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I read a lot about this book, and lost among it all--it seems to me--is the guy who wrote the book, Rudolph Alvarado. The
guy's one hell of a writer. If you need the proof read his book on race track announcer Joe Hernandez. Alvarado won the
Ryan Book Award in 2008 for that book and I'm surprised he didn't get this book published by one of the big dogs in New
York. They would've picked it up in a second! I'm also surprised that you can't walk into a Barnes & Nobles and pick up a
copy. I sent the publisher an e-mail and they said that B&N thought the book was a horse racing book and they were told
that those books don't sell! A bunch of horse *!#=!! Did anyone at B&N actually read the book? They should've; It's a
damn good book and it's not just about horse racing; it's about a man reaching rock bottom, and I mean rock bottom,
before turning it around to become the best in the biz! Hats off to Alvarado for yet another job well done. He belongs on
the New Yorks Times Best Sellers List!!
Max K.
____________________
Garrett, I was at Del Mar over the weekend; I watched you win another race; that makes what 16 for the meet? Tied with
Bejarano--my money's on you Go-Go! I don't have your book yet; I'm picking up a copy at the book signing. I've heard a
lot of good things about it. I read what others had to say about it below and I know a couple of people who read the book
already. They tell me I'm going to be surprised. I can't wait. Have a good one and keep up the winners at Del Mar!
Frank Medina
____________________
I've read a lot of books about athletes and their problems, and this is by far the one book that I felt the athlete was really
telling me the whole story; nothing held back, and the part that came from this athlete's family was astonishing. I couldn't
believe they were willing to share family secrets like they did and then to share stories about their own addictions was so
very brave. The problem of drugs and alcohol in this country is much bigger than anyone of us will ever know, because
most people keep it a secret. I'm not a horse racing fan per say, but a friend of mine is, and she recommended the book
to me; I'm glad she did. I learned a lot about myself after reading the book, and I plan on attending a horse racing track
this year for the very first time. I live on the east coast, but I hope to someday meet Mr. Gomez in person. Best of luck Mr.
Gomez and stay strong.
Cheryl M.
____________________
Garrett, I just finished your book with Mr. Alvarado. I had no idea of what you had been through. I was talking to some
friends about your story and they couldn't believe it either. With all the drugs and the booze I'm amazed that you're still
alive. Jocks aren't the biggest people in the world so a can of beer to one of you is like two or three cans to a regular
sized person--and the whiskey? forget about it! You're lucky to be here, but I'm glad that you are! I'm hearing about your
book signing at Del Mar in August. I'll be there for sure. Keep up the riding at Del Mar and bring home the riding title.
Your the best, man! Keep it up.
Charles F.
____________________
I have been an avid racing fan for over 50 years. I have also fought drug and alcohol problems for 45 years. I always
assumed Go-Go was just another Hispanic kid who came to the U. S. , made a lot of money and blew it on cocaine,
women, etc. I also heard he was having drug and police problems and that he dropped out of sight about 10 years ago. I
met Garrett 3 months ago, bought his book at Keeneland and was totally wrapped up in it. The courage it took to tell his
whole story, and the courage he showed in straightening his life out, are truely amazing. Having shared many similar
problems, I could totally relate. I found the book to be interesting, honest and truly inspiring. I know he didn’t get into the
venture for the money, and I now have the utmost respect for him. God bless Garrett, Pam and his kids. I am now a big
fan of his instead of someone who misjudged him and felt little sympathy for him.
Donnie from Chicago.
____________________
What I most appreciated about this book was how honest and forthcoming Garrett and his family members were in
sharing their stories. This book was much more than one person dealing with addiction. It highlighted someone who like
the rest of us was struggling with who they are and who they should be; it clearly shows how one person's actions affect
an entire family. It also showed how one person's decision to end addiction can stop the cycle of abuse/ addiction in a
family that would otherwise, continue generations down the road if not dealt with. This book is inspirational on many
levels and I would recommend this book to anyone.
Thank You,
S.S.
_____________________
I first would like to say i am a recovering drug addict, i have been clean and sober for 11 years and life is great. I
remember when Garrett was my favorite jockey and when his troubles occured i thought i lost one of my idols in the
game i love. This book tells you about accomplishments of a man who went thru ups and downs. I have never met
Garrett but i will someday to shake his hand on being the person i new he could be and to tell him how proud of him i am.
Outstanding book and i recommend it to all.
