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. . . or look at these related items (clicks open new pages): Editorial description(s): Product Description Forget the perfect game. Forget the World Series rings. Forget the legendary carousing, the barroom brawling, the heavy-metal head-banging, and the endless supply of uncensored, often havoc-wreaking quotes. Forget the feuds with dumb-assed fans, wrong-headed managers and the entire city of Cleveland. Even if Perfect, I'm Not was to blindly (and insanely) ignore all those amazing aspects of David Wells' life as a major leaguer, his story would still bounce off these pages as a wildly entertaining and jaw-droppingly honest look at the game of baseball. Nothing less would be possible. Wells simply isn't wired for spin-doctoring. He has no "delete" button. He pulls no punches.In a sport that's now largely populated by a bland collection of well-dressed, personality-free, cliché -- spouting Stepford jocks, Wells clearly holds the title of "baseball's most beloved bad-ass". From rookie ball amid the beer-soaked, frozen tundra of the Great White North, through Winter Ball amid the easy women and explosive diarrhea of Venezuela, Perfect I'm Not explores Boomer's long, strange, often insane climb through the minors. And from the Siberia of the Blue Jays' bullpen, through intensive training with a brilliant little Yoda known as Sparky Anderson, the book also examines how Boomer grew from a mediocre reliever, into a solid, reliable, hugely successful starter. From there, after tortured dealings with Marge Schott in Cincinatti, and Pat Gillick in Baltimore, the book follows Boomer deep inside the New York Yankees' dugout, right through the teams' fairy-tale seasons of '97 and '98. It stands with David on the mound through his legendary perfect game. It documents his high-profile love affair with the night-life of New York City, and then explores just how devastating it felt to be unceremoniously dumped for Roger Clemens. Perfect I'm Not also follows Boomer through his chronic back pain of 2001, then surgery, rehab, uncertainty, and one pinstriped Christmas miracle, courtesy of Boss Steinbrenner. And though the 2002 season may have enjoyed a less than perfect climax, it nonetheless rounds out the book with a Yankees reunion that kept Boomer smiling from February, right into October. Perfect I'm Not gives readers an unprecedented, all-access pass to every major league stadium in the country, providing a first-person perspective of life on the diamond, as well as an uncensored, warts-and-all, insider's guide to life inside locker-rooms, hotel rooms, planes, dugouts, buses, bedrooms, restaurants, titty-bars, and more. It's great fun. It's real. It's as close as you're ever gonna get to making the show. Amazon.com Review Perfect I'm Not is, indeed, not a perfect book, but as in baseball, literary imperfection can make for a thrilling ride. Part Horatio Alger, part libertine, Wells peppers the narrative of his rise from poverty in Ocean Beach, California to baseball fame and fortune with numerous prurient tales from behind the locker room door. He is frank about the use of steroids among his fellow players and he's not afraid to burn major bridges (one must assume they were already on fire) in his ferocious attacks on such baseball luminaries as veteran general manager Pat Gillick. And the story behind his woozy perfect game is legend. All this is entertaining stuff and worth the price of admission. The book, however, falls too often into a pattern of explication and justification for Wells’s "entertaining" run-ins with the law, baseball management, players, and even his own family. We learn that young Dave Wells once punched his sister and broke her jaw, but, he explains, this was because his sister had scraped his sunburned back with her fingernails. This childhood story is then repeated--in a grown up form--several times. In many cases, it does seem that he is justified in claiming innocence--or at least in claiming he got an eye for an eye. But repetition of these explications--which even include bad pitching performances caused, we learn, by nascent physical problems (elbow, shoulder, bone chips, gout, back)--take away his agency in his own story. The hero is always a victim. In the end, then, the book is as flawed as its author, offering entertaining insight--some perhaps unintentional--into the man and his game. --Patrick O’Kelley Reader description(s): (There are 43 reader reviews—please be patient while they load.)  