Articles About 'Book Reviews'
August 13th, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene · No Comments
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I just finished reading SLAM Executive Editor Lang Whitaker's book about spending the past 20 years with Bobby Cox (mostly through a one-way television connection).
In the Time of Bobby Cox: The Atlanta Braves, Their Manager, My Couch, Two Decades