Craig Gilbert
_____________________
Mr. Gomez and Mr. Alvarado, I met you both at the book signing at Churchill Downs and had you sign my copy of The
Garrett Gomez Story. We shared a few stories about Mr. Gomez' struggles with alcohol and drugs, but I never expected
what I read in the book. I couldn't believe that this nice man, a jockey that I've watched ride for so many years was the
same person. I've passed the book along to some of my friends and I tell them it's not gonna be what you expect, and
everyone of them to the person has told me that they never would've believed it if they hadn't read it themselves. What
struck me most was how honest and open Mr. Gomez' family was in sharing their story. I'm not sure if I could've done the
same thing. God bless you all. Sorry you didn't win the Kentucky Derby, Garrett, but there's always next year.
Janice D.
_____________________
Thank you both for being so wonderful at the book signing at Keenland Friday. I could have chatted with you both all
day, but I realized other people might actually want to chat with you too :-) I can't wait to give my father the signed book.
He is going to be THRILLED! Thank you for sharing your life with all of us.
Hollyn Mangione
_____________________
I had a chance to meet Garrett and the author of this book, Mr. Alvarado at Keeneland on Friday. I've watched Garrett
ride at Keeneland since I can't remember when, but I never met him. We had a nice talk and he was even nice enough to
tell me how he felt about his mount in the Derby. I bought his book and I finished it before the weekend was done. My hat
is off to Mr. Alvarado and to Garrett for a well written book-a real page turner. That Garrett is alive at all is beyond me,
but glad he is. good luck in the Derby, Garrett-and keep up the good work Mr. Alvarado.
Bill Knox
_____________________
Kudos to you Go-Go for being so forth coming with the story of your life. All that you and your family have gone through
should be an inspiration to others who are in the same plight as you were. Things happen for a reason and though we
don't know why it makes us better people in the end. I have been a fan of yours for a number of years and wish you
continued success in all your endevours, even after racing. Keep your positive attitude and know that nothing is really a
set back unless you let it be and with your family by your side what else can anyone ask for.
Lois B.
____________________
Good luck in KY this year my friend!
Chris O'Neal
____________________
Garrett, I met and purchased your book with Mr. Alvarado on Saturday at Santa Anita. I finished the book by Monday. I
had no idea of all you had lived through. I respect the fact that you were willing to be so open in the telling of your story.
It is a miracle that you're still alive. I wish you continued success and best of luck in finding a mount for this year's
Kentucky Derby.
John K.
____________________
Mr. Gomez and Mr. Alvarado, I just finished your book. I cried through most it. Garrett, I knew about your trouble with
drugs and alcohol but only what I had read in the papers. For your family to be so open and put everything out there is
very brave on their part. I've known women and men that were abused as children and some of them live with that pain to
this very day. I pray for you and for your family. What an inspiring book. I hope that everyone reads it.
Carol Williams
___________________
Go-Go, I had no idea of how deep your troubles with drinking and drugs ran--and to put it all down in writing--that took
guts. I've never met you in person but after reading the book I feel that I do. I've been a fan ever since I saw you ride at
Arlington in '97 and I followed your ups and downs. Stay on the upswing young man; you're an inspiration to all of us.
Ben C.
_____________________
I read Alvarado's book on Joe Hernandez when it came out in '08 and now his book on Go-Go. I can't recommend this
book enough. Alvarado is one of those writers that just puts you at ease and makes you feel like he's sitting there telling
you the story. I guess it would take someone like that to get Go-Go to tell his story the way it comes out in the book. If I
was Garrett, I don't know if I could've done the same so much there... very painful... but it was the end that really got
me... to come out a winner after everthing he went through. Thank God, Garrett. Stay well and stay strong.
David Rod.
______________________
As a recovering alcoholic and drug user (25 years clean) and yes still recovering, I have to give thanks to Mr. Alvarado
for writing this book and to Garrett for telling his story. I use to watch Garrett ride back in the day and I never had any
idea what he was really going through; I knew only what I read in the Times. Being a jockey is a tough life in itself but to
be an alcoholic and user on top of it??!!! How do you make it? When I see jocks come off the track their so little but they
walk around like they own the world. I respect that and I know that is how they have to be because it's part of the game.
This book was something else and I remember the times when I would tell people, "hey, I was somebody and I'm gonna
be somebody again, just give me some sh--!!" Thank you Garrett for the story. I'm passing my book along and telling
friends to get a copy. This book is going to change lives. Bless you.
