Joe Paterno was the head football coach at Penn State for 45 years. He built a legacy of success, integrity, and honor, but it all came crashing down when it was revealed that he did virtually nothing after learning a former assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, was a probable child molester. In the decade that followed Paterno's inaction, Sandusky molested many other children and was subsequently convicted of more than 40 counts of child molestation. Posnanski, an award-winning journalist formerly with Sports Illustrated, had virtually unfettered access to Paterno, his family, and Paterno's papers during the last year of Paterno's life, as the scandal rolled out. Sadly, there are no answers in the book. Posnanski instead chooses to write mostly of the good deeds in Paterno's life. No one is denying the positives in Paterno's life, The question that remains unanswered at least in this book is what combination of hubris, greed, and self-aggrandizement led Paterno and the Penn State administration to look the other way for more than a decade. There have been millions of words written about the scandal and subsequent trial of Sandusky. Posnanski has added to the total without offering much substance.--Lukowsky, Wes Copyright 2010 Booklist

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.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.