Paddy on the Hardwood: A Journey in Irish Hoops | 
 enlarge | Author: Rus Bradburd
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
Category: Book
List Price: $24.95
Buy New: $14.98
You Save: $9.97 (40%)
New (28) Used (12) from $7.22
Avg. Customer Rating:  7 reviews
Sales Rank: 378871
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 247
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6 x 1
ISBN: 0826340261
Dewey Decimal Number: 796.323092
EAN: 9780826340269
ASIN: 0826340261
Publication Date: August 15, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: A nice, clean copy.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Why would a successful college basketball coach walk away from a lucrative job in America's most glamorous sport? The burned out Rus Bradburd, enamored with Ireland and its music, took a job coaching in the lowly Irish Super League, but was unprepared for what he found. Perplexed by the small town Tralee's Frosties Tigers--a cast of misfits and underachievers more concerned with their day jobs, Gaelic Football, and Guinness--he turned to traditional Irish music for wisdom and solace. Paddy on the Hardwood is partly Rus Bradburd's story of his struggle to transform Tralee's Tigers. But it is also the tale of a man making peace with his own life and career. "No reader will come away from this irresistible, honest, and deeply human account without a profound appreciation for Ireland and the beguiling power of its people and culture. Paddy on the Hardwood is a basketball book, to be sure, but also one about questing and, ultimately, finding. And it's all the richer for how it engages things that seem distant from sports, but in the end aren't so unrelated at all."--Alexander Wolff, Sports Illustrated senior writer and author of Big Game, Small World: A Basketball Adventure "Paddy on the Hardwood is hilarious, heartbreaking, and touchingI couldn't put it down. I'm an avid reader, and it's the best sports book I've read in a long while."--Jerry West
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
Life, Music & Sports with Humor April 11, 2008
If you like sports from a spectator or participant viewpoint, chances are you will like this book. You will love the book if you have ever coached, are Irish, play or listen to Celtic music or simply have a great sense of humor. The book is well-written, a quick and delightful journey into an idividual's dream that is lived out in a real-life way. I visited Ireland for the first time shortly after reading the book. The accounts are accurate and added an additional dimension to my visit.
A True Hero's Journey January 1, 2008
As an aspiring writer and former hoops coach, I was very interested in reading this book after getting re-acquainted with Coach Rus (we first met at Don Haskins' summer camp in 1989) at a local book signing. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. There were many times when I would find myself laughing out loud at his witty observations about the basketball-challenged Irish culture or his players' quirks. Coach Rus' story transcends the sport of basketball, but will entertain the best hoops junkie. His journeys to the Irish pubs and eventual fiddling sessions made me want to book a tour of Ireland. And true to any hero's journey, Coach Rus gets rewarded for his perserverance.
 If it's a great story May 17, 2007
He's not Ernie Hemingway, but if you have a great story to tell, it doesn't matter. And he has a terrific story to tell.
Great fun. February 16, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A good read for those who like basketball. Music gets less attention, but the music teachers are interesting.
A Journey Well Worth Taking October 21, 2006
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Rus Bradburd's "Paddy on the Hardwood: A Journey in Irish Hoops" is a highly enjoyable book on many levels. Bradburd's story revolves around his love for basketball and traditional Irish music. In Ireland, not everyone (in fact, almost no one!) shares his passion for basketball; Bradburd's struggle for respect for his team, and his sport, are part of the journey. In contrast, Bradburd's efforts to learn and to master traditional Irish music is a challenge which arises within himself, and the best part of the journey may be his success in dealing with that challenge. This is a book which transcends its subject matter, one which you can (and will) appreciate whether or not you know (or care) anything at all about basketball or Irish fiddles. It's a well-crafted and well-written book, and a great read. Highly recommended!
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