Iron War Book... opinions by the readers/non-readers???

ezellrh

I almosted posted this in the "What have you been reading" forum, but decided not to hijack the thread / go down an unintended rabbit hole.  For those that have opinions on Fitzgerald's new book "Iron War", what's your take on the author's perspective/motivation vs Allen's/Scott's severe dislike of the book.  For context, I was anxious to buy this when it was published and put it in my Amazon cue (to be purchased when my current supply of books were completed) but then heard about the letter published / legal action taken by Mark and Dave in response to the book.  In my whole "I voice my opinion with my wallet" position in life, I decided at that point not to buy the book and thereby validate/support what I thought may have been a bit of bad journalism. 

Since then, I've had the opportunity to actually hear both sides present their cases/opinions in pretty in depth interviews (IMTalk podcast with Dave Scott and Competitor Radio podcast with Fitzgerald).  Both sides presented compelling arguments from their points of views, and if both side's presentation of the facts can be taken at face value, I may actually decide to reverse my position and buy the book / give it a read.

I'm not looking for a book review / summary / good-bad analysis.  What I am interested in are peoples' opinion on how they decide to support / not-support either side on a situation like this.  Thanks and looking forward to some feedback.

Jump4Joy19

I haven't read it yet either. I didn't buy a copy for the same reason. I'm on the wait list at my library for the book though. Be curious to hear what others thought. I can see both sides of the debate have some merit.

Joseph Lombardi

I have read this ...and re-read parts of this book and believe it is a MUST READ....and an interesting/enjoyable read.  It is a must read just for some of the insights/knowledge on physiology...and the interplay between mind & body in endurance sports is fascinating and informative.  Also the contrasts & commonalities in personality, style, approach to life, training/racing between Dave Scott and Mark Allen is fascinating as well...I cannot endorse more highly.  

To your point; If you listen to replays of Ironwar discussion between Dave Scott and Mark Allen preceeding this years Ironman (or was it last year...anyway its on youtube)...they basically give exactly the same story about themselves and the race...there is fundamentally little difference between Fitzgerals prose and their commentary....Fitzgeral like many authors may have taken some license and filled in some blanks...but I'm sure they were informed through other parties....Matt is a seasoned veteran who lives and breathes in the Endurance sports world...he wouldn't knowingly alienate/poison that environment and his ability to function within it.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the "animosity" over his book from Allen/Scott is marketing....they may stand to benefit from the controversy...eh.

or perhaps it is simply sour grapes because the don't like Matt gathering coin on "their" story without perhaps cutting them in.

Either way...as I see it is a good book and the basic pieces of the story are supported, knowingly or not, by both principles.

William Jenks

I haven't read the book, but I did hear about it (of course) and an extensive interview with one of them in which he complained about being called mentally imbalanced or whatever Fitzgerald calls them. To me, that particular complaint is about taking a literary device as a literalism, but I understand they also complain about factual errors.

I thought their complaints were perfect examples of why it sometimes sucks to be a "public figure". It was surely a legit topic to write a book about, and they have no reasonable (legal) right of privacy or exclusivity of the story. An "unauthorized biography" is the burden of being famous. Bad reviews, and especially complaints from the subjects, are the burden of the biographer. :-)

[Deleted User]

Totally agree with Lynne on how I respect these two men more now that I've learned their stories. I had no idea about the lawsuit until after reading most of the book, and I was also surprised by that. I guess the book does get into a lot of personal details, but it's hard to imagine a well-written biography without that kind of depth.

I guess Fitzgerald had to use some literary license in filling in some of the details, but how else are you supposed to tell a story, right?

carls10

I initially was not going to read the book when it came out after I heard the controversy from Dave and Scott. I recently changed my mind and am glad that I did. I really was a fascinating read. Whether it is all completely factual, from my perspective, I don't really care. The science behind the endurance athlete and what makes people push harder than others was worth reading it.

ezellrh

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Ironwar went back into the cart on Amazon. As I'm on my last book, its time for the next bulk order. Hope I enjoy it!

Dino Sarti

I bought it, but have not read it yet. I am still dancing through Macca's book's "I am here to win" and eager to start it....