A surprisingly funny and candid read. I loved it. (9/9 votes)I never liked David Wells, mostly because I only knew him as a Yankee player. That alone is generally enough to get me not to like someone. :) I wanted to check this out solely because of the "hype" surrounding the book. And after having read the book, I have to wonder if the negative press surrounding the book and some of it's "expositions" weren't self inflicted. Read the book. It's a wonderfully entertaining read. He talks about all the problems he had in his life early on, from his time in the minors, to the boredom in the bullpen (although his story about getting women in the stands to flash them is awesome) to his battles with team management, and lots on the Yankees. I also got a charge out of his comments on former Reds owner Marge Schott, and her dog. I have to admit that this book goes on my recommend list. It was a funny read, and for a baseball fan like myself, gives me some insight into the mind of a baseball player. I really enjoyed it. The link here is for the hardback edition of the book. There is a paperback version scheduled for release, but it's not currently slated until Mar 1, 2004. The hardback is available now. Oh, BTW, if you're someone who isn't into the liberal use of foul language, you might want to stay away from the book. It's not like every third word is f this or f that, but there is definitely more than a smattering of f-bombs and the like in the book. Keep Crying, Sox Fans (8/10 votes)3 reviews, 2 from people who obviously have not read the book and are Yankee-haters. The simple fact is, David Wells is a flake, but he's also a winner. He's the kind of guy that many a baseball fan would like to share a beer with, and I mean the regular fans, not the luxury box-sitting, shrimp cocktail-eating and leave in the 7th inning to beat the traffic "fans". The stories are about Wells' experiences, not what the media has spun to represent their own points of view and axes to grind. I applaud him for speaking his mind. There is going to be fallout from it, from people who object to the way that he portrays events, to the players and fans of cities and teams he has lit into, and he'll have to live with that. I appreciate his candor. He's no role model, certainly. And reading about his experiences, a sane, rational and sober person will conclude that it is not the way to make it to the major leagues. But it is how he chooses to live his life and as long as he's not hurting anyone I say "hoist another one, Boomer".  Don't believe the hype (7/7 votes)I'm not sure why David Wells was slapped with a six-figure fine over this book. Most of the "controversy" appears to be caused by out-of-context quotes randomly selected by the press. The supposed negative statements about teammates Mike Mussina and Roger Clemens are spoken in the larger context of praising their baseball skills. The much-criticized "25 to 40 percent" statistic of ballplayers who use illegal steroids and performance-enhancing drugs ("10 to 25%" is the number in the edited book) is part of an enlightening discussion of how Jose Canseco went from being a minor-league toothpick, to a tree trunk with 462 career home runs (and a book deal of his own). Anyway, this book is just plain funny. Most sports biographies are written by sportswriters: half of them by Dick Schaap, half by Peter Golenbock, and Catfish Hunter for some reason chose Armen Keteyian. Wells goes with comedy writer Chris Kreski, best known for William Shatner's non-fiction epics, and "Growing Up Brady". Kreski's also a lifelong Mets fan, which makes the book easier for me to read, certainly. His ability to recap baseball games is only adequate -- he makes some minor factual errors, misspells some of the player names Wells dictated into the tape recorder, and gives Wells an impossibly specific memory about old games ("Two hours and forty-eight minutes later, 49,328 screaming fans watched me ...") -- but gives Boomer plenty of jokes and cutting insights into the many peaks and valleys of his career. Wells decries the corporate naming of Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, saying that to him, it'll always be the Jack Murphy Stadium of his youth. Which is a wonderful sentiment... and wrong, since it was actually called San Diego Stadium until Wells was 17. Boomer doesn't use the space to get on a soapbox and preach about baseball. No diatribes about interleague play, or the wild card. Wells is more interested in topless girls in the stands during spring training. He's clearly having too much fun in the major leagues to worry about salary caps and the fate of small market teams. Who would you rather read, Wells meeting Metallica's Lars Ulrich and describing Joe Torre's shock at AC/DC lyrics, or Whitey Herzog's whining about salary arbitration. For a quick spring-training read, it's hard to get more entertaining than "Perfect I'm Not". If nothing else, hopefully Boomer will get his penalty money back in additional sales. And then lose twice to the Mets this summer.  