Mi Vida Loca: The Crazy Life of Johnny Tapia

by Johnny Tapia and Bettina Gilois

Book Overview

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566252717
• ISBN13: 9781566252713
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
• Length: 220 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

I remember him as a kid.

I remember Johnny Tapia as a kid. I was quite a bit older than him but I remember him just as he describes himself, a high energy kid running around all the time, driving everyone a little crazy. I don't think I have any memories of him standing still. He was a fun kid. He was well liked, but even as a little guy, the bigger kids had a lot of respect for him. No one messed with him. I remember seeing him get into a fist fight in the parking lot at Wells Park. The kid he was fighting was twice his size. He pummeled that poor kid within a few seconds. I couldn't believe it. When I saw him in the news years later for his boxing accomplishments I remembered that fist fight in the parking lot. I wasn't surprised that he was a champ. When I read about his problems, I remembered what our lives were like growing up and wasn't surprised either. When I read about what he'd overcome, again - not surprised. I remembered that little kid running around and how he had such a good heart even back then. I knew he'd be ok. Reading his book, I have to say I admire him for how honest he was about his life. I couldn't put his book down. It's written like he was sitting in front of you telling you his life story, and what a story it is. This story made me appreciate my life growing up and all the time I spent hanging out every summer at Well's Park. I'm waiting for him to come out with some book signings here in Albuquerque. I promise I'll be standing in line.

Never count yourself out!

This book is great, but sad. For anyone to lose their morther at such a young age is devastataing. Johnny wanted to give up at times, but his wife never counted him out. A compassionate book with the attitude that says "always get back on your feet, no matter what."

mi vida loca

Wow Tapia has lived a crazy life. If you are or are not a boxing fan you should read this book just because how he has made it this far in life is amazing not to mention his boxing accomplishments.

Gut wrenching

Great read. I met Johnny in Vegas back in 96'. One of the best people i've ever met. You feel for him after reading his life, may he find peace in this crazy world.

Unbelievable

Johnny Tapia's story is one of the most compelling in all of sports. I heard him interviewed on Jim Rome's show and couldn't believe what I was hearing. I immediately went out and bought the book. It is incredible. It takes you into his head. You feel what he feels. You experience the horrors of his life first hand. Tapia says that the only place he has ever felt "safe" is in the ring. And now I see what he means. I was not able to put this book down.