A Warrior's Heart

The True Story of Life Before and Beyond 'The Fighter'

By: Micky Ward, Joe Layden

Narrated by: Mickey Ward, Bill Lobley

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

With the success of the critically acclaimed, Academy Award-winning film The Fighter, the world stood up and cheered for the inspiring true story of Micky Ward - a heart-and-soul warrior who overcame the odds to make history in the ring. But that was only part of the tale.… Now, in his own words, “Irish” Micky Ward tells his inspirational life story as only he can.

From his first bout at the age of seven, Micky Ward was known first and foremost for giving as good as he got, and for leaving absolutely everything he had in the ring. When he fought, quitting was never an option. It was that indomitable spirit that would allow him to survive, battle against, and overcome the harsh realities that he faced every day of his life.

For it was outside the ring that Ward’s heart would be most needed, from witnessing his idolized older half-brother Dicky fall from grace, to dealing with his wildly dysfunctional - if frighteningly loyal - family, to the darkest of secrets that he has never revealed until now, and the numerous setbacks and defeats that would have stopped a lesser man. Micky Ward has remained a fighter, through and through - both as a professional boxer, and as a man who finally found his greatest strength in friendship, family, and faith in himself

From the rough streets of Lowell, Massachusetts, to the blood and sweat of the international fight game, to the bright lights and adulation of Hollywood, this is the rousing, moving, tragic, and humorous story of the one and only Micky Ward.

©2012 Joe Layden, Micky Ward (P)2012 Penguin

Critic reviews

"Micky Ward is one of the true mighty-hearted modern American men." (Melissa Leo, Academy Award-winning actress)

"Read this book! Micky Ward has a great story. He's also a great boxer. On any given night, Micky Ward could come back from the dead and knock out any fighter in his weight class. Besides, he's Irish!" (Mickey Rourke, Golden Globe-winning actor)

Micky Ward. A Hero.

Micky Ward is a hero, and the reason why bleeds through these pages. Great book.

I love Micky Ward even more after reading this!

Micky Ward does a great job with the narration. It feels like he's just telling you stories and he's a great story teller. If you love boxing, you'll really enjoy this book. #fangirl

outstanding

What did you love best about A Warrior's Heart?

excellent book, if you like competitive sports you'll be inspired

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Warrior's Heart?

falling down and getting back up over and over

Have you listened to any of Mickey Ward and Bill Lobley ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

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

there is one,

Any additional comments?

get it

In his own words

I am a fan so of course I loved the book! I am so glad Micky did the narration it adds a personal touch.

A True KO!

One of the best audiobooks on boxing period. The honesty and grit of behind the scenes look at what shapes & builds a champion fighter with character.

Great Story from a warrior

I loved everything about this book. I respect and have been a fan of Mickey Ward for years. This book not only details his life ups and downs ultimately it lands on his trilogy with Arturo Gatti. Great Story!

great story, voice description misleading

Great book but description says narration by Micky Ward with Bill Lobley. Truth is, a short intro is voiced by Micky Ward, and the entire book voiced by Lobley, who as a New York native, puts on an obnoxious exaggerated Boston area accent to narrate Micky Ward's perspective. Honestly the accent is like nails on a chalkboard to an actual MA native. Should have been narrated by an actual MA native if not Micky himself, or even just narration by anyone without faking any accent would've been better. I don't understand the nation's fascination with trying to lay on Boston accents so thick on every movie or account about this region. Micky Ward is a legend I've been fortunate enough to meet on a few occasions, and I hate to criticize anything he's involved with, because he deserves all the success that comes his way. I just wish the description wasn't misleading about the narration. I probably would have just bought the actual book if I had known. Great story though. If book gets another narrator I'll buy it again.

amazing

what an absolutely wonderful book? listening to the book on audible was fantastic! a must read

This was an amazing Bio

This was an amazing Bio, Micky Ward pulls no punches and gives you a detailed look into his life in and outside the ring. Strangely enough your going to find yourself connecting with the characters in the novel. From start to finish the tale of Ward's life is going to hold your interest. If your a fight fan I think you should give this novel a try.

Love this book!

great story of the great action gighter Irish Mickey Ward! very much worth the listen