It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life
by Lance Armstrong
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 2205)
Read in February, 2008
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 book about ...more
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 book about ...more
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I have a friend who had cancer surgery a week ago today and was reading this book, so I decided to read it with her. Normally it is not the type of book I would pick up, but I thought is was inspiring and motivating.
At 25 years old, Lance Armstrong was just starting to make a mark in cycling when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. This book describes his fight against the disease, which was in advanced stages (tumors in his lungs and brain), and the highly improbable comeback that led...more
At 25 years old, Lance Armstrong was just starting to make a mark in cycling when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. This book describes his fight against the disease, which was in advanced stages (tumors in his lungs and brain), and the highly improbable comeback that led...more
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Read in May, 2008
Though I can't say I agree with Lance Armstrong's agnostic views, and I didn't always enjoy his seemingly (to me) unnecessary use of obscenities, the man truly has an amazing story. This was the most detailed account I have to date read of both cancer treatment and invitro fertilization, and both were eye-openers. It is astounding to think that Armstrong recovered from cancer and managed to return his physique to that of a world-class athlete. His personal determination (and accompanying ego)...more
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Read in July, 2002
I was pretty blown away by this book when I first read it (it does help that my husband is a cycling enthusiast) . . . but (as stated in the book's title), it's not about the bike, literally. You don't have to know or care at all about cycling (or sports in general) to get something out of this book. The cancer stuff was pretty hard core, and the stories about Lance and his wife's courtship, marriage, and IVF process were as well. It was a page turner. I started it lazily at Borders one Fri...more
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Read in April, 2008
recommended to Steve by:
Joe Dimannorecommends it for: everyone
If you have any knowledge of sports or sports stories, chances are that you have heard of Lance Armstrong. The proud American cyclist who has won race after race, overcoming all odds and obstacles that are thrown in front of him. You may even know that Lance was diagnosed with cancer, but until you read the story from his perspective, your knowledge of Lance Armstrong is not nearly complete.
When Lance entered the cycling game, he was seen as an underdog in many races, the unknown American ...more
When Lance entered the cycling game, he was seen as an underdog in many races, the unknown American ...more
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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 ...more
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Read in April, 2008
recommended to Tyler by:
Ms. Piesrecommends it for: Ms. Pies
The book I read by Lance Armstrong was very well written. It was book about Armstrong persevering throughout his life. It inspired me throughout the book because he was always persevering through something whether it was tough times with his family of cancer. As you can see this book showed me a lot and made me think a lot about things that I would not always think about.
I learned a lot of things from this book. One thing that i learned is that you can never give up. Lance was a tour de fran...more
I learned a lot of things from this book. One thing that i learned is that you can never give up. Lance was a tour de fran...more
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Read in October, 2007
I was curious to read a book by a guy who's lived a lifetime worth of experiences and accomplishment - all by his mid-30s.
Overall, a good summation of his life in straightalking, Texan Lance-prose: abandonment by his father at a young age, close relationship with his mother, the scrappy childhood and the chip-on-his shoulder that fueled his drive as he discovered the world of triathaloning and international roadbiking. And of course, the diagnosis of 3rd stage testicular cancer at the age ...more
Overall, a good summation of his life in straightalking, Texan Lance-prose: abandonment by his father at a young age, close relationship with his mother, the scrappy childhood and the chip-on-his shoulder that fueled his drive as he discovered the world of triathaloning and international roadbiking. And of course, the diagnosis of 3rd stage testicular cancer at the age ...more
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Read in January, 2004
recommends it for:
all cyclists, those with cancer!
Lance Armstrong is definitely the world's best living cyclist in our planet! He battled the testicular cancer like no other mortal can----and proved to all those with cancer that you gotta keep yourself ALIVE, believe in FAITH and NEVER SURRENDER!
I read it with sheer enthusiasm since I ride mountain bikes myself, have seen ALL the Tour de France ( when he was the 7-time yellow jersey champion-----) on ESPN ( Lance can beat the hell out of ANY road bike/ trials professionals ---with no signs o...more
I read it with sheer enthusiasm since I ride mountain bikes myself, have seen ALL the Tour de France ( when he was the 7-time yellow jersey champion-----) on ESPN ( Lance can beat the hell out of ANY road bike/ trials professionals ---with no signs o...more
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Read in July, 2003
I read this while Lance was 'tearing it up' in France. I did not know much about him except that he was a cancer survivor athletic superstar-an inspiration to so many. In short the book stinks. It was very poorly written in that his opinions, thoughts, and feelings were unconvincing to say the least. It seemed he was overly passionate to all that he thought would appreciate the lip service; to his benefit I am sure. (Although soon after I had finished the book he and his "perfectly ama...more
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Read in July, 2000
I absolutely could not put this book down as I was reading it. It was inspiring and uplifting. At one point Lance mentions that cancer made him a better cyclist...not just in the sense of enhanced endurance, patience, and maturity as a cyclist (though he does admit to these)...but even physically. The cancer left him leaner, which was more advantageous for successful cycling that his prior more muscular body type. I found it so fascinating that he could look back on his cancer with such optimism...more
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Read in April, 2008
recommends it for:
if you want to learn about Lance, or who wants to read about an extraordinary battle with cancer
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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Read in July, 2005
Lance Armstrong is an inspiration. He beat cancer to come back just sixteen months later and win the world's most gruelling cycle race - the Tour De France. He has won this race every year since, he's just won is today for the seventh time - the only man ever to have achieved this.
