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Paterno  By  cover art

Paterno

By: Joe Posnanski
Narrated by: Joe Mantegna
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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

What listeners say about Paterno

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A+ narration

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

Highly recommend

What was one of the most memorable moments of Paterno?

The tragic ending of Joe Paterno's life. You get to see every facet of the man, his family, his friends, his enemies during those crucial last months.

What about Joe Mantegna’s performance did you like?

He put his acting chops to work using emotion in his voice when the scene called for it. He also read Paterno's quotes with Paterno's voice. GREAT, GREAT performance!

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

Joe Paterno's emotional reaction, the day after his firing.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

This book is one of a kind

Would you listen to Paterno again? Why?

Yes I would and I would probably learn more..

What was one of the most memorable moments of Paterno?

His stories about his family

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

no

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Paterno is really a good guy

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

not the whole story

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

the man himself Paterno

What did you like best about this story?

the history of Paterno

What three words best describe Joe Mantegna’s voice?

a regular voice, not a dramatic read. took away from the story

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

the beginning

Any additional comments?

the read was to dramatic. took away from the storyI wish the author covered more about the end. Which is still ongoing

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Powerful biography of a man and coach

This was an extraordinary listen. Given the timing of when the project started before Sandusky’s crimes were known to after Joe Pa’s death it gives what appears to be an accurate portrait of the totality of the man’s life.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

More of the same

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This was more of the same stories told over and over in the past.

Almost nothing new and nothing insightful.

What aspect of Joe Mantegna’s performance would you have changed?

Not particularly a fan of Joe Manteca, so the presentation was not pleasing to me.

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