Down, But Not Out: The Rise and Fall of a Boxing Champion

There is certainly a story to tell here and you tell it well. Very different from most sporting biographies and much better, too. Good luck in finding a publisher.

Philip John (Dead Reckoning/The Ambassador's Last Post)

Brad, this is of course a very compelling story. I've never written anything like this, so I don't really know what to recommend technically. If it were in my word's, I'd recast a lot of the sentences so there wouldn't be so much repetition (starting off with pronouns, for instance). If this is in the direct words of Iran, then you have to let it stand. But his story is the classic bust to boom to bust of boxing, and that will always have an audience. I hope you can find an agent for this, and I'll back it here.
Your backing of The Job didn't show up on my news feed, so if you could slip it back onto your shelf for a second just to make sure, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks,
Craig

Dear Brad Berkowitz,

I hope Down but not Out does well. There is something heroic and sad about boxing stories. Requiem for a Heavy Weight is a great favorite. Backed and going back for another round.

Please take a look at CBGB Was My High School.

GK Stritch

A fascinating read.
Backed with pleasure, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

Awesome. I am fifty and knew of Iran's career as a boxer. I remember his reputation as a tough fighter. This is nice to read and learn of him as a person. Backing it. Carl

Hi Brad,
Have really enjoyed what I've read so far! Have put it on my shelf.
Best wishes
Eva
Here Comes the Summer

hullo Brad. What great story of persistance and success. Very good. Please take a look my book please and feel free to comment. Thanks in advance.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

Inspiring and informative. Will prove hugely popular across the reading range. One cannot fault the writing. A professionally produced work that more than deserves publication. In the UK we have specialist publishers - i.e. sport. Maybe that would be the way to go?

Read chapters one, two and seven. Interesting but I don't think it works. It comes across as a little bit flat, almost as if these are research notes you intend basing a novel/(auto)biography on. There's little in the way of drama. The material is there but it doesn't seem to be shaped in a way that makes it come alive. Have you thought about coming at it from another direction - maybe writing in the third person. Sorry to be negative. Definitely a story worth pursuing but not as it stands at the moment.

Steve

The subject of the novel is great. It sounds like Iran had a like with many ups and downs. There are a lot of great stories here.

What this could use is a little more focus. The novel changes subjects and goes from one event to another without any clear reason. I'm not sure how this is organized. Each chapter should have a specific theme or time frame.

I think it would be cool to open the book with his worst day ever: when he loses to Benn and then finds out his father dies. You can use that moment to generate interest and then rewind from their and tell his life from the early stages.

I enjoyed this so I'll back it.

Brian
Mute

[return comment ☼☼]

I can’t track stuff very easily on here. Trying to clean up my return reads. I’ve read this, I can remember doing so. I’m afraid it doesn’t grab me. I can see the story itself is interesting, if not tragic, and worthy of being told. And I can see the enormous amount of research you’re put in, although maybe from some of your comments you know him? I found the catalogue of family members in a paragraph each didn’t make me want to read more. I’m not a natural fan of boxing and I would have needed to be to get into this. The first person narration didn’t match the content, I thought. We’re getting a biography, not a story. Biography’s fine, but I would have expected third person. Or your voice. In fact that’s what would have made me read this. If you know Him, then your first person voice telling how you met him, how he lives now and how his story has impacted you. Then describe his life, or do it through a series of conversations, although this might get tedious after a while. Thank you for backing my book, and I feel a bit mean, but I don’t want to back this one. The comment ought to help you a little bit.

[duplicate review deleted]

[triplicate review deleted]

Brad,

Returning your read. I'm not a big reader of biographies.

I confess I don't know what to make of this. The language doesn't, for me, fit the environs, but it's some sort of insight into another culture, so I'll give it a quick spin on the shelf.

Hi Brad,

As promised, I've taken a look at your second book and have read the first chapter and other passages. I see a well-written biography (or autobiography) that could be crafted into a novel or screenplay. Let me be clear. The document is vivid, stirring, and competent, but it's purely descriptive--all "tell" rather than "show"--and as such, is hardly a novel. To convert it to a novel, the present material would call for dramatization of the events and characters. Picture it as film, with dialogue, description, and voice-over (connecting narrative). Structurally, it would need a plot--a story line with conflict, rising action, and finally a resolution. That final stage should include a crisis (where the conflict is inescapable but intolerable) and a climax (where the crisis is resolved). Your narrative would have a better chance of being published after such a transformation. And I will back it with this potential in mind.

