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Joe DiMaggio: The Hero's Life (Abridged): The Heros Life Audiobook
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(3.55) - 22 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In the hard-knuckled thirties, Joe DiMaggio was the immigrant boy who made it big. He was the dominant star in the New York Yankees dynasty. As World War II loomed, Joltin' Joe launched a fifty-six game hitting streak -- and the nation literally sang his name. In the age of postwar ease and plenty, he became Broadway Joe, the icon of elegance and class -- marrying Marilyn Monroe, the most beautiful girl in America.
In 1962, when he lost that girl for good, Joe was everyman embarking on a decade of national bereavement. Joe DiMaggio was a mirror of our best self, but he was also the loneliest hero we ever had. A nation of fans would give him anything, but what he wanted most was to hide the life he chose.
In this groundbreaking biography, Richard Ben Cramer presents a stunning, often shocking portrait of the hero nobody knew. It is a story that sweeps through the twentieth century, bringing to light America's national game, movie stars, mobsters, as well as the birth -- and the price -- of modern national celebrity.
This is the story Joe DiMaggio never wanted to tell. It is the story of his grace and greed, his dignity, pride and his hidden shame.
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"Even though I can't stand the Yankees (2nd least favorite team in sports behind the SF Giants), this book was an excellent read. Anyone who knows a true baseball fan should get this book for them. Very well researched and written: very entertaining. "
— Eric (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“An extraordinary biography…This work will go down as one of the most definitive stories of a life and its times, sports or otherwise…You will not be disappointed.”
— Larry King -
“The most absorbing and readable sports biography in recent memory.”
— New York Times -
“Absolutely persuasive…Cramer is an all-star reporter…DiMaggio is rendered so vividly you almost want to look away.”
— Time -
For anyone who wants a meticulously researched, gracefully written exploration into the heart and mind of a hero—and the nation that loved him.”
— Entertainment Weekly -
“An often brilliant and deeply disturbing look into the rise of one of the country’s modern-day giants.”
— San Francisco Chronicle
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
Joe DiMaggio: The Hero's Life Listener Reviews
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" I am a huge baseball fan but this book failed to grab me at all. "
— Alex, 4/6/2011 -
" Really enjoyed this book. It portrayed a different view/look on Joltin' Joe that I hadn't heard before. Also appreciated the time it spent on Marilyn Monroe and then post baseball life. Very enjoyable read "
— Jonathan, 3/23/2011 -
" DeMaggio was kind of a jerk. "
— Dan, 3/17/2011 -
" I really enjoyed this audio book on 4 cassette tapes. Joe had a harder life than I ever imagined, but wow was he an amazing athlete. "
— Ed, 11/24/2010 -
" The life story of Joe DiMaggio, perhaps the best in baseball history. At least the best before steroids. Growing up dirt poor in the 30's he was quiet and shy but he always loved to play the game. And he loved the game his entire life. A moving story of a true hero. "
— Sherman, 7/18/2010 -
" pretty good, too long though. The author loves to hear himself speak. "
— J., 3/29/2010 -
" One of the most thorough and even-handed celebrity biographies I've come across. This is a great read. "
— Brian, 3/13/2010 -
" Bio of Gary Cooper of baseball. Well written. Not pro Joe. Interesting compilation of his life. "
— Kris, 1/28/2010 -
" It's simply amazing just how famous Joe D was. Modern day celebrities don't compare. A bit heavy on the baseball bit for those not into the game, but priceless if you are; there's a reason he was that famous--he was that good. "
— Tero, 1/25/2010 -
" I could have done with a bit less "reconstructing" of Joe's thoughts, but overall an enjoyable read. "
— Jonathan, 9/21/2009
About Richard Ben Cramer
Richard Ben Cramer won the Pulitzer Prize for Middle East reporting in 1979. His journalism has appeared in Time, Newsweek, the New York Times magazine, Esquire, and Rolling Stone. He is the author of How Israel Lost: The Four Questions and the classic of modern American politics What It Takes: The Way to the White House. He lives in Maryland.