Review: I'm A Mark: Dreams and Destiny Of A Wrestling Fan By Fred Esposito

I'm A Mark: Dreams and Destiny Of A Wrestling Fan

Fred Esposito, Bryan Alvarez (Foreword)

Create Space Independent Publishing, 2016

Paperback, Ebook

Note: I thoroughly enjoyed I'm A Mark: Dreams and Destiny of a Wrestling Fan by Fred Esposito, however, the star rating system that I have employed since setting up this blog, would not necessarily reflect this accurately. This is not a reflection of the work, but of the rubric by which I rate books. I can only compare this work to a movie or match that, though it might lack the technical aspects that make a great movie or a five star match, I truly like and re-watch periodically. Therefore, I have opted to not rate this title, though I highly reccomend it. - KM        

Released: When It Was Big Time By Rock Rims

When It Was Big Time: A 100 Hundred Year History of Northern California Wrestling by Rock Rims was released in late 2016. The self published book chronicles over a century of professional wrestling in and around the San Francisco territory. Over 300 pages with over 200 photographs. 

The book, already in its third printing, is available at the link below:

When It Was Big Time

Note: Ali vs. Inoki Wins Wrestling Observer Book of the Year 2016

Josh Gross' Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainment picks up the 2016 Wrestling Observer Award for Best Pro Wrestling Book. Runners up were: Accepted by Pat Patterson and Rowdy: The Roddy Piper Story by Ariel and Colt Toombs.

Review will be posted in the coming days.

Available at Amazon USA CAN UK

Released: I'm A Mark Dreams And Destiny of A Wrestling Fan By Fred Esposito

I'm A Mark: Dreams and Destiny of a Wrestling Fan by Fred Esposito with a foreword by Wrestling Observer / Figure Four Weekly's Bryan Alvarez was released in the Fall of 2016. I'm A Mark is the autobiographical account of a long-time wrestling fan who fell short of attaining his dream of working for the WWE. For an independent release, the book has been generating a fair bit of internet buzz. It is available on ebook and paperback. 

Available at Amazon. USA CAN

New Releases: Bad To The Bone by Ron Starr

Territorial wrestler "Rotten" Ron Starr released his autobiography Bad To The Bone: 25 Years of Riots and Wrestling a couple of months back. Written with Rock Rims and featuring a foreword from Mick Foley. Starr was one of the most sought after names in the territory days and worked in every majore territory in the country during his over 25 years in the industry.

Available for order here.

New Releases: Ryback Reeves & Ric Drasin

Former WWE Superstar Ryback released Wake Up It's Feeding Time earlier this month.

Wrestler, bodybuilder, actor, Ric Drasin has also released The Time of My Life in late 2016.

Both titles have been added to the Amazon Store.  USA CA

Review: Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE By Pat Patterson w. Bertrand Hebert

Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE

By Pat Patterson, Bertrand Hebert, Vince McMahon (Foreword)

ECW Press, 2016

Hardcover, Ebook

Pat Patterson is a true legend in the world of professional wrestling. Widely considered to be one of the best creative minds in the industry's history, Patterson was also one of the top in-ring performers in the territorial era. A successful singles and tag wrestler (most notably with Ray Stevens) Patterson truly made his mark after joining the WWF/E as a wrestler -- he was he first WWF Intercontinental Champion - and later as a key player behind the scenes. Accepted is Patterson's first book, it is co-written by Bertrand Hebert (Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screwjobs) and features a foreword by Vince McMahon.

Accepted was one of 2016's most anticipated releases. Patterson, often referred to as Vince McMahon's second in command during a very dynamic period in wrestling history, is in a very unique position to relate stories about the era. He is also seen as one of the best

Review: A Star Shattered: The Rise And Fall Of Wrestling Diva By Tammy Sytch

A Star Shattered: The Rise And Fall Of Wrestling Diva

By Tammy "Sunny" Sytch

Riverdale Avenue Books, 2016

Paperback, Ebook

Tammy Sytch was a very prominent professional wrestling personality in the mid/late 1990s.  While also known for her tenures in SMW, ECW and WCW, it was during her role as Sunny in the pre-Attitude Era WWF/E that Sytch became a household name for wrestling fans. In the years since leaving the wrestling industry, Sytch has battled numerous personal issues.  A Star Shattered is Sytch's first book.

On the positive side, Sytch pulls very few punches with this book. She is very open with her memories and emotions regarding her pre, during and post wrestling life.  Uncommon to many books written by ex-wrestlers, especially those who have struggled after departing the industry, Sytch's passion for the business remains very apparent.  While she may have a case for post-wrestling bitterness, her love for wrestling - both as a fan and successful mainstream performer - remains evident. For the most part, the book is a very easy read.