The Fall Line: How American Ski Racers Conquered a Sport on the Edge

New York Daily News reporter Vinton (coauthor, American Icon) chronicles the U.S. ski team over the last decade, with particular focus on the freewheeling alpine skier Bode Miller and the polished alpine skier Lindsey Vonn. Vinton writes for the skiing novice as well as the avid fan, including details on how the sport is changing, the effect of terrain on a race, the fickleness of a strong run, and the solipsistic nature of competitive skiing. The book does not dwell on any subject in particular, and Vinton deftly moves from topic to topic with grace and ease, giving brief snapshots of most of the major players in American skiing, noting Vonn and Miller's greatest victories and competitors during their careers. The author describes Vonn as a highly professional, motivated athlete who learned her poise and professionalism from the likes of Picabo Street, whilst he pays tribute to the somewhat controversial and rebellious style of Bode Miller, along with the poor impressions he has given to the media in recent years.