Product Description
One of the funniest, most beloved, and most often quoted entertainers in the world tells his tale of Life and Golf--and of somehow surviving both.

With his brilliant creation, groundskeeper Carl Spackler, and the outrageous success of the film Caddyshack firmly etched into the American consciousness, Bill Murray and golf have become synonymous. Filled with Murray's trademark deadpan and dead-on humor, Cinderella Story chronicles his love affair with golf from the life lessons he learned as a caddy--"how to smoke, curse, play cards. But more important, when to"--to his escapades on the Pro-Am golf circuit at the Augusta National and as a fan at the Masters, the U.S. Open, and the Western Open. An up-by-the-bootstraps tale of a man, his muse, and our society's fascination with a little white ball, Cinderella Story is one pilgrim's bemused path through the doglegs.
Amazon.com Review
To many, Bill Murray is the star of movies like Ghostbusters(reissued with certain scenes deleted and a Mystery ScienceTheatre-style commentary in 1999). But to golf aficionados, Murrayis the clown in godawful "Hee-Haw-aiian" golf garb who playsshamelessly to the crowds at charity tee-offs from Pebble Beach to theGreater Milwaukee Open. And there is only one Bill Murray role, thegopher-snuffing, turf-smoking greenskeeper Carl Spackler inCaddyshack, whose fantasy of golf heroism gives this book itstitle. "This crowd has gone deadly silent," Spackler mutters with clubin hand and no crowd in sight, "a Cinderella story outtanowhere--former greenskeeper and now about to become the Masterschampion!"

Cinderella Story is really two books. The firstis a string of outrageously digressive anecdotes about Murray'sclub-wielding adventures with Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer("Incandescent ... he and Patton were born to lead armies"), MikeDitka, John Denver, Chi Chi Rodriguez ("He had more fun playing golfthan any person I'd ever seen."), Clint Eastwood, and Michael Jordan ("Relax," Murraytells himself, "his nickname is 'air,' not 'sand.'"). The prose styleis mock-hepcat, insanely allusive, and very smart, like his screenpersona.

This book is also the amusing, affecting autobiography ofa kid who started out caddying for 60 cents a half-hour with hisbrothers--they got busted for giving a blind golfer three hole-in-onetrophies--and wound up in showbiz. There are lots of showbiz anecdotestoo, especially about Caddyshack, "arguably the greatest filmever made, although perhaps that's a drunken argument," as Murrayobserves. He'll get no argument from golfers, who will thrill to hisexpert ridicule of their mutual passion. --Tim Appelo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (52)

For Diehard Bill Murray fans and Golf Enthusiasts Only
If you're buying this book hoping for a typical Hollywood memoir, forget it. This book is as offbeat and unusual as Murray's unique brand of comedy. I'm not a golf fan by any stretch but reading this book did make me appreciate the sport a little more and it certainly conveyed the comedian's passion for it.

Buried throughout the book are reminisces about Murray's childhood and does provide some fascinating insight into the man's worldview and how golf helped shape his life. I quite enjoyed this book and it is good, light reading that won't take you too long to read. In many respects it reads like a monologue delivered by Murray -- it rambles, it sometimes veers in and out of logic, but it is also quite funny.

Funny stuff
Maybe I'm biased because I think Caddyshack is the funniest movie of all time, but I enjoyed this book, even though it only took a couple of hours to read.It won't win any awards for composition, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's a really funny, entertaining book...sounds like Caddyshack the movie, doesn't it?

Yikes!This was BAD....
I was at the local library looking at books in the golf section.I've read a couple by Tommy Armour and one by Ben Hogan, both were good and informative.

I saw three copies of this Murry prose on the shelf.Thought, hey this should be good and interesting.I quickly noticed that all 3 copies had not been creased, thus unread.

Went and sat down and started reading.....then my mind started to wonder...then I flipped through and looked at the pictures....then quickly returned the book to the shelf.Bill, stick with the game itself and leave the word processor to sending quips to Chevy.