Best wishes, Bill ("The Doctor of Summitville," "Call Home the Child," "Annabella and Other Stories")

Very well-written and easy to read. I like your descriptions of the Bronx, very vivid.
I am happy to back it and I wish you Good Luck with it.

Best Wishes

Anna

Hi, Brad -

Wow, what a memoir! Iran's story is phenomenal and your writing makes the whole thing impossible to put down.

I'm a fan of the sport, but don't follow it too closely. But I do remember Iran Barkley clearly.

My only criticism is over the lack of dialog. Reading through your chapters, I found myself missing the words from both Iran's mouth and the words of others in his life.

Delighted to back Rise and Fall, and I wish you the best of luck with it.

Thanks for sharing your work with us.

-Jeff Lee
THE LADIES TEMPERANCE CLUB'S FAREWELL TOUR

Hi Brad

I read this because my husband is a huge boxing fan and it has rubbed off on me a bit.
What an inspirational story about Iran. He faced so many tough issues growing up and still managed to become world champion.
A few more people should read these sort of stories instead of moaning about their lot and how hard done by they are. Iran is proof that if you put the work in and you want to achieve something, you can.
Backed with pleasure and I hope this gets printed as I would love to buy this for my husband.
Sarah. T-cup and the Dream Team Fairies

Honest and refreshing. No one can make up their life's details so it fits into a nice little story. Your sister taught you to protect yourself. Love that sister. Your writing is conversational and sometimes I desire more metaphorical and lyrical constructs; but the story is told with such humility that it brings the book together beautifully.
Thanks for sharing your life.
Backed,
Ellen (Thoughts of a Teenage Girl)
---you're right, Brad, I like this one better; chicks dig stories---

Not easy to do is making someone else's life interesting but you have do it right. Backed.

I pride myself on not being your stero-typical girl. I like to believe that's why I can say, I LOVE this book man. Great Job!
Best of Luck
E. S. Browning

This is great - well written, with lots of flavour. My one criticism is that I have just read 2 chapters and there is no dialogue yet. It would be great if you could go through each paragraph and really bring the story to life - don't just TELL us about each incident, SHOW us with action and dialogue to really enable the reader to connect with Iran. This is more than just a social commentary, this has the potential to be a wonderful story.
Shalini x

Your pitch give a good flavour but does not prepare the reader for such a super story. My husband is keen on boxing so I got him to have a dip in as well. Its a very intresting book about bad amkes good and I wish you well with it.
Sue Mackender

Knowing Liam Riley

This is fascinating story, its a v interesting piece and should do well. This should do well .

Backed 100%
Clair
Left Behind

Down, But Not Out: The Rise and Fall of a Boxing Champion
Brad Berkowitz

Brad,
This is an interesting piece of work about Iran Barkley. It is good that such a man coming from the circumstances and background which he did, ends up, regardless of success and then failure, as an inspiration and mentor to young boxers and people in general who are down on their luck and need to reinvent themselves. This is highly inspirational. Thanks for sharing this and all the best in finding a publisher Brad.
Zan

Hi Brad, Very well written...I especially enjoyed it because I ws born and raised in the bronx unti I ws 13 and as we still say, you can take the girl out of the bronx but you can't take the bronx out of the girl. I loved Mr softee...I hate boxing but I understand its benefits like anything else that gives us release and discipline. I think this is an inspiring story and kids these days, need a straight shooter that understands their daily challenges , while being able to help with a solution...Backed I wish you all the best I hope you find an agent. Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the Heart

HI Brad, leigh stole the words from my mouth (fingers?) I was about to write that this is totally different from your other book. It is an interesting, well written story which could be made into a film. Trouble is, there have been so many about boxers. It is a very gripping read, nonetheless. Gerry

This is so different from your other book, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was an extremely well told story. Your mc is very well portrayed and fascinating. The story itself draws the reader in without difficulty and retains their interest. Excellent work. Your ability to write successfully in different styles and genres is a talent worth exploring.

H Leigh Cornwell
(Blood Descent)

This is well told and rings true so backed. Kop - The Lucky Bean Tree.

This is quite a gripping story. I read chapters 1 - 6 and chapter 8. I not only don't care for boxing, I actually hate it. But I now have a different view of it - still don't like it, or consider it a sport - but I have a different understanding of the myriad reasons why one could be motivated to box, and also, how and why a person can psych themselves into disregarding unbelievable pain - pain that for most people would have then terrified both that they were about to die, and terrified of more pain. This story gives an interesting insight into how a person can will themselves to ignore things I consider primal with regard to survival, and at the same time invoke a primal response to defend ones self with every fiber of their physical and mental being.

