The Sand Man: An Autobiography

by Karch Kiraly and Byron Shewman

The inspirational story of Karch Kiraly, one of the world's greatest volleyball players, now going for his fourth Olympic Gold Medal at the Sydney, Australia 2000 games. 30 photos. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580630545
• ISBN13: 9781580630542
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Renaissance Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Read this book!

If you are at all a volleyball person, this book is required reading. It's that simple. Karch was called the best indoor player in the world and proved himself the best beach player as well. What's better than hearing the story of the greatest player the sport has yet known from his own lips?

The Man With the Midas Touch

Karch Kiraly is simply the best volleyball player ever to play the game. So, of course, this read was very insightful, heartwarming, and humourous at times. I couldn't put my copy down at all. I have read it twice.I say that Karch is the man with the "midas touch" because everything he touches is golden; his life with family and friends, the kind of role model he is to so many, and lastly for his volleyball accomplishments. It has been a pleasure to follow his career as well as read about his life in his book entitled, "The Sand Man."I would encourage any volleyball fan to pick up this highly recommended book and to have it signed by Karch if they see him at an event soon!Best of luck to Karch in the future and keep writing because your fans love it!

The definitive Karch Kiraly book for all volleyball fans!

In basketball there's Jordan, in baseball it's Ruth, in Golf it's Nicklaus, auto racing's king is Richard Petty. In the world of indoor and beach volleyball one man stands alone at the top the mountain - that man is Karch Kiraly.Karch Kiraly is the most decorated volleyball player in the history of the sport and at age 39, he's still the most feared name on the court. The Sand Man is the first book to truly capture this often misunderstood icon of the AVP.From his first tournament at age 15 to the Atlanta Olympic gold medal in 1996, Karch Kiraly is truly the greatest player ever to spike a volleyball. I can not begin to say how great this book was.Laced with stories and photos, this book is the tied for number one in my reviews of 1999. For the serious volleyball fan, this is the must read of the year. Best of luck in Sidney in 2000 Karch!

An in-depth look at the vollyball legend

When most people tune in to watch the AVP, they often notice one thing - some guy out there is wearing a pink hat. The man underneath that hat is, undoubtedly, the greatest volleball player to ever step on the court (or the sand). This is the life story of Karch Kiraly and his accomplishments in life as well as on the court. Always a gentlemenly competitor, we get to see the few flare-ups and frustrations along with the glory of his storied career. Starting from birth and ending with last season's (1998) success with Adam Johnson, this book chronicles Karch's travels, his loves, the people he admires that came before, and his devotion to his children. A must-read for anyone who enjoys the sport and the man who has helped bring it to new heights.

A must-read for volleyball fans!!

This book is a must read for volleyball fans as well as anyone who seeks insight into the mind of a world class person. Karch Kiraly is arguably the greatest volleyball player of all time but he prides himself on being much more than that; he is truly a first class husband, father, and role model. Kiraly, like all Olympic gold medalists, has multitudes of God-given athletic ability, but he has other attributes that many other athletes do not - an unparalled work ethic and strong sense of priorities. The book chronicles his life from early times with family to his present pro beach volleyball competitions. Through all of his trials and triumphs, Kiraly has exhibited courage, class, and honor. Thank you Karch for being someone that I will always look up to!