those who would come after him.

My common thought throughout reading this book was "oh, that's normal, that even happened to Lance". Stupid things like attending for appointments... or huge things like losing even your eyebrows as well as the hair on your head (everyone knows that one very well). No one prepares you for it. No one prepares you for the pity, the nausea, the pain. So when someone writes about it, it makes the journey a little easier.

I would say the only criticism I did have of this book is that, I'm not an elite athlete and I couldn't maintain my PMA 100% of the time... I felt that the book written from the fortuitous position of hindsight painted it rather more positively than it actually is and because of that, I felt like I was going to disadvantage myself on the days I felt down and sad. Lance could have covered more of the grit and pain. It's good to write a positive book, but also, I think I would have appreciated a bit more of what the bad days were like. I realise that's not what sells... but it would have helped younger people like me deal with how it psychologically feels. Overall though, I couldn't fault the book. It was a good thing he did to write it. I do believe all of the proceeds go to LAF and LAF helps cancer patients/survivors and their families and that is a good thing, regardless of what some of the reviews and comments about the book here say. (less)

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Jan 29, 2011

Mccartjt rated it

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The copy I read was published in 2000.

Although I knew that Lance Armstrong is a cancer survivor, I didn't know what that entails, in terms of personal suffering. I have a more profound respect for Lance now. This book, ghost written, gives a good insight into how someone becomes driven and goal orientated.

I have here read a book that is still in progress as it were, with Lance now coming up on his 40th birthday soon. Also one thing that it did put into place for me too w...more

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Jan 19, 2011

Juan rated it

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You will read a lot of bad reviews stating that the guy is an asshole and that the book is bad because he is a such cocky SOB. Buy you know what? if all of the people that are saying that, together, can even finish the Tour the France, they will write a book about that.
Lets face it, if you can win the tour 7 consecutive times you can write a book about anything. And if, on top of that, you did that after surviving the kind of cancer that this guy had, the book can be 300 pages with just you...more

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Jan 06, 2011

Kimberly rated it

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Shelves: 2011, 4-or-5-stars

People get cancer all the time, but not everyone writes a book about it. And not everyone who writes a book can tell a great story, like Lance can. Sure he comes across as arrogant and cocky at times, but he's proved several times over that he's one of the best cyclists in the world, so there's no point in being humble about your hard work, or the near-death experience that brought you there. But he also is very quick to recognize that he wouldn't be where he is--a Tour winner or a cancer sur...morePeople get cancer all the time, but not everyone writes a book about it. And not everyone who writes a book can tell a great story, like Lance can. Sure he comes across as arrogant and cocky at times, but he's proved several times over that he's one of the best cyclists in the world, so there's no point in being humble about your hard work, or the near-death experience that brought you there. But he also is very quick to recognize that he wouldn't be where he is--a Tour winner or a cancer survivor--without the help of dozens of people.

As the book mentions, defeating cancer is mostly luck. There are so many factors: what kind of cancer it is, where it is, your body type, how your body responds to the treatments... The best people may fight and pray and still die; miserable people may survive and continue their miserable lives.

The best part of this book, in my opinion, is Lance's story of overcoming cancer. It's hard to read it and not imagine how I would handle being faced with such a grim prognosis. His descriptions of the pain, the surgeries, and the triumphs make the whole experience very real. He doesn't sugar-coat anything, which is appreciated.

There are still things that happen in this book that you know wouldn't happen to the average person. For instance, due to some rotton timing, Lance finds himself without insurance right before he is supposed to have brain surgery and start chemo. The CEO of Oakley says he'll help, and he calls the insurance company and tells them to cover Lance. When the company balks, the CEO says that either they give Lance insurance, or Oakley is taking all of their business elsewhere. Lance gets covered. Unfortunately, this sort of luck doesn't happen to average people, and many are left with bills in the hundreds of thousands, which they can't pay. Still, there is some slight satisfaction in reading about someone putting the almighty insurance company in its place.

The only thing that is tired in this book is all the talk about his "amazing wife" and all the things she did for him; it's in this way that his storytelling is a detriment--he makes her sound so wonderful, so knowing that in the meantime he's divorced her and gone back to his player lifestyle just makes him come across as a jerk in that regard.