The stories did not grab me, the humor was non-existant, and there were very little facts that I could grasp of interest.

I did like the movie Caddyshack, but Dangerfield stole that show, Carl the groundskeeper didn't really do much for me as a character or make me laugh.Sorry Bill, but Stripes was cool :)

2 stars for the pictures.

Cinderella Story: My Life in Golf By: Bill Murray
Not only is Bill Murray a great comedian, he is also a good writer.I found this book very enjoyable and extremely funny.For a man who has never written a book before, I believe Bill has done an excellent job.From the very beginning you can tell that Bill has his very own style of writing, the dedication page says it all.(Pg. V to VI).In my opinion, Bill also puts a lot of voice into this book because he is reflecting on his own personal experiences.(Pg. 4, second paragraph).Bill, much like in acting, never has a serious moment throughout the book; it's all about the laughs.(Pg. 3).Above all though, I noticed that when reading this book, it's as if you aren't reading the book, but listening to Bill give a stand-up comedy routine or sitting at a bar sharing a drink with him.There is no book, its just stories.He is just reminiscing about the past, be it about golf or otherwise.Bill's stories really have no start or finish, but just lead into another, funnier one.(Pg. 210 to 211).If I had to sum this book up in one word, it would be simply hilarious.

Everything I expected
Hey, it's a book on golf written by Bill Murray. I didn't expect an intense discussion on golf...I didn't expect an intense discussion on Bill's life. I expected a funny, witty, clever, and subtlely wise book about some of Bill's adventures and lessons learned from golf and life. And that's what I got.

It's one of the few books I read from cover to cover in one sitting. It was that funny, witty, clever, and subtlely wise...to me anyways... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A mind-blowing eye-opener
This is the uncensored account of Madalyn O'Hair and her family when the proverbial religious dung hit the fan. Her son, William announced to the world that he did not want to pray or be forced to pray because he was an Atheist. The things that some Christians did to this family in reprisal were downright criminal. The fact that they all survived is an inspiration to me and my Atheistic family. This book tells the inside story on what made that family tick during those trying and brutal years leading up to the 1963 Supreme Court decision of Murray Vs. Curlett.

If you've ever thought that Christianity was only about love and kindness, read this book. You'll never think about your god or your religion the same. Remember, it's all the truth, straight from the horse's mouth.

Joe Zamecki

Previous Reviewer Inspired Me!
Hey, any book that's "lies, lies, lies" yet still worthy of 5 stars is definitely worth checking out!(Have you noticed how many "true believers" can't seem to figure out how to give 1 starinstead of 5 stars to books they don't like?Someone should write a bookabout that!)

LIES, LIES AND MORE LIES
A TERRIBLE BOOK THAT TRIES AMBITIUOSLY TO MAKE A VALID POINT ALOT OF CRA ... Read more

Product Description
Written by a well-known Australian sports historian, this work shows the history of how soccer has become the world's most popular sport.Amazon.com Review
Soccer, one of the most popular games in the world, is playedby many and is supported fanatically by millions. So, how did thissport come about? What were its origins? Why has it flourished for solong? Bill Murray, an Australian sports historian, answers thesequestions and many more as he persuasively presents the case for whysoccer is the premier sport of the world.Tracing the history of theorganized game--from its origins as a leisure pastime forprivate-school alumni in London in 1863 to the World Cup held in theU.S. in 1994--Murray commentates on the evolution of soccer from pastto present. Attention is paid to all aspects of the game, ranging fromAmerica's ambivalent attitude toward professional soccer to theprogress of the women's game to the threat of hooliganism. The groundcovered is vast, but Murray's readable style will be appreciated byanyone who has a passion for the game, and will inspire interest inthose who know little about it.--Jeremy Storey ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The World's Game: A HISTORY OF SOCCER (Illinois History of Sports)
Very pleased with how fast I recieved the book.It was in wonderful shape

A great overview of soccer history.
Unlike other soccer books which can be narrow in scope and range, Murray's book attempts to take us beyond the borders of South America and Europe and examines soccer all over the world. It also examines political and social affiliations attached to the game. The appendix has major soccer disasters covered,tragedies involving players,major soccer grounds,FIFA membership,Soccer at the Olympic Games before 1930,The Growth of the World Cup,and The Growth of Various Youth Tournaments. It also has a useful Glossary which is a must for any observer, casual or hardcore fan of the game. It would be a good introductory book for someone learning about soccer history because it has plenty of useful anecdotes that illustrates the game's colorful and controversial history.