Why a book? (5/17 votes)Other than to satisfy some need for self-gratification, why was this book written? At best David Wells is an above average pitcher with some moments of brilliance with what was otherwise mediocre pitching ability. He's not Gibson, Carlton, Seaver or even Jerry Koosman. These are pitchers who won on the basis of their abilities to throw full, consistent games. Wells had the good fortune to be in lineups that could stake him 3-4-5 runs a game. How can you not win with O'Neil or Jeter on your team? Maybe he expected we'd be enthralled by his behavior or exposes of player behavior. The original, Ball Four does it better. His antics pale next to the original, Mantle, Maris and Martin. Save yourself the money, borrow it at the library. Great stuff (4/5 votes)Boomer shows he has great stuff both on the mound AND at the typewriter! (With an assist from Chris Kreski.) The Cone stuff is great, as is the rest of the book. Can't figure out why the Yankee front office was so upset, nothing really inflammatory here, just lots of good natured laughs. Bottom line is this, Boomer is a loveable ne'er-do-well and we need characters like him to remind us all... it's only a game! And if you like stories of loveable ne'er-do-wells, I also recommend NO ONE'S EVEN BLEEDING and DELANO. This is a good book (4/6 votes)This book really gives you a good idea about the life of David "Boomer" Wells. Some remarks are very humorous and enjoyable. Even the languege that is used makes me think to myself "God, this really sounds like David Wells" VERY Entertaining!!!! (3/3 votes)This is an incredibly entertaining book. David Wells has a very funny style of telling stories and his personality comes through very well. He gives you an inside look into MLB but unlike most players, he talks about everything--the good and the bad. Forget about the 'controversy' surrounding the book, it's just a good, fun read whether those controversial statements are in it or not. I would give it only 4 stars but gave it 5 because I saw that someone gave it 1 star just because he was a Red Sox fan. PERFECT I'M NOT (3/4 votes)Being a lifelong baseball fan, I read anything I can get my hands on regarding it. I personally found this book extremely entertaining and very enjoyable. David Wells has much to tell about his rise to the top of AMERICAS GAME. He brought me on a wild ride from the beaches of southern California to the bars in Manhattan. His writing about baseball is excellent as well. If you are a fan, READ IT. If the boring RED SOX had a few characters like Wells, maybe it could spark them to winning something. Should have been titled "Perfect I am!!" (3/7 votes)I have to admit that the main reason I purchased this book was all the controversy it had stirred in the New York media during the start of Yankees spring training. As a die-hard baseball fan, I was hoping Wells would shed some light on what actually goes on in a major league clubhouse during the long season. What I found was basically Wells consistently proclaiming himself the great big game pitcher of our time and constant kissing of the posterior of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. Wells shows how hypocritical he can be when during his account of the 1996 season with the Baltimore Orioles, he criticizes O's owner Peter Angelos for being meddlesome yet in the following chapter he has nothing but praise for Steinbrenner who is well known to be one of the most meddlesome owner's in the history of sports. I lost all desire to continue reading at that point. He attempts to come off as a tough, no nonsense type of guy but the consistent brown nosing and praise of the Yankees gets nauseating. I would only recommend this work to Yankees fans who don't tire of hearing how world class an organization they are over and over and over and over. But then again, New Yorkers can just pick up a daily newspaper, it's much cheaper!! Going to the Wells once too often (3/15 votes)This book represents all that is wrong with the New York Yankees and all that is wrong with baseball. Pure egotistical drivel by an ignorant man. Literary gruel that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. As a palate cleanser, read THE LITTLE RED SOX BOOK by Bill "Spaceman" Lee, the antithesis of Yankeeism, and a man who reflects and embodies the pure joy of baseball. A ton of laughs( like having Babe Ruth stay in Boston and Ted Williams killing Hitler with a line drive!!) for those who can read and chew gum at the same time. Fred in Boston  Fat cowardice (3/19 votes)A bunch of boring baloney. Wells is an overweight, cowardly lush who's taking back much of what he said here. If there hadn't been all the controversy surrounding the accuracy of what he said, no one would give this tripe even a look. Save your money. He's a mess (3/35 votes)Here is just another way of generating more money for another Yankee. He is a disgrace to baseball and too overweight to play it. If you want to know about lifestyles of real people in baseball, read something about The Boston RedSox and their fans. I wouldn't buy this book if I had a disease and reading it was the only way to cure it. Perfect He's Not (2/2 votes)this is an interesting read, but if i had my "druthers", i would have preferred it if DW had left out the early chapters describing his youth, minor league experiences, etc. its important to remember that this is not social commentary, its a behind the scenes book about baseball - written by, arguably, the most colorful individual on the diamond today. if you like books that explore the "wild side" of sports life, you won't be disappointed here. if your after one that chronicles the day to day grind of an average ballplayer, replete with all the detail - this one