Assault on Lake Casitas

by Brad Alan Lewis

1990, trade paperback edition, Broad Street Books, PA. 177 pages. Black and white photo gallery. Terrific true-life story of a crew man on the water, determined to win a rowing medal in the 1984 Olympic Games. Exciting tale of determination and a man on a mission.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Biography

177 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1990

About the author

Olympic gold medalist (rowing, 1984) writes a bunch of books. Then goes hiking, specifically the John Muir Trail. I've hiked the length of the JMT (223 miles) 27 times over the last 35 years. Solo. Better that way. You can go slow or go fast. Stop when you want. Eat when you want. Sleep late or get up at 1:30 AM and hit the trail. Who's to say no?

Maybe I'll see you one the trail next summer? Hope so.

Reviews

[Elliott Forde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a rower myself, I could truly relate to this book. I understand the pain the Lewis goes through every race, the terrible yet amazing feeling in your gut at the start of a race. Not once was I bored. Lewis' struggle to stardom is truly an amazing story, showing the constant theme of never giving up. No matter what, you should always put forth your full effort. At the end of a race, Lewis said that you should have "used up every ounce of energy in your body." It's true. At the end of a race, all I want to do is collapse and never move.
I'm not much of a reader, but this book kept me interested. I couldn't put it down. I read for hours straight and finished it in two days. I'm glad I read it and I recommend it not only to rowers, but everyone else as Lewis does a great job explaining the terms and the feelings that anyone can live in his shoes.

[Ajk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The. Most. Inspirational. Book. Probably one of the principal works in teaching me not to complain and be stupid but rather to try hard and be awesome.

[Kellen Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very rarely do you find and read a book that you were meant to read at a particular moment in time. For me this was that book and now was that time. It's funny because this was also one of those books that you "borrow" from a friend, only to let languish on your shelf for the better part of a decade. I recently discovered it after going through a box from college, and decided it was about time to read and send it back. I couldn't have chosen a better time.

The prose is simple. The author's message is straightforward. If you've ever done any competitive athletics, you might understand what Brad Lewis is talking about. But only if you've rowed, only if you've had your legs burning till numbness with 5 minutes of a 2k remaining, will you truly understand everything he is saying. I had goosebumps one too many times, and the conclusion, although known to anyone who has access to Wikipedia, still made me want to jump out of my chair and run down to the nearest Rowing Club.

I'm happy I had the opportunity to read this book, and share in Brad Lewis' mentality and success, and I hope that the original owner has the opportunity to again share this with someone else, who may need it too.

[Leslie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brad is a weird dude. A super interesting, curious sort of BEASTY competitor and also really messed up dude.

It was interesting to read about the events themselves -- WOW that actually happened? and also about the person who he is -- WOW he actually had the inner strength to do that? WOW he really had a lot of anger to fuel that! and also about racing in general, relating to the pieces of him that are relatable.

Things I reacted to from this book:
- Interesting perspective of Harry Parker
- It made me hunger for the feeling of rowing again, physically and psychologically
- relatable pieces: the self-doubt, the failure while at the same time being great and doing incredible things, the burning desire to be the best, to do it as best as you can.
- facts and pieces of information just about the rowing world. Dates and names and tidbits about the Way It Was.

[Lizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I've been genuinely moved by a book. Rowing isn't just a hobby- not to anyone who does it. The appeal to this masterpiece is its understanding of such a raw, pure obsession with the sport. This journey in particular is so astounding because of the significance of the story and its unheard of process. It encompasses the political side of rowing, the biases and judgement we all feel on our backs as soon as we enter the boat. West coasters vs East coasters, Ivy Leagues vs. high school grads. The opportunities are limited to anyone who gives up after being looked over by coaches. Brad Alan Lewis took this issue into his own hands and excelled at his obsession, setting himself free from a lifetime of training.

[Richard Tzanov · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was recommended to me by an Olympic gold medal-winning rower friend, who said it was the best book for describing what it takes to be an elite athlete, and an endorsment doesn't get much better than that.

For the layman, it's an intense, adrenaline-heavy glimpse into the mental and physical requirements, sacrifices and expectations for succeeding at the top level and being an Olympic champion. There are lessons to take away for everyday life - not least the brilliant mantra of "Do it right, and finish it" - but really this just goes to show how elite athletes are a world apart; driven maniacs who achieve what others can't begin to fathom.

[Anthony Locke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story by Brad Lewis about the sculling world. Lewis has dreams of rowing in the Olympics, only to be cut from a training camp that often produced the athletes that compete on behalf of America. He and another friend end up training on their own, winning the American trials to represent the country, and go on to win the gold. This is a story about discipline, grit, and a laser-focused determination to achieve a lifelong goal.

[John-Paul Fontelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a rower so I'm biased, but Lewis' writing style is both captivating and descriptive enough for a layperson to understand. Great story of beating the establishment blue bloods of rowing for a place on the 1984 Olympic team from a west coast outsider.

