The controversy surrounding the recently deceased, legendary Penn State football coach and his role in the cover-up of a child sex abuse case involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky is the focus of Posnanski's biography—though the book traces Joe Paterno's entire life and career. Narrator Joe Mantegna turns in a fine performance, capturing the unique vocal mannerisms of JoePa, while steering clear of caricature. In giving voice to Paterno's wife, Sue, Mantegna evokes no-nonsense determination and loyalty. The narrator adds a fitting dose of pathos to Paterno's intimate conversations with friends and family, as the coach simultaneously battles the scandal and a fast-growing cancer. Among the other highlights is Mantegna's animated portrayal of the University of Alabama's iconic coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. A Simon & Schuster hardcover. (Aug.)

Between bouts of coughing and wheezing, the late Joe Paterno told Sports Illustrated senior writer Posnanski (The Soul of Baseball), "You picked a hell of a time to write about a football coach." Indeed, the author had relocated to State College, Penn., in 2011 and was given prime access to write what was intended to be the definitive biography of this driven man. But by year's end, JoePa's legacy was overshadowed by a horrific child sexual abuse scandal involving former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky—a man Paterno never liked. The head coach was subsequently fired, and died a few months later. But Posnanski doesn't dwell on that last tumultuous year—he gives the man's life its full due: Paterno served in the Army, played football at Brown University, was named Penn State's head coach in 1966 (a deal sealed with a handshake), and went on to become one of the all-time winningest football coaches. He was praised by the press, became a fundraising dynamo, and made sure his players received a good education—for Paterno, college football was about "Teaching young men how to live." After the scandal broke and shortly before he died, Paterno implored Posnanski— an accomplished writer with an unenviable task—to "write the truth." The author's straightforward treatment of the case might be the focus for contemporary readers, but his fair assessment of Paterno's life and illustrious career will stand the test of time. Photos. (Aug.)

"It is exhilirating to read of Paterno the man and gripping to read of his downfall."

"I urge you to read [Paterno]. . . A life is never defined entirely by a man's good, or by his bad."

"Paterno adds grain and texture to the historical record.... makes a cogent case for absorbing Paterno's entire legacy."

The truth is that [Paterno] is a portrait very much in three dimensions. In that sense, Posnanski succeeds…We are left with this book as the final record of the final days. It is more than that, obviously - it is the story of an extraordinary life - but it is most compelling as a chronicle of the end.

"Paterno is a portrait very much in three dimensions. It is the story of an extraordinary life."

"Paterno adds grain and texture to the historical record.... makes a cogent case for absorbing Paterno's entire legacy."

"I urge you to read [Paterno]. . . A life is never defined entirely by a man's good, or by his bad."

"It is exhilirating to read of Paterno the man and gripping to read of his downfall."

The truth is that [Paterno] is a portrait very much in three dimensions. In that sense, Posnanski succeeds…We are left with this book as the final record of the final days. It is more than that, obviously - it is the story of an extraordinary life - but it is most compelling as a chronicle of the end.

I urge you to read [Paterno]. . . A life is never defined entirely by a man's good, or by his bad.
— Mike Vaccaro

Paterno adds grain and texture to the historical record.... makes a cogent case for absorbing Paterno's entire legacy.
— Dwight Garner