In the opening of Lance Armstrong's memoir, Every Second Counts (co-authored by Sally Jenkins), he reflects: "Generally, one of the hardest things in the world to do is something twice." While he is talking here about his preparation for what would prove to be his second consecutive Tour de France victory in 2000, the sentiment could equally be applied to the book itself. And just as Armstrong managed to repeat his incredible 1999 tour victory, Every Second Counts repeats--and, in some ways exceeds—the success of his bestselling first memoir, It's Not About the Bike.

Every Second Counts confronts the challenge of moving beyond his cancer experience, his first Tour victory, and his celebrity status. Few of Armstrong's readers will ever compete in the Tour de France (though cyclists will relish Armstrong's detailed recounting of his 2000-2003 tour victories), but all will relate to his discussions of loss and disappointment in his personal and professional life since 1999. They will relate to his battles with petty bureaucracies, like the French court system during the doping scandal that almost halted his career. And they will especially relate to constant struggles with work/life balance.

In the face of September 11--which arrives halfway through the narrative (just before the fifth anniversary of his diagnosis)--Armstrong draws from his experiences to show that suffering, fear, and death are the essential human condition. In so openly using his own life to illustrate how to face this reality, he proves that he truly is a hero--and not just because of the bike. In Every Second Counts he is to be admired as a human being, a man who sees every day as a challenge to live richly and well, no matter what hardships may come. --Patrick O'Kelley

From School Library Journal
Adult/High School-In It's Not about the Bike (Putnam, 2000), Armstrong related his battle with cancer and his incredible Tour de France victory. In this book, he gives a gripping account of his second through (record-tying) fifth victories at the Tour. (His latest triumph might be missed by less-than-thorough readers-it's at the very end, following the afterword.) One sees that Armstrong has grown up quite a bit since his first book. However, he still has a reckless streak, as witnessed by his fondness for diving into a place called Dead Man's Hole. There are glimpses into his personal life and reflections on his illness, but this memoir is unabashedly about the thrill of racing and winning with the U.S. Postal Team. Armstrong talks about his teammates with humility and admiration. He also deals frankly, yet with remarkable restraint, with the accusations of doping by the French. The cyclist still works with his Lance Armstrong Foundation against cancer, but readers get the sense that he is definitely looking forward. Warm and informal in tone, Every Second Counts is a must-read for cycling fans.Sheila Shoup, Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From AudioFile
Bike race enthusiasts will love the intricate race details and insights into the mind of five-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong. Oliver Wyman reads selections from each race with flair, creating an edge-of-the-seat feeling for the listener, even when the outcome is already known. Wyman excels when reading about Armstrong's anger and frustration with French officials, the rigors of drug testing, and particularly tough competitors. Throughout the book, Armstrong includes many personal thoughts, life philosophies, and beliefs, addressing his struggles with family life, cancer survival, long-distance parenting, perseverance, goal-setting, and reaching dreams. Wyman presents these with passion and conviction, giving Armstrong a persona that is warm but driven. H.L.S. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

From Booklist
When he was 25, Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer. It had already spread to his abdomen, lungs, and brain. It might have been terminal, but two surgeries and four courses of chemotherapy later, he was well again--well enough to compete in the punishing Tour de France bicycle race, which he won in 1999. And four times since then. His first book, It's Not about the Bike, chronicled the period between the cancer diagnosis and the 1999 tour victory; this one takes up the story after the victory and shows us just how different a person's life can become after coming so close to death. The book is the story of a family man, world-class athlete, and cancer survivor who is determined to get every single drop of enjoyment and excitement out of life. It's a joyous, triumphant book, a celebration of all the things that make life good. It's also, for cyclists, a detailed look at the Tour de France, as seen through the eyes of one of its top competitors. Fascinating and inspiring. David Pitt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
Given the choice between winning the Tour de France and surviving cancer, cycling legend Lance Armstrong has always maintained that he'd choose the latter. Indeed, a trophy may reward the victor's professional career, but defeating seemingly insurmountable odds changes every aspect of life.

Every Second Counts, the follow-up to the hugely successful bestseller It's Not About the Bike, opens a window into the mind and life of a man who has become one of the sports world's greatest competitors and most intriguing success stories.

Even after his triumph over testicular cancer, Armstrong's fight goes on. With his indomitable spirit and never-give-up attitude, he remains an inspiring role model to those who have yet to defeat their own demons. In this book, he reveals himself as more than just an athlete. Certainly, he provides details about his storied cycling victories; but he also reveals the ups and downs of his marriage -- entered into too quickly and far too young -- and discusses his intensely emotional reaction to visiting New York after the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Reinforcing the importance of living each day to the fullest in a motivational but never heavy-handed manner, Every Second Counts is an intimate journal that documents the strengths and weaknesses of the human spirit. It's an inspirational account that will leave readers with the feeling that they have met the man and engaged him in vibrant conversation. Bryan Hoch

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Continuing the inspiring story begun in his first book, Every Second Counts captures the mind-set of a man who has beaten incredible odds and considers each day an opportunity for excellence.

