Reviews of "I'll Tell You When You're Good!"
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A Review from Tim Lyon:
I have read David Walker's book "I'll Tell You When You're Good!" As a matter of fact I've read it twice. That's what happens when you are spending lots of time on the couch just after surgery and you happen to have a good book in your hands.
So, who should read this book? Well in my humble opinion, I believe it would be great for the general public and athletes, high school and older. Also, ANY football coach at any level should get his hands on this book. David allows you to see through his eyes and get a feel for athletics, in this case football, at the High School and Big Time College level. It's one thing for us to sit in the stands and get to see the Team perform on Saturdays, but David takes the reader behind the scenes: the locker room, meetings, conditioning drills, practices, and off the field lives of athletes.
David is very candid and gives a very real assessment of the not so rosy stuff that happens Sunday-Friday. You know, the stuff we fans never get to see: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, and some other stuff that makes you realize we don't know spit about big time college football.
But David takes us with him every step of the way. Until you read the book you don't appreciate how insanely difficult it was to run a Triple Option Wishbone offense. When mistakes were made, we just assumed the old QB didn't have the right stuff or the fullback or halfback must have butter fingers for losing so many fumbles. Well now after all these years, we can begin to understand and appreciate just how hard it was for players and coaches, alike, to perform at a consistently high level--especially running a Triple Option Wishbone offense. Can someone say fumble(s)???!!!!!!
I'm thankful David also lets us feel the physical pain that he felt when getting slammed onto the AstroTurf. That stuff was basically a slab of cement with a thin, light layer of the fuzzy green stuff on top. That's another thing you can't appreciate unless you have felt it. I have; its hard as a rock. My hat is off to anyone who had to play on that mess.
David, you guys were pretty darn good back then! I say thanks again for being an Aggie QB and thanks for writing this book. I have been made wiser and been given an extra sense of compassion and appreciation for the college football player as a result of your work. Well done, Sir!
Tim Lyon
I have read David Walker's book "I'll Tell You When You're Good!" As a matter of fact I've read it twice. That's what happens when you are spending lots of time on the couch just after surgery and you happen to have a good book in your hands.
So, who should read this book? Well in my humble opinion, I believe it would be great for the general public and athletes, high school and older. Also, ANY football coach at any level should get his hands on this book. David allows you to see through his eyes and get a feel for athletics, in this case football, at the High School and Big Time College level. It's one thing for us to sit in the stands and get to see the Team perform on Saturdays, but David takes the reader behind the scenes: the locker room, meetings, conditioning drills, practices, and off the field lives of athletes.
David is very candid and gives a very real assessment of the not so rosy stuff that happens Sunday-Friday. You know, the stuff we fans never get to see: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, and some other stuff that makes you realize we don't know spit about big time college football.
But David takes us with him every step of the way. Until you read the book you don't appreciate how insanely difficult it was to run a Triple Option Wishbone offense. When mistakes were made, we just assumed the old QB didn't have the right stuff or the fullback or halfback must have butter fingers for losing so many fumbles. Well now after all these years, we can begin to understand and appreciate just how hard it was for players and coaches, alike, to perform at a consistently high level--especially running a Triple Option Wishbone offense. Can someone say fumble(s)???!!!!!!
I'm thankful David also lets us feel the physical pain that he felt when getting slammed onto the AstroTurf. That stuff was basically a slab of cement with a thin, light layer of the fuzzy green stuff on top. That's another thing you can't appreciate unless you have felt it. I have; its hard as a rock. My hat is off to anyone who had to play on that mess.
David, you guys were pretty darn good back then! I say thanks again for being an Aggie QB and thanks for writing this book. I have been made wiser and been given an extra sense of compassion and appreciation for the college football player as a result of your work. Well done, Sir!
