“Breaking Back”- The James Blake awe inspiring story of his 2004 setbacks to his big comeback(12/08)

JAMES BLAKE’S NEW BOOK "BREAKING BACK".  I just finished reading the Breaking Back and what an inspiration. James was already my favorite tennis player and now I have even more admiration  for him.  I know the media is not supposed to have favorites and to be unbiased but besides James being a class act on the court and interview room, his story is Amazing. If you haven’t read this book, pick it up right away as it will bring tears to your eyes and chills to your body of his Feel Good Story.  Blake’s comeback from 3 major setbacks in 2004 to get as high as #4 and be a top ranked player since is remarkable!  Below is a press release with more info on his book and story!

MOVES UP TO NO. 15 ON NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LIST

"It’s quite simply the best athlete book I’ve ever read."

CNBC Sports Business Reporter Darren Rovell

NEW YORK, August 2, 2007 – World No. 9 James Blake’s new book, "Breaking Back: How I Lost Everything and Won Back My Life," has moved up to No. 15 on the New York Times bestseller list from No. 21.  The book debuted at No. 22 on the list two weeks ago.

Acclaim for the book has come from numerous sources including CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell, who wrote, "It’s quite simply the best athlete book I’ve ever read."  People Magazine awarded the book 3 ½ out of 4 stars, and said it is "the rare sports memoir that actually has a heart."  The Washington Post states that Breaking Back is Blake’s, "chronicle of a 2004 season filled with distress, injury, illness and — ultimately – insight." The Los Angeles Times said the book is "a rarity among sports autobiographies: an emotionally forthcoming page-turner."  It was also an "Editor’s Pick" in Reader’s Digest for the month of July.

In addition, Blake has appeared on The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, Live! With Regis and Kelly, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Extra!, ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption and has been featured in such publications as Men’s Health, Essence, ESPN the Magazine, Parade and featured on the cover of Tennis Magazine, regarding the book.

"I was thrilled to make the New York Times bestseller list, but to make it to No. 15 is incredible," said Blake.  "I continue to be flattered that so many people are interested in my book, and hope that my story can continue to be an inspiration for everyone who reads it."

For more information about the book, log on to www.jamesblaketennis.com

Breaking Back

"Breaking Back" tells the story of how James Blake’s persevered through immense hardship to become one of the best tennis players in the world.  Blake was a rising star on the Tour, but everything came crashing down in 2004 when he broke his neck on the tennis court, lost his father to stomach cancer and then contracted a debilitating form of shingles that nearly ended his career.  He dropped significantly in the rankings, but with the support of family and friends, he made a valiant comeback, and eventually reached No. 4 in the world by the end of 2006.  "Breaking Back" is a remarkable tale of strength, determination, passion, willpower, and of how one athlete succeeded even in the bleakest of times.

Contacts:
Matt Van Tuinen    Chase Bodine
MVT Communications   Harper Collins Publishers
773-525-5360    310-369-7223