George Peper ’72 Reflects on Three Sports Memoirs

In the new book “Rainmaker,” golf “superagent” Hughes Norton shares his story as Tiger Woods’ first agent. Norton achieved incredible success in golf, building a prosperous career until his marriage fell apart, and he was forced out of the agency he helped create. George Peper ’72, a magazine editor and author of 19 books, recommended three excellent sports memoirs, including “Tiger, Tiger” by James Patterson, “Open” by Andre Agassi, and “Seabiscuit” by Laura Hillenbrand.

“Tiger, Tiger” is a recently published portrait of Tiger Woods, encompassing various aspects of his life in a fast-paced James Patterson style. While not a definitive biography, it offers entertaining stories not found elsewhere. “Open” by Andre Agassi remains compelling after 25 years of its publication, providing a brutally honest look at his life and struggles both on and off the tennis court. Ghostwriter J.R. Moehringer lends his skills to create engaging prose in the book.

“Seabiscuit” by Laura Hillenbrand tells the triumphant story of an ungainly horse, showcasing the owner-trainer-jockey trio that transformed him into a cultural icon. The book captures the struggles of a nation during challenging times while remaining both intimate and panoramic. It is an engaging read that captures the essence of Seabiscuit’s story.