BTT: Gold Medal Reading
By Kristen on Aug 14, 2008 in Booking Through...
You, um, may have noticed that the Olympics are going on right now, so that’s the genesis of this week’s question, in two parts:
First:
- Do you or have you ever read books about the Olympics? About sports in general?
- Fictional ones? Or non-fiction? Or both?
And, Second:
- Do you consider yourself a sports fan?
- Because, of course, if you’re a rabid fan and read about sports constantly, there’s a logic there; if you hate sports and never read anything sports-related, that, too … but you don’t have to love sports to enjoy a good sports story.
- (Or a good sports movie, for that matter. Feel free to expand this into a discussion about “Friday Night Lights” or “The Natural” or whatever…)
I missed responding to the BTT question last week! And I love this week’s topic… because I am a sports fan. In fact, I’m more of a sports fan than a fan of any actual team, although a number of teams do have a place in my heart.
I love the black-and-white, concrete nature of sports — the preparation and commitment involved, performing a focused activity singlemindedly, the absolute result, how analytical planning of plays results in magical, poetic action.
I myself am not an “athlete” although I enjoy working out and absolutely love riding my horse. But sports did not come naturally to me (until I discovered my high school had an equestrian team!). So my enjoyment tends to be vicarious — and the Olympics are a treat!
I also love reading about sports… Here are a few that I’ve read the past year and really enjoyed: Moneyball and The Blindside by Michael Lewis, and Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. I’m sure I will think of others as the day continues… I am anxious to add to my TBR with other ideas, too! What about you? Any great sports books (or movies)?
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I’m going off-track here because I HAVE to state that I LOVE the way you wrote this sentence:
“I love the black-and-white, concrete nature of sports — the preparation and commitment involved, performing a focused activity singlemindedly, the absolute result, how analytical planning of plays results in magical, poetic action.”
Sally | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
Wow I’m the opposite because I was very athletic I don’t like watching sports. But I do admire the effort.
Bluestocking | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
Thank you, Sally!! You have made my day…
Kristen | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
@Bluestocking — I have heard that athletes tend NOT to enjoy watching others play… Maybe because they (you) would rather be doing it themselves?
Kristen | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
wow….you took the words right out of my mouth. How I feel about sports. Much more elequent (spelling???) than I, of course.
Debbie | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
I’m an athlete and yet I enjoy watching sports - however I played women’s basketball and I can’t stand to WATCH women’s basketball. I prefer watching any men’s sport over women’s! Interesting! I am loving this Olympics! I was so excited with the men’s US gymnastics team getting Bronze after everyone had counted them out!! And Michael Phelps is….well…doing what he does best! Great entry!
Carolyn | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
Thanks, Debbie!! It’s fun to meet other female sports fans today…
Kristen | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
Isn’t Phelps amazing! When the U.S. won the relay a few nights ago I was so excited… And track and field hasn’t even begun yet!
Of course, my favorite has been the equestrian events — thank goodness Oxygen has broadcast even hours of dressage…
Kristen | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
I’m not a big sports fan but I do love the Olympics! I couldn’t think of a single book I’ve read that was truly about sports, sad to say. Oh well, I’ll try to broaden my horizons…
gentle reader | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply