The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson

This book is fantastic (and sometimes brutally honest) look at former NFL/MLB player Bo Jackson. It included a ton of information that I never knew about him, which makes sense considering the amount of research that went into it. I've been a long time fan of Pearlman's writing, and in my opinion, this is one of his best. There are parts in the book that make me understand why Bo turned down the chance to make it an authorized biography. At times, he doesn't come off as the larger than life superhero that a lot of people see him as. But, I can say this after finishing the book, that it was a fair representation of the man, with just as many anecdotes about positive things he did as negative. If you get the chance to read this, don't miss it.

This is, without a doubt, the best work of Jeff Pearlman's career. Combining exhaustive reporting with the deft touch of a writer at the height of his powers, this book tells the unbelievable but totally true story of one of the greatest athletes of his generation and the athletic feats that will live on forever (and almost certainly remain unmatched).

Tons of fun. Fascinating detailed account of an amazing athlete. He doesn't try and make Jackson look good when he doesn't deserve it. Fair in that sense. What I didn't like was the almost cartoon trashing of so many other main characters. Al Davis is all evil, all wrong, all the time. Same goes for a dozen other people who are part of the Jackson story. They just get trashed. For example, I accept that Davis was a bad egg, but he had to have done something right, sometime. As far the main focus, Jackson, the good writing in describing his feats is appreciated.

I have, and will, read every book that Jeff Perlman writes! He has a great writing style. It is like he is sitting next to you talking. As a sports fan, I knew "enough" about Bo. Certainly, the most dynamic athlete I have ever seen. This book exposed so much more of him. it has the parts of him most people won't like (arrogance, treating people like poop) and parts that most people will admire (empathy for others, especially his family). All in all a great read that I could not put down.

Oh my husband love this book so much because he loves Bo Jackson! He was always reading me some of the funny segments.

Down to the bone story of one of the greatest two sport athletes ever Well written

Growing up near(ish) Kansas City, and falling in love with the Royals at a very early age (they were good back then!), Bo Jackson was my hero. I saw the man do superhuman things that I wouldn't believe if they didn't happen right in front of my very eyes. The title "last folk hero," as it pertains to Bo, was coined by Joe Posnanski (who I wish had written the book); it means Bo was the last major phenomenon before the YouTube era with tall tales that no one is sure are true or not. And there are some amazing stories here, and many you haven't heard before. I knocked off a star because Pearlman's writing is too cutesy and gimmicky to suit me, and because the editing of the first edition was awful - so many typos and grammatical errors, including a reference to "George C. Patton" (obviously General cGeorge S. Patton, who was played by George C. Scott). I will say, though, that Pearlman did a fantastic job carrying through this project even though its (very complex) subject declined to be interviewed. If you're a Bo fan, and/or want to know more about this enigma, or have been asking "what could have been" since THAT game in January 1991, ignore my nitpicks and buy this book. As reclusive as Bo is now, this is the most definitive biography of him that we're likely to see. Now Bo knows unauthorized biographies!

Great book

Jeff Pearlman it's a guarantee.

Arrived quickly & in great condition Not read as is a gift

Buena narrativa

Loved Bo growing up and this book is great behind the scenes of the legend. Worth a read

Looking forward to reading this book, imagine what he could have done without that hip injury