[Elie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It was a very moving and inspiring. I do rowing myself and reading this book I felt very connected to the story. It was nice reading about the challenges that were experienced throughout this book.

[Megan R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know virtually nothing about rowing but loved this book.

[Robert Cretu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply incredible. A story of struggle, of anger, of fighting against insurmountable odds. Even if you're not into rowing, the story is a great motivator.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this. Reading it made me find an extra gear on the water, which sucked, naturally.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting read. Start in the morning because you'll otherwise be up all night to finish it.

[Benjamin Woody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but lets face it, Brad Lewis is no Halberstam.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and will re-read.
True athletic determinism.

[Fin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This highlights just how incredible/crazy/driven/tough you have to be to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

Bloody good book

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really a great book. It is fun to read, the story is impressive, and it's inspiring. Anyone who rows will particularly enjoy it. The first person narration is very good, I just wish the narrator weren't such an asshole.

[David W · Rating 5 out of 5]

BAL seems like a huge freak, but I really enjoyed this one. It’s like the chorus of “remember the name” but if every category was just passion.

[Bill Boswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great read about a rower constantly looked past, determing to make and win at the olympcs

[Rudi Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite books period. I don't care what mountain you're climbing, what disease you're fighting, or how challenging your job - this book will inspire you to do your very best. Being a good listener is important, but sometimes you have to go with your own vision and be fanatical about being your own advisor. It all comes down to you in the end for many accomplishments - not necessarily for family, or spouse or friends - but if you want to do something great in sports or business you often have to trust yourself. Rarely do we get a view into the mind and mission of someone so obsessively fixated on the prize. One incredible book.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous sports book, maybe the best I ever read. Right out there with The Boys In The Boat, only in the first person and more visceral. The narrative has all the attributes which make a classic story work: The Hero's Journey, Adversity, Antagonist(s), Antagonist(s) Representative(s), Insurmountable Odds Of Success, Love, Spirituality, Awakening, Revelation, Gratification, and more. I read this in two or three sittings, and I don't normally do that. Usually I want to savor, but with this one, I was a glutton and devoured it whole. I felt humbled by my own shortcomings in the end. I want to become a better person.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the underdog, come from behind, do it my own way nature of the story here, but I was completely turned off by the self centered, arrogant, jerk voice of Lewis. The cover, and the reviews here made me think he was going to find himself, grow up and stop being such a jerk to everyone around him, but he never got there before the end of the book. The epilogue makes it sound like he finally found what he needed in the gold medal and then grew up, and let a lot of stuff go, but not in enough time for me to enjoy it. Great descriptions of rowing, training and the intensity and stress of training for an Olympic event outside of the support of a team - that's what saved this for me.

[Wystan · Rating 4 out of 5]

AWESOME. I was told that Lewis was "totally crazy" by my elite-rowing boyfriend, so when I finished this book I was surprised to find Lewis relatively normal (by rowing standards). Perhaps that says more about my mental status than his.

In any case, it's a great story full of good guys and bad guys. Inner struggles and domination. Pushing to the limit and beyond. I appreciated the messages he sent and think that I might have to make it a bi-annual read.

I wish I had a pal that was a masseuse, chiropractor and could adjust MY aura!

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably best appreciated by rowers, although other competitive athletes might get something out of it. Lewis is a prickly character who likes to go his own way. Not exactly likeable, but have to admire his work ethic and determination. But if we're going to judge this book by his character, then I think it would be good to hear other perspectives. Like what did they think when he "borrowed" the double and took off with it? Maybe no one cared, but....?

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE best book about rowing and rowers in publication. Read this with Don LaFontaine's (RIP) voice: "In a world, where Olympic gold is king, one man, sets out on the journey of a lifetime. Victory, Defeat, Frendship, Hatred, and Respect; it all combines in one final assault, an assault, on Lake Casitas." Yes, its that good.

[cellomerl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this very inspiring story of how the author relentlessly pursued his Olympic medal dream. The book is full of ferocity, strong opinions and performance-improving tips that any seriously competitive sculler will appreciate. But its many moments of real humanity and vulnerability are also truly moving.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book about losing a chance to compete in 1984 Olympics and then struggling through selection camp and trials for another class of boat. Describes the challenge and pain of racing at the highest level. Quite a story about character and persistence against some of the famous figures in collegiate and Olympic Rowing.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps if I hadn't read The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics I would have been more taken with this book.

[L.A. Starks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a mystery but an interesting book about Olympic-level rowing. The protagonist is unsympathetic--always angry and extremely self-focused. But the book gives a good picture of what was required to row at an international championship level in 1984.

[Sharon Baldinelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired

Beautiful piece of history outlining the route that we all face to make our own goals our own reality. No vision is the same, no failure or win is the same. But, we all march forward at some time believing this time it will be different. And sometimes, it is.