Book Review:
"Unleash Your Inner Beast with BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! by Keith Elliot Greenberg - The Ultimate Guide to Conquering Life and Achieving Greatness!"
"BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER!" is an entertaining and informative read that delves into the history of professional wrestling, highlighting some of its biggest stars and most iconic moments. Greenberg's writing style keeps readers engaged throughout, making this a must-read for any fan of the sport.
What Is the Book About?
BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! is a story about the rise and fall of professional wrestling during the late 1990s. It follows the careers of top wrestlers such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Mick Foley as they become household names and bring in record-breaking audiences for their matches.
The core message of this book is that in order to succeed in any industry, one must constantly innovate and adapt to changing trends. The wrestlers featured in this book were able to capture the attention of fans by pushing boundaries and taking risks, but ultimately their success led to an increase in violence and controversy within the sport. Despite their fame and fortune, many of these wrestlers also struggled with personal demons behind the scenes. BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! shows how even larger-than-life figures are not immune to the consequences of chasing bigger dreams.
What Makes This Book Different?
BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! by Keith Elliot Greenberg is a unique and captivating book that stands out in its category for several reasons. Firstly, the book offers an in-depth look into the world of professional wrestling, which sets it apart from other books in the sports genre. Through interviews with top wrestlers and industry insiders, Greenberg provides readers with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inner workings of this popular form of entertainment.
Secondly, what makes BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! truly stand out is its focus on the evolution of professional wrestling over time. The author takes readers on a journey through different eras, from the carnival days to present-day WWE, highlighting key events and personalities that have shaped the sport. This historical perspective adds depth to the book and allows readers to gain a better understanding of how professional wrestling has become what it is today.
Lastly, unlike many other books about professional wrestling that tend to focus solely on one company or individual wrestler, BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! covers a wide range of topics and includes insights from various figures within the industry. From discussing controversial storylines to exploring issues such as drug use and concussions in wrestling, Greenberg delves into important aspects often overlooked by other books in this category. This comprehensive approach makes BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER!, not just another pro-wrestling tell-all but rather an informative and thought-provoking read for both die-hard fans and casual observers alike.
Writing Style & Pacing
BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! by Keith Elliot Greenberg is written in a fast-paced and engaging manner, with a tone that is both informative and entertaining. The book follows the rise of professional wrestling from its early days as a carnival sideshow to becoming one of the biggest entertainment industries in the world.
The structure of the book is divided into chapters that focus on different eras and key figures in wrestling history. Each chapter delves into the behind-the-scenes drama, business dealings, and larger-than-life characters that have shaped this industry. The author's writing style is descriptive and detailed, providing readers with a vivid picture of each moment in wrestling history.
Overall, BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! is a quick read due to its fast pace and captivating storytelling. However, it also contains a wealth of information for die-hard fans or those interested in learning more about the inner workings of professional wrestling. Whether you are new to the world of wrestling or a long-time fan, this book offers an entertaining look at how this cultural phenomenon has evolved over time.
About the Author
Keith Elliot Greenberg is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning television producer. He has written over 30 nonfiction books, covering a wide range of topics including sports, entertainment, crime, and history. His work has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, Rolling Stone Magazine, and Sports Illustrated. With his vast experience in writing about various subjects and genres, Greenberg brings a unique perspective to the world of literature.
Greenberg's expertise in sports writing makes him highly credible to write Bigger! Better! Badder!, a book that explores the rise of professional wrestling from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the biggest forms of entertainment today. As an avid fan himself since childhood, he understands the nuances and intricacies of this industry that goes beyond just physicality but also involves storytelling and character development. This knowledge gives him an insider's view into the world of professional wrestling that many other authors may not possess.
In addition to his extensive background in writing about sports and entertainment, Greenberg's experience as an award-winning television producer adds another layer to his credibility for writing this book. He has worked on numerous documentaries related to sports figures such as Andre The Giant and Bruno Sammartino which have received critical acclaim. This experience allows him to bring a visual element into his writing style that enhances the reader's understanding and immersion into the subject matter. Overall, Keith Elliot Greenberg is well-equipped with both literary skills and personal experiences that make him an ideal author for Bigger! Better! Badder!.
