Book Description

Scores of American women are leading double lives. By day they are librarians, financial analysts, bartenders, teachers, and even mothers; by night their athletic alter egos assume their authority with monikers such as Helen Wheels, Dirty Britches, Anna Mosity, and Assaultin' Pepa. They lace up their skates, slide into racy racing uniforms, and adorn a full set of protective gear. One of America's greatest sports is back-roller derby.

In Roller Derby, readers will encounter roller derby in its various incarnations, from the original Depression-era games through the days of Roller Jam to its current revival.

What started as a dance-a-thon-style test of endurance has evolved into a unique sport that exemplifies point-scoring, body-checking, speed, blood, punches, and miles and miles of personality and style. Punctuated throughout the book are derby vignettes: stories from old-school and new-school girls, the process of selecting a derby name and style, the artistic element to logos and uniforms, so-gruesome-you-just-have-to-look injuries, what's legal during a bout and-more importantly-what's not, and much more.

Encircling the story of roller derby are vintage promo paraphernalia and histori-cal photographs, as well as stunning, full-color and black-and-white, modern-day shots of the women, the bouts, and the sport.
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Customer Reviews (5)

Roller Derby
This was a very informative read. If you are interested in starting to Derby or just becoming a fan check it out.


DD Hunter
Stateline Roller Derby Diva

I need to carry this book with me at all times!
I absolutely love this book!
I have been playing roller derby for almost 3 years and never have I found something that so completely and beautifully illustrates what this sport is to me and what I love about it-- I feel like I need to keep it with me at all times so I can show it to strangers who ask me about derby.The book explains it so much better than I can.
The pictures are gorgeous, and obviously shot and selected by people who know and love derby. Granted, it is a coffee table book, but for someone who wants to know what roller derby is but doesn't have the time to commit to a novel and just wants to get the basic gist and leaf through pages and pages of phtographic eye candy, this book is perfect. This book is a must-have for any derby girl or derby fan, or family member or friend who wants to know what all the fuss is about.
Catherine Mabe knows derby, knows the derby community, and in general just knows what she's talking about. Her book is lovely. Buy it!

great research and photos
bad news first:
as a skater i'd have to say that i appreciated the book by melicious a bit more, it was a bit more inspiring and informational for a roller girl active in the sport.as willy callit sez, the captions could've been a bit more descriptive, but as that wasn't what the book was about that's more of a personal preference and not really a flaw.again, another personal preference would've been to see more national representation of current leagues, this one seems REALLY centered in the western conference.if you're an eastern girl and are looking for familiar faces, you probably won't see any unless you travel around a lot.
BUT this book has really great photography, i mean it's really, really nice.it's supported by thorough research and is a quality read.i definitely enjoyed it and am glad i bought it.if you want to know more about the origins of derby yesterday and today, and get up to date on how the game is played, you really need to read this one.recommended, for sure!

Roller Derby by Catherine Mabe
This book gives the history of roller derby from the begining in 1935 to the present. It is an easy read with wonderful pictures. This is the perfect book if you would like to learn how the flat track roller derby revolution came to be.

This is the book that skaters should give their friends and family
I am a roller derby referee, "Willy Callit," having gotten my start with the Lonestar Rollergirls of Texas, the league that began the modern roller derby revival.I am currently an independent roller derby referee in the Pacific Northwest.

Ms. Mabe and Speck press have produced a beautifully photographed and well researched book on the origins of derby through the modern (mostly) flat track revival.This book is the one a skater should hand her family when asked, "Roller derby?Why on earth do you want to do that?"

That said, it's essentially a coffee table book, scaled down.Those actually involved in the sport will be disappointed in its relatively simplistic treatment of material.A particular peeve of mine is that many of the skaters in the photos, many of whom are personal friends, are not adequately identified in either the text or captions.Although not really relevant to a book of this scope I'm disappointed that the skaters did not get more recognition beyond "Strong Rollergirl."

But of course, this is clearly not what the book is trying to be.This book is for the individual who attends one or two bouts, or has friends who attend on a casual basis, and wants to know more.It's for those who have vague recollection of sitting in front of the Philco black and white set on weekends watching the mixed-gender old schoolers tear it up and want to find out what happened to the sport in the intervening forty years or so.It's for those otherwise unfamiliar who want to get a feel for what the sport of Derby is about, as well as a little bit of eye candy along the way.

