Gladiator: A True Story of 'Roids, Rage, and Redemption

by Dan Clark a.k.a. Nitro

Book Overview

Aggressive, explosive, and boasting awesome athletic ability, Dan Clark rose to tremendous fame as Nitro on American Gladiators. He quickly emerged as the most popular cast member and became a reality... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416597328
• ISBN13: 9781416597322
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 241 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Stunned. Surprised. And blown away.

I purchased this book on the recommendation of a girlfriend who read the book after seeing Dan Clark (Nitro) interviewed on a TV show. It wasn't an easy purchase for me as I wasn't really a fan of the show and didn't think this was the kind of book a woman would read. But after my friends assurance that it was one of the best books she's read in a long time, I decided to purchase it. I'm so glad I did. I thought it would be difficult for me to get into the book, but Dan Clark aka Nitro writes in such a conversational style it made it an easy read. In the opening chapter he chronicles his older brother dying in his arms when he was 10 and his brother was 12. This broke my heart and all I cared about through the entire book was that this little boy who suffered such a tragedy (that no kid should have to go through) was going to be okay. I do have to admit at times it was a tough read because certain chapters are graphic, but also because it was very emotional. Dan writes with a vulnerability and an availability that most men, especially men like him, don't normally have access too. His honesty and candidness was refreshing. He takes you through the entire journey of his life and what a riveting life it was. At times I wanted to scream at him, and yet others times I wanted to comfort him. Over all it was a great and a fast read. I wasn't able to put it down and finished it in two days. Another book I recommend is "Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff.

The greatest show of strength is humility....

I think your first couple pages were raw with honesty and truth. Not the kind of book "Nitro" would have written.... but book coming from Dan Clark from the heart of a man that to this day is still sorry that his drawing flew out onto the Electrical cords and that he couldn't save his Hero. I think people who have long awaited a memoir that is out there for healing instead of fame and fortune will love your story and that you have chosen to share it with us. Bravo for your courage to be so honest and forth telling about whom Nitro really was and who the real Dan Clark will always be. Thank you for the honor of reading your book and thank you for once again showing your fans you're a true American hero.

Couldn't put it down

What I thought was going to be a casual read ended up being a story that convicted me. I started reading it last night and couldn't put it down until I finished in the early hours this morning. The responsibility I felt in someway for helping to create this monster and my cheering for the little fat kid kept me glued to the pages. I learned about the pressure the public puts on those in the limelight whether it be the star high school quarterback to Brittney Spears. This longing I have to believe in them, someone bigger than life is really a selfish desire to satisfy a longing in myself. I feel like Nitro pricked himself one time for me so I could feel the adrenaline as he hit someone harder. He and others like him are almost scapegoats in the Biblical sense. Ladies, if you think this book was for your husbands, swipe it and you will me moved deeply.

Fabulous insight into the life of an American Gladitor and the man behind the character

This book was delivered this morning and I finished it early this evening. I was riveted and could not seem to pull myself away. I was a fan of the American Gladiators and specifically Nitro. I had no idea the pain he felt, only that he brought fun and entertainment into my family's home every week. The book is very easy to read and gives insight into the world of sports in a way that most don't offer. The constant struggle between man and social stigmas is potrayed very eloquently in this book. All of us know what traumas in childhood can lead to, but not many of us are willing to put that in writing for all of the world to read. Anyone struggling with their past and addiction should read this. Thank you Dan for recognizing that you were and still are a role model for young people. As a teacher, I appreciate the Epilogue and the message it sends to young people as well as the message it sends to other sports figures urging them to recognize the impact they have on the young people who look up to them.

Wow!

Be ready to go on a ride as your heart is captured, your eyes opened to the behind the scenes. It is not just about the life and styles of a "Gladiator", there is so much more depth as you gain insight on how events and people can shape and impact who you are as an adult. Dan's story will resonate with many and may cause you to look at our own stories of whatever your form of "steroids" may be and your wrestlings with redemption. It is well written and you will be sucked in by the first chapters!