5. It's True It's True, Kurt Angle
This 2002 book is badly outdated now, but it still serves as a fantastic read. Interestingly it isn't Kurt's pro wrestling stories that are the highlight, it's the amazing tales of dedication from his Olympic training schedule. Kurt really worked hard, and it's inspirational to hear how dedicated he was to becoming the best. It's also slightly sad considering how many of his own values he has now abandoned. When this book was published, Kurt was not a drinker, and he remarks in the book about hardly ever having drank. What a shame to see him now undergoing D.U.I charges and other unsavoury incidents. Another interesting aspect of this book is Kurt's relationship with his father, and the way death has affected Kurt throughout his life. There is a larger theme of masculinity throughout the book, and you do feel like you get inside some of Kurt's emotional pain from the loss of his father. It really served to drive Angle to hitting his goals. You get an understanding of the importance of toughness to Kurt, you read about how "tough" his father was and how he fell off a construction site, got up, and walked to the local hospital before passing. The autopsy revealed Kurt's Dad had suffered multiple heart attacks throughout his life but had been so tough he hadn't realized. You get the feeling that in 2013 Kurt needs to move on from these occupying thoughts of toughness his life is now turning into a tragedy of its own. This book was a great read that perhaps Kurt needs to read back to be reminded of his own values.