As such, it works well and I consider it an excellent addition to my collection.But I will not likely be re-reading it, more likely I will be loaning it to those benighted individuals among my cronies and co-workers who simply don't get what all of the derby fuss is about.For that purpose, I'd rate it top notch. ... Read more

Book Description
The 1950s phenomenon of Roller Derby is back in full force, and it's definitely not your grandma's game anymore. With leagues in more than one hundred cities across the country, a national tournament, and major sponsors, the new wave of the sport has gone mainstream. No one is better qualified to tell the story of Flat Track Derby's astronomic rise than Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan. As a founding member of the Texas Rollergirls -- the league that launched the sport and the reigning national champions -- she has helped redefine what it means to be stylish, sporty, and sexy.

With her mouthy, tough-as-nails style, Melicious recounts her best tales from the track: her fierce rivalries with The Wrench and Ivanna S. Pankin, the scene at the annual national tournament, the thrill of a bout, and the infractions that so often bring her to the penalty box. From the minute she first laced up her skates and wrapped herself in her alter ego, Roller Derby has given her a confidence boost, and she shares the positive impact the sport has also had on girls -- young and not-so-young -- who tack posters of her on their bedroom walls and lace up their own skates.

Complete with photos and suggestions on how to develop a Rollergirl name and persona, this unprecedented tell-all comes from the woman who's watched the sport evolve from an underground Friday-night event to a bona fide national phenomenon.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

A fun, interesting read!
This book was so hard to put down that I read it in one day. It explained the inner workings of derby and motivated me to skate even faster and hit even harder!

-Madame Switchblade #75
Rogue Rollergirls, Fayetteville, NC

Disappointing
While Melicious' book does provide some insight into the modern roller derby revival, "Totally True" it's not.It is factual - that is to say there is nothing "made up," but she was under no obligation to apply journalistic standards of balance and integrity to her book.The facts that she did select reflect this.

A great inside look at today's derby.
This book was just what I needed. I just started as freshmeat with the Philly Roller Girls and read this book before I went to tryouts. It gave me an inside look at what I might expect in the derby world. Reading about Melissa's experience coming into her league and starting from scratch was really inspiring. She explains what it takes to be a derby girl, what to expect, how tough it all really is, and how rewarding it and the derby community can be. I definitely recommend this book if you're at all interested in the most recent derby revolution. It's taking over and it's awesome!

Roller Derby Rocks
Amazing, witty and informative.Melicious' book taught me new ways to practice, ways to perfect my persona and even how to develop an awesome signature for autographs.This book is amazing for girls just starting their derby adventure and for girls that have been in the "biz" for years.I ate it UP!Ace Face, Star City Rollergirls. Roanoke, VA.

I am officially inspried!Thanks, Melicious!
I attended the very same roller derby bout that inspired Melicious to become a rollergirl.I was awed and wildly entertained by the spectacle of roller derby and really wanted to join up myself.Unlike Melicious I was too scared to do something that looked like soooo much fun. The girls out there just looked so intense.I just didn't think there was any way I could do something like that.I've continued to attend roller derby and have enjoyed the heck out of it.But, I always wished I had the courage to try-out.

So, when I received 'Rollergirl' as a present last month I was thrilled to read about a sport that I enjoyed watching so much.I'm happy to say that I loved this book.It's fun, and entertaining, with tons of great stories about the early days of the roller derby revival.I enjoyed reading about all the behind-the-scenes stuff, and the fun stories of roller derby drama.

The best part, is that this book inspired me to finally pursue my dream of being a rollergirl.The way Melicious describes her league and her fellow rollergirls made them seem strong, but also human.The more I read, the more I realized that roller derby is full of regular chicks just like me. They practice hard, and they skate like demons but they are real people.So, I'm officially inspired to try-out.I've got my speed skates, skate lessons, and tons of gear.I've also got butterflies in my stomach and a whole lot of admiration for Melicious for showing me that I could do something I really wanted to do.

Thanks! ... Read more

Book Description
Meet Bliss Cavendar, a blue haired, indie-rock loving misfit stuck in the tiny town of Bodeen, Texas.Her pageant-addicted mother expects her to compete for the coveted Miss Blue Bonnet crown, but Bliss would rather feast on roaches than be subjected to such rhinestone tyranny.Bliss' escape? Take up Roller Derby.When she discovers a league in nearby Austin, Bliss embarks on an epic journey full of hilarious tattooed girls, delicious boys in bands, and a few not-so-awesome realities even the most bad-assed derby chick has to learn. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A funny, light-hearted teen read
I loved this book. Bliss and her best friend, Pash, are hip hilarious characters. The teen storyline is fresh, yet realistic. I loved the roller derby setting and Shauna Cross nailed it on the way the sport makes a girl feel. I can't wait to see the movie! (Whip It! is being directed by Drew Barrymore)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
While wandering through the young adult section of my local library, I came across DERBY GIRL. I had seen the book in the bookstore on other occasions but never bought it. I picked it up at the library and took it home with me. Not knowing what to expect, I started reading, and was instantly enthralled by the life of Bliss Cavender.

Fans of A&E's Rollergirls will especially enjoy this book.

Bliss is too big for Bodeen, Texas. Bliss is a sixteen-year-old high school student that can't wait to get out of her small town. Her mom is obsessed with beauty pageants, and expects Bliss to follow in her footsteps. However, Bliss is better known for receiving the "certificate of participation" rather than the tiara. She is more comfortable in her 80's thrift store T-shirts rather than teased hair and evening gowns.

On a shopping trip to the big city of Austin, Bliss snags a flyer advertising Roller Derby. In her younger days, Bliss was pretty good on four wheels, and she hatches a plot with her friend, Pash, to sneak back to Austin (an hour from Bodeen) for try-outs. After a shaky start on skates, Bliss soon remembers the feel of the wheels under her feet and is totally addicted.

Sneaking out twice a week under the guise of an SAT-prep course, Bliss soon becomes Babe Ruthless and a fan favorite for the Austin Roller Derby scene.

Covering the topics of fitting in, parental disagreements, first love, and finding out who you are meant to be, DERBY GIRL does not disappoint. The story moves quickly without any needless sidelines to interrupt the plot. Ms. Cross's style is hip and spunky. She uses many slang phrases as well as abbreviations to keep in touch with the teen audience.

Bliss is a lot of fun and independent. It's refreshing to read a story where the lead character is comfortable with who she is meant to be and stays true to herself the entire way through the story.

Reviewed by:Jaglvr

Wonderful Read!
I read Derby Girl one evening after work.It had been a rough day and this was a perfect read to lift my spirits.I fell in love with the characters and the relationships each of them has with one another.It is a quick, easy read and I finished it feeling satisfied and excited by the story!I look forward to more books by Shauna Cross.She is a talented writer and storyteller.

DERBY GIRLS TEEN SPIRIT RINGS THROUGH :) TRUE
Shauna Cross in all her youthful wisdom has captured the teen experience and created a window into that world....combine a rocking story of escape from the adolescent doldrums with cool music, roller derby and hot guys and you've got Bliss and Pash, two of your new best friends...and when their tale comes to an end, believe me, YOU WILL MISS THEM SOOOOO MUCH!
I sure do.
A MUST READ for all young ladies. Full of tidbits of wisdom and solutions to various parental permission roadblocks. I LOVE DERBY GIRL.

Not just for teens
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Bliss and the other characters in this book.It is a great character study of teenage life in the new millennium.If you love music, roller derby, or Austin Texas, you will enjoy this book.And it's not just for teens.It would make a great movie! ... Read more

Book Description
After tightening her laces with shaking hands, Lottie glanced at the other skaters, who had already rolled awkwardly around the big track. Each skater’s unsteady movements made a low rumble sound that reverberated throughout the empty Armory. The pounding of skates on the wooden surface made it difficult to hear normal voices. The skaters glided and stretched their legs; up on the big track each person appeared larger than life. Lottie noticed that the guys looked so much bigger and faster than the small group of girls. Maybe, she thought, her father was right.

