Product Description

June 2008's US Open produced one of the most unexpected and dramatic showdowns in golf history. Day after day the invincible Tiger Woods was challenged by Rocco Mediate, a respected journeyman. On Sunday, both ended play tied at par, forcing a playoff. Defying expectations, Mediate played Woods to yet another tie, losing only after forcing a sudden-death showdown.

Through it all, Rocco Mediate emerged as one of the most likable, open, and fascinating golfers. In ARE YOU KIDDING ME?, he tells the full story of these five life-changing days. With John Feinstein, whose insider knowledge of the golf world is unparalleled, Mediate relives one of sport's greatest feats, how one man overcame every obstacle to challenge the game's finest.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32960 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 322 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780316049108
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
PRAISE FOR AMERICA'S FAVORITE SPORTSWRITER:

"John Feinstein...has done perhaps as much for golf writing as Arnold Palmer has for golf." (Washington Monthly Ron Rappaport )

"Feinstein is the most successful sportswriter in America....He has the gift of re-creating events known to us all while infusing them with excitement, even suspense." (Wall Street Journal Jay Nordlinger )

"The best chronicler in sports journalism." (Seattle Times Craig Smith )

"John Feinstein has become sportswriting's John Grisham." (Sporting News David Kindred )

"Feinstein makes you care." (Entertainment Weekly Bruce Fetts, )

"One of the best sportswriters alive." (USA Today Larry King )

About the Author
John Feinstein is the bestselling author of Let Me Tell You a Story, Caddy for Life, Open, The Punch, The Last Amateurs, The Majors, A Good Walk Spoiled, A Civil War, A Season on the Brink, Play Ball, Hard Courts,and two novels. He writes for Inside Sports, Golf, Tennis Magazine, and Basketball America and commentates on NPR and CBS. John Feinstein lives in Potomac, MD, and Shelter Island, NY.

Rocco Mediate has been playing professional golf since 1985. He lives in Los Angeles.

Customer Reviews

Is this the end of Rocco?
I've been critical of many of John Feinstein's recent efforts, which is why I was so pleased to see that he has almost regained that mid-90's form with his latest book.

Are You Kidding Me chronicles the historic battle between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate for the 2008 U.S. Open Championship at Torrey Pines, already considered by many to be one of the most exciting Major Championships ever contested. The first half of the book is a Mediate Biography, but it's the second half of the book where Feinstein really shines. He takes the reader inside the ropes as only he can, describing the action in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat, even though you already know the outcome.

I did find errors, and I felt that Feinstein glossed over Rocco's relationship with his therapist, but otherwise this is a solid effort. I also wish that he didn't feel the need to continually remind us that the majority of PGA Tour Pro's are Republicans. I, for one, like my sports books free of political statements.

Are You Kidding Me is a fast(I read it in 3 days) fun Summer read, and a must for Golf fans.

Typical John Feinstein...
Having read several books by Feinstein this book delivers about the same amount of humor, seriousness and detail as one would expect. It is obvious John did a great deal of research as he quotes and uses information from many different people. If you enjoy golf books and hearing how sports stars think about playing golf and competing you will like this book. There is a good amount of quotes from various golfers regarding their life at the US Open and the trials and tribulations an athlete goes through during their life. The story about Rocco is intriguing and in many cases sad. It is great hearing about his background, how he came about playing golf, his relationship with various people close to him as well as he thought process regarding golf and life. As a point of personal conflict I was disappointed in the lack of discussion regarding his family later in the book. In the early parts of the book it was nice to read about how he was feeling and how his son's and wife were feeling as it gave perspective from both sides. However as Rocco's life changed so did the amount of information we received about his family. Maybe this was intentional due to the struggles he was experiencing but it made for a lack of perspective. All in all the book was a good read.

For diehard Mediate fans only
I love Rocco, I wish he won the 2008 U.S. Open, but this book is nothing more than a press release... The first half of the book does give some insight into Rocco and his life, but from there it is light in content and outright boring at times; Sorry Rocco... I wish Rocco the best in life, but must warn potential buyers to pass on this book unless you want a signed copy by Rocco or are a diehard Rocco fan like me...