Lance is the man who came up with the idea of the LiveStrong yellow wrist bands to raise money for his cancer charity www.laf.org. Livestrong is his mantra.
Lance Armstrong is to retire now after this Tour and h...more
Lance is the man who came up with the idea of the LiveStrong yellow wrist bands to raise money for his cancer charity www.laf.org. Livestrong is his mantra.
Lance Armstrong is to retire now after this Tour and h...more
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Read in February, 2008
Poor Lance's writing skills just don't match his skill on a bike, I'm sorry to report. I have no idea how to explain the fact that apparently, he had ghostwriting help with this one.
That said, it is helpful to dip into this book when I'm feeling sorry for myself, because he definitely went through far greater challenges than I've ever faced! (Remember Lance's cameo in the movie Dodgeball? "You know, once I was thinking of quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular ca...more
That said, it is helpful to dip into this book when I'm feeling sorry for myself, because he definitely went through far greater challenges than I've ever faced! (Remember Lance's cameo in the movie Dodgeball? "You know, once I was thinking of quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular ca...more
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recommends it for:
cyclists and professional cycling fans.
It wasn't the actual writing in the book or the style of the writing that prompted me to give this book five stars. That being said, I don't know if five stars are legitimately earned by Armstrong's book. However, the story I read was so inspirational and eye-opening, I couldn't give it less than five stars. Not only that, but after reading this book I finally feel I understand Lance Armstrong. Reading this book helped me to understand the scaffolding that makes Lance who he is. As an avid c...more
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Read in June, 2008
I was finally able to get around to reading this book. It has been on my to-read list for a long time now. I considered not reading this thinking it may be outdated since he has gone on to win The Tour de France six more times since it was published; however, I am glad I did.
There are basically two parts to the book: his racing and what it takes to win, and his fight with cancer. I learned quite a bit about the Tour, about cancer and chemo, and even about in-vitro fertilization.
I thoug...more
There are basically two parts to the book: his racing and what it takes to win, and his fight with cancer. I learned quite a bit about the Tour, about cancer and chemo, and even about in-vitro fertilization.
I thoug...more
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As a cyclist (mountain biker), I might be a bit biased; But as the title says, "It's not about the bike." It is rather a story of one person standing to face the challenge of cancer and all that comes with it. Fighting for his health, his marriage, his career and everything he has ever known.
To rebound and go on to win 7 consecutive Tour de Frances is a testiment to the strenth of the human spirit. It exemplifies work ethic and the intangible of digging down. Did he dope up? I...more
To rebound and go on to win 7 consecutive Tour de Frances is a testiment to the strenth of the human spirit. It exemplifies work ethic and the intangible of digging down. Did he dope up? I...more
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Inspiring.
Interesting.
After reading this engaging description of both Armstrong's early career and his battle with cancer, I was struck by the fact that it was, at its heart, a stirring tribute to his (now-ex) wife. The picture he paints is of a woman who was loyal, sexy, strong and interesting. When reading this book, I said several times, "What a woman! What a wife!" (Which would naturally lead to, "What the hell happened?" but that's none of our business, so I'l...more
Interesting.
After reading this engaging description of both Armstrong's early career and his battle with cancer, I was struck by the fact that it was, at its heart, a stirring tribute to his (now-ex) wife. The picture he paints is of a woman who was loyal, sexy, strong and interesting. When reading this book, I said several times, "What a woman! What a wife!" (Which would naturally lead to, "What the hell happened?" but that's none of our business, so I'l...more
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Read in January, 2006
Normally when I am starting a biography, I am always a little cynical. As most autobiographies, especially those of famous people, come with a hearty helping of bullshit. But with this book, that feeling was dispelled right from the beginning. Lance Armstrong lays himself out there for all to see, without any excuses, apologies or justification. And thats what is so remarkable about him. He admits his mistakes, accepts his defeats, enjoys his victories and lives his life.
I think its his atti...more
I think its his atti...more
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Read in January, 2008
This book is for people who have a connection to people with cancer, but it can also be for those encountering difficult times. The book can serve to remind us the most valuable facets of our life. The book is also for those who may want to know part of Lance's story and some inside perspectives of his cycling career. However, the book is not really a wealth of information for intense cycling aficionados, it does not relay in depth information related to cycling. The book is a quick read and I e...more
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book data (includes all editions)
avg rating (all editions): 3.88 (1910 ratings) avg rating (this edition): 3.88 (1853 ratings) number of reviews: 365popular shelves
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"Anyone who imagines they can work alone winds up surrounded by nothing but rivals, without companions. the fact is, no one ascends alone.
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