Finally Free An Autobiography

A great book tells a great story, but a great story does not necessarily equal out to a great book. I've read plenty of autobiographies in my day where the stories were good, but when they were translated to book form, the book was underwhelming, disappointing, and/or flat-out trash. However, there is none of that in the recent autobiography on Michael Vick titled "Finally Free." Vick and his co-authors do a solid job of setting up Vick's story, from his time growing up in Newport News to Blacksburg at Virginia Tech. The story and book move at a smooth pace and they all do a great job of presenting visuals that you can process along with the words. His story is one that is all-too-familiar for kids in similar situations: complicated upbringing with a large family and even more love in the home. That same love is prevalent when he headed to Virginia Tech and became a Hokie as well. Once he gets to Atlanta, the changes start to surface and Vick is as candid as possible detailing them. He spoke about the adjustments to fame, his obstacles dealing with money and his maturation process as a budding pro. For people who are familiar with his story, the level of honesty in this book is refreshing and it definitely is evident in its tone, as Vick does a convincing job of showing his growth, as well as his transgressions, which led to his most infamous public acts: dog fighting. If there was ever a time when one would think the book would try to hide his acts, his role in the operation, or its impact, then it would be here. However, there is none of that from Michael Vick. He owns up to everything, explaining how he got involved in dog fighting, the conflicting feelings that came with it and his own screw-ups when it came to his eventual arrest and professional demise. He comes off as extremely thoughtful and remorseful which, for people who are familiar with the art of the written text, is not exactly the easiest thing to do. By that, I mean that people can apologize all day, even in writing, and it does not mean those apologies translate to sincerity. In this book, it does. Vick is candid about his time in jail and his time in prison and illustrates details in such a way where even one who may not want to paint pictures in their minds will be hard-pressed not to; the pain he caused his loved ones and himself is illustrated sincerely and thoughtfully and his vows to eradicate the activities he was involved in, and how, are spelled out plainly as well. The book also goes in detail about his experiences, post-prison, which are nothing short of remarkable. Through it all, the book maintains its authenticity, which is the most important quality to me. Finally Free can be seen as a story of redemption, as well as a cautionary tale. It can be interpreted as therapeutic for individuals who have been through similar circumstances or as a literary work that can be required reading for budding high school, college and professional athletes. However the book is interpreted, Finally Free can serve a purpose, which is definitely for the greater good; a solid story and an even more solid work of writing. Read more

This was one of the best I've read. Not only because I'm a Michael Vick fan but b/c his story shows you how people do learn for their mistakes. There are a lot of hypocrits in this world and many want to act like Vick is the most inhumane, evil person but I'm sure they all have plenty of secrets in their closet!!! This book tells the story of someone who NEVER gave up on their dream, his family and most of all, himself. He has turned out to be a roll model for many, including myself. I love the part where he tells about the proposal to his wife, they are so lucky to have one another. Read more

I truly enjoyed reading this biography! Michael Vick comes in a way that only he knows how, and lays out the foundation of his life, keeping it real every step of the way. The stories are sincere, and for those who continually bring up Michael's past, it is time out. This book is so worth the read and is a true testament that you can learn from your mistakes, and come back stronger, and a much better person than you were before. Michael Vick, you are finally free! And I for one have nothing but respect for you after reading your story. Read more

I am giving this a good rating on the account of it being a heartfelt story. I love my dogs and what happened to his dogs was heinous. Being from a similar neighborhood, we didn't know anything was wrong with barbaric dog fighting. It was practically a part of the culture and we are all products of our environment in some fashion. I do believe in redemption and this man deserves a reprieve for getting out of prison and doing the right thing. His debt to society was paid and now he is making an honest living. Most people wouldn't care what the man was doing in life, but considering the finances that come from professional sports he is being ostracized. I did hear somewhere that America is not a country, it's just a business. Instead of community building, we are on our own. Read more

This was a great book. Imagine if Michael Vick didn't miss 2 years in prison and didn't sit on the bench for a year In Philadelphia. Also he was injured in 2003 and was also missed some games with the eagles. If he would have been healthy for 13 years in a row he could be in the hall of fame. How different would the falcons be today Matt Ryan would have bean on another team. I know for sure Mike Vick would have a ring right now. Michael Vick could have well over 20,000 yards pasting and maybe 10,000 yards running. Mick may have been one of the best players in NFL history. Mick Vick misses is prime years. When Mick Vick started his senior year of high school I was just 2 months old. Mick Vick made to the NFL I was 4 years old. What if the chargers didn't trade there pick. Where would Phillip Rivers be today, where would have L.T played, where would have Drew Brees been. Just three simple things changed NFL history. What would the NFL look like today? Read more

Gives you an inside look into Michael's Life and the trials and tribulations that he has gone through. He has owned up to the wrong and bad things he has done and even paid the price by going to jail. He has showed that he is taking better control of his life now and being a better person and father, being a mentor to the youth and setting a good example. Shows how quickly he rose to the top and fame and fortune got the best of him but he is living proof that one can overcome misfortune. Read more

“He has allowed me to go out and show the world that when you fall, you can rise again. You can fly again. But you have to be willing to put in the hard work. You have to be humble. You have to be obedient. You have to be willing to hold yourself accountable.” -Michael Vick Amen brother, amen. Read more