The snow is falling and winter is here. On those nights when you’re not out playing your sport of choice, it’s time to hibernate.
So pour yourself a glass of wine, curl up on the couch, and set yourself up with one of these terrific sports reads that come well recommended by your SSC staff.
*Warning: These books will likely inspire some intense greatness out of you.
UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand
First, the movie adaptation DOES NOT do this story justice.
Unbroken is a biography written about Louis Zamperini, who’s ability to survive is beyond incredible. It will leave you wishing the story was fiction because it’s difficult to fathom that so much could happen to one man.
THE SPORTS GENE by David Epstein
For those who are more scientifically minded, “The Sports Gene” is an excellent read. If you have ever wondered about the difference between your average athlete and the world’s elite, this is a good place to start. Will the debate of nature vs nurture finally have an answer?
THE POWER OF ONE by Bryce Courtenay
Set in South Africa in the 1930s, this fictional book dives into the life of Peekay, an incredible little boy faced with intense racism. Through music, education, and most prominently his training as a boxer, Peekay attempts to overcome all obstacles to achieve his dream of being a welterweight champion.
PELE: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY
We’re talking about a competitor so powerful, he paused a Civil War through his play (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelé#Santos). Pelé, the world’s most respected athlete takes the reader on a journey of his greatest achievements and failures, from extreme poverty to global superstardom.
THE BOYS IN THE BOAT by Daniel James Brown
If you’ve already finished Unbroken and are looking for something to fill that now empty void in your life, “The Boys in the Boat” is your next best option. It follows the tale of nine men and their quest for a gold medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
THE ART OF FIELDING by Chad Harbach
Henry Skrimshander, a talented shortstop who models his game after his hero, Aparacio Rodriquez is recruited to play at Westish College, a small liberal arts college in the Northeast. The story follows Henry as well as the lives of his teammates and classmates as they participate in what is Westish College’s most successful season.
UNSINKABLE by Silken Laumann
An inspiring book about how Silken Laumann overcame not only her famous accident prior to the Barcelona Olympics but also a difficult childhood and struggles with depression and an eating disorder. It’s a fascinating look at both competitive rowing and mental illness.
MONEYBALL: THE ART OF WINNING AN UNFAIR GAME by Michael Lewis
This book is for the nerd in every sports fan. The story takes an in-depth look at how advanced statistics changed Major League Baseball forever. If you’ve already seen Brad Pitt’s performance on the big screen and think that’s all there is to know, set aside some time and give it a read, you
won’t be disappointed.
~Written by TSSC Admin