Atlas - Teddy Atlas

Atlas

By Teddy Atlas

  • Release Date: 2009-10-13
  • Genre: Sports & Outdoors
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 35 Ratings

Description

"Of all the people who have affected by my life and influence the choices I've made, none has been more important than my father."

So begins the autobiography of legendary boxing trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas, who grew from the rebellious son of a doctor to a man who embraces, and lives by, his father's values and code.

In this gritty, spellbinding tale, Atlas recounts his fascinating life -- as a juvenile delinquent on the streets of Staten Island; as a boxer and Golden Gloves champion under the tutelage of famed trainer Cus D'Amato; as a companion to the dangerous, unpredictable Sammy "the Bull" Gravano, up until the day Gravano turned rat and brought down crime boss John Gotti; and as a trainer of champions and contenders, among them fourteen-year-old Mike Tyson and heavyweight Michael Moorer, whom he led to the crown with a win over Evander Holyfield.

Equally engrossing are Teddy Atlas's accounts of training dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp for her successful comeback at age forty-two; his work with actor Willem Dafoe, preparing him for his role as a concentration camp boxer in the film Triumph of the Spirit; his journey to Poland to choreograph the film's boxing scenes; and his own performance in movies such as Play It to the Bone. In sharing his stories, Atlas reveals the philosophy by which he lives.

Like Teddy Atlas -- inimitable, tough, honest, and wise -- this book inspires. It is about so much more than boxing. It is a story of overcoming hardships, of compassion for those in need, of tremendous personal integrity, and of personal and professional triumph.

Reviews

  • Honesty, strength, perspective

    5
    By rook56
    This is as good a sports biography as one can get theirs hands in. Atlas speaks from the soul. If you’re a fighter, then you know of the certain loneliness that comes along with the journey. The honesty shared in Teddy’s rendition of his life eases some of that.
  • Atlas Pulls No Punches

    5
    By Thelonious Orta
    I read Teddy’s book, Atlas: From the Streets to the Ring, back when it first came out and it was a game changer for me. He gave me deep insight into my inner man. As if he was personally training me to be his next great fighter. His book not only exposed my fears, but it also removed some bad habits I had developed mentally from a series of failures. After I finished that book, I ended up writing him a letter and he wrote me back a letter of encouragement. It’s still one of my prized possessions. I truly believe he’s a special human being and more of us should take advantage of his perspectives. And if you’re a Atlas fan, you will enjoy his new podcast.
  • ATLAS

    5
    By robert cordova
    I read several books a year while on the treadmill at heart rehab. This is the first book that I could not put down. I started it last Friday and just finished it. Thank you
  • A great read,even if you are not into sports

    5
    By rileymartin77
    I AM a huge boxing fan and respect the art of it, so I had to read this. I have always enjoyed Teddy's stories and could listen to him read a phone book, he is just THAT interesting. He is a throwback to another era and one of the few remaining pure boxing greats. Besides that, his story is a must read for ALL men, especially those that are or will soon become fathers. I am gonna give this to my dad to read.
  • Great!

    5
    By daniel placeres
    Great book , if a boxing fan this is a must!