Imperfect: An Improbable Life

Thank you

As a disabled person myself (deaf, and mostly blind,) I really understood where Jim was coming from. But I also understood that sometimes, a disability (like it did with Jim) can define a life, and the character it builds.Jim tells his story interspaced between his no hitter in 1993 and weaves a wonderful story about a special human being. I guarantee that you will have tears in your eyes no less than 15 times as you read.

If you have an autograph copy I’d be happy to pay for it.

Jim Abbott is a real inspiration to me. And the inspiration is not about how to be a better pitcher, or how to deal with a physical issue we don't really understand since we don't have it. Jim Abbott's inspires us to deal with our own issues better, how to persevere, how to not be held back, and how to not feel sorry for ourselves. Read/listen to this book and you will have the inspiration to try to be a better person, and treat others better too. I am sure I will fail, but trying is what's important, or succeeding a little more than I normally would have. I bought the audio CD and what a wonderful surprise to receive it and find out Jim is reading the book himself. What a treat. Lastly, I have to complain about the packaging from Random House Audio. What a disservice to Jim and folks like me who spend a full $28 for the NEW audio CD. The cheap cardboard box that houses the CDs is creased on both sides on mine. Amazon boxed it very well in a strong box so they can't be blamed. I would have bought a much cheaper used copy if I knew I was getting a badly creased box. I wish I could grade Random House Audio on this and give them zero stars, but I don't want to affect the 5-star rating Jim's book deserves.

Great story of a lifelong challenge. The author takes you through the highs and lows, ups and downs and doubt vs triumph of the human spirit. Well worth a few hours of your time!

I had previously read about Jim Abbott and the United States baseball team winning the 1988 Gold Medal in the Seoul South KoreaOlympics. As a 94 mph split fastball pitcher Jim went straight from college baseball to the major leagues signing with theAnaheim Angels. After playing for the nicest owner in baseball (Gene Autry) he was traded to George Steinbrenner's New York Yankees. I like the way the story is told with alternating chapters highlighting Jim Abbott's no hitter on Sept. 4, 1993 in Yankee Stadium, with the rest of the story.Jim Abbott is a great man. His story is very inspirational. It goes far beyond the news stories of man born without a right hand who makes it to the major leagues. It is about life and never giving up. I had a chance to meet him last month. He is one of the few people who is even more impressive when you meet them in person and realize what a great Dad he is to his two daughters.Hal Kellman

I love the story of Jim Abbott and have the utmost respect for what he achieved as a pro ball player however the book is a bore. Too much information about people, family members and others that this reader quite frankly isn't interested in. I thought this would be an amazing story to read to my 10 year old son each night, but we had to abandon our plan around the 50th page in.

Jim Abbott overcame childhood abuse from other children and went on to have quite a career. The book reveals what Abbott went through as a child and how he always tried to hide his missing hand by putting his arm in his pocket. Interesting story.

I knew the basics about his story but really learned a lot about the man. Well written and I loved how he takes you through the no-hitter batter by batter through the book.

Imperfect is a great story of how an athlete deals with what life has given him. For Jim Abbott, this is the ability of realizing his skills and limitiations, and how the two can, and perhaps, should have affected each other. Abbott shares his story with true honesty ... while he understands he is known as the 'one-handed pitcher', he finds a way to mesh that with who he wants others to perceive him as. A refreshing tale of a someone you'd love your child to look up to and be like, both on and off the field.

great read