isn't for you. also, this isn't a "yankee" book, so if you're a "pinstripe" hater you'll enjoy it too. don't expect much more than the meandering recollections of one of baseball's throwback heroes. you'll also learn that, despite the publicity that depicts wells as a party animal supremo, he is also a disciplined competitor who has endured his share of pain and hard work. I Wished There was More! (2/2 votes)I enjoyed reading this book, it had many funny and enjoyable stories about his life both off the field and in the major leagues. I really don't know what all the controversy was about regarding this book, it didn't really appear to me that he was degrading the yankees, in the book he holds the organization with high regard as well as the fans. I really enjoyed the pictures in the book as well, and was only disappointed that I finished the book, I wanted to read more! Bravo to "Boomer"! (2/2 votes)Throughout all of its existence, the game of baseball has had quite a few entertaining characters. From Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, to Bo Belinsky, Bill Lee, and Billy Martin, there has never been a shortage of entertaining personalities in our National Pastime. David Wells is no different. Actually, he IS different, in a very refreshing way. When you turn on ESPN to watch Sportscenter or Baseball Tonight and they recap a game, you can almost predict word for word what the postgame interviews are going to be about from all of the cleancut, wholesome jocks. It's all the same, bland, boring play of words. You never know what happens when the cameras are turned off and the media spotlight is off of these athletes, until David Wells came along. From growing up with Hells Angels and living homeless in the back of a pickup truck... to achieving success in baseball after he gave up... to the heartbreak of losing his mother... and triumphing over all of it, this is DEFINITELY an entertaining read. Whether you are a Yankees fan, Red Sox fan, Expos fan, or an Everett Aquasox fan, you will definitely enjoy the book. David Wells has lived a wild life along the way and is far from an angel, but let me know who is if you find one, because I'd like to extend my condolences for them living a monotonous life. Boomer has had quite a ride from the beginning up until now, and it was very enjoyable to read about this. I'm glad he wrote the book, because as a baseball fan, this is the only chance to know what goes on when the game is over. If there were a few more honest, outspoken characters like David Wells in the game of baseball, we would all be much better off. Love and applaud him, or hate and boo him, he definitely has made the great game of baseball a lot more fun in the time he has been a part of it. Definitely check this book out! Alls Wells that ends Wells (2/2 votes)Whether you're a fan of David Wells or not, this is a great inside look at the world of baseball. Baseball players are taught to say the same old cliches over and over again and shy away from anything that might be construed as controversial. Wells speaks his mind and tells you about the type of stuff that goes on behind the scenes... the goofing and practical jokes players play on each other, john smiley's way of handling marge schott, amazing behind the scenes quotes of George Steinbrenner, his take on steroids in baseball, and so much more. This book is not controversial like it was made out to be. Instead Wells just speaks his mind and tells you his experiences. Wells voice comes through perfectly and it's as if you're talking to him one-on-one in person rather than getting information through a media outlet. Excellent book.. a quick read but a great look into baseball behind the scens and into the career of David Wells. pretty cool (2/2 votes)Finally, a baseball player who doesn't just speak in boring cliches! The guy has opinions, and funny anecdotes, and he's not afraid to keep it real. Awesome book, I smiled all the way through it. Good, Bad, Ugly -- all that and a lot more Boomer (2/2 votes)At times he comes off as a long, lost best friend and at others he is a self-inflated, self-absorbed ass. He is a colorful character providing illuminating stories from the earliest days of playing rookie ball and Venezualan winter ball with beer guzzling, tail chasing future MLB players including Pat Borders, Cecil Fielder, Rob Duecy, and Todd Stottlemyre to the later days as a member of the Yankees. Wells is a good pitcher with a booming personality who pitched for some great teams and of course will always be remembered for his May 17, 1998 perfect game. His career numbers do not support his own assessed value (4.04 ERA, 1 year with at least 20 wins) but his book will stay on the top shelf of my collection of baseball books. I found myself laughing out loud over and over again. Steroid and cortisone stories aside, Wells adds candid insight into the managerial and GM activities from every team he played for (up to the end of the 2002 season). Inside observations are made on notable managers (Cito Gaston, Sparky Ansderson, Davy Johnson, Joe Torre, and Jim Fregosi) and GMs ("stand" Pat Gillick, Gord Ash, Jim Bowden, Ken Williams, and Brian Cashman). Wells also includes colorful stories of two of the most notoriously hated and loved baseball owners of the last 50 eyars -- Marge Schott and George Steinbrenner. It was odd to read the momentum praise and glory of the '98 Yankees who won 114 games without any mention of the record-tying 116 wins by the '01 Seattle Mariners . By failing to mention this incredible milestone, he appeared to be protecting the legacy of the 114 win NY team. He should have mentioned the 116 win Seattle team and emphasized the fact that the NY team went on to finish like champions by winning the world series. Wells also slights some players by limiting praise to his favorite teamates. For example, the contribution of Alfonso Soriano and Roger Clemens in NY is clearly understated. Huge character, raging hair band air guitar junkie, and pure attitude live in the pages of this book, making it a worthy read for any baseball fan. Loved it (2/2 votes)Got this as a birthday gift last week and thought it was great. My brother has already stolen it from me and he keeps laughing out loud as he reads it. If you're a Yankee fan, you HAVE to read the stuff about 1997 and 1998 and 2002. I'd definitely have given it 5 stars, except there's a photo of Boomer's big naked ... in there... not pretty. Perfect it is, but... (2/3 votes)I could not wait to get this book! Yes, I am a Yankee fan, especially, a David Wells fan. He has a way to hold your interest in every chapter. I also can see how some "drama queens " can take some of Wells information and "run" with it. I found the book to be another great example of how and what it takes to become a great major league baseball player, actually, it is how anybody can get where they want to go, with the right support and a strong need to get there. If you are a good listener, you will enjoy "hearing" Wells tell his story, we all did at our home. I LOVED it (2/3 votes)This has to be the funniest, smartest, most entertaining baseball book I've read in a LONG time. It's really honest, and fun. You'll probably like it even if you're not a Yankee fan - or maybe even if you're a Yankee hater. It's got a TON of amazing stories, and inside information - read the parts about Rookie Ball and the Winter Leagues in South America - they're both really funny. Fun read (1/1 votes)That's Boomer! This book, if taken less seriously than the press and the Yankees did, is very enjoyable. Its hilarious! Wells' anecdotes are so colorful and told in a way that it seems like he's sitting right next to you. Recommended stories: Wells vs Cito Gaston Cone and the cell phone Wells and COne in drag Wells on Marge Schott Drunken Perfect Game This book is PURE LOCKER ROOM TALK! (and all this coming form a Mets fan!) Great Read & Funny (1/1 votes)I don't know what all the fuss what about. In no way did Boomer tarnish the Yankees image. I think it was tarnished long before he even got there. Anyway, this is a great book. Plenty of good stories to get you chuckling. David's first adventure at hunting with Kirk Gibson is a riot. It still makes me chuckle. It's nice to see the "other side" of David and life on the road. Wish more baseball books were like this. Definitely no fluff in here. David shoots right from the hip. Great Read (1/1 votes)Great baseball (auto)biography. Fun to read and not just about the game but about life around the game. There are moments when you cannot help but laugh out loud. Read this book. It explains why Boomer is Boomer. Recommend: The Last Commissioner - Fay Vincent, Catcher in the Wry - Bob Uecker, Zim - Don Zimmer, anything by Yogi, Moneyball Really fun (1/4 votes)liked it a lot - very funny and a lot of good baseball stuff about the Yankees, and about what it's like to live as a major leaguer. Good Book (1/6 votes)I'd given Wells more Props if He hadn't backed away from How He truly felt.this Book gives a inside Glimpse into the Baddest Baseball Team&it's Players.David Wells is just what Sports needs&any form of Entertainment because to many Folks are standing in front of the Camera Saying what they think other people want to hear as to being themselves&I give Wells Props for that.I don't always agree with Him but I respect Him for calling the Game like He sees it.I just wish He would have stayed within the Count He was Bringing off the Mound. A homerun (even though he's a pitcher)! (0/0 votes)I was interested in David Wells' life. This book satisfied that. To my astonishment, it is incredibly well-written, funny and insightful. The stories and revellations are great. Best baseball player's book I've read in years. Superior on all accounts to the recent David Cone book. BOOMER BELLOWS (0/3 votes)I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK BY DAVID WELLS. SOMETIMES CRUDE, FUNNY, SAD, HONEST, AND GROSS. HE TELLS IT LIKE IT IS DESCRIBING IN DETAIL HIS LIFE AND CAREER. HIS LANGUAGE LEAVES MUCH TO BE DESIRED AT TIMES, BUT OVERALL THIS IS A VERY ENTERTAINING BOOK. HIS INSIGHT AND OPINIONS ARE VERY CANDID AND CONTROVERSIAL. I THINK HE NEEDS TO BE IN REHAB FOR ALCOHOL AND FOOT IN MOUTH ADDICTION. BUT STILL VERY WORTH READING. HE IS NOT A BAD GUY BUT JUST HUMAN AND VERY OUT SPOKEN. TURN IT DOWN A BIT BOOMER.  