Tim Lyon
A Review from Debbie Roberts:
I recently read the book "I'll Tell You When You're Good! and although I have never before reviewed any book publicly, I felt the need to do so now. I was in attendance at my beloved Texas A&M from 1972-1976, and I was related to not one, but two, Texas A&M football players – one by blood and one by marriage (although the marriage was short-lived). While reading the book, I experienced a gamut of emotions from joy to sorrow. I cried, I laughed, and my spirit soared! Even while I was at A&M, I believed someone should write a book about all that went on behind the scenes – the politics, the psychological manipulations, and, yes, the abuse of some, if not all, of the football players.
Although my personal experiences, through my close affiliation with two players and a few notable encounters with some of the coaching staff, pale in comparison to that which David Walker and others experienced at the whims of Emory Bellard, in years past, I could not help but feel bitterness and betrayal when I looked back on that particular segment of my life. However, many years ago, I came to the knowledge that our Lord uses all our experiences to bring us to the place we are today and where we will be tomorrow. So I thank Him daily for all my life’s twists and turns. I was uplifted by David’s story and his ultimate victory in the face of unconscionable (dare I say it?) malevolence. Not only did I find the book to be a great read, but I found it comforting – even healing – to my soul.
David has the gift of eloquence of the written word and conveyed his story in a manner that anyone would find enjoyable. Whether or not you are a sports fan, you will find his tale to be entertaining, enlightening and uplifting.
Debbie Roberts
I recently read the book "I'll Tell You When You're Good! and although I have never before reviewed any book publicly, I felt the need to do so now. I was in attendance at my beloved Texas A&M from 1972-1976, and I was related to not one, but two, Texas A&M football players – one by blood and one by marriage (although the marriage was short-lived). While reading the book, I experienced a gamut of emotions from joy to sorrow. I cried, I laughed, and my spirit soared! Even while I was at A&M, I believed someone should write a book about all that went on behind the scenes – the politics, the psychological manipulations, and, yes, the abuse of some, if not all, of the football players.
Although my personal experiences, through my close affiliation with two players and a few notable encounters with some of the coaching staff, pale in comparison to that which David Walker and others experienced at the whims of Emory Bellard, in years past, I could not help but feel bitterness and betrayal when I looked back on that particular segment of my life. However, many years ago, I came to the knowledge that our Lord uses all our experiences to bring us to the place we are today and where we will be tomorrow. So I thank Him daily for all my life’s twists and turns. I was uplifted by David’s story and his ultimate victory in the face of unconscionable (dare I say it?) malevolence. Not only did I find the book to be a great read, but I found it comforting – even healing – to my soul.
David has the gift of eloquence of the written word and conveyed his story in a manner that anyone would find enjoyable. Whether or not you are a sports fan, you will find his tale to be entertaining, enlightening and uplifting.
Debbie Roberts
A review from Blaine Armer:
Just finished your book and loved it. I am a graduate of SHS class of '83 so you guys were long gone by the time I got there. You guys were legends to us and I loved reading all the names from those great '70s teams. Coach Suarez retired after my senior yr so I was able to relate to those great references and quotes, it really took me back. Pat Pattison was my little league coach and I attended his wake a few yrs ago. The best part for me was buying the book as a Christmas present for my dad. I have never seen my dad read a book in my life but he devoured it in no time. He couldn't wait for me to read it so we could relive the glory days. That really means alot to me. Thank you and God bless you.
Blaine Armer
Just finished your book and loved it. I am a graduate of SHS class of '83 so you guys were long gone by the time I got there. You guys were legends to us and I loved reading all the names from those great '70s teams. Coach Suarez retired after my senior yr so I was able to relate to those great references and quotes, it really took me back. Pat Pattison was my little league coach and I attended his wake a few yrs ago. The best part for me was buying the book as a Christmas present for my dad. I have never seen my dad read a book in my life but he devoured it in no time. He couldn't wait for me to read it so we could relive the glory days. That really means alot to me. Thank you and God bless you.
Blaine Armer
A review from Lynn and Wesley Ford:
My husband and I graduated from Texas A&M in the early 1980s...We both grew up in the Houston area (Humble) where Aggie football was (still is, of course) part of life's journey. My high school's QB, Mike Mosley, succeeded David Walker in late 1977 (some redshirt details and the Bluebonnet Bowl), so I know David Walker as a cherished friend due to this connection.
