Best books by Mick Foley
The world of professional wrestling combines hardcore athleticism and drama, with the top wrestlers providing fantastic performances on both fronts. Mick Foley undoubtedly counts among such characters.
Foley was active in WWE during the Attitude Era, which represented one of the industry’s high points. While his skills as an entertainer are well-known, not everyone is familiar with Foley’s writing opus.
Indeed, the WWE, TNA, and WCW giant has authored multiple books, many of which became New York Times bestsellers. From memoirs through novels to children’s books and even comic books, it seems like every new release from Foley brought something fresh to the table. This article will highlight the best of Foley’s written works.
Who is Mick Foley?
Mick Foley decided that he wanted a pro wrestling career when he was a Cortland State University freshman. Already a wrestling fan, Foley started training and competing until he got his first WWE match, which earned him a dislocated jaw.
Foley’s wrestling career picked up, eventually leading to World Championship Wrestling. On this journey, he encountered and fought wrestling legends such as Ric Flair, Stone Cold, Chris Jericho, and many others.
The fact that a pro wrestler has also published books isn’t particularly surprising. Many others have done so over time, including Drew McIntyre, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold, and even the legendary WWE announcer Jim Ross.
However, Foley didn’t only write his memoirs. The wrestling champion has authored best-selling books in various genres. His opus includes illustrated children’s books like A Most Mizerable Christmas, comics like WWE Superstars #3, novels, and memoirs. Foley’s books have become beloved and well-regarded and are still selling well in electronic and physical formats through services like Amazon.
The best Mick Foley books
Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks
Have a Nice Day showcases precisely how hardcore Foley’s battles could get. This autobiography describes wrestling scenarios that are almost impossible to believe, even if Foley’s scars represent genuine testimonies.
There are also profound, heartfelt moments in the book, like when Foley talks about the death of his beloved colleague, Owen Hart, who performed alongside his brother Bret Hart. Additionally, Foley reveals details about famed WWE personalities like Vince McMahon.
Foley is Good: And The Real World is Faker Than Wrestling
Where Have a Nice Day dealt with Foley’s exploits in the ring, Foley is Good looks at the behind-the-scenes of pro wrestling. The book explains what happens in the lesser-seen corners of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and shares humorous personal insights.
The Hardcore Diaries
While many wrestling fans understand that the sport requires much dedication and sacrifice, The Hardcore Diaries reveal precisely what it takes to climb to the top of professional wrestling. Anyone who has ever thought, “I could do that” when watching a wrestling match will change their mind after reading this book.
Countdown to Lockdown: A Hardcore Journal
As a true memoir, Countdown to Lockdown describes the period leading up to the TNA-organized Lockdown event, as well as the epic battle that saw Foley pitted against Sting. Unfortunately for Foley, it wasn’t the singer but rather the heavyweight champion Steve Borden.
Tietam Brown
Tietam Brown is a fictional story about a teenager who returns to his alcoholic father after years of living in foster homes. Full of enthusiasm, the protagonist soon finds out that he can’t make up for his lost childhood. While the subject suggests a grim book, Foley presents the storyline in a light-hearted and positive manner and makes sure to give his hero the ultimate win in the end.
Scooter
Where Tietam Brown approached the coming-of-age genre from a playful stance, Scooter is a more serious read. The story follows Scooter Riley as a kid trying to find himself in an unkind and often dangerous world of the late ‘60s Bronx.
Mick Foley’s Christmas Chaos
As a 180-degree turn from previous titles, Christmas Chaos isn’t a book about wrestling or a moving novel about growing up. Instead, as the name suggests, it’s a Christmas story. In it, Foley gives a unique retelling of The Night Before Christmas while poking fun at some of his fellow wrestling superstars.
Saint Mick: My Journey From Hardcore Legend to Santa’s Jolly Elf
At first sight, Saint Mick seems like a goofy story about Mick Foley, the WWE legend, becoming Santa Claus. However, this book might be one of the most moving Foley titles so far. In essence, it tackles the questions of how to be your best self and what it means to become a better person.
Mick Foley’s Halloween Hijinx
Returning to the light-hearted side of Foley’s opus, Halloween Hijinx follows a group of children – both human and monster – as they encounter Mick Foley. The wrestler then teaches the group how to celebrate Halloween the right way.
Tales From Wrescal Lane
Wrescal Lane is a fictional street that houses kid versions of WWE legends like The Rock, The Dudley Boys, Kane, and others. Tales From Wrescal Lane is an illustrated children’s book that follows two storylines, each with a valuable lesson.
Discover great reads on Speechify Audiobooks
Mick Foley’s work encompasses multiple genres. If you’ve gone over all of Foley’s books, chances are you’re hungry for more and don’t know where to start. Why not begin by listening to other amazing titles?
Speechify allows you to do just that with 70,000 titles across various genres, from non-fiction to romance, mystery, thrillers, and more. As an audiobook service, Speechify offers thousands of titles across every imaginable genre. The service is easy to set up, and you can even grab your first audiobook for free. Plus, Speechify comes with an amazing app that works on all mobile devices.
If this sounds great, sign up for Speechify Audiobooks and explore the vast library.
FAQ
What is Mick Foley famous for?
Despite his literary efforts, Foley is most renowned as one of the best professional wrestlers in WWE.
Is Mick Foley the best wrestler ever?
While naming any wrestler as the absolute GOAT is always controversial, Foley’s achievements in the sport place him at the very top.
How many versions of Mick Foley are there?
Mick Foley had eight distinct alter-egos/versions:
- Cactus Jack
- Mankind
- Commissioner Foley
- Cactus Jack Manson
- Mick Foley
- Dude Love
- RAW General Manager
- Jack or Nick Foley
Is Mick Foley underrated as a wrestler?
Although most agree that Foley was one of the greatest hardcore wrestlers ever, he is somewhat underrated in the general WWE lineup.
What is Mick Foley’s best book?
While several of Foley’s books have become beloved among readers, two titles may be considered the best: Foley is Good: And The Real World is Faker Than Wrestling and Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks.
What are the best books about Mick Foley?
It might sound odd, but the best books about Foley are the ones he wrote himself. Foley’s memoirs and autobiographical works are sincere, exciting, and often quite profound.
Where was Mick Foley born?
Foley was born in Bloomington, Indiana but grew up in Long Island, New York.