Shell Game: Reflections on Rowing and the Pursuit of Excellence

I'm a rower in high school, and I've read this book. I must admit it is a great book. Stephen's story about rowing at Yale against all other teams including their arch rival, Harvard. It reminds my of my school. La Salle HS and St. Jose Prep are huge rivals and it shows at all the games. I recommend this book to all who have been involved in the sport, and even those who never have seen a race. Its a great book!

Rowing is among the most anonymous of sports. In the prestige categories there are legends and myths, but these are little known or acclaimed outside its community.. It retains its Brahmin character; despite becoming more accessible in recent years, it still has the aura of Groton, Exeter, St. Paul's preps and the Ivy League. The first Yale - Harvard contest was held in 1852, predating any other intercollegiate athletics. Kiesling takes you into the world of the 8's, in futile preparation for the boycotted 1980 Olympics. A house scholar and varsity member at Yale, Kiesling gives you a grasp of the cult like devotion to this sport, the fraternal but bitterly competitive atmosphere for places on the boat, the almost complete physical immersion, beyond exhaustion, in preparation for regattas-- and the little acre of hell and glory (or agony) of the races themselves. This type of athletic intensity is, if not unique, uniquely exhibited in Crew-- members strive to exceed their limits, to match and challenge that of their crew mates, to uphold its traditions. This is a young man's book; his sharp opinions reflect a young man's attitudes born of singular personal challenges-- which moderate with maturity. It is a good book on rowing, and a great book on the competitive spirit.

I reccomend this book for anyone who has ever rowed, or has ever wondered what it would be like to row. He makes the reader feel the drastic ups and downs which go along with this addicting sport. I received my copy as a gift from another rower, and I have continually passed my copy on to my teammates and coaches. A must-have for any oarsman.

Perfect for any rower or novice. Kiesling can introduce anyone to the sport through the tales of his expeirence at Yale, the US National team, and the Olympics. I love digging through this book before a race to inspire me through my match. Can't wait to read it again.

A friend told me about this book. I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be a great story, and I found that I couldn't put it down once I started reading it! It reads really well, like a good story should, but it also inspires. Yeah, sure, I row, but even if I didn't I am quite sure that this story would captivate me. Kiesling tells his story well, and explains in a way that makes occasional technical references interesting to non-rowers and rowers alike. It's like an old friend is telling you a story. You won't be disappointed. You'll surely be uplifted, too.