I taught English many years and now serve as an administrator in the Lewisville ISD. I know good bull (Aggie vocabulary term) when I hear it. While reminiscing, I recognized that David Walker's perspective is more than good bull and is a part of history that needed to become a formal part of "for the records". I strongly urged QB Walker to pen his memoir in 2010 and to my delight, he came up with a remarkable, historically relevant document. Aggie QB David Walker's back story captivates in part because he was recruited from our neighbor state of Louisiana, where he was an all-stater. My 74 year old mother is a Louisiana girl so this connection is strong for many in my area and my family. We remarked at the time of David's recruitment to TAMU, "Well, good for him ... he got here (to Texas) as soon as he could."
Of major significance is the time in history in which Walker threw passes (or rather, ran the Wishbone) for TAMU --- is that the black players were new recruits. David's successful leadership of the team at such a young age (17 years old) is remarkable. Prior to the mid-1970s, Grambling, Texas Southern, Prairie View and U of H fielded black players, but not A&M. Profoundly interesting details that impacted history are shared through David Walker's perspective. David details the interchanges with then coach Emory Bellard and the interpersonal dynamics with the players of that era beautifully.
Walker was heralded in Louisiana and the southwest for his tremendous talent as a passing QB, not so much as a running QB. Coach Bellard aggressively recruited Walker away from LSU, even though it was widely known that Bellard preferred a running offense. That is simply puzzling ... mysterious. Walker's revelations are stunning, jaw dropping and historically worthy.
David Walker is an iconic figure to Aggie lore, Texas, football, higher education, public school sports and perseverance of the human spirit. I have sent a copy of this letter to the editors of Texas Monthly Magazine in expectations it will consider publishing an article showcasing this historically important Texas A&M University QB. As a devoted Texas Monthly reader, this account is of astounding interest to Texans and now far beyond with the exciting SEC affiliation approaching. All the Southeastern Conference schools and their fans will particularly enjoy this A&M quarterback's exciting, humorous and dramatic stories regarding current SEC teams and their intense on-the-field rivalries from this extremely unique era.
Sincerely,
Lynn and Wesley Ford
My husband and I graduated from Texas A&M in the early 1980s...We both grew up in the Houston area (Humble) where Aggie football was (still is, of course) part of life's journey. My high school's QB, Mike Mosley, succeeded David Walker in late 1977 (some redshirt details and the Bluebonnet Bowl), so I know David Walker as a cherished friend due to this connection.
I taught English many years and now serve as an administrator in the Lewisville ISD. I know good bull (Aggie vocabulary term) when I hear it. While reminiscing, I recognized that David Walker's perspective is more than good bull and is a part of history that needed to become a formal part of "for the records". I strongly urged QB Walker to pen his memoir in 2010 and to my delight, he came up with a remarkable, historically relevant document. Aggie QB David Walker's back story captivates in part because he was recruited from our neighbor state of Louisiana, where he was an all-stater. My 74 year old mother is a Louisiana girl so this connection is strong for many in my area and my family. We remarked at the time of David's recruitment to TAMU, "Well, good for him ... he got here (to Texas) as soon as he could."
Of major significance is the time in history in which Walker threw passes (or rather, ran the Wishbone) for TAMU --- is that the black players were new recruits. David's successful leadership of the team at such a young age (17 years old) is remarkable. Prior to the mid-1970s, Grambling, Texas Southern, Prairie View and U of H fielded black players, but not A&M. Profoundly interesting details that impacted history are shared through David Walker's perspective. David details the interchanges with then coach Emory Bellard and the interpersonal dynamics with the players of that era beautifully.
Walker was heralded in Louisiana and the southwest for his tremendous talent as a passing QB, not so much as a running QB. Coach Bellard aggressively recruited Walker away from LSU, even though it was widely known that Bellard preferred a running offense. That is simply puzzling ... mysterious. Walker's revelations are stunning, jaw dropping and historically worthy.
