ONE MAGICAL SUNDAY (But Winning Isn't Everything)

Mickelson was long known as "golf's most lovable runner-up" until he finally won the Masters in 2004, 14 years since his only other major win (at the U.S. Open). He's become a crowd favorite second only to Tiger Woods not only because of his dry spell but also because of his legendary work ethic. Indeed, he begins this book by describing his famous pretournament routine of hitting 100 three-foot putts in a row without missing, no matter how many shots it takes. This and other insights into the methods of a pro golfer are the most fascinating parts of Mickelson's text. Each of the 18 chapters begins and ends with detailed descriptions of how Mickelson played each hole of his Masters' victory (e.g., how he "analyzed the shot dispersion patterns for both right-handed and left-handed golfers" to figure out that the tournament's 12th hole is "set up perfectly for a left-handed player" such as himself). However, the bulk of the book is devoted to the story of Mickelson's life. Although these passages are often moving (concerning his battle to overcome a deep playing slump and his wife's nearly fatal delivery of their third child), the story is marred by frequent generalizations like "success is more rewarding when it is difficult to achieve" and "picking your life partner is a critical decision" for "personal happiness." More golfing and fewer inspirational insights would've strengthened Mickelson's eventually triumphant tale. Agents, Steve Loy and Bob Barnett. (Mar. 21)

Correction: The publisher of Lewis Black's Nothing's Sacred (Forecasts, Mar. 7) is Simon Spotlight Entertainment.