Eli Manning: The Making of a Quarterback

Any giants fan must read this book talking about a great guy and one thats really done more than just win two super bowls but won the hearts of many fans!! I went to school with him at ole miss and he was a great guy then and is now!!

Love the behind the scene look at football recruiting, what goes into a team and insight into Elis trials and triumphs.

What sticks out above everything else in this very well-researched account of Eli Manning, is Vacchianos startling ability to draw the reader in emotionally. In particular - Vacchianos gripping account of that famous final drive in the Super Bowl against the undefeated New England Patriots. Having watched - glued to the screen, waiting for Manning to implode, and yet he didnt - that gut-scrambling final 2-plus minutes, I can say it was some of the very best drama football has produced. What is remarkable is that Vacchiano, through his writing, matches the virtuoso moment. The fact that readers were already well aware of the outcome, makes this an even more astonishing feat of writing. I ripped through those last 40 pages, even though I knew what the end result was... The tendency in books like this is for the writer to gush over the subject...accolade after accolade. Vacchiano steers away from the expected. At times, its a harsh, clinical evaluation of the subject. Vacchiano, as every reporter writing a book should do (but few accomplish), taps on a wealth of resources. Former Giants Ernie Accorsi writes the forward and is quoted throughout...but there are also dozens of others involved. This is not only a must-but for Giants fans, but for fans of solid writing (ahh, that drama!) as well. A stirring achievement by one of the best football beat writers in America.

Great insight into the story of one of the best QBs in the NFL. Love him or hate him the story of this mans rise is an interesting read and you may feel differently about him and his talented family afterwards.

Would highly recommend this book if you are an Eli Manning fan! I am and enjoyed the book, great family.

I too admit to being a long-time and fierce New York Giants fan and from the start Eli Manning fan. I knew that when Eli was placed into the starting line-up, we would have to endure growing pains and tough losses as he developed both as a quarterback and a leader for the New York Giants. Ralph Vacchiano perfectly captures the nuances of what Eli has meant to Ernie Accorsi (then GM), the Giants, the fans and the NFL. Ralph uses an interesting and perfectly suited style of writing from an outsider looking in approach while still enjoying insider access and direct information that a veteran reporter has. Having said that, Ralph doesnt bat you over the head with subjectivity. While he clearly respects and admires Eli and his family, he still maintains an objectivity that is both fresh and appealing. What differentiates this book from the multitude released in the past several months about the Giants Super Bowl Run or any other football book is the crafting and skill used. It is hard to put this book down and each chapter flows perfectly into the next. It is a compelling read. Ralph is an excellent writer and this is an excellent book. Neil Hickey, Reading, PA.

Great read

Ralph Vacchiano, the respected sports writer for the NY Daily News, offers up a poignant behind the scenes look at the career of Eli Manning. His book follows Elis remarkable career from Ole Miss to the San Diego Chargers (where he spent all of 45 minutes) before finally landing in New York with the Giants. Amid unbelievable scrutiny and criticism, Eli perseveres in the face of adversity to lead his team to a stunning win in Super Bowl XLII. The inside scoop on the famous Draft Day 2004 trade that brought Eli to New York alone is worth the price of admission. Quite simply, a must read for all Giants fans.

A well written book for football fans. Finally, Ernie Accorsi is vindicated! This book explains to the football nation exactly what goes into the drafting of a college standout. Cudos to Ralph Vacchiano for telling the truth about a previously maligned draft deal.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It gave many insights into his personality and the development of this Super Bowl MVP quarterback. There were many exciting moments like what took place in the draft room leading up to the trade of Eli to the Giants. The relationship of Eli to his family was very interesting. It explains a lot of what he is all about. Learned to admire Accorsis conviction. Roethlisberger was my choice but Vacchiano makes it clear that in the end Eli is the guy. The stage was set for the drafting of Eli with the ineptitude of Danny Cannel, Dave Brown, and Kent Graham. Then came Collins who looked for a while like the answer. Never knew exactly why Kerry Collins left until I read the book. A great read for a football fan. A must read for a Giant fan. A wonderful book. William R. Gillen