Iceman: My Fighting Life
by Chad Millman, Chuck Liddell
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Book Reviews of Iceman: My Fighting Life
Book Review: Lucid and Straightforward
Summary: 4 Stars
Not since Little Evil: One Ultimate Fighter's Rise to the Top - which chronicled the life of MMA fighter Jens Pulver - has a book been written with such lucidity and honesty about the life of an MMA fighter. This book depicts Liddell's life, from his early childhood influences to his lascivious escapades after his big wins. The book is written in a straightforward and insightful manner - it doesn't get boring or redundant. Every chapter has a little moral or lesson. In one chapter, for example, Liddell says, "to me, losing as a man is better than winning as a coward." This comment, of course, is an indirect reference to Tito Ortiz.
This book is at the forefront of what appears to be a forthcoming flood of MMA biographies. It is a must read for any true MMA fan.
Book Review: Liddell a bad role model.
Summary: 2 Stars
After Matt Hughes snail paced tome I never thought anyone could top it. I was wrong. Chuck LIddell is a sanctimonious, pat myself on the back, self-proclaimed he-man. Is he a good fighter, of course! But you could have just switched covers with Hughes book. The stories no one can back up about fights in Santa Barbara. I know the area well and patrolled it for years and have never had a report like he speaks about in his book. Then he tops it off by telling readers about his promiscuous lifestyle as if anyone should be proud of that accomplishment. Fathering two childern who do not have a full-time dad who is there for them when they get home from school. Par for the course in today's society. Chuck wins all this money and won't take custody of his children because he just liks to party and have more than one woman in bed. Chuck is just another thug in a sport that used to have character. Don't buy this book.Book Review: Tough Guy, Rickety Binding
Summary: 4 Stars
Natch, this is one of those autobiographies written "with" a real writer, in this case, Chad Millman. But given the Iceman's persona and interest reflected herein, this book still has the ring of authenticity, as captured in quotes like these regarding pre-fight preparations:
-- "...I could think, focus, and go over my game plan, which was essentially to go and beat the cr** out of the guy."
-- "My plan was to punch him in the face as much and as frequently as possible."
You've got to love it. (That, or return the book.) My guess is that Iceman fans will enjoy getting the lowdown on Liddell's life, and this also provides an interesting history on how the UFC became what it is today.
I am downgrading this book to four stars because its binding was so crummy, whole chapters fell out as I worked my way through it.
Book Review: Chapter 32: When you have an opportunity to have a good time , you've got to take it.
Summary: 5 Stars
I picked this up and read it cover to cover on a 6 hour flight.
I am very impressed but at the same time intrigued by Chuck as he is an interesting character. It is not often a guy with a mowhawk and tattoos on his head scores a 1200+ on his SATs.
The chapters are short and sweet, and each one tells a life lesson.
If fact Chuck recommends ripping out the table of contents and posting it on your wall. There were some interesting stories about his no holds barred fight in Brazil, and his extreme training at the Pit, along with his acting career on Entourage. However, hands down the best story was about how easy it is to pick up girls on a fight night after you win the UFC championship.
Book Review: Interesting insights on each of his fights, but not well written and relatively shallow outside of the Octagon.
Summary: 3 Stars
Chuck Liddell is a great fighter and his fights are entertaining. The contradiction of his ferocity in the Octagon to his mild-mannered nature outside of it is fascinating. I wish the book had more depth and exposed more of the real Chuck. But after reading about how Chuck was raised and getting a glimpse into his demeanor and lifestyle, it makes sense why the book is rather shallow. I enjoyed and appreciated the insight Chuck gives into each of his fights (e.g., his opinions on this opponents, his disposition towards the fight, the technical breakdown and strategy employed, etc.). But I could do without his bragging, the awkward-at-best and poor-at-worst writing, and the general lack of biographical meat.