Ten Points by Bill Strickland
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Book Reviews of Ten Points
Book Review: Enjoyable read, an insight into cycling
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed the book. Gave it only 4 stars because it was not one of the best I have ever read. I give few 5 stars. The author tells a good story. I'm a cyclist, so I don't know if non-cyclists would enjoy the book as much. The book shares insight into the arena of competitive cycling, but not too much so.
Course the story has a couple of subplots, which are not about cycling, but tie into the story. I don't want to say too much and ruin the story for anyone.
It's a quick read.
Book Review: startling
Summary: 4 Stars
A very good insight into the world of crit racing from the amateur perspective. Also, goes deeply into the world of child abuse, disturbing at times, but ends well.Book Review: Not for cyclists looking for a book about racing
Summary: 3 Stars
As a racing cyclist, I was looking for a book about racing stories - prehaps something along the lines of the Tim Krabbe book. This book is the story of Strickland's childhood and his abusive father, with short scenes of local races thrown in here-and-there. I enjoyed the cycling scenes, but I did not really need to read the childhood flashback scenes. The other big storyline involved his 5 year daughter. Those scenes were cute enough, but still not exaclty what I was looking for. I got a feeling that this book was more of a demon clensing therapy for the writer and less of a story aimed toward the reader. DO NOT get this book just because you ride bikes or race, as that is not the true focus of the story. Also, be warned that this book has an excessive amount of foul language throughout - enough of it that it could be a turn off to a lot of readers. Like another reviewer said, I don't think I'm glad I read this book. If Strickland were to write another book that focused more on cycling I'd be willing to give it a read, but I won't be picking up this book again, and I definitely won't be recommending it to any of my team mates or other cycling buddies.Book Review: Good Story. Lousy Writing.
Summary: 3 Stars
The story is compelling and deep. The writing is a different story. I honestly think that Strickland's editor was half asleep which working on this book. Strickland attempts to incorporate clever metaphors, however all of them, sadly, have already been overdone, and are becoming lines of Hallmark cards. Run on sentences, overdone smilies and analogies are all very prevalent throughout the story.
Conclusion:
If you want an inspirational, and compelling story, but can deal with cheesy analogies, buy this book.
Rating: B
Book Review: Not sure I'm glad I read it
Summary: 3 Stars
I've been pondering this book since I read it. In short, I cannot say I'm glad I read it.
Strickland is an excellent writer. The cycling aspects are wonderfully realized. The insights into his troubled life seem honest and complete. Yet, in total, I was still stuck thinking I could have done without it. Scenes from his childhood are horrific, and overall the book is anticlimactic.
I understand what the book is about, but would caution other potential readers, you may respect the book, but you may not like the book.