"Little" Joe T.
guy's one hell of a writer. If you need the proof read his book on race track announcer Joe Hernandez. Alvarado won the
Ryan Book Award in 2008 for that book and I'm surprised he didn't get this book published by one of the big dogs in New
York. They would've picked it up in a second! I'm also surprised that you can't walk into a Barnes & Nobles and pick up a
copy. I sent the publisher an e-mail and they said that B&N thought the book was a horse racing book and they were told
that those books don't sell! A bunch of horse *!#=!! Did anyone at B&N actually read the book? They should've; It's a
damn good book and it's not just about horse racing; it's about a man reaching rock bottom, and I mean rock bottom,
before turning it around to become the best in the biz! Hats off to Alvarado for yet another job well done. He belongs on
the New Yorks Times Best Sellers List!!
Max K.
____________________
Garrett, I was at Del Mar over the weekend; I watched you win another race; that makes what 16 for the meet? Tied with
Bejarano--my money's on you Go-Go! I don't have your book yet; I'm picking up a copy at the book signing. I've heard a
lot of good things about it. I read what others had to say about it below and I know a couple of people who read the book
already. They tell me I'm going to be surprised. I can't wait. Have a good one and keep up the winners at Del Mar!
Frank Medina
____________________
I've read a lot of books about athletes and their problems, and this is by far the one book that I felt the athlete was really
telling me the whole story; nothing held back, and the part that came from this athlete's family was astonishing. I couldn't
believe they were willing to share family secrets like they did and then to share stories about their own addictions was so
very brave. The problem of drugs and alcohol in this country is much bigger than anyone of us will ever know, because
most people keep it a secret. I'm not a horse racing fan per say, but a friend of mine is, and she recommended the book
to me; I'm glad she did. I learned a lot about myself after reading the book, and I plan on attending a horse racing track
this year for the very first time. I live on the east coast, but I hope to someday meet Mr. Gomez in person. Best of luck Mr.
Gomez and stay strong.
Cheryl M.
____________________
Garrett, I just finished your book with Mr. Alvarado. I had no idea of what you had been through. I was talking to some
friends about your story and they couldn't believe it either. With all the drugs and the booze I'm amazed that you're still
alive. Jocks aren't the biggest people in the world so a can of beer to one of you is like two or three cans to a regular
sized person--and the whiskey? forget about it! You're lucky to be here, but I'm glad that you are! I'm hearing about your
book signing at Del Mar in August. I'll be there for sure. Keep up the riding at Del Mar and bring home the riding title.
Your the best, man! Keep it up.
Charles F.
____________________
I have been an avid racing fan for over 50 years. I have also fought drug and alcohol problems for 45 years. I always
assumed Go-Go was just another Hispanic kid who came to the U. S. , made a lot of money and blew it on cocaine,
women, etc. I also heard he was having drug and police problems and that he dropped out of sight about 10 years ago. I
met Garrett 3 months ago, bought his book at Keeneland and was totally wrapped up in it. The courage it took to tell his
whole story, and the courage he showed in straightening his life out, are truely amazing. Having shared many similar
problems, I could totally relate. I found the book to be interesting, honest and truly inspiring. I know he didn’t get into the
venture for the money, and I now have the utmost respect for him. God bless Garrett, Pam and his kids. I am now a big
fan of his instead of someone who misjudged him and felt little sympathy for him.
Donnie from Chicago.
____________________
What I most appreciated about this book was how honest and forthcoming Garrett and his family members were in
sharing their stories. This book was much more than one person dealing with addiction. It highlighted someone who like
the rest of us was struggling with who they are and who they should be; it clearly shows how one person's actions affect
an entire family. It also showed how one person's decision to end addiction can stop the cycle of abuse/ addiction in a
family that would otherwise, continue generations down the road if not dealt with. This book is inspirational on many
levels and I would recommend this book to anyone.
Thank You,
S.S.
_____________________
I first would like to say i am a recovering drug addict, i have been clean and sober for 11 years and life is great. I
remember when Garrett was my favorite jockey and when his troubles occured i thought i lost one of my idols in the
game i love. This book tells you about accomplishments of a man who went thru ups and downs. I have never met
Garrett but i will someday to shake his hand on being the person i new he could be and to tell him how proud of him i am.
Outstanding book and i recommend it to all.
