Life on the Line: The Karl Nelson Story

Nelson, who grew up in Illinois farm country and graduated with an engineering degree from Iowa State, joined the New York Giants in 1983; in 1987 this star offensive lineman was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, a lymphatic cancer. Radiation therapy put his disease into remission, but it recurred in 1988 before he finally beat it through chemotherapy. This account of Nelson and his wife's struggles during this period is moving, and the book's straightforward, hopeful tone, plus the addition of a how-to chapter on mental attitude and medical equipment, should prove inspirational to those who are battling cancer. Nelson now works as a color analyst on radio in New York City and hosts a pre-game show during the football season; Stanton is a columnist for the Gannett newspapers. Photos not seen by PW . (Oct.)