This book was great!
After having played soccer for years, it wasamazing to see how much I didn't now about the history of the sport. Now that my daughter is absorbing everything soccer, this book has helped. She is preparing to do areport on soccer and it's history. I am sure she'll do great! ... Read more

Product Description
A chronicle of the the life of Bill Murray, who served 16 years on the Texas Railroad Commission and was well respected in the Texas Oil and Gas Industry. ... Read more

Product Description
To say Bill Murray's entire life has been unconventional would be an understatement! After all, how many people have lived in Canada, England, Spain and traveled the world; burned down a barn and two houses, graduated from the Air Force Academy (1975), and while there burned up a dorm room; played collegiate football, wresting, and lacrosse; flown supersonic fighters, got booted out of the Air Force over a wet rug, only to be reinstated a few years later; crashed an aerobatic plane and survived, had cancer and survived, had children and survived? You get the idea!

In Renegade Colonel, Murray recounts his experiences from childhood through his Air Force career. From his early years an F-111 WSO to his later years in leadership positions as a senior director in the Air Force, Bill has had the experiences of a lifetime. He wrote this book because in years to come, he wants his family and friends to be able to share in the memories and travel back in time, if only for a few chapters. Renegade Colonel is a book of unbelievable lifetime experiences - experiences anyone could enjoy vicariously and learn from! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A Very Enjoyable and Interesting Read
My wife and I had the pleasure of knowing both Bill (the author) and his wife while they were stationed at Hill AFB in Utah.We got closer to Bill while in the Stephen Ministry program.I found this book very enjoyable and interesting.It is written to keep the interest and provides numerous reflections of humor, love, emotions, and dedication to his God, Country, and Family.I recommend it to anyone, but particularly to those who knew Bill and /or had a military career, been around jet fighters, and been exposed to the high responsibility that only those in the military get at an early age.

Chance Favors The Well Prepared
This is a terrific autobiography about a middle class, Middle-American, who lived a wonderful, but rather unique, USAF Commissioned Officer's career.

While the book is highly entertaining, Colonel Murray shares his most memorable personal moments with us in a manner that left me a little more insightful of my own life.I had to admire his willingness to share these experiences, "warts and all".It helps to be a big, strong gifted athlete with a very high intellect, but often these suffer most when confronted with failure and just plain bad luck.

What is particularly interesting about this book is the Murray family's zealous Christian lifestyle.Undoubtedly Christian principles determined many monumental moments in both their joy of their good times and impressive perseverance through the bad.

The Greatest Story Teller
Think of the best story teller you know and remember how time seems to stand still as that person shares unbelievable and engaging life experiences. That is what Bill Murray does on every page of this book.

If you are looking for a read that will touch every emotion within your soul, Renegade Colonel is the book for you.

Great memories!
As a fellow graduate of the Air Force Academy, Air Force pilot, and follower of the Lord Jesus, Col Murray's autobiography brought back many wonderful memories.Well written, I had a hard time putting it down!Thanks, Bill, for the memories!And for all those who are curious about life in the Air Force, you are in for an enjoyable look!