Customer Reviews (4)

Roller Babes tells it like it is.
Roller Babes takes the reader deep into the world of Roller Derby. While this sport is fasinating in of it self, it is the characters that exsist in this book that help drive it. Lottie is a very relatable and likelable character, as she pushes forward, following her dream even as those around her fall and fight. It is her passion and love of trying to better herself that makes her so great. Lottie sees roller derby as the way she can become the type of person she always wanted to be, strong and confident and doing what she loves. This book really captures the spirit of roller derby. This sport is full of colorful characters who all have their own unquie reasons for getting into RD. But the one thing that connects that all is a drive, a sisterhood that keeps them coming back day after day.

Rollerbabes captures that love, and presents it in all of its forms, good and bad.

"Roller Babes" is a bit off track

It's 1952 and fifteen year old, Lottie Karla Zimmerman, neighborhood tomboy does not fit in anywhere.She has a couple of friends in the Brooklyn neighborhood but usually feels the taunts and shame from boys and others because of her appearance.Home isn't any better where she tries to shield her much younger sisters from her father's drunken outburst.The only respite at home is when her Father leaves and the rest of the family gathers in front of the TV. On one such night, she is sees a broadcast of a roller derby match.

"Lottie drew even closer to the screen.Something shifted insider of her, thoughts filled with excitement.Images of herself, being one of them, part of an all-girls team awoke within her." Page 9.

Driven by a belief that the women of an all women team would be a family to her as well as a ticket out of a life she does not want, Lottie begins to pursue a future in Roller Derby. A future where she will be hated for being new, physically challenged by the rigorous demands of her sport, and made to suffer in everyway possible as she works to fulfill her dream of being the best at her sport.

What follows is an overall interesting and slow moving read that chronicles the next six years in her life as she finds out first hand that things would be far different than she imagined.Her personal pain, while the reader is repeatedly told how upset she is and how much it hurts, rarely comes through for the reader. Lottie is a somewhat stereotypical character with little development over the years as drawn as are most of the characters throughout the novel. Emotions while depicted repeatedly never really work. This flaw is glaringly obvious early in the novel in regards to the suicide of a friend and fellow teammate and her boyfriend. An area that could have been explored is virtually ignored and while the reader is told how much it hurts, before long Lottie has moved on.

The novel also lacks a significant secondary storyline. While it is not mandatory by any means to have a secondary storyline, if one is begun it should be used throughout the work. In this case the secondary storyline involves the "gruff but kind at heart" rink manager who is used to detail a back-story that abruptly ends without resolution in the first third of the work. That storyline should have been removed since it was not used in order to speed up the work and move Lottie forward in her own story.

A story, despite the criticisms involving the storytelling, is overall interesting. Using her experiences, the author paints a world where Lottie and many of her teammates succeed despite racism, homophobia, economics, injury and a host of other problems.In so doing, the author immerses the reader through extensive detail into the world of the roller derby.


Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2006

Feel the power of a womans spirit and determination
Bordner gives us the exciting story of one womans rise to fame in Roller Babes in the 1950's, a time when such things were unheard of. This entertaining read will take you back to the all-girls roller derby sub-culture. Read about the struggle of Lottie as she rises from a poor Bronx neighborhood into stardom as a Roller Derby Queen. Her amazing spirit and determination inspire you and you won't be able to put this book down. This book is vividly real and a compelling read.

Roller Babes
This is a wonderful, moving story.You don't have to be a Roller Derby fan to appreciate it.It ranks up there with the baseball movie, A League of Their Own, although Roller Babes is far superior.

Without giving away the story, it has it all (action, humor, adventure, prejudices, romance, tear jerker).I love the way the author was able to bring me so visually into the story.I really felt like I was back in the 1950's where the story was set.

This is really a unique and wonderful "coming of age" story for young and old readers alike. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (13)

A FUN READ
For those who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 60's and early 70's will enjoy this book especially if you were a fan of Roller Derby. It brings back so many memories of all those skaters who gave me their entertainment best.Like pro-wrestling, Roller Derby became more of a sports-entertainment over the years but the performers were still top-rate athletes.A great read.

