Paterno

By: Joe Posnanski

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna

Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Joe Posnanski's biography of the late Penn State football coach Joe Paterno follows in the tradition of works by Richard Ben Cramer on Joe DiMaggio and David Maraniss on Vince Lombardi. Having gained unprecedented access to Paterno, as well as the coach's personal notes and files, Posnanski spent the last two years of Paterno's life covering the coach, on (and off) the field and through the scandal that ended Paterno's legendary career.

Joe Posnanski, who in 2012 was named the Best Sportswriter in America by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame, was with Paterno and his family as a horrific national scandal unfolded and Paterno was fired. Within three months, Paterno died of lung cancer, a tragic end to a life that was epic, influential, and operatic.

Paterno is the fullest description we will ever have of the man's character and career. In this honest and surprising portrait, Joe Posnanski brings new insight and understanding to one of the most controversial figures in America.

©2012 Joe Posnanski (P)2012 Simon & Schuster, Inc

Profoundly sad

For anyone who has followed -- even casually -- the Penn State debacle, this book is a must read.

There is something extraordinary about Posnanski's book. He captures far more than fact; he captures raw emotion. The final section covering Paterno's fall, informed by all that precedes it in this text, was so painful I had trouble listening to it.

If "tragedy" is "a serious play in which the chief character, by some peculiarity of psychology, passes through a series of misfortunes leading to a final, devastating catastrophe," then Paterno is a tragedy of the first order.

Great Book

What made the experience of listening to Paterno the most enjoyable?

Joe Mantegna did a great job!

What did you like best about this story?

This is a fair reflection on the life and times of Joe Paterno

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES

Posnanski proves he is up to a very difficult task

This is a well written, interesting, and even entertaining biography about a complex and difficult subject. Joe Posnanksi clearly did a great deal of excellent research and made great use of his access to Joe Paterno, his family and his associates. By the time the book was over, I felt I had a real sense for this man, his impact on others, his strenths, weaknesses, warts and all. The discussion of the Sandusky situation is the most honest and straight forward I have seen anywhere. Posnanski provides facts and analysis, and leaves opinion to the listener. Finally, Joe Mantegna's reading is absolutely masterful, which will not be surprise to those who have seen him act.

An extremely powerful story

I don't think Joe would write a story quite like this about his own life but I think just about anybody else who love them like I do would write it just like this in truth.

Graduated 1977

As an Alumnus I had the greatest respect for Joe. I still do. Perhaps the author was biased in his views of the man. Perhaps the truth will be told someday. Joe was a human and I realized that as an 3rd generation Italian - American. I could identify with the seriousness that was brought out about Joe.
I am sorry that the book ended as quickly as it did. Joe all the way!!
Ty

Loved the book!

Really enjoyed learning about Coach and was obviously interested in the scandal and some of the behind the scenes discussions about it!

WoWoWoWoW

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I highly recommend this book to everyone. I'm a JoePA fan. I expected moments of tears, but I completely sobbed through several parts of the book--I honestly don't think that I would be able to read the hardcopy through the tears. At times, it felt as though we lost him all over again! It was extremely moving and captured everything I've personally been feeling for the last 9 months. I believe that, even for masses of critics that have defiled his legacy here in recent months, you will rethink your position of who the true villians of the scandal are, hold them accountable, and find serenity in knowing that heros can still exist in this day and age.

We are Penn State, because you, JoePa, were Penn State!

Paterno a must for any football fan!

Where does Paterno rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoyed this book. Well done all the way around!!! One of the best I have listened to!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Paterno?

I guess the end and his firing. I feel that Penn State officals were basically looking for a fall guy and Paterno was the logical choice.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed the part where he turned down the New England Job! I feel this really show the type of man Paterno was and should be remembered for!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

all of the stories from former players i enjoyed.

Any additional comments?

Great book!

Better than expected

think it shows a fair view of the man, unlike the media who easily blame the buried

personal story of JoePa

Would you listen to Paterno again? Why?

No. I am ready to move on to other subjects

What was one of the most memorable moments of Paterno?

The memories of Xplayers..how JoeP affected their life.

Have you listened to any of Joe Mantegna’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Penn State beat Miami