The Best of Frank Deford: I'm Just Getting Started

I love listening to Frank Deford on NPR. He gets to the heart of the matter and uses such great vocabulary. I am not a sports fan but, as a High School teacher and Wife & Mother of 2 sports aficionados, I am interested in the History and modern day controversies that go on in sports, so I can periodically speak with some credibility with my constituents. I bought this book for my 15 year old son, who had never heard of Deford, but is a fan of Rick O'Reilly. He loved this book and could not put it down. He has added Deford to his list of favorite writers.

Frank Deford is a most articulate, persuasive, engaging writer---perhaps the finest sports journalist writing today.The collection of articles and commentaries contained in "I'm Just Getting Started" are from 1980 to 1999 and touch on every aspect of sports.You get insight, irony, humor, commentary, entertainment, nostalgia and optimism as you turn the pages---all delivered in a most literate manner.The essay on Bill Russell alone is worth the price of admission. "Frank Deford Goes Bowling" is an intriguing take on a subject seldom written up in sports pages.Enjoyable for more than sports fans.

Frank Deford is a brilliant writer, not to mention, probably the single greatest sports' writer on the planet. He just takes sports' writing to a higher level. The Best of Frank Deford will prove this.This book showcases some of Deford's best work as a journalist. Although some of the articles are a little dated, his style and amazing use of language still shines. The pieces included in this book are easily some of the best writng available. Any inspiring journalist could learn a great deal from this collection of writings.Deford never holds anything back, and he is never afraid to speak his mind. I personally enjoyed the in-depth look at Bobby Knight. But, there are many other treasures in this candid book.Overall, this is an excellent book and quite a fast read. Deford's witty and extremely articulate writing style allows you to flow right through the book. This is a masterpiece of writing, and a true pleasure for any sports' fan. The Best of Frank Deford is simply the best.

I first became acquainted with Frank Deford's writing when I read his book Alex: The Life of a Child. This book is among the best books I have ever read, reverberating not only with personal honesty and passion but written with all the love of a father for the daughter he is losing. There doesn't seem to be a false note anywhere in this book. I have re-read this book many, many times. It was this book which motivated me to read every book and column of Deford's I could get my hands on. Writing the way he does is a gift, an art, and reading his words often leaves me feeling transfixed, enlightened and emotionally moved...and played no small part in our decision to adopt a child from Romania, our own small miracle.