GRAND SLAM! The Roller Derby fan's Almanac!
It's surprising a book is out there--what's more surprising is that it's entertainingly written.You just can't put it down.Full of great stories and beautiful photos.Includes a section on RollerJam that is veryinformative.If you ever watched the Bay Bombers week after week, you mustget this one!

The Best RollerJam/RollerDerby book ever!
This was the best book I ever read. It helped me relize all the stuff that gose on in RJ. And as I big fan, and still am, I was stoked!Wow, all RJ fans or soon to be RJ fans should read this book!

It brought back wonderful childhood memories.
I enjoyed reading about a time that I remember & the people I idolized.I would have liked a little more info on some of the past starssuch as Gerry Murry, Gene Gammon, The Atkinson's, Ken Monti, LuLu Palermo& other skaters from that era.However, I did enjoy the book & sodid my mother.We used to go to the Armory in NYC every Thursday night. It was our night out together. The pictures & history were great.

Go Coppage!
I can't think of someone more qualified to write on this subject.I was going to read it and then I said to myself, "Why bother?" :)Great title! ... Read more

Product Description
Former professional Roller Derby skater, referee, photographer and fan, Jim Fitzpatrick spent years compiling a huge collection of memorabilia of the original Roller Derby along with some of the outlaw leagues which sprang up over the years.Now for the first time he gives a glimpse into the wild world of banked track mayhem with many rare and never before seen photos.A number of photos had been given to him by his friend and Roller Derby legend, Ann Calvello.Ann wrote the forward to the book.Also a number of soon to be classic photos taken by Jonathan Perry, famed Roller Derby photographer, are included along with a few the author had taken over the years.
Enjoy this look back on a sport which refuses to die.The original Roller Derby ended in 1973 but today still lives on in a number of variations, including the all-girl leagues which now number in the thirties. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Roller derby....A Classic it is
I really enjoyed Jim Fitzpartick's book. I was good to see pictures of the good old days of Roller Derby and not what a joke promoters have turn it into. I attended every game held at the old Cleveland arena in the late 60's and earlt 70's and never heard profanity out of the IRDL skaters. When the lame T-Birds showed up the scene changed. Thanks a million Jim for the wonderful memories.

Roller Derby Classics and more!
This is a wonderful pictorial history on the original Roller Derby.It brought back many fond memories, not only of the game but the people who skated it.What added to the book was the fact you could tell how much the author loved the sport.After growing up a fan, he tells of later became a professional skater and then a referee.He even included many wonderful photographs he personally took at many of the games along with some behind the scenes shots.

I especially loved seeing the early days of the sport long before I was born.I also appreciated the captions below the photos explaining who the skaters were, the locations and years involved.Often other books included wonderful photographs but supply no helpful info to let you know where or when it took place.

I know the price may be a little steep, but as a collector I have purchased single photos or magazines on E-Bay for over $25 a piece.A book like this containing hundreds of wonderful photos is well worth it!

This is a must book for anyone who grew up loving the Roller Derby.Here's to the good old days!

A Must For Every Roller Derby Fan!
There isn't alot written on the subject of Roller Derby.As a matter of fact, there isn't much written in this book, Roller Derby Classics.However what little is written is not only entertaining, it gives a brief background into this author's career as a Roller Derby skater & referee.It also has an introduction ( A Rather Colorful One!) by Ann Calvello, and is written as though she is standing next to you, in a conversation!
The pictures have a caption on the bottom.It is brief yet with the picture tells a thousand stories and brings back many a fond memorary for this Roller Derby fan!Yes, the price of the book is abit steep.However for what it is worth, I am not disappointed by Fitzpatrick's work to make this book possible for ever Roller Derby fan, and those interested in Roller Derby!It is worth every penny!Or worth saving your pennies for!

The BEST photo book on roller derby ever published
This is the best and only professional photo journal of the game known as roller derby. It is full of rare photo's that I have never seen before, documenting many decades of the sport through the images of some of it's greatest skating stars.