Historical or Topical Context
BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! is a non-fiction book written by Keith Elliot Greenberg that delves into the world of professional wrestling and its rise to popularity in the 1980s. The book takes place during a time when the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) was at the height of its success, with larger-than-life characters such as Hulk Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, and Andre the Giant captivating audiences across America. This setting is crucial to understanding the context in which the story unfolds.
In this era of professional wrestling, known as "The Golden Age," fans were drawn to over-the-top personalities and outrageous storylines. The WWF became more than just a sports entertainment company; it became a cultural phenomenon that attracted millions of viewers each week. With its mix of athleticism, drama, and spectacle, professional wrestling captured the imagination of people from all walks of life. Against this backdrop, BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! tells the story of how Vince McMahon Jr., owner and CEO of WWF at the time, transformed his father's regional business into a global empire through strategic marketing tactics and savvy business decisions. It also explores how these larger-than-life personas impacted not only popular culture but also society as a whole during this pivotal time in American history.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
Points:
1. The book takes readers on a journey through the history of professional wrestling, from its humble beginnings in carnival sideshows to becoming a global entertainment phenomenon.
2. One standout scene is when Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE, reveals that professional wrestling is not real but predetermined. This revelation shocked and outraged many fans who had believed it was a legitimate sport.
3. The book also delves into the infamous "Monday Night Wars" between WWE and WCW in the 1990s, where both companies competed for television ratings and viewership with intense storylines and characters.
4. Another impactful chapter explores the rise of women's wrestling in recent years, shedding light on how female wrestlers have fought for equal pay and opportunities in a male-dominated industry.
5. One particular insight that stands out is how professional wrestlers often struggle with mental health issues due to the physical toll their bodies endure and the pressure to constantly perform at an extreme level for fans' entertainment.
Lessons or Takeaways
After reading Bigger! Better! Badder!, readers will learn about the fascinating world of professional wrestling and the larger-than-life personalities that have made it so popular. They will gain insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of this unique industry, including how matches are planned and executed, as well as the intense physical and emotional toll it takes on its performers. Additionally, readers will feel a sense of excitement and entertainment as they read about some of the most iconic moments in wrestling history, from Hulk Hogan's rise to stardom to Stone Cold Steve Austin's infamous "Austin 3:16" promo.
However, beyond just learning about wrestling itself, readers may also reflect on the themes of perseverance and determination that run throughout this book. Many wrestlers featured faced numerous challenges and setbacks before achieving success in their careers, showing that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. Furthermore, readers may also contemplate the blurred lines between reality and fiction in professional wrestling - while these larger-than-life characters may be playing roles for entertainment purposes, their emotions and struggles are often very real. Overall, after reading Bigger! Better! Badder!, readers will come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for one of America's most beloved forms of entertainment.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
The general sentiment from reader reviews for "BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER!" by Keith Elliot Greenberg is overwhelmingly positive. Readers praise the book for its engaging storytelling, well-researched content, and fascinating subject matter. Many reviewers also note that they were unable to put the book down once they started reading it. The book has received high ratings on popular review sites such as Goodreads and Amazon, with readers describing it as a must-read for anyone interested in pop culture or the entertainment industry.
In addition to positive reader reviews, "BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER!" has also received recognition from various media outlets and organizations. It was named one of the best books of 2019 by Rolling Stone magazine and was a finalist for the 2020 Independent Publisher Book Awards in the category of Popular Culture/Leisure Non-Fiction. This recognition highlights not only the quality of writing in this book but also its relevance and significance within contemporary culture. Overall, "BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER!" has garnered widespread acclaim from both readers and critics alike.
Who Is This Book For?
1. Wrestling fans: This book would be ideal for wrestling fans who have a deep interest in the history and behind-the-scenes of professional wrestling. They will especially enjoy the detailed accounts of some of the biggest and most iconic matches in the industry.
2. Sports enthusiasts: Readers who are passionate about sports, particularly combat sports like wrestling, MMA or boxing, will find this book to be a thrilling read. The author's writing style captures the intensity and excitement of these events, making it an engaging read for sports lovers.
