Ski to Die: The Bill Johnson Story

by Jennifer Woodlief

Book Overview

Bill Johnson took the world by storm at the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics, coming out of nowhere to win the first American gold medal in downhill skiing. He went on to dominate the World Cup races... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1578602483
• ISBN13: 9781578602483
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Clerisy Press, Emmis Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent treatment of the complex components of a sports legend

This book succeeds at the very difficult exploration of both the factual achievements of a sports legend, and the psychological traumas and demons that may, or may not, have driven him to those achievements. The author lets the reader draw their own conclusions while weaving a thoughtful, interesting and compelling tale of one man's life, his compulsions and dreams, his self destructive actions and momentus ability to survive against all odds. A tremendous read. Highly recommended!

Fascinating-- Whether or Not You're a Sports Fan

I'm not a skier and am not much of a sports fan either, but I heard about "Ski to Die" and thought I would give it a try. I was amazed by the story. This is one of the few books that I couldn't put down. The author does a fantastic job weaving Johnson's early years and current situation to further grip the reader. This is a compelling story of the complexities of human nature. What I liked most about the story was the honesty with which it is told. I read that it was written with Johnson's full cooperation and I admire that neither he nor the author try to sugar coat his life. I highly recommend this book, even if you are neither a sports fan nor a biography buff you will enjoy this frank and true story and the life lessons in it. This book is every bit as interesting as any fictional story; it's a modern day Greek tragedy!

A Riveting and Insightful Story

When a friend suggested "Ski to Die" for our book club, I was skeptical. We often stay away from biographies as they tend to be dry and merely a recitation of facts. But I enjoy skiing and live in the Tahoe area, so I thought I'd give it a try. The book arrived Friday afternoon and I was done by (late) Friday evening. The story was not only riveting but also insightful. It fell into one of those rare categories of books, whether fiction or non-fiction, that makes you feel that when you wake up in the morning, your life could be different. That it could be different because you were provided with insight and understanding by the author. In this case, Woodlief offers a rare level of insight into rebellion and motivation, into success and despair. It is an amazing roller coaster ride through the ups and downs in Johnson's life. It is an experience that should not be missed, one that I would highly recommend to anyone (including my book club).

Gripping and compelling

I am an avid skier and a lover of biographies. What an amalgamation of the two!!! Growing up in Colorado, skiing was in my blood...much like Bill Johnson. This book is not only a compelling story of his life but also a story of tragedy that draws you in immediately. You wish for Bill's confidence in your own life's ventures but dread that it would come with the price of cockiness and heartbreak that inevitably follows. I couldn't put it down!!!! Well written and gripping!

A Wild Ride

Very much in the style of Krakauer and Junger, the book adeptly juxtaposes Bill's early years with his current plight and in doing so provides the reader an intense perspective and the means for compassion for this troubled and immensely talented man. It was a great read. I realized I had never seen Bill as a hero, but having finished the book, I certainly do now. I really recommend this book!