I have my copy on my living room coffee table. Everyone who visits always picks it up, and enjoy reliving their fondest memories of this very popular sport. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Los Angeles Business Journal, published by Thomson Gale on November 6, 2006. The length of the article is 671 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Roller Derby skaters come back in style.(Up Front)('Derby Dolls')
Author: Anne Riley-katz
Publication: Los Angeles Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 6, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 28Issue: 45Page: 3(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
P>More than 30 knitting patterns with a daring roller derby edge

Toni Carr (Indianapolis, IN), known as Joan of Dark #5 when she's skating with the Naptown Roller Girls, is a passionate knitter and crocheter. Toni has appeared on the DIY show Uncommon Threads. She and her team have filmed an episode of Knitty Gritty that is scheduled to air on the DIY network in spring 2008. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

From The Eyes Of A Roller Derby Fan
I have all three of the Roller Derby books...Five Strides On The Banked Track...Roller Derby To RollerJam, and this book.Although it isn't as complete into the hsitory of Roller Derby, it does focus on a few of the ones who were the trendsetters of the banked track sport.Profiles of Charlie O'Connell, Ken Monte, Buddy Atkinson Sr., his wife Bobbie, Joanie Weston, Ronnie Robinson, and the two original voices of Roller Derby.Ken Nydell and Walt Harris.Great photos of the past.Must be included with the other mentioned books! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Reprint Or Update Is In Order!
Frank Deford did us one injustice!He never wrote another book about Roller Derby.If anyone could bring the excitment and drama of the banked track, with an understanding of it's history into a fast moving book, Frank Deford deserves an A+.A true must have for any banked track skating fan, or sports fan in general!

I LOVED READING ABOUT MY DAD !
THIS WAS A GREAT BOOK. THERE ISN'T VERY MANY BOOKS ABOUT
ROLLER DERBY OUT THERE, SO IF YOU WANT TO READ A REAL LIFE
HARD KNOCKS BOOK ABOUT, IT THIS IS THE ONE. GREAT JOB MR. Deford!

Excellent History of Roller Derby
This book is a must have if you were a fan of the IRDL's Roller Derby. The behind the scenes history of the sport and its skaters is excellent reading. It's too good to be out of print. Someone should reprint this bookso that all Roller Derby fans can have their own copy.

Derby the way it was.
If you were a fan of the original Roller Derby--and not Roller Games, or what it turned into--this is the book to find.If you can buy a copy, do so.Tells the whole story til about 1970.O'Connell, Joanie, Calvello, Ronnie Robinson, Jerry Seltzer--the whole gang's here at their zenith. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Coast Guard Magazine, published by Thomson Gale on February 1, 2007. The length of the article is 1038 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Roller Coastie: MLC Atlantic yeoman on wild ride with local roller derby team.(Logbook)
Author: Kip Wadlow
Publication: Coast Guard Magazine (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 2007Issue: 2Page: 36(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by Thomson Gale on May 9, 2007. The length of the article is 970 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Retro fitness.(Recreation)(Roller derby racers bring on enthusiasm, agility)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: May 9, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: A1

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
The Magazine That Brings Back the Good Times.Features articles on: Roller Derby, Kite Flying, Washday Woes, Cigar Bands, Growing up in a Candy Store, High-End Hats, Logging Camp life in the 20's ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Semka:the Sammy Skobel Story written by Sammy
I would reccommend this book to ANYONE but especially to parents and their children.This is truly a book for young and old.

I have the privledge of having known Sammy since I was a kid in Mount Prospect, Ill and I have never met a more determined, hard working and dedicated man in my life.I remember the first time I walked into his little hot dog shop across from the middle school that I went to and ordered one of his great tasting dogs and saw him at the grill with his face only inches from the hot surface and I did'nt know untill later that he was legally blind.This book is a story of courage and determination beyond belief and I would recommend buying several and giving them as gifts to family and friends.I talked with Sammy and his wonderful wife about a year ago as he still lives in Mount Prospect and even then I learned things about this wonderful man that was not in his book.This is one of the top 3 books I have ever read and I am 59 and love to read.

You won't believe what this man has accomplished in his life.

Blind Ambition
This is an incredible story of love and determination.Sammy Skobel lost most of his vision at the age of four due to Scarlet Fever.He went on to be a star skater in the Roller Derby during its peak on prime-time television in the late 40's and 50's, until retiring in 1965.Legally blind, Sammy fooled many of his colleagues for years.A great story about overcoming a disability. ... Read more