The Hardcore Diaries

I'm definitely not a wrestling fan -- in my younger years, I mocked friends who watched that silly "kids stuff." But after seeing the excellent "Beyond the Mat" documentary, I just happened to spot this book and recognized Mick Foley from the film. Even if you don't know the first thing about wrestling, it's a very funny and down-to-earth glimpse behind the scenes and at a wrestler's "everyday" life. I laughed out loud several times. One highlight occurs when Foley is working an autograph-signing convention and ends up comforting legions of disappointed Adam West/Burt Ward fans (they're apparently not the nicest guys). There are also reports from the author's travels through Iraq and Afghanistan visiting troops, and it's interesting to see how the soldiers/other people interact with the wrestlers. Foley's continuing frustration with the WWE is intriguing as well. I still don't plan to watch wrestling, but after reading what the athletes put themselves through to entertain, I certainly won't make fun of it anymore. Recommended read; I plan on seeking out Mick Foley's other books as well.

MICK FOLEY HARDCORE DIARIES I still remember when Mick released his first autobiography all those years ago, now many moons later Mick returns to the form that started it all with his third [yes that is 3rd] autobiography. Originally this was to be a book chronicling Vince and Wrestlemania, but it turned into this. I honestly would rather have this book then that Wrestlemania one, at least for now. The book starts off nice talking about how this book came about and about the excellent idea he had to make a hell turn. As you find out later that heel turn didn't happen exactly like he had planed. It turns out he was the mastermind behind him joining Vince's kissing club, of course different things happened and it all changed after a while. Like most people I bought this book to learn about all the little dirty secrets about Vince and the WWE, but I found myself being more interested in Mick's personal experiences in events not related to the WWE. Some of those include Mick's experiences with hurt soldiers, sure some of the trips were made with the WWE but others were not. Other great reading experiences I had dealt with the charity stories Mick tells about in this book, the Batman & Robin story is a fav. It was these stories that made Mick seem more real to me, he wasn't just the guy on TV anymore that became a hardcore legend. Of course WWE related tales do arise with in these pages, his account of how Vince and the executives at the WWE changed his whole story line around was a very entertaining read. The ECW storyline ended up being one of the best in the book about his recent come back, you also find out that Terry Funk not showing up for Mick's award on RAW years ago is true, he no showed because he wasn't getting enough money to support his friend. But other accounts in this book are great as well; his interaction with Candice Michelle is funny. And the time he took of writing his fiction books is covered in this as well; this is one of the better things about the book. This book is a worthy addition to his now classic trilogy.

I liked the book...it was very complete..but I wish would have more things..like DX, ECW..., I really like the part that he talk about ROH and the possibility of him joining TNA..I didn't know that one....But overall is a good book about WWE and the booking decision..something a fan don't want to miss it..

I read "Hardcore Diaries" in just a few days. Once I started reading, I found it a very difficult book to put down. Mick Foley is a great story teller, and the stories he tells in this volume range from hilarious, thought provoking, entertaining, to down right moving. I particularly thought the chapters describing Mickey's discovery of church and the story of the Afghan boy were very touching. Mick Foley clearly has a big heart, and its wonderful that he is so willing to share that in the book. I have read all of his other books except for "Scooter," (yes, I even read "Tietam Brown" and enjoyed it immensely) and this volume compares very favorably to his previous autobiographies. From a wrestling point of view, the book is highly informative. It is exactly what Mick Foley said it would be: an inside look at WWE. That does not mean it is a comprehensive account of what happens backstage, but it really offers major insight--that I don't think is to be found elsewhere--on what goes into producing WWE's programming. It certainly paints a very interesting portrait of Vince McMahon. I found it very interesting to read Mick Foley's commentary on his recent six-month run back in WWE. I had gradually drifted away from wrestling and WWE in particular for the past few years, but Foley's work in that period brought me back. I share his frustration that the work with Flair and Melina did not lead to more, but I hope it will in the future. It was just a very interesting experience reading Mick Foley's thoughts on these events that I've already seen unfold on WWE programming. The bottom line: I came away from this book having even more respect and admiration for Mick Foley than I did before. If you are a wrestling fan, buy this book. If you enjoy a well told story, buy this book. It will challenge you to think and prove to be emotionally moving as well. And Mick, if you are reading this, your "mistake" made for a great book. Thank you for reawakening my passion for the very strange and unique business that is pro-wrestling.

I own all hardcover foley nonfiction books. He is already the best wrestling author of all time in my book. This book gives you an incredible insight into what we all suspected to be true about the inner workings of the WWE, but also incredible insight into an incredible human being. The humanity of this book is unparalelled in wrestling biographies. You laugh out loud, and you almost cry. The structure of the book is genius as well and works perfectly. What a great job and an enjoyable read. Mick's finest moment may be this book. Btw mick, I noticed the orton punches, I really did.