Undertaker's Son: Life Lessons From a Coach

by Richard "Digger" Phelps

Head basketball coach of Notre Dame at age 29, a position he held for more than two decades with a 100 percent graduation rate, an attention-getting figure in President George H. W. Bush’s anti-drug program, part-time ambassador, a nationally adored ESPN commentator, and a possible Presidential candidate, Richard “Digger” Phelps has done it all. Undertaker’s Son is an eminently readable, inspirational, account of how he rose from an unmotivated student in small-town Beacon, New York, to a nationally known figure who attracts attention wherever he goes. One lesson: Do it today, for tomorrow might not come—a hard lesson he learned while apprenticing at his father’s funeral home. In Undertaker’s Son, the irrepressible Phelps gives advice that really matters, whether it’s how to get getting ahead in business, make the right decision, or plan for the future. Here also is Phelps’s plan for a better America in these contentious times. Brutally honest, inspirational and often humorous, Phelps’s message will appeal to anyone seeking an edge in business or life.
This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves a turnaround story.

Genres: Nonfiction, Basketball, Sports

260 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb book - Digger Phelps chronicles his life journey with pragmatic and wise suggestions for enjoying life, as he has.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had I not attended ND for law school (and my version not been autographed by Digger), I'd give this a one star. This book is just too cheesey. It was fun to read about references to Corby's (good ND bar), Parisi's (good italian restaurant closed to ND stadium) and his ex-wife (my legal writing prof.). But this book was a not-so-entertaining-or-insightful mix of warm stories and self-deprecating stories from his past, politics and life lessons. With that said, Digger has led a much more interesting life than I would have ever thought, and it's nice to read about his support for Bob Knight (and his take on Myles Brand).

[Big · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got tired of this book really fast. About half way through, the basketball talk stops and the subsequent topics became boring. Author was rather stuck on himself.

[David Vanness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrariwise to others, I enjoyed learning more of the coach.

[Stevie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe this one wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't just finished some really good basketball books. Digger seems to try and be humble but couldn't quite pull it off. He really likes himself a lot.