Engaging Leadership Will Win You Over!
Renegade Colonel is a refreshing get away--stepping through the life of a man living the Christian dream of faith, family, and friends.Colonel Murray draws you in with his inspiring ability to turn the drama of life into the most interesting stories.He has the gift of captivating your heart and keeping you eager for more.Renegade Colonel is a must-read testimonial of how rewarding a life lived for Jesus can be. ... Read more

Product Description
Rangers entered the new world of sport and big business in April 1986 when they signed Graeme Souness, a man with no previous connections to a club steeped in its own historical traditions. These traditions are ineluctably intertwined with those of their great Glasgow rivals, Celtic, whose origins as an Irish Catholic club set up the rivalry that became known as the Old Firm, one said to be "a business based on bigotry". Celtic were slow to react to the Souness challenge at Ibrox, especially when Souness was joined by a new owner at Rangers, millionaire businessman David Murray who, like Souness, was committed to taking Rangers into the elite of European football - even at the expense of signing Catholic players, which the club had hitherto avoided. After years of squabbling at Celtic Park that amounted to a virtual civil war, Celtic's saviour arrived in the form of expatriate millionaire Fergus McCann. Under McCann and Murray, the Old Firm rivalry took on a different image as the new owners sought to expunge the worst elements of the sectarianism on which the strength of the two clubs had been based.In the new world of globalised sport, bigotry was a barrier to the riches awaiting the top clubs in Europe. Celtic with their "Bhoys Against Bigotry" and Rangers with their "Pride and Prejudice" tried to present a new image of the Old Firm, emphasising the best aspects of their long history. Getting rid of this old image, however, has often seemed as difficult as winning the big prizes in Europe. ... Read more

Product Description
This text is a quiz book with a difference. Not only do you have to answer the questions, but also work out the link between the answers. Guessing the "quizlink" correctly, earns you bonus points, and if you can identify the link early, you'll have a clue to the answers of the remaining questions. The book should be useful for organized pub quizzes as well as at home or in the car on long journeys. ... Read more

Product Description
Since the mid-1980s, changes have taken place inside Glasgow's football strongholds, Celtic and Rangers. From the signing of a Catholic and the arrival of top English stars at Ibrox Park, to virtual civil war at Parkhead which made way for Fergus McCann to take control, this book asks if money has taken over from the raw passion of another age, and considers what has happened to the "business based on bigotry" that was for so long at the core of the Old Firm. ... Read more

Product Description
A book of ready-made quizzes designed for use straight from the book. For easy reference, each answer appears either on the same page as the question or is given overleaf. ... Read more

Product Description

In Slouching Toward Fargo, author Neal Karlen describes his two-year journey with the St. Paul Saints--the most audacious bushleague ballclub ever to plumb the bottom of the pro sports barrel. Coowned by comedian Bill Murray and run by Mike Veeck--son of the infamous sports promoter Bill Veeck--this motley collection of mutts, hopefuls, and has-beens has become a national phenomenon for playing with as much gusto off the field as on ... while proudly adhering to the timeless sports credo that it takes heart, skill, and cheap theatrics to plant devoted butts in stadium seats. This is where Darryl Strawberry was rehabilitated (the first time) and began his long comeback climb to the Majors. Jack Morris--once baseball's winningest pitcher and biggest s.o.b.--joined the team only to vanish without a trace. Baseball's first female player, Ila Borders, made history on the mound of the Saints' ever-sold-out Midway Stadium. And St. Louis Cardinals phenom, J.D. Drew, played here for $300 a month while holding out for Major League millions. Here is the true story of one championship season and one complete collapse; a tale told with high spirits and genuine affection of frantic fans and baseball Annies, a back-rubbing nun, a blind sportscaster, and a 300-pound pig ballboy; a glorious celebration of the boys who still play the game for the best of reasons: SO THEY CAN GET CHICKS.

