A little something different for a Friday night, or whenever you get around to reading this as you wait for Sunday's season-opener between the New York Giants and Washington Redskins. I have recently been sent a trio of Giants-related books to review, and I thought I would bring each to your attention.

'Captain For Life' is Harry Carson's refreshingly honest autobiography. If you are old enough to have watched Carson and 'The Crunch Bunch' this is a must read. His candor and some of his surprising admissions in this book -- which I am about halfway through at the moment -- are excellent reading. He tells us a lot about who he is, and who he was.

'Lombardi and Landry' is a look at legendary coaches Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry, mostly during their days as Giants' assistants. This one is written by good friend and long-time Giants beat writer Ernie Palladino, and I'm taking a little credit here -- even if I'm not getting any royalties. This book got its start from a fantastic piece Ernie did for the 2010 Maple Street Press Giants annual.

'Controlled Violence' is Sam Huff's story of his journey from coal-country poverty to NFL stardom. I haven't read this one yet, but I will. And if you are an old-time Giants fan you should, too