That aside, this is still a great and motivational book, on many levels. I would recommend it to anyone.(less)

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Sep 02, 2010

♥ Marlene♥ rated it

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Shelves: bookcrossing, released, fiction

On Wednesday, November 17, 2004 I wrote on bookcrosing:

I had to decide what to read next and decided to read this book. Although I do not like Lance Armstrong I love The Tour de France and want to know as much as I can of the event and the participants.I have heard that this is a very good book and while reading I noticed I forget the arrogant guy who treats the other cyclists with not enough respect. Now I just want to read how he dealt with the cancer and I know a lot of the names ...more

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Apr 18, 2010

Margaret rated it

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Lance Armstrong’s book is about his triumph over winning the Tour De France and surviving cancer. From the time he was a young teenager, his love for the cycling sport began. He was raised by his single mom, who is his hero. Her unbending rule is “Make every obstacle an opportunity.” Lance lived by this rule accomplishing much in his cycling career. He won the Tour De France after much determination and hard work. Then he is diagnosed with testicular cancer which has spread throughout most...more

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Nov 30, 2009

Daniel Solera rated it

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Shelves: biography-memoir, athletics

It was three years ago that I first read Lance Armstrong’s autobiography, a heart-pounding narrative that details his rise to fame and precipitous fall from grace. I wasn’t a budding endurance athlete at the time, so the chapters devoted to training didn’t resonate as closely as they could have. This time around, whenever Lance would wax athletic, I would nod with a better understanding, fully aware of the reasons people decide to go the distance.

The book is informally divided into...moreIt was three years ago that I first read Lance Armstrong’s autobiography, a heart-pounding narrative that details his rise to fame and precipitous fall from grace. I wasn’t a budding endurance athlete at the time, so the chapters devoted to training didn’t resonate as closely as they could have. This time around, whenever Lance would wax athletic, I would nod with a better understanding, fully aware of the reasons people decide to go the distance.

The book is informally divided into three sections: Armstrong’s meteoric rise to fame, the near-fatal and sudden deterioration of his health caused by multiple cancers, and his return to cycling. No matter your interest in cycling or sports, Armstrong’s story and (spoiler alert) miraculous recovery is undoubtedly inspirational. Adding to the rousing character is the punchy style with which his story is told, perfectly reflecting the Texan cyclist’s bullheadedness and flare for the dramatic.

The title of the book aptly frames Armstrong’s picture of his life. He notes that, given the choice between winning the Tour de France in 1999 and suffering through cancer and chemotherapy, without blinking he would pick cancer for the way in which it reinvigorated his desire to live. This drive is reflected even stylistically, with many exciting races summarized in one quick blurb, choosing instead to focus on the parallels between pain and suffering on the course and the miserable depths of chemotherapy. While most endurance athletes love to write about the unbearable pain towards the end or the beautiful scenery they encountered en route to the finish line, Armstrong focuses on the greater picture.

Some may find the book self-indulgent and cocky, citing the first third as a pompous laundry list of a stubborn adolescent’s accomplishments. This tone is necessary for the transformation of Armstrong’s body from a temple of rock to a house of cards. It is only after he is unwillingly robbed of his invincibility that his humility begins to shine through in his reverence for the kindness of strangers and the bravery of his fellow patients.

The book isn’t perfect. It ends after his second Tour de France victory in 2000, which precedes five other Tour successes, all of which have their own story. Secondly, whether it’s Armstrong’s attitude or co-author Sally Jenkins’ personal touch, the style frequently flirts with melodrama, sometimes bordering on camp. Rather than let the grandeur of certain events speak for themselves, the authors give certain pivotal sentences their own line on the page, giving them a cheesy spotlight that deprives these moments of their meaning rather than emphasizing it. Fortunately, these instances are tastefully handled for the most part and don’t often produce any groans that could inhibit the reader from enjoying this truly magnificent story.(less)

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Nov 15, 2009

Jayson rated it

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Shelves: 10th-grade-advisory

This novel is about the life of Lance Armstrong, not only his life, but it talks about his trials and tribulations. It talks about his fight with cancer, and it uncovers the feelings and thoughts that many of us never would've known if it wasn't for this novel that he wrote. This provided insight for many people and gave us a peak into his life and times, and his fight for his life.