And then, after being brutally beaten, and brutally beating another person - regardless of who wins, if the fight was fair and well fought - the two can respect and like each other - can come out feeling more like brothers than like adversaries. This is all very different from anything I ever considered about boxing.

It is a different world. And it really doesn't matter if I like it or not, or have any opinions about it at all. Boxing is what it is, it exists, and there are people who do it, and people who watch it, people who make money off of it.

I am baffled about the authorship of this story, and would be interested in clarification. The story appears to be written as an autobiography by Iran Barkley, but it is listed as a biography by Brad Berkowitz. Is this a series of interviews that has been modified, restructured, organized? I'd be interested to know. I would also be interested in reading the rest of this story - and I would have NEVER in a million years expected to see myself writing a statement like that about a book about a boxer...

Brad, I wish you and Iran much success with this painful, sad, important, fascinating story.
Judy Adams
The Existence Game

Hi there,

I'll gladly back this. No time to finish, unfortunately but will back based on the first book and this first chapter. I love real stories so am looking forward to finishing it!
Denise

Brad, would you care to swap reads and/or feedback? If so let me know. I have added you 2my WL and will get to you shorty. My book is called The Age of Rhinestone. Cheers, blueboy

boxing is not my thing but this was enjoyable, a close and loving family and a mother to be proud of, well written, backed

alison

I probably need to read more of this to get the feel, but you write very well. On my watchlist.
su dan [seasons]

Not much of a sports fan, but this book promises to be an excellent true story read. Fully enjoyed the book, I have read all of the posted chapters. Can't wait to find out what happens next. The gang violence story was very powerful and tough to read due to the gore, but handled very well by the author and the subject. I hope you find a publisher, this story needs to be told!

W\hat a powerful story about a boxing legend. Great story. Will you be posiing the remaining chapters? I am familiar with his story so I know how sad it is, but I know he has been helping hundreds of people in the new chapter of his life. You handle the subject very well.

Thank you so much. I am trying to find an agent so the world can know what can happend to an elite boxer as his career winds down. It is sad. I am trying to help Iran Barkley.

Now,it seems more than ever, youngsters need inspirational figures and what better than one that has 'been there.'
This is a fascinating story although I confess I'm not a boxing fan. What I find appealing is the effort put in to tell others of the struggle to rise above such a negative start in life.
If only one is converted it's well worth the time spent writing this. So on my shelf so others might read. Margaret.

Now,it seems more than ever, youngsters need inspirational figures and what better than one that has 'been there.'
This is a fascinating story although I confess I'm not a boxing fan. What I find appealing is the effort put in to tell others of the struggle to rise above such a negative start in life.
If only one is converted it's well worth the time spent writing this. So on my shelf so others might read. Margaret.

Very inspiring work you have here- partly because I can relate to how he grew up! Backed with pleasure.

Brittany
My Last Notes

Thanks KC. Can you also back my other book as well? I would appreciate it. I just backed your book and will take a look at it later.

Brad

Dear Brad, You have quite a hair raising story here. The Bronx sounds worse than the Balkans and to think these are kids, 12-15 years old. I compare it to my quiet childhood on a farm, my children's in suburban America, it'slike life on another planet. Is this an authorized biography? I am going to back this because it is so informative -- it opens a view into a negative world few Americans see.
Caroline
Summer Rose

Dear Brad, You have quite a hair raising story here. The Bronx sounds worse than the Balkans and to think these are kids, 12-15 years old. I compare it to my quiet childhood on a farm, my children's in suburban America, it'slike life on another planet. Is this an authorized biography? I am going to back this because it is so informative -- it opens a view into a negative world few Americans see.
Caroline
Summer Rose

Dear Brad, I love non-fiction & biography. :) Your story is a good read because you create interest by having hooks to make me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing your book. :) Please take a moment to BACK my TWO Books, ... "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" ... and the UNEDITED version? ... "Tell Me True Love Stories"
Thanks, Susie :)

Thanks for the comments. I will look into the typos. The manuscript is still being developed. He is doing well, helping all charities, mentoring kids to stay off the streets, trying to get Jack Johnson pardoned. Yes, most of the words are mine. I am trying to help him by getting his story out there. He is misunderstood by most people. He and I have been working hard on this manuscript and are looking for an agent.

Small world. My family lived in the Patterson Houses for a few years, so I know the 'hood' well.