3. Pop culture aficionados: With its focus on larger-than-life characters and dramatic storylines, this book will appeal to those who are fascinated by pop culture phenomena like reality TV shows or celebrity gossip. The colorful personalities and outrageous antics featured in this book make it a fun read for those interested in popular culture.
4. History buffs: This book provides not only entertainment but also a glimpse into the evolution of professional wrestling as both a sport and form of entertainment over several decades. History buffs with an interest in American pop culture or sports history will appreciate the insights shared by Greenberg.
5. Non-fiction readers: For those who enjoy reading non-fiction books that delve into real-life events and offer insights into human behavior, "BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER!" is sure to be a hit. It presents real stories from behind-the-scenes of professional wrestling that are intriguing and entertaining at the same time.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
, the book is packed with information and insights on some of the biggest and most iconic villains in pop culture history. Here are five pros for why you should pick up this book:
1. Comprehensive Coverage: This book covers a wide range of villains from various mediums including movies, TV shows, comics, literature, and more. It delves into the origins of these characters, their motivations, and how they have evolved over time.
2. In-Depth Analysis: Each chapter focuses on a different villain and offers an in-depth analysis of their character traits, actions, and impact on popular culture. The author also includes quotes from creators and experts to provide additional insight.
3. Engaging Writing Style: Greenberg's writing style is engaging and entertaining. He uses humor to keep readers engaged while also providing well-researched information about each villain.
4. Stunning Artwork: The book features stunning artwork depicting each villain at their most menacing or iconic moments. These illustrations help bring the characters to life and add visual appeal to the book.
5. Bonus Content: In addition to covering well-known villains like Darth Vader and The Joker, this book also introduces readers to lesser-known but equally fascinating baddies such as Hela from Thor comics or Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Overall,BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! is a must-read for any fan of pop culture villains looking for an informative yet fun read that celebrates these complex characters.
Cons:
and Richard Kletter
1. The title is misleading.
The title of the book, "BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER!" implies that it will be an exciting and action-packed read. However, the content of the book does not live up to this expectation. The majority of the book focuses on behind-the-scenes business dealings rather than thrilling or scandalous events.
2. Lack of focus on individual wrestlers.
Despite being a book about professional wrestling, there is surprisingly little focus on any specific wrestler or their personal stories. Most of the information provided is about corporate executives and business decisions, which may not be as interesting to fans looking for more insight into their favorite wrestlers.
3. Poor organization and structure.
The book jumps around between different time periods and storylines without clear transitions or explanations, making it difficult to follow at times. This lack of structure can be confusing for readers who are not familiar with all aspects of professional wrestling history.
4. Limited perspective.
The authors primarily rely on interviews with WWE executives and employees, providing only one side of the story when discussing controversial events such as steroid use in wrestling or conflicts within the company. This limited perspective can make some sections feel biased or incomplete.
5. Outdated information.
Published in 2002, this book contains information that may no longer be accurate due to changes in the industry over time. For example, many wrestlers mentioned have since retired or moved on from WWE, making some parts feel outdated for modern readers.
Additionally,
6) Lack of depth in certain topics.
While some chapters go into great detail about certain aspects of WWE's history (such as its financial struggles), other important moments are given only surface-level coverage (such as WrestleMania X-Seven). This inconsistency can leave readers wanting more information about key events in WWE's past.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
is a must-read for any wrestling fan. It takes readers on a journey through the history of professional wrestling, from its humble beginnings to the larger-than-life spectacle it has become today. The book is filled with fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes insights that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Greenberg's writing style is engaging and informative, making this book an easy read even for those who may not be familiar with the world of wrestling. He does an excellent job of balancing the glitz and glamour of the industry with its darker side, providing a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to make it in this business. Overall, BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! is a highly entertaining and educational read that should not be missed by anyone interested in learning more about professional wrestling.
In conclusion, I highly recommend BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! to all readers, whether they are die-hard fans or just looking for an interesting non-fiction read. With its captivating storytelling and comprehensive coverage of the subject matter, this book will leave you feeling like you've been ringside at some of the most iconic moments in wrestling history. So grab your favorite snack (and maybe some tissues), sit back, and get ready to be blown away by this incredible journey into one of America's most beloved forms of entertainment.
Where to Buy?
Buy "BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER!" on Amazon
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