I personally liked the book, I thought it was great how he told many aspects of his life and how he bro...more

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Oct 22, 2009

Annie rated it

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Recommended to Annie by: Graydon

Shelves: deserve-3-and-a-half-stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 06, 2009

David rated it

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Shelves: summer-09, baruch-2009-2010

"It's not about the bike." For some reason, those 5 words are passed from cyclist to cyclist hundreds, if not thousands of times a day. But is it rightfully so? Lance Armstrong's autobiography set out to inspire cyclists and cancer patients all around the world; and although many may have been inspired by his autobiography, I can't help but wonder how many people lost respect for a man who accomplished two of the most impossible things in the world- overcoming cancer, and winning the T...more"It's not about the bike." For some reason, those 5 words are passed from cyclist to cyclist hundreds, if not thousands of times a day. But is it rightfully so? Lance Armstrong's autobiography set out to inspire cyclists and cancer patients all around the world; and although many may have been inspired by his autobiography, I can't help but wonder how many people lost respect for a man who accomplished two of the most impossible things in the world- overcoming cancer, and winning the Tour dé France seven times consecutively.

I was hopeful that I would be encountering a great story of cycling and survival when I began reading Mr. Armstrong's autobiography, but after being just a couple of pages in, I realized that Lance Armstrong's fame must have gotten to his head midway along his career. Reading that Lance Armstrong made a living through his cycling career is amazing; no doubt. Seeing that even in the most unlikely circumstances the human body is able to overcome an unbelievable amount of pain is inspirational; surely. But this is where the story ended for me. Lance Armstrong spends pages and pages telling the reader how he was born to cycle, how he is scientifically proven to be able to withstand more pain then the next man. Armstrong was right, "It's not about the bike"; it's about whether or not you were born to do something, it's all a pick of faith, and rightfully so; because according to Lance Armstrong, He was one of the only men in the world to devote most of his life to helping people find a cure to cancer.

If you haven't realized it yet, I lost a lot of respect for Mr Armstrong. I get it, he was an amazing cyclist and a cancer survivor. But as a cyclist I wonder, when will people stop liking the sport for this one man, and when will people see that you don't need to be a seven time tour winner in order for your life to be of significance to the rest of the world. Cycling is huge in Europe. Lance Armstrong is huge in the united states. All too often people here ask how Lance is doing in the tour. Every time I hear those words, I will wince at the idea that a man as conceited as Lance Armstrong overshadows many of the other great riders in this world. It seems like it will be years before cycling will be big enough in the United States that people will recognize racers who take part in smaller races; such as the ones that take place in your local park or velodrome. Until then, don't ask me how Lance is doing; ask me how come people can't appreciate cycling for what it really is.(less)

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Mar 27, 2009

Sarah T rated it

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A Review of It’s Not About the Bike: My Jouney Back to Life

I have recently read It’s Not About the Bike. This is Lance Armstrong’s autobiography about his battle through cancer and how he overcame it. This book kept my attention throughout every page. It was easy to relate obstacles he went through in his life to obstacles I have personally gone through.
Everyone has had to overcome personal battles in their live. Lance, for example, was told that he had less than a 40% chan...more

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Sep 11, 2011

Nicola Howarth added it · review of another edition

An autobiography which takes the reader on a roller-coaster of emotions; following one of the worlds most famous athletes as he battles his way to the top of his game despite the devastating news that, at the age of 25, and at the peak of his fitness, he had cancer. Whether you have an interest in cycling or any sport for that matter is irrelevant, because as the title suggests, "its not about the bike". It's about the man riding that bike and how the illness swiftly took hold of his...moreAn autobiography which takes the reader on a roller-coaster of emotions; following one of the worlds most famous athletes as he battles his way to the top of his game despite the devastating news that, at the age of 25, and at the peak of his fitness, he had cancer. Whether you have an interest in cycling or any sport for that matter is irrelevant, because as the title suggests, "its not about the bike". It's about the man riding that bike and how the illness swiftly took hold of his body, his mind and the effects it had on his family.

Lance Armstrong, pre-cancer was, in my opinion, an extremely arrogant, selfish and angry young man. Early on in the book, the theme of "me, myself and I" was so predominant it was quite nauseating - Armstrong himself, would not deny this. He needed to be bullish and explosive to be taken seriously. He didn't care what people thought of him and he was going to prove to the world just what a sensation he was. How dare the world treat him, Lance Armstrong, as if he was nothing.

However reading on, the reasons become more clear and it is only towards the end of the book, as Armstrong becomes a survivor of cancer does he tenderely provide you with the absolute love he holds in reserve for his family and closest friends. The people closest to him ... people like his management and coaching staff, Bill Stapleton, who inadvertently became like an unspoken father figure, Chris Carmichael, his teammates ... but most notably, his mother. There are many people that help Armstrong through his ordeal, an inspiration individually, in the way they provide him with unfaltering, unconditional love and encouragement when other people quite clearly deserted him - declaring him "finished". It wasn't just Lance fighting this disease, it was all of them. It was however, only Armstrong, who would have to regain not only his health, but his reputation as a serious contender.