Armstrong's previous book recounted his journey from a grim diagnosis of testicular cancer, which had spread to his lungs and brain, to a stunning recovery that culminated in his winning the 1999 Tour de France - the ultimate evidence that he had also won a daunting battle with death.

His new book addresses the equally daunting challenge of living in the aftermath of this experience and making the most of every breath of life. Armstrong candidly discusses his prickly relationship with the French and the ultimately disproved accusations of doping within his Tour de France team, and he writes about his recent achievements, including celebrating five years of cancer survival and how he restored a magnificent chapel in his beloved Spain.

FROM THE CRITICS

The New York Times

Unlike his first book, It's Not About the Bike, also written with Sally Jenkins, a sports columnist at The Washington Post, this one discusses, with admirable candor, his experiences as a cancer survivor and the peculiar problems that come with celebrity. — Carolyn T. Hughes

Publishers Weekly

Armstrong-only the second rider ever to win five consecutive Tours de France-is a man with a healthy ego. And he has a right to one: not only is he one of the world's foremost athletes, he is a cancer survivor and advocate, philanthropist, devoted family man and, as evidenced here with the help of freelancer Jenkins, an accomplished memoirist. This second volume (after It's Not About the Bike) takes Armstrong through the summer of 2002. Though cycling brings him individual glory, it is very much a team sport, and Armstrong is always conscious of this in all aspects of life: "Anyone who imagines they can work alone winds up surrounded by nothing but rivals. The fact is, others have to want you to succeed; no one ascends alone." He gives generous credit to the many people who support him: family, friends, teammates, doctors, nurses, coaches and, especially, other cancer survivors, from whom Armstrong draws strength and encouragement. Armstrong believes cancer was his wake-up call: every second does count-both in bike racing and in life. The book ends on an uncertain note: Armstrong and his wife have separated; he is anticipating the 2003 Tour and contemplating what lies ahead when his racing days are over. But his strong message of hope shines through-this often moving, energetic story offers enough bike lore to satisfy racing aficionados, while still accessible for the reader who's more interested in Armstrong's inspirational approach to life. (Oct.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

Unequivocally the world's greatest cycling race, the Tour de France is an arduous three-week, 20-stage ride that tests both the physical fitness and the mental toughness of its participants. These two books pay homage to the event in different ways. A beautiful coffee-table work produced in collaboration with the French sports daily, L'Equipe, The Official Tour de France celebrates the race's centenary this year. Interspersed throughout this definitive, year-by-year account are wonderful photographs, 200 in color and 500 in black and white. In an appendix, readers will find information on podium placings, total victories by riders, champions by nation, and winners of the yellow, green, and polka-dot jerseys. With a foreword by Lance Armstrong. Speaking of Armstrong, one quickly runs out of superlatives to describe the four-time Tour de France winner who has survived testicular, brain, and lung cancer. In his previous biography, It's Not About the Bike, also co-written with Washington Post journalist Jenkins, he documented his early life and career and his battle with cancer, culminating with his first Tour victory. Every Second Counts chronicles the challenge an athlete faces living in the aftermath of his experiences, when each day is a precious gift. The work describes his recent cycling achievements, being cancer-free for five years, and dedication to the foundation that bears his name, which helps cancer patients worldwide. An inspirational read that has the makings of another best seller. Both books are worthy additions for all public libraries. [Armstrong's book was previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/03.]-Larry R. Little, Penticton P.L., B.C. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Adult/High School-In It's Not about the Bike (Putnam, 2000), Armstrong related his battle with cancer and his incredible Tour de France victory. In this book, he gives a gripping account of his second through (record-tying) fifth victories at the Tour. (His latest triumph might be missed by less-than-thorough readers-it's at the very end, following the afterword.) One sees that Armstrong has grown up quite a bit since his first book. However, he still has a reckless streak, as witnessed by his fondness for diving into a place called Dead Man's Hole. There are glimpses into his personal life and reflections on his illness, but this memoir is unabashedly about the thrill of racing and winning with the U.S. Postal Team. Armstrong talks about his teammates with humility and admiration. He also deals frankly, yet with remarkable restraint, with the accusations of doping by the French. The cyclist still works with his Lance Armstrong Foundation against cancer, but readers get the sense that he is definitely looking forward. Warm and informal in tone, Every Second Counts is a must-read for cycling fans.-Sheila Shoup, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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