Love & Try

by Andrew Giangola, JB Mauney (Foreword), Holden Hill (Illustrator)

What exactly is it that makes professional bull riding so special? This book written by a PBR insider with a Foreword from two-time PBR World Champion J. B. Mauney answers that question, delving into the heart and soul of a sport that has now expanded by adding a new team league. Love & Try, written by Andrew Giangola, introduces the rugged cast and crew behind sporting events that wrap 8-second bursts of man-versus-beast mayhem into an all-American celebration of faith, freedom, and family. “This book is just what our sport needs,” said 9-time World Champion Ty Murray. “It’s an inspiring, in-depth exploration of this life, culture, sport and its people that will take readers places they may not have known existed. Anyone who may not have even considered bull riding a sport will see it could be the ultimate challenge for the athlete. Love & Try brilliantly shares what has captivated me my whole life.” As Mauney writes in the book’s first “If something’s not worth dying for, what’s the point of even living?” The rider often called 'The Dragonslayer', sets the scene for a group of unforgettable characters whom bull riding seemingly chose rather than them choosing bull riding. The sport is their defining love and passion.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[pony · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 rounded down

this would have been an incredibly intimate and inspiring read had it not been written by a PR shill. the job desperately needed to be given to either an empathetic ghost writer or to a former rodeo star/bull rider because a good chunk of this book is just promotional slop for PBR and yaks about how much money they spend on stereo systems. also included is antivax/anti-mask rhetoric since PBR waited all of two seconds to resume their shows during lockdown, Trump worship (he's described as authentically masculine? really? that made me laugh) and the obligatory Patriot American Flag Veteran God is Good Amen stuff that gets rednecks' eyes wet and their wallets open.

the first part of this book that actually is about bull riders IS good. the rest, not so much.

[Mary Lou Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I have to admit, I learned a lot about the PBR and those who make up the organization and what goes in to hosting an event. I also had no idea there were so many people affiliated with the PBR from Missouri.

[Ainsley Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!