Endeavor to Persevere: A Memoir on Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, Tennis and Life Paperback – December 3, 2010

Douglas Henderson's book Endeavor to Persevere is so much more than a collection of great stories about tennis and the athletes that drove its popularity. ETP is a book that speaks to the evolution of America and its people. In this respect it is so much more than a collection of one person's memories. Douglas brings the reader through some very challenging times in America. The struggles to be respected for the content of your character is a consistent theme throughout, including the title of the book. It is not surprising to learn that Doug has met so many important people in Sport, Music, Politics and many less known but equally inspiring. Having grown up following the careers of so many of these "status quo" changers, ETP serves as a reminder of the outsiders that blazed a path for others to follow. Through intention or stubborn perseverance, these greats opened doors through their own personal and professional sacrifices that have created opportunities for a better world. A fun and inspiring read!

Really a fairly simplistic story of a tennis fanatic who falls in to the Jimmy Connors entourage mainly at the NY Open tournament starting as a high school kid. Jimmy takes him under his wing treats him like family and suddenly Doug is rubbing shoulders with tennis royalty like Borg, Nastase and another personal favorite, Arthur Ashe as well as other interesting people like Richard Nixon. There are complete chapters on Ashe as he was a personal favorite and he was able to see the greatest of Ashe off the court. Additionally there is an interesting story of Connors and his almost job of coaching Andre Agassi.This is not a heavy book and there is no real lesson here. Just a ride through the Golden Era of modern tennis from a front row seat. And, be aware while he says he's not making excuses for losses, he sometimes makes excuses for losses. But for a tennis buff like myself, there are great stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

I've been a Jimmy Connors fan since I was 15 years old when I watched Jimbo defeat Borg at the 1978 US Open. Ever since watching Connors raise his fists in the air on match point, I always considered him a prize fighter and my lifelong hero. I learned from Connors and tried to copy his attitude while I played high school and college tennis. I envied Doug Henderson's role & friendship with Connors and was thrilled when Doug published his recent book 'Endeavor to Persevere: A Memoir on Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, Tennis and Life'. The behind the scenes stories of Connors' glory days were fascinating -- I don't think I've ever read a book so fast! I couldn't put it down! Thank you Doug for sharing such historic insights about the best tennis player and fiercest athlete to ever smack a backhand!

The author has "mastered in Connors", and has truly captured the legendary tennis champion's mind, heart and fiery soul from his firsthand relationship with the star spanning 2 decades. The '70's and '80's were the Golden Age of Open tennis, and Mr. Henderson shows an appreciation and understanding of the periods players, larger than life personalities & rivalries, pressures, culture and glam era, likely to be forever unsurpassed in its glory. A total Grand Slam book, led by the king of the Open era, Jimmy Connors. 5 stars!!

Doug Henderson provides us with an unvarnished history of the intimate time he spent with two of the most charismatic and compelling figures in the history of tennis. Doug really knew Arthur and Jimmy and certainly has some biases about these two figures who had very little in common other than the ability to play the game at the highest level. However,Doug remains objective throughout this very good read. Like John McPhee's classic "Levels of the Game", this book is more about the contrasts of two very different people than it is about the game of tennis.

Doug Henderson, in this book, provides not only keen insight both into the arena of professional tennis, but also into the personalities of the top tennis professionals in the 1970's and 80's. Henderson is able to recreate, in remarkable detail, matches that occurred years ago. He displays the skills of a fine sportwriter in capturing highlights from key matches. What is as impressive is his ability to understand the complex personalities of the top players from that era. For a first time author, this is an impressive debut.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even though I play tennis poorly myself. It is really a wonderful piece of history to relive in detail. The author's relationship with Connors is a fascinating one which gives the book real dimension.

You do not have to be a tennis fan to enjoy this wonderfully written book. Good reading for everyone.

Douglas Henderson's brilliant book tells of his childhood in the Bronx in the late 1960's to the moment that changed his life, becoming a close friend and right hand man to the legendary Jimmy Connors. The book is a must buy for all tennis fans who want to know the lowdown of this extraordinary era in the game.

I' ve struggled to find books relating to Jimmy Connors who is one of my all time hero's. This was a great insight to some behind the scenes action although I was disappointed Wimbledon was skipped over. This book mainly focused on the America open, that said I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Arrived promptly. Informative book on tennis centring on 2 of the greats