A resourceful veteran writer, Karlen spends thesummers of 1996 and 1997 following the mismatched misfits who moldthemselves into the St. Paul Saints of the unaffiliated A-levelNorthern League, one of the strangest clubs in one of the oddestleagues in the history of organized baseball. On one level, hischronicle is a certified hoot; the presence of team owners Murray andMike Veeck, who inherited his father's gene for baseball theatrics,ensures that Fargo flirts with the unpredictable. But this isalso a circumspect tale filled with second chances--not the least ofwhich is Karlen's own redemption as a journalist, which resonates incounterpoint throughout. His adventure begins at a personal crisispoint when he accepts an assignment from Wenner, who's had alongstanding grudge against Murray, to follow the comedian and do ahatchet-job on him for Rolling Stone. Karlen needs the check,sure, but he needs a reality check too. "It was time to put myscorecard in order," he admits; after all, this isn't hisgrudge. Can you hear the bass chord of conscience beginning to thrum?"As I followed the team, I would be searching for some clue to my ownbattered spirit." By the end of his journey, both the clues and theSaints entertainingly add up to a winning volume and a winningteam. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

Diamond in the Rough
`Slouching Toward Fargo' could well turn the phrase "bush league" from a term of derision into a complement. Free lance writer Neal Karlen spent two years following the Saint Paul Saints, a team on the bottom rung of the bush leagues, and discovered a place where baseball is still fun; a place far enough away from the big corporate business that the major leagues have become that players and fans still remember what the game is all about. Here, outrageous stunts and promotions amuse enthusiastic fans, while the last-chance ballplayers play the game with great passion if not always great talent.
Karlen started following the Saints on an assignment from Rolling Stone. Jan Wenner, Rolling Stone's publisher and founding editor had a grudge against actor Bill Murray, one of the Saint's owners, and wanted a hatchet job article to run on him and his ball team.Karlen, who had worked for the magazine in the past and was no stranger to hatchet job journalism, was promised a handsome fee to deliver Murray and his team carved on a platter.
Despite the worst of intentions, Karlen was infected by the Saints and their ethos of fun and healing through the power of baseball. That philosophy had a positive effect on everyone, from owners Bill Murray (funny man actor and abdicated Hollywood superstar) and Mike Veeck (son of baseball legend Bill Veeck and banished from the major leagues because of his disastrous 1979 Disco Night promotion in Chicago) to onetime superstar Darryl Strawberry making a last ditch effort to return to major league glory, down through the no name guys who were fighting for their last chance to be professional ballplayers. It took hold of Karlen as well; he cancelled the hatchet job story, and instead wrote this book celebrating the fun and joy of baseball.
Karlen's writing is closer to utility infielder quality than superstar slugger, but a utility infielder having a very good game. It would have been hard to make an error with a story this rich. The drama includes the blackballed Darryl Strawberry magnificently working his way back to the major leagues and World Series glory, the first female to pitch in a professional men's league, a legless second baseman, a blind radio color anouncer, two managers sumo wrestling on the diamond after being thrown out of the game by the umpires, a pig who brings balls to the umpires, and the ghost of the outrageous Bill Veeck, present through his ashes in a coffee can and reaching out from beyond the grave to continue his unique brand of whacky baseball fun. Karlen didn't have to be a slugger to hit a home run on this story; he just had to swing the bat, and despite some sloppy editting, his story scores.
If you love the game of baseball, then this book is a must read. If you once loved the game, but have lost your passion for it and become cynical because of the corporate farce that the major leagues have become, then read this book to remember why you fell in love in the first place.

Theo Logos

A Book As Wild, Wacky And Wonderful As The Team It Covers
This is one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. Neal Karlen was a writer for Rolling Stone, sent to St. Paul, Minnesota to "get the dirt" on Bill Murray, iconoclastic actor and part owner of the St. Paul Saints. The Saints are a minor league baseball team, part of the independent Northern League, and operated by Mike Veeck, son of the legendary Hall of Famer Bill Veeck. (Casual baseball fans will most likely recall the senior Veeck for having sent midget Eddie Gaedel up to bat as a pinch hitter. It was only one of many colorful stunts by the games' most creative promoter ever).