David Walker is an iconic figure to Aggie lore, Texas, football, higher education, public school sports and perseverance of the human spirit. I have sent a copy of this letter to the editors of Texas Monthly Magazine in expectations it will consider publishing an article showcasing this historically important Texas A&M University QB. As a devoted Texas Monthly reader, this account is of astounding interest to Texans and now far beyond with the exciting SEC affiliation approaching. All the Southeastern Conference schools and their fans will particularly enjoy this A&M quarterback's exciting, humorous and dramatic stories regarding current SEC teams and their intense on-the-field rivalries from this extremely unique era.
Sincerely,
Lynn and Wesley Ford
A review from Bob Arnold '69:
Great book. I loved reading something written and edited by an Aggie athlete. It is well-written and easy to read.
This book is a must for us Old Ags who lived Aggie football in the 70s. it fills in the blanks for us, describes what went on, from David's perspective, in well-described detail.
More importantly, I would highly recomend it to anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes in an Athletic Department at a major university. I, too, was an A&M scholarship athlete, and this book accurately portrays the challenges of college athletics, from the standpoint of the student athlete (it's not all a bed of roses!). This is a must-read for any high school athlete considering a scholarship to a major university.
The book was fun, I laughed a lot. It was intense, I agonized over a number of David's thoughts and comments. It was enlightening, I learned a lot about the intricacies of college football. The last chapter was really tough. But, mostly, through this book and through his book signings, I got to know David Walker, whom I like and respect very much.
Bob Arnold '69
Great book. I loved reading something written and edited by an Aggie athlete. It is well-written and easy to read.
This book is a must for us Old Ags who lived Aggie football in the 70s. it fills in the blanks for us, describes what went on, from David's perspective, in well-described detail.
More importantly, I would highly recomend it to anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes in an Athletic Department at a major university. I, too, was an A&M scholarship athlete, and this book accurately portrays the challenges of college athletics, from the standpoint of the student athlete (it's not all a bed of roses!). This is a must-read for any high school athlete considering a scholarship to a major university.
The book was fun, I laughed a lot. It was intense, I agonized over a number of David's thoughts and comments. It was enlightening, I learned a lot about the intricacies of college football. The last chapter was really tough. But, mostly, through this book and through his book signings, I got to know David Walker, whom I like and respect very much.
Bob Arnold '69
A Review from Jeff Murray:
This is a great book. If you have any interest in Aggie football at all, buy one. Then buy one for a friend!
Jeff Murray
This is a great book. If you have any interest in Aggie football at all, buy one. Then buy one for a friend!
Jeff Murray
Anonymous Review:
Intuitive, insightful, real story. Gut wrenching and simultaneously heart-warming.
Intuitive, insightful, real story. Gut wrenching and simultaneously heart-warming.
A Review from Dru Robins Stains:
Saying that “I’ll Tell You When You’re Good” is a great read is an unjust understatement! While on the surface this seems to be the story of David Walker’s football career as a student athlete, in reality, it is much, much more. David’s writing proves to be as eloquent as the music & lyrics he has grown to love & speaks of so fondly in his book. Turning each page, it’s as though you’re sitting with an old friend & listening to his story that he’s never been able to share with anyone, but he’s finally ready to share it with you. The journey that David takes us on is a tribute to the human spirit and generates a range of emotions, allowing us to experience his adventure through his eyes, his head, his heart, & his soul. I laughed, cried, reminisced, looked to the future, got mad, cheered, felt shame, felt pride, felt pain, felt strength, felt loss, felt love, felt defeat, felt victory but most of all -- felt hope & faith. Oh, and did I mention, all of this in a book about football! “I’ll Tell You When You’re Good” – just read it – you’ll thank yourself when you’re done!!
