Let Me Be Frank: My Life at Virginia Tech

by Frank Beamer, Jeff Snook, Bob Knight (Foreword)

After 26 seasons as head football coach at Virginia Tech University, Frank Beamer is not only the longest tenured but also the winningest active coach of any major college program, and  Let Me Be Frank  contains his personal reflections on more than a quarter-century leading the Virginia Tech program. Beamer has directed his alma mater to 20 consecutive bowl appearances, including six BCS bowls, five top-10 finishes, and a trip to the National Championship Game in 1999 led by a freshman quarterback named Michael Vick. But success didn’t come he started his career at VT with four losing seasons in his first six years, including a 2-8-1 record in 1992 when many fans wanted him fired. He relates how he turned a mediocre program into a perennial power while sporting a clean NCAA record and a well-earned reputation as one of the most-respected head coaches in the nation. However, Beamer is regarded as an even better man than a football he created a state-wide program to help children read, and in the aftermath of the deadliest campus massacre in U.S. history, he met with the parents of the victims and visited with each wounded student. He shares stories from his time spent both on and off the gridiron, including memories of generations of Hokies stars such as Vick, André Davis, Jim Druckenmiller, Corey Moore, Jake Grove, and others.

Genres: Sports, Football

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Joey Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good at telling the story behind this legendary coach. This book was a really interesting read because it not only talked about the football coach but also about the man himself. This book really dives into how he was raised and how he conducts himself on a daily basis. The book really hits on his childhood and also talks about some of the important life lessons Frank learned as a child. It also talks about the traumatic experience when he was young that in a house fire a part of his skin on his throat was burned to the third degree. The way he uses the descriptive words to describe his experience is impecable. It gives the reader a sense of the peril that he was in. Like Frank could have died in that house fire, so the way he describes his emotions throughout the tragic experience is just amazing. The story then details his playing career at VT and then it goes really in depth into how he got into coaching at Murray State. The story then describes how he transitioned from Murray State to head coach at VT. The story then goes through his trials and tribulations that he endured as a head coach at VT.

One of the most interesting parts of this book was how Frank handled the situation of Marcus Vick, brother of VT legend Michael Vick. While Marcus was playing QB for VT he was charged and convicted with numorous misdemeanor charges. That eventually led Frank to have to dismiss him from the team. The story details how Frank had to interact and talk with Marcus during this trying time. Another interesting story is when the shooting happened at VT. The way he described the heartbreak that had come over him during this time is just surreal. He details what it felt like to be in the middle of a whole university griefstricken by tragedy. This book is a good read for any VT football fan or someone who enjoys college football.

[Josh C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Coach Beamer, but I'm not gonna pretend this is a good book or that it offers much any Hokie doesn't already know. It's exactly what you think it is from the cover: what amounts to a couple weeks' worth of tape recorder worked into something that would sell fine for a couple seasons of alumni hitting up Tech Bookstore on football weekends. That's fine; it's what veteran coaches do. Doesn't make the book a good read, though.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Let Me Be Frank by Frank Beamer is one of the best books I've read. It is about the life and coaching career of Frank Beamer. In his coaching career he is 238-121 which is an outstanding record. In the book Frank gives us a look into how he brought his team from losing to being a national powerhouse. VT made it to the National championship during Franks career after rising to power. This book shows the process and the talent of Coach B.

In general I really liked the book. In fact it was one of the best books that I've ever read. It showed me that anything is possible, and I think if a book can do that it is very well written. Coach Beamer does an excellent job of portraying the ups and downs by using specific and personal examples. I gave this book 5 stars on the rating and i think that is what that deserves.

[Sally Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is probably actually 2 starts, because the storytelling and writing is subpar, but I just adore Frank Beamer and feel so bad even giving it 3 stars instead of 5 because he’s a great human.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let Me Be Frank was more than just an autobiography on the accomplishments of arguably the greatest head coach in Virginia Tech (VT) football history. This book let you see what made Beamer tick as a person, what really motivated him to succeed at VT besides just winning games, and more.

My favorite parts of this book was when he ran down the different seasons in which he coached at VT and when he discussed the back stories on many of the players he coached from 1987 to 2012 (the book was published in 2013).

Pros of the book: I like how Beamer gave you some background on his coaching career at VT, which included his recruiting of the Vick brothers. Everyone knows how much of a knucklehead Marcus Vick was and Beamer didn't sugarcoat his relationship with the younger Vick brother.

I always wanted to know why Beamer had that gash or extra skin on his right cheek. Well, I found my answer in great detail within this book.

I also liked how he dedicated a good portion of this book to the victims of the 2007 VT school shooting, which included Beamer going in on the shooter and wishing he (the shooter) had taken his own life instead of the lives of the innocent victims.

Cons of this book: I know Beamer is a HUGE golf fan, but I was bored to death by the golf chapter (chapter 19) because I do not like golf. That was the only part of the book I didn't care for.

In conclusion, Beamer was a molder of men and he was a players coach. Of course like any other head coach Beamer wanted to win. But he didn't sacrifice his morals and such to get wins. That man won games by being a consummate teacher, being keen on preparation, hiring the right assistant coaches, recruiting players to fit the VT football way, and etc.

If you didn't like what Beamer did at VT from 1987 to 2015 as a coach and as a person, then something wasn't wrong with what Beamer did there at VT, something is wrong with you.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Frank Beamer, come on. A good portion of it reads like a stream of consciousness which seemed unorganized to me, but still loved it. Timeline represents his life through about Spring of 2013. Everyone knows he's a humble guy, but you still learn a lot about him as he injects a good amount of humor and emotion throughout. It read like a great story. A must read for VT football fans.

[Jobus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this just solidifies how proud I am to call myself a Hokie. It's a great read on college football, but more importantly it's a great representation of how to conduct yourself no matter what your profession.

[Matthew Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is really a three star or even 2, but if you love Frank Beamer and the Hokies then you have to give it five. There is not a man of better character in sports and he runs a program that fans can be proud of. There's also not a nicer man you'll ever meet.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book for the most part. The middle was very interesting, while the beginning and end seemed to drag on a little bit. In the end, it gives you some insight on Coach Beamer's philosophy in life and makes you appreciate everything he has done for VT. Worthwhile read for Hokie fans.

[Meghan Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Frank Beamer. Though this was definitely not the most well written book I have ever read I really enjoyed reading it. I even had tears at different points while reading it. I have always respected Beamer and his character and this book just reinforced everything.

[Alice Collier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not have any expectations for this reading. Found it to be enjoyable and uplifting.

[Steve Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a Hokie fan you'll enjoy Frank's story.

[Suzanne Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not necessarily well written, but how can you not love Frank Beamer? I enjoyed his story and appreciate all he's done for my alma mater.