Karlen sticks around for a couple of years; the story for Rolling Stone never materializes, but along the way this book emerges, as much about Karlen's crisis of spirit as it is about the Saints and the zany cast of characters surrounding them. But along the way we meet many of those who have given the Saints and the Northern League their unique cachet: on the field performers like former Mets slugger Darryl Strawberry, who temporarily redeems his life and career during a two-month stay with the Saints; former pitching star Jack Morris, seeking one more taste of glory, but on his terms only; Ila Borders, the first female to play in a professional game; and Wayne "Twig" Terwillliger, player and coach for 50 seasons and quiet representative of so much that's right with the game.

There are also wonderful portraits of Sister Rosalind. the nun who offers massages at games; a blind radio announcer convinced he's on his way to the big leagues;an employee of one of the Saints' rivals who earns the title "Most Beloved Woman in the Northern League" and others who find solace, healing and a chance to keep dreaming dreams in this strange, wacky, wonderful firmamenent. I really hated to come to the end of this one. The empty feeling was almost as bad as the night the World Series ends.

Doesn't get more charming than this
Totally winning, both as a portrait of a team (and town) with heart and of a freelance writer who's struggling with the angel (good, real reporting) and devil (fat Rolling Stone paycheck) on his shoulders. The angel wins, and the reader can't help but cheer. Sex, strong women, kooky characters, fiercely loyal fans, minor-league silliness, bratwurst and the honest-to-God love of baseball, which weirdly enough persists no matter how disillusioning the world gets--this book's for anyone who likes Bull Durham, scrappy writers, or independence of spirit in any form. Ignore the minor editing errors; the book's worth it.

one of top baseball books i have read
i didn't think the minor leagues could be as interesting as the majors, but this proves i was wrong.

Hilarious - Couldn't Put It Down!
I picked this up at my boyfriend's house, read the first few pages, and stayed home on the sofa for an entire weekend because I couldn't put this book down.I'm not a baseball fan, and not from the Midwest, but Karlen's hilarious and equally moving tale of his two years following around this team of wanna-bes, has-beens, and dreamers (some who "made it," some who didn't) had me chortling out loud and even getting teary-eyed at times.This is really a book about Karlen's own search not just for material for his Rolling Stone article (how this book began), but for his own soul as well. Karlen's writing is always entertaining, leaving you wanting more.I'm buying a bunch of these as late Christmas presents -- it's the best gift I can think of.Uplifting, thought-provoking, and one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. You'll never find characters like this in fiction -- what's amazing is they're all real.It should be a movie. ... Read more

Product Description
This text is an account of the interaction of sport, politics and society from the formation of Rangers and Celtic at the end of the 19th century, detailing the changes and rivalry of these two clubs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Sectarianism as a multi-million dollar business.
Bill Murray has scored big time depicting the history of two football rivals in Scotland and how they mirror the attitudes of society as a whole.This book depicts the hatres, bigotries and misconceptions portrayed by both clubs.Murray also shows us how each club has parlayed their sectarian beliefs into a multi-million dollar business, not just in Scotland but throughout the world. And through it all both clubs deep down realize that each one could not exist without the other. I highly recommend this book not only to fanatics of football but to history, economic and sociology fanatics as well.

Sectarianismm as a multi-million dollar business.
Bill Murray has scored big time depicting the history of two football rivals in Scotland and how they mirror the attitudes of society as a whole.This book depicts the hatres, bigotries and misconceptions portrayed by both clubs.Murray also shows us how each club has parlayed their sectarian beliefs into a multi-million dollar business, not just in Scotland but throughout the world. And through it all both clubs deep down realize that each one could not exist without the other. I highly recommend this book not only to fanatics of football but to history, economic and sociology fanatics as well. ... Read more

Product Description
Movies Rock (Supplement to Wired Magazine, Fall 2007). Includes such topics as: 50 Greatest Soundtracks; Bill Murray; Martin Scorsese; Hollywood Turns up the Volume; The Making of Saturday Night Fever. ... Read more

Product Description
Weekly news and general interest magazine which re-appeared between 2004 and 2007, and was distributed by inclusion inside certain local newspapers across the country. This issue has a cover photograph of comedian and actor Bill Murray and a feature article on him. ... Read more