Good book (0/2 votes)Not a bad book. All the hype was a little too much. Lives a crazy life. As for the Red Sox fan before, stop your bull. The curse lives on beanhead. It Will Pass (0/0 votes)I picked this up after some of the hyperbolic sports media hoopla surrounding some of the statements made by Wells (or his ghost writer) in it. Wells has always been one of the more interesting baseball players, personality-wise. Or perhaps he's just a little different than most players in MLB, and that's appreciated by some in a sport that conjures straight-edge [people]. Reading this book was interesting in certain places and it reveals the perception of one person. So I think it should be taken for what it is. About one person's perceptions with some stories about his life along the way. People shouldn't take it too seriously or have a tizzy over it. It could have been written a little bit better. It will not be remembered for more than two months. Why the "scandalous" attention given to this book? Because Wells is not [like] many baseball players, nor does he portray the image MLB wants to convey. He's not a "goody-too-shoe." He's not a clean-cut, mom and "apple pie" type of guy. He is who he is and he's fairly honest, with some exagerrations here and there. The brass of the Yankees claim he "hurt the image" of the organization. What image? Of Steinbrenner (Mr. Nutcase), the South Bronx, obnoxious fans, and a team thate buys world series rings because it has hoards of T.V. revenue. Take this with a grain of salt. Other books about a player's perceptions in regards to the game and the people that may be of interest are "Ball Four" by Bouton, and "Omar!" by Omar Vizquel. Very funny, surprising & honest! (0/0 votes)I honestly was laughing out loud at certain parts of the book! I think David Wells was very honest on what was written. It really made me see for the first time ever, why he used to get so upset so easy, the fights, the drinking & ect; You get to read how he grew up & what it took him to become the great picher he was. He really went through alot of bad times. The fans were sometimes awful with him. His mother passed away & to they knew how to get him off his game. That was terrible with some fans yelling horrible things about his mom when she had passed. There is just so much to the book you put in this about what i liked. One thing for sure in my eyes, if you didn't like David Wells before, not because of his pitching, but his behavior, READ this book & i think most people will have a change of heart. I know i did. We read things in the paper, but we dont get to hear the rest of the story. So for anyone who doesn't like him, read it & then judge him. It had me laughing alot! He is a very guy also. We just didn't see that. but i HIGHLY recommend it! Totally Awesome (0/0 votes)This is probably one of the all time top 10 baseball Bio's in my book. David does a remarkable job of giving you a complete look into his life and incredible career. I would really like to party with this dude he seems pretty cool. He is one of the smartest ballplayers out there today.Finally someone who can appreciate the Babe without putting him down. I promise you a good time if you check this book out. I LOVE DAVID WELLS (0/0 votes)I had the pleasure of meeting David Wells at the dealership I worked. We stored his motorcycles and he always had a smile. There's a lot of things in his past that no one would expect and some that definitely surprised me. Boomer! Boomer! (0/1 votes)As a Yankee fan I watched Boomer in 97-98 and now in the present 02-03, yet I always wondered just how exaggerated the stories were of his off-the-field life. This book proves that most stories written about him not concerning baseball were far from embellished. The stories are interesting and at times funny, and it was a bit of a surprise to read the parts where he explains the magnitude of the back pains he played through. Those who say pitchers have it easy because they don't play everyday like position players do should see how it feels to take a cortisone shot in their back routinely. Though baseball is the center of attention in the book, many stories of what players do off the field are brought to the forefront, which I commend Wells for. Baseball players do not always act like the quasi-icons people perceive them as. I guess I could understand why he was fined for the book (mainly, the part where he writes he was hungover when he pitched his perfect game), yet it seems unfair that Wells was fined the amount he was (I think $100,000) while players who throw punches in a brawl get suspended a few games and are fined only a couple of thousand dollars (looks like the Yankees are more stern when dealing with matters of discipline than Major League Baseball). Overall the book was great and I'd recommend it to any fan of the Yankees or of baseball. Boomer's book (0/0 votes)Being a Yankee fan, I had to read the book just to see what Boomer