The Bruce Lee Story

by Linda Lee, Mike Lee, Bruce Lee

Here is the complete story of the great martial artist/actor Bruce Lee, told with great personal insight by Linda Lee with hundreds of photos from Lee's personal albums.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Biography, Sports

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1989

Reviews

[Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is basically a retelling of the author's first book Bruce Lee: The Man Only I Knew. With differences of course, with some information of the previous book missing, like Bruce's dog Bobby but having much more new information, like his mother's ancestry and the overall information on his training and family.
Of course your reading experience might be different than mine since I got a copy from the library where a fan made constant underlinings and comments, so far that he/she even drew hearts in the book, that one class picture of Lee would not need to say who he is (since he wasn't the only guy with glasses there) because the fan had drawn a heart around his head. Which was kind of annoying sometimes.
But either way this was a very entertaining and informative book. Like its predecessor this book showes Bruce Lee as a man and not as a legend. It doesn't shy away from ugly truths and hardships he faced, which in my mind makes him a much better role model than his legend does.
Well, this one was much better than the first one, with more info and depth. Some stuff I find a tad odd but that is usually balanced out. Except for one thing: She talks as though China has ever been conquered and western lands never. I beg to differ on that (e.g. Napoleon anyone?) and I know China has been beaten in history, but was it ever conquered since the Mongols came?

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know too much about Bruce Lee before picking-up this book however, I definitely learned a lot after finishing it! I was keen to read that Bruce was enthusiastic about his work, and wanted to learn from as many individuals as possible. I also loved how Linda spoke of his personal life as well, and his ability to separate both aspects in a professional manner. The pictures added an element of imagination, as I was able to see Bruce in combat with certain individuals, or conversing with others, such as family and/or friends. After reading this book, I truly believe that Bruce was a master at his work, and he brought the love of Kung Fu to many others around him, instilling a belief system which has spanned years after his passing. I truly felt for Linda as she described the positive impact that Bruce had on her life, and was saddened to hear how heartbreaking his death was for many of his close family members and friends. Overall, a very well-written book on how Bruce changed the dynasty of the martial arts world forever. This book prompted me to watch the television show which showcases his life, titled 'The Legend of Bruce Lee'; a definite must-watch after reading this book!

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book complete with pictures. The life of Bruce Lee is interesting and this book is written by the person who knew him well. Linda Lee, wife of Bruce Lee tells his story with love and compassion and also truthful insight.

[Y H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skimming thru piles of organized mess i came across this dusty book stepped on neglected by my careless ass. Henceforth i ruminate and organize my readings.

The depth of comprehension becomes deeper when you re-read works that inspired you years ago. I did not re-read the whole book, theres just a fudge load of words. Birthdays gossip siblings achievements pages i skipped over. The pages that drew my attention was always of “honestly expressing yourself” (dislike for false humility) and the amount of research time and commitment he sacrificed to properly showcase his work His Way.
You see a lot of people worship, imitate and idolize Bruce Lee. The skills the physique or wanting the same adulation he receives in life and posthumously.
None of that would be possible or even matter without the philosophy, mentality spirituality or whatever you wanna call it.
“The greatest satisfaction is to hear another unbiased human being whose heart has been touched and honestly says ‘hey, here is someone real!’ I’d like that! In my life, what can you ask for but to be real, to fulfill one’s mission and above all actualize one’s potential instead of dissipating one’s image, which is not real and expending one’s vital energy.”
Year after year human beings will surpass the older generation in skills and abilities. The kids today are unbelievable but in the grainy footage you can see the soul and spirit in the mans films.. thats the difference.

[Rosalyn Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this a while back when i was ridiculously obsessed with bruce lee (which i still am, but in a closeted fashion). this book was frickin' awesome as his wife Linda told his story. it had its heart felt moments where Linda detailed the racial hardships of their relationship when it first came to light for their families but plenty of funny ones too and it broke my heart every time she mentioned that 'her' spaghetti was his favorite dish..aside from that...this book touched on a lot of personal issues people might not have ever expected could ever happen to the great Bruce Lee because most of us are more familiar with him as that cool, silent badass of the 60's and early 70's. he isn't just a legend on screen, or the gym, but down on paper too and his widow makes sure that it reads that way.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was younger, Bruce Lee was the first person who became an "idol" in my life. I was totally entranced by his seemingly "super hero"-like martial arts skills, and his impressive physical training. I found this book to be an insightful, and interesting look, into the life of perhaps the most important man ever to perform/promote martial arts in contemporary society. Even decades after his death, his influence is just as profound as when he was alive. Linda Lee is able to convey insights into her husband, that only a wife could provide. It demonstrates Bruce Lee's ability to focus and press forward, whether it was his "mixed race" relationship, his physical injuries or his determination to succeed as a movie star.

[John Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. You learn a lot from the perspective of his wife. It has family photos and stories you wouldn't expect. It humanizes Bruce Lee and it makes you admire him (and his journey through life) that much more. You also hear some of his philosophies, some of which have really stuck with me.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those big paperbacks that has too many pictures and not enough story. But it was a good quick read nonetheless.

[Elizabeth Bartucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I Am Bruce Lee" Doc is the better bet.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1954299/

[Christianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting guy; the writing is not that great, but I felt like I was getting good info.

[Chi-Wai Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite book on Bruce Lee, showing the more human side of the great man. Well worth a read if you want to know about the man behind the martial artist

[Jesse J]

A Great book and i Even shared some on my facebook timeline, with friends

[Calvin Vĩnh]

I think this book too interesting. Through this book, I know about the history of Bruce Lee

[Meghrajsinh Gohil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book.

[Michelle]

This is a biography of Bruce Lee written by his wife. His life story is very interesting.