Dru Robins Stains
Saying that “I’ll Tell You When You’re Good” is a great read is an unjust understatement! While on the surface this seems to be the story of David Walker’s football career as a student athlete, in reality, it is much, much more. David’s writing proves to be as eloquent as the music & lyrics he has grown to love & speaks of so fondly in his book. Turning each page, it’s as though you’re sitting with an old friend & listening to his story that he’s never been able to share with anyone, but he’s finally ready to share it with you. The journey that David takes us on is a tribute to the human spirit and generates a range of emotions, allowing us to experience his adventure through his eyes, his head, his heart, & his soul. I laughed, cried, reminisced, looked to the future, got mad, cheered, felt shame, felt pride, felt pain, felt strength, felt loss, felt love, felt defeat, felt victory but most of all -- felt hope & faith. Oh, and did I mention, all of this in a book about football! “I’ll Tell You When You’re Good” – just read it – you’ll thank yourself when you’re done!!
Dru Robins Stains
A review from Lisa Cotropia Trampota:
Hey, David! I finished reading your book last night. Is there going to be a 'rest of the story?' You got me hooked, man!
Seriously, I have never experienced such a range of emotions as I did reading your book, and talk about an education! I had guessed that football was filled with viciousness, but my gosh! You are such a strong man to have survived that experience and come out on the other side. You are awesome!
Lisa Cotropia Trampota
Hey, David! I finished reading your book last night. Is there going to be a 'rest of the story?' You got me hooked, man!
Seriously, I have never experienced such a range of emotions as I did reading your book, and talk about an education! I had guessed that football was filled with viciousness, but my gosh! You are such a strong man to have survived that experience and come out on the other side. You are awesome!
Lisa Cotropia Trampota
A review from Ellen Gorum:
There is no way you will be untouched by David's honesty, compassion and humor. I was sad to see it end. So many stories from the past brought a deep pride in being from Sulphur and being a Sulphur Tor!
I believe God has many reasons for you still being on this earth and one of them is to touch the lives of so many people with your story and to teach and inspire our young people at a time when the world just seems too tough. Thanks, David.
Ellen Gorum
There is no way you will be untouched by David's honesty, compassion and humor. I was sad to see it end. So many stories from the past brought a deep pride in being from Sulphur and being a Sulphur Tor!
I believe God has many reasons for you still being on this earth and one of them is to touch the lives of so many people with your story and to teach and inspire our young people at a time when the world just seems too tough. Thanks, David.
Ellen Gorum
A review from Charlene Lavergne-Dittmer:
I can honestly say this is the best book I've read in a long, long time, maybe even the best ever. It has brought back a lot of good memories of growing up here, going to SHS, being in Toreadoras, and watching the best football SHS ever had in the Golden Tors. There is just so much I could relate to all through the book, and it's uncanny how much our lives have paralleled on several accounts. I didn't want to see this book end. Although I'm a football fanatic, it's not all about sports, it's a true human-nature story about life's big roller coaster ride (full of ups and downs), i.e., lessons learned, triumphs and tragedies, and the amazingly strong spirit one man has. David knows how to capitvate an audience and keep them wanting more with the articulate nature in which he pens his long and often winding journey. Whether you love sports or not, go on and buy this book. Trust me, you won't be sorry! David truly is an inspiration to one and all!
Char - SHS Class of '74
I can honestly say this is the best book I've read in a long, long time, maybe even the best ever. It has brought back a lot of good memories of growing up here, going to SHS, being in Toreadoras, and watching the best football SHS ever had in the Golden Tors. There is just so much I could relate to all through the book, and it's uncanny how much our lives have paralleled on several accounts. I didn't want to see this book end. Although I'm a football fanatic, it's not all about sports, it's a true human-nature story about life's big roller coaster ride (full of ups and downs), i.e., lessons learned, triumphs and tragedies, and the amazingly strong spirit one man has. David knows how to capitvate an audience and keep them wanting more with the articulate nature in which he pens his long and often winding journey. Whether you love sports or not, go on and buy this book. Trust me, you won't be sorry! David truly is an inspiration to one and all!
Char - SHS Class of '74