I don't know what to make of this. Not all life stories have a happy ending, and Iran's eventual downfall is certainly not a cause for celebration. There must be some redemption in all of this. You hint in your pitch that he's doing some positive things back in his hood. How has he become "...an inspiration and mentor to all...who are down on their luck and need to reinvent themselves" while being "financially challenged as he was when he was a child"? Perhaps a synopsis at the end might help us understand the purpose of writing his story.

I use the word "writing" loosely. The entire story is written in the first person, using Iran's own words. Short of editing and adding some quotes, I do not see enough input from you to assign yourself as absolute author. Shouldn't the book at least have shared credits? Have you looked into the legalities of doing this and whether or not it would be acceptable to publishers?

Having said that, I can only comment on your editing. It's certainly well-organized and you picked out the most interesting parts of Iran's storytelling. There were a few typos: "Lincoln Town Care...We drank and parties all night...The only people who carried guys (guns) were the gang members." Some of the dialogue appears to have been written by you: "My exuberance was short-lived, however, as my brother Alpo succumbed to cancer." This is verbiage is not consistent with Iran's ghetto rhetoric.

I shelved this book because it speaks of a brother who tried to fight his way out of the ghetto and, if just for a little while, tasted the sweetness of success.

Isabel

DOWN BUT NOT OUT: THE IRAN BARKLEY STORY ~ BRAD BERKOWITZ

Small world. My family lived in the Patterson Houses for a few years, so I know the 'hood' well.

I don't know what to make of this. Not all life stories have a happy ending, and Iran's eventual downfall is certainly not a cause for celebration. There must be some redemption in all of this. You hint in your pitch that he's doing some positive things back in his hood. How has he become "...an inspiration and mentor to all...who are down on their luck and need to reinvent themselves" while being "financially challenged as he was when he was a child"? Perhaps a synopsis at the end might help us understand the purpose of writing his story.

I use the word "writing" loosely. The entire story is written in the first person, using Iran's own words. Short of editing and adding some quotes, I do not see enough input from you to assign yourself as absolute author. Shouldn't the book at least have shared credits? Have you looked into the legalities of doing this and whether or not it would be acceptable to publishers?

Having said that, I can only comment on your editing. It's certainly well-organized and you picked out the most interesting parts of Iran's storytelling. There were a few typos: "Lincoln Town Care...We drank and parties all night...The only people who carried guys (guns) were the gang members." Some of the dialogue appears to have been written by you: "My exuberance was short-lived, however, as my brother Alpo succumbed to cancer." This verbiage is not consistent with Iran's ghetto rhetoric.

I shelved this book because it speaks of a brother who tried to fight his way out of the ghetto and, if just for a little while, tasted the sweetness of success.

Isabel

A fascinating and very well written biography. Truly excellent! Backed Jedward (Knut)

I've read a lot of non-fiction. A lot of sports biographies, its in the nature of my line of work. And I have to say from what i've read this is one of the best. It's an original story highly deserving of being told. It's not the usual bland, safe autobiography which are churned out so often these days. This is a true-life story which reads like fiction. The pacing is spot on. It reads true to the man and I firmly expect this to be picked up by an agent soon. Just a matter of the right guy at the right time. Excellent work, delighted to back.
David
Bailey of the Saints

This is an incredibly important story that need sto be told! BACKED with pleasure!

Liz
The Cheech Room

Down, But Not Out:

What a great story on a not so great life. What an accomplishment, eh?

I just read the first two chapters and will read more when time permits. Do let me know when this is published.

All the best, and already backed.

Cáit ~ Muckers ~

Non fiction books on true life are my favourite genre. I first followed child abuse as a personal interest then my wings spread to reading any true life story about people. This book has not let me down at all, it is a brilliant read and significant in the value of insight to another person's world. This book is inspiring and I admire your courage for surviving and fighting back. Non fiction books with trauma and hope at the end are very significant in passing positive messages to people. This carries a bonus as besides giving significant messages it is interesting and entertaining.

Backed,

Lisa

This is the second of your books that i have read and enjoyed wholeheartedly. Iran Barkley...the blade...I only vaguely recall his name.... This story has it all, the interviews-- the dark days in a world where the only thing you could depend on was your family...and your crew.

The story is an inspiration and a warning at the same time according to the pitch...I read all you uploaded and the fight with Hearns that made Iran the world champ was so well described. The celebrity, the money...the hangers on all that is yet to come. I look forward to it.
Bravo and Backed
Suzannah Burke