Gladiator: A True Story of 'Roids, Rage, and Redemption

Thought provoking insight on America's favorite Gladiator.

Gladiator is the amazing story of Dan Clark - from what turned him into the man we all cheered for on American Gladiators to the courageous person he is today. Dan story of pain, loss, drug use and sadness takes the reader through his life, one that as a fan of 'Nitro' we could have never imagined. I admire Mr. Clark for his honesty and strength to pull himself out of a downward spiral of destruction. Excellent book, once you start - you cannot put it down

A deep insight into the life of a tv icon.

A person often wonders about the people that we come to know and adore on television and movies. I remember as a kid watching American Gladiators and absolutely in awe of these massive human beings and wondering what makes them what they are and wanting to be them. Dan gives a descriptive insight into his life from childhood on up. You get to see all the tragedy, pain and self inflicted torture he went through to become "Nitro". As an elite athlete he feels he has no choice but to take steroids to even his odds and be competitive as a football star. This later gets more demanding having to look good for America as a tv icon on American Gladiators. But, this book shows that there is a lot of agony and pain behind the scenes. This book is filled with a roller coaster of agony and some glimmers of victory. One moment he is at Madison Square garden having his name chanted and literally 5 minutes later he is sobbing in the bathroom stall. I highly recommend this book especially if you or somebody you know is faced with any type of drug problem even if it is not steroids.

Gladiator by Dan Clark is a compelling read.

I read the entire book in one evening because I couldn't put it down! The author demonstrates great vulnerability and courage in sharing his amazing and horrible life experiences. I was very moved and touched by Dan's story. It greatly increased my understanding of the impact of steroids on the life of the user and all who come in contact with that person. What a lonely, painful path it must have been and how wonderful that Dan has found the wisdom and strength to choose life. This is definitely worth reading.

Moving

Last night I began to read this book, this morning I finished it. The cover is misleading because you think it will be a story about weight loss or exercise. The cover should have been a heliograph, turn it one way and you see Nitro with shining muscles, tilt it the other way and you see a lost, frightened boy. Even better, turn it again and you see yourself and the addictions in your own life; dieting, perfectionism, super woman-mother-wife.

I felt Nitro's pain and failure and a small sense of guilt for cheering on the beast that was really killing him inside.

The part about Buddhah rain painting pictures in my mind, a sense of cleansing, I loved it. I am also haunted by his dreams and thank the good Lord my sleep is not a trip to hell but a true slumber.

This is good work, a book that truly moved me.

The book is great!

The book was very heartfelt and well written.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.