By Jeff Dewsbury

• George Foreman, Ken Abraham: God in My Corner, Thomas Nelson, 2007

IT’S HARD to think of anyone in public life who has had a more dramatic transformation than George Foreman. From the brooding, grunting, tower of power who  fought epic bouts with Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier to the perpetually smiling preacher and TV pitch man, Foreman is living proof that God changes people.

In God in My Corner, the two-time world heavyweight champion focuses on how God was with him during the tough times in his life – his impoverished childhood, career setbacks, tumultuous personal relationships and his fear of dying – and the highs as well, including becoming the oldest heavy weight champion in history, at the age of 45.

Most dramatically, the boxer describes his conversion experience in a dressing room in Puerto Rico after he had lost a fight.

“I truly thought that this was the end of my life, and I saw – too late – that I had missed what life was meant to be about. As that realization dawned on me, I got mad; I mean, I was furious that I had fallen for the devil’s lies and deceptions. I screamed with every ounce of strength in me, ‘I don’t care if this is death. I still believe there’s a God!’”

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Foreman’s memoir has an informal tone which also melds elements of the self-help genre; a section called ‘Tips from George’s Corner’ is at the end of most chapters. And weighing in at a mere 213 pages, it doesn’t make the heavyweight class. But it’s an enjoyable look at this enigmatic man and his convictions, and gives tantalizing glimpses into the world of pugilism. He also includes a chapter on why he chose to name all five of his sons ‘George.’ For maximum effect, watch the documentary When We Were Kings before reading this book.

• Tony Dungy, Nathan Whitaker: Quiet Strength, Tyndale, 2007

Tony Dungy is the first African American coach to lead a team to a Super Bowl win. Dungy’s Indianapolis Colts won the coveted title last season, also making him one of only three people to win it as both a player and a  coach.

But Dungy’s story goes beyond the accolades. The mild-mannered coach puts his faith front-and-centre – in both his coaching decisions, and in the many organizations he supports. Quiet Strength chronicles his careers as both player and coach, candidly recounting how he turns to the Bible and to the wisdom of mentors and friends who share his faith. NFL fans will appreciate how Dungy talks about his relationships with specific players (from Franco Harris to Peyton Manning), and breaks down the highs and lows of various seasons and teams. Also of interest is a foreword by Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta.

December 2007