ORB Review third Quarter

Third Quarter Outside Reading Book Review

What it Takes to be Number 1,Vince Lombardi Jr., McGraw Hill, 2001.

Genre: biography (son on father)

The story is about the life of Vince Lombardi. He is arguably the best coach in the history of the NFL. Therefore, the championship trophy is called the Lombardi trophy. This story talks about Vince’s life, what it was like to be his son, how he was as a coach and dad, and his thoughts on becoming a winner, on leadership, character, and integrity. Since it is a biography, there is not really a conflict or protagonist. Some of the settings in the story are New Jersey, Green Bay, Washington, West Point, and Fordham.

“[Vince Lombardi Jr.] distills the substance of the famous coach’s utterances and his living example into life lessons that anyone can use to become a better leader and better person… this book may inspire you to start a process of self discovery that could enrich your life and make you more effective at whatever you do.”

– Fort Worth Morning Star

Since the author is Vince Lombardi’s son, the way he writes has many opinions on his feelings. It has many life stories between him and his father like the time he dropped out of school. These stories make the book interesting. There are also many quotes from Vince Sr. in it. The author also adds in “Lombardi Rules”. These are thoughts that Vince thought such as Lombardi Rule 5- Align your values. Bring espoused values into congruence with practices- or else!

“Being considered a living legend was “embarrassing as the devil,” he told a Sports Illustrated writer. “No one really wants to be a legend,” he told another writer” (28).

After reading What it takes to be number one, I became a fan of Vince Lombardi. I figured out why they named the championship trophy the Lombardi Trophy. Also from reading this book, I learned what it really means to be a winner, not just on the field, but off the field as well. I now know what it takes to be a winner in all of the hard work and practice. As well, I learned how to be a leader dealing with motivation, character, and integrity. I also liked learning more about Lombardi and the true meaning of the Lombardi trophy. His life was interesting from starting at a high school, coaching at West Point, being an assistant for the Giants, going to the Packers and Redskins while raising his family of four. This was a great book!