Countdown to Lockdown

August 23, 2010
While keeping true to his unique writing style, which melds stream-of-consciousness prose with constant pop culture, literary (including many nods to his own unsuccessful novel) and current events references, wrestler Foley takes more of a diary approach than in his past nonfiction books. The central story is his steel-cage match with fellow wrestler Sting—from the match's causes to Foley's training and ending with a play-by-play of the action in the ring. For wrestling fans and curious onlookers, Foley's special talent has always been that as a successful wrestler he can give the dirty little secrets behind pro wrestling while he remains completely excited about the sport. But in terms of wrestling excitement in this book, Foley comes up short as he spends most of his time trying to convince himself he is as keyed up for the match as he is about meeting singer-songwriter Tori Amos. In fact, when Foley discusses out of the ring issues like, in the wake of wrestler Chris Benoit's murder-suicide or substance abuse problem in his business, he really gives readers substance. Even more thought provoking and touching are Foley's asides about building schools and sponsoring children in Sierra Leone through the Child Fund International or his support of RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network).

September 1, 2010
Professional wrestler Foley is also the author of the number-one New York Times best-seller Have a Nice Day! (2000). This is his account of the 34 days leading up to his emergence from retirement and debut with a new wrestling organization. Its a chronicle of training, injuries, and rehab. But its also a collection of anecdotes about the wrestling worldincluding a few about controversial impresario Vince McMahonmusings about the use of steroids in the sport, and accounts of charity work in Sierra Leone and Foleys relationship with Paul Wolfie Wolfowitz. Yes, that Paul Wolfowitz. Though the audience for Foleys writing is primarily the huge wrestling fan base, readers who dont care a whit about the spectacle will be entertained by a surprisingly sophisticated man with a variety of opinions about the world around him. The book satisfies on a number of levels (particularly Foleys self-deprecating humor) and will likely draw significant interest.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)