Craig Gilbert
_____________________
Mr. Gomez and Mr. Alvarado, I met you both at the book signing at Churchill Downs and had you sign my copy of The
Garrett Gomez Story. We shared a few stories about Mr. Gomez' struggles with alcohol and drugs, but I never expected
what I read in the book. I couldn't believe that this nice man, a jockey that I've watched ride for so many years was the
same person. I've passed the book along to some of my friends and I tell them it's not gonna be what you expect, and
everyone of them to the person has told me that they never would've believed it if they hadn't read it themselves. What
struck me most was how honest and open Mr. Gomez' family was in sharing their story. I'm not sure if I could've done the
same thing. God bless you all. Sorry you didn't win the Kentucky Derby, Garrett, but there's always next year.
Janice D.
_____________________
Thank you both for being so wonderful at the book signing at Keenland Friday. I could have chatted with you both all
day, but I realized other people might actually want to chat with you too :-) I can't wait to give my father the signed book.
He is going to be THRILLED! Thank you for sharing your life with all of us.
Hollyn Mangione
_____________________
I had a chance to meet Garrett and the author of this book, Mr. Alvarado at Keeneland on Friday. I've watched Garrett
ride at Keeneland since I can't remember when, but I never met him. We had a nice talk and he was even nice enough to
tell me how he felt about his mount in the Derby. I bought his book and I finished it before the weekend was done. My hat
is off to Mr. Alvarado and to Garrett for a well written book-a real page turner. That Garrett is alive at all is beyond me,
but glad he is. good luck in the Derby, Garrett-and keep up the good work Mr. Alvarado.
Bill Knox
_____________________
Kudos to you Go-Go for being so forth coming with the story of your life. All that you and your family have gone through
should be an inspiration to others who are in the same plight as you were. Things happen for a reason and though we
don't know why it makes us better people in the end. I have been a fan of yours for a number of years and wish you
continued success in all your endevours, even after racing. Keep your positive attitude and know that nothing is really a
set back unless you let it be and with your family by your side what else can anyone ask for.
Lois B.
____________________
Good luck in KY this year my friend!
Chris O'Neal
____________________
Garrett, I met and purchased your book with Mr. Alvarado on Saturday at Santa Anita. I finished the book by Monday. I
had no idea of all you had lived through. I respect the fact that you were willing to be so open in the telling of your story.
It is a miracle that you're still alive. I wish you continued success and best of luck in finding a mount for this year's
Kentucky Derby.
John K.
____________________
Mr. Gomez and Mr. Alvarado, I just finished your book. I cried through most it. Garrett, I knew about your trouble with
drugs and alcohol but only what I had read in the papers. For your family to be so open and put everything out there is
very brave on their part. I've known women and men that were abused as children and some of them live with that pain to
this very day. I pray for you and for your family. What an inspiring book. I hope that everyone reads it.
Carol Williams
___________________
Go-Go, I had no idea of how deep your troubles with drinking and drugs ran--and to put it all down in writing--that took
guts. I've never met you in person but after reading the book I feel that I do. I've been a fan ever since I saw you ride at
Arlington in '97 and I followed your ups and downs. Stay on the upswing young man; you're an inspiration to all of us.
Ben C.
_____________________
I read Alvarado's book on Joe Hernandez when it came out in '08 and now his book on Go-Go. I can't recommend this
book enough. Alvarado is one of those writers that just puts you at ease and makes you feel like he's sitting there telling
you the story. I guess it would take someone like that to get Go-Go to tell his story the way it comes out in the book. If I
was Garrett, I don't know if I could've done the same so much there... very painful... but it was the end that really got
me... to come out a winner after everthing he went through. Thank God, Garrett. Stay well and stay strong.
David Rod.
______________________
As a recovering alcoholic and drug user (25 years clean) and yes still recovering, I have to give thanks to Mr. Alvarado
for writing this book and to Garrett for telling his story. I use to watch Garrett ride back in the day and I never had any
idea what he was really going through; I knew only what I read in the Times. Being a jockey is a tough life in itself but to
be an alcoholic and user on top of it??!!! How do you make it? When I see jocks come off the track their so little but they
walk around like they own the world. I respect that and I know that is how they have to be because it's part of the game.
This book was something else and I remember the times when I would tell people, "hey, I was somebody and I'm gonna
be somebody again, just give me some sh--!!" Thank you Garrett for the story. I'm passing my book along and telling
friends to get a copy. This book is going to change lives. Bless you.
"Little" Joe T.
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