For that he literally was required to fight for his life.

And my word, did he fight ... despite everything that was mounted against him, whether it be the tortuous mountains of the Pyrenees or the constant reminder of the disease ravaging his body, his dogged determination and overwhelming refusal to quit is, quite simply, amazing.

A notable difference when reading the book, is how it shaped Armstrong as a person. He would always be fiercely competitive and single-minded, but now, there was more evidence of a quiet patience that was willing to listen to the voice of others to guide him. He finds love, becomes a father for the first time ... this is perhaps why he says he would choose cancer over winning the Tour de France - because of what it made him, how it shaped him and most importantly, what it taught him.

I am now looking forard to reading the next book "Every second counts ..." which continues the story of how Lance would go on to win the Tour a further three times with a record equalling fourth in his sights ...(less)

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May 07, 2011

metralindol rated it

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I usually don't expect too much from books like this. Actors, businessmen, scientists, politicians, and sometimes ordinary people with overflowing ego always have some experience and thoughts to share. Some of them even hardly keep themselves from telling me the story of their miraculouos lives. But in most cases it proves tricky to forge a text both readable and worthy, huh? That is why reading "My Journey Back to Life" for me was about thoughts, impressions and interpretations of sp...moreI usually don't expect too much from books like this. Actors, businessmen, scientists, politicians, and sometimes ordinary people with overflowing ego always have some experience and thoughts to share. Some of them even hardly keep themselves from telling me the story of their miraculouos lives. But in most cases it proves tricky to forge a text both readable and worthy, huh? That is why reading "My Journey Back to Life" for me was about thoughts, impressions and interpretations of sportsman's factual and emotional palette. I really enjoyed Mr. Armstrong's performances during Le Tour de France in 1999, 2000 and 2001. I'm grateful and delighted. As for the book, I do like the self-criticism in it. Even if some readers in the goodreads community disapprove authros' pathos, then, hm, it's ok: really, too much histrionics can spoil lightest ideas. I only believe that a book like this can raise some important questions, make people think, not only accuse and plunge into thorough investigations on author's biography. I liked Lance Armstrong as a sportsman and I was happy for him having been able to overcome death and grow mentally.
Let's move from contents to shape.
Come on, people, it's not about literary craftmanship. It's not even about literature. It's about telling a personal story. And maybe, if this story were the story of Sally Jenkins, then it would have contained brilliant passages, exquisite language and amusing softness. But it's not. Let's say, it's just got to be as sharp as Lance's attacks during the mountain climbs. It has to be simple and straightforward as the direction of the race.
As for me, the message of the book and the whole context are completely different things. Similarly, peolpe who read it with honour toward a sportsman would perceive not the same way as readers who are interested in Armstrong's inner world.
It;s ten years now, since the book has been published. Things have changed. Many things. From today's perspective there's no doubt that a new book of Armstrong's would be different. But I'm afraid, I wouldn't read another bio like this, unless if it would be a more detailed story about cycling itself between 2000-2011.(less)

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Mar 01, 2011

John Cass rated it

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Shelves: autobiography

The book tells the egocentric tale of Lance Armstrong's early life, how he got interested in endurance sports (for which he was obviously gifted), his diagnosis with cancer, recovery, and remarkable comeback to win the Tour de France.

By his own admission, professional athletes tend not to be the nicest people, or especially easy to get along with, and this comes through in many parts of the book which may irritate some readers. To be fair, this may simply be as a result of their single...more

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About Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong (born Lance Edward Gunderson) is a retired American professional road racing cyclist. He won the Tour de France seven consecutive times, from 1999 to 2005. In doing so, he beat the previous records of five wins by Miguel Indurain (consecutive) and Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx and Jacques Anquetil. Previous to this achievement, he also survived testicular cancer, a germ cell tumor t...more

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Tour Des Lebens. Ich Besiegte Den Krebs Und Gewann Die Tour De France

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“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. That surrender, even the smallest act of giving up, stays with me. So when I feel like quitting, I ask myself, which would I rather live with?” — 67 people liked it

“Anyone who imagines they can work alone winds up surrounded by nothing but rivals, without companions. The fact is, no one ascends alone.” — 47 people liked it

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