{"product_id":"living-the-gimmick-paperback","title":"Living the Gimmick - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eBen Peller\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom the time he was able to body slam a pillow, Michael dreamed of becoming a professional wrestler, vanquishing imaginary enemies and nagging self-doubt with every drop kick he landed. As his buddies hit the books, Michael got hit. When they left for college, he enrolled in Shane Stratford's Wrestling Academy, where cash -- and a particularly punishing \"audition\" -- afforded him a first look into a world part circus, part sport, and all spectacle. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e From penny-ante matches to national notoriety, Michael rises through the ranks of professional wrestling. Hopped up on speed, pumped up on steroids, and fueled by a frustration he can't quite name, he adopts and discards identities in a bid to find the \"gimmick\" that will make him complete. His search will bring him in contact with people weird and wonderful: athletes and actors, crazy fans and crooked managers, the full rich range of folks who revel in the ring. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Combining elements of sports narrative a la \"North Dallas 40, \" the behind-the-scenes authenticity of \"Pumping Iron, \" and a flair for the bizarre that recalls John Irving, \"Living the Gimmick\" is a novel not soon forgotten.\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 428\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.1 x 8.4 x 5.4 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e October 20, 2000\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51757238157600,"sku":"9780759550049","price":28.78,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/9764\/5344\/files\/8b99cc0a6a1668b665e90a891e9faece.webp?v=1780097488","url":"https:\/\/ebocreations.com\/products\/living-the-gimmick-paperback","provider":"The E-Book Oasis LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}