had to say. I didn't regret it. It was very well-written and was hilarious...whether most of it was true or not we'll never know, but it was a great book anyway. I would recommend it to Yankee fans, baseball fans, and anyone who has thought of reading it. I Wished There was More! (0/0 votes)I enjoyed reading this book, it had many funny and enjoyable stories about his life both off the field and in the major leagues. I really don't know what all the controversy was about regarding this book, it didn't really appear to me that he was degrading the yankees, in the book he holds the organization with high regard as well as the fans. I really enjoyed the pictures in the book as well, and was only disappointed that I finished the book, I wanted to read more! Great Baseball Memoir (0/0 votes)"Perfect I'm Not" is a wonderful story about a poor kid who fulfills his dream of pitching for the Yankees. The tale is gritty, and details Wells's many successes and failures, as well as his physical battles with his ever-painful back. In addition, it is very funny, sometimes even hilarious. The humorous parts make the reader really like Wells, who informs us about the many baseball players he knew. The co-author, Chris Kreski, is a fine writer. There is only one minuscule fault with the writing; i.e., the repetition of a few phrases. "With that in mind" appears so often that it becomes annoying. It actually appears three times on one page. This phrase comes in a few variations: "With all that in mind" "With those things in mind," and "With all those things in mind." "With that injustice in mind," and similar wording, makes the reader wish for some competent copy editing. The proofreading is generally solid, but there are lapses. We read, "...not the least bit phased" on p. 180, and "Uttering the prase 'weigh-in'" on p. 186. But these are petty criticisms indeed. So, with that in mind, I heartily recommend this book to baseball fans (which I'm not) and anyone who enjoys the story of a pretty good guy. BOOMER BUSTS THE BIGS (0/3 votes)This book reveals all about one man's experience of major league baseball. It is greatly entertaining, and a real antidote to the antiseptic, `look at me I'm a hero,' sports bios. Give us more books like this one that speak genuinely. Bravo, Boomer! Must Read if you love Boomer (0/1 votes)I read this book and was very impressed with the coherence and self-effacing tone of this book. Great read for any baseball fan. Don't know why he was fined $...for this book unless Brian Cashman can't handle the truth. Boomer !! (0/0 votes)This book is a welcome relief from the cookie-cutter politically correct cloned figures that appear in professional sports stories today. David shares his heartbreaks, trials and tribulations, as well as his triumphs in this book that will mostly have you doubled up with laughter... Discover: * Who has the hardest head in baseball. *What the wizened guru-like manager, Sparky Anderson and teammate/buddy Kirk Gibson, did to completely turn David's attitude around and give him the winning edge. *Where the city is with the worst baseball fans and sportswriters. *How Boomer converts manager Joe Torre from an pop contemporary music fan (think Sinatra, Como, Liza and Sammy) into a heavy metal head-banger. ENTERTAINING FOR EVERYONE/BETTER FOR BASEBALL FANS (0/0 votes)This book provides one player's uncensored look at the game of baseball and his very personal investment in the sport. David "Boomer" Wells is despised by some, loved by others and entertaining for all! His stories are laugh-out-loud funny, often heart-warming, curiously straightforward and undeniably HIS! Chris Kreski captures Boomer's voice and when the reader hears it, he cannot help but feel like one of Boomer's buddies laughing along with him and enjoying the ride! Read it! You'll see! A MUST READ IF YOU ARE A BASEBALL FAN (0/1 votes)I have been a baseball fan for more than 30 years and this is one of the best ball game books I have read. It reminds me very much of the book "ball four". This book is fun to read, very illustrative about the good and the bad aspects of baseball in the last 20 years. David Wells really "tells it like it is". This book is real. I am really tired of phony writers.I can tell when someone wrote a book with the only objective of selling many copies. The recent book about Paul O`Niell is doing great; But, is not really about baseball. I LOVED it (0/0 votes)This has to be the funniest, smartest, most entertaining baseball book I've read in a LONG time. It's really honest, and fun. You'll probably like it even if you're not a Yankee fan - or maybe even if you're a Yankee hater. It's got a TON of amazing stories, and inside information - read the parts about Rookie Ball and the Winter Leagues in South America - they're both really funny. 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The Yankee Years
Idiot: Beating "The Curse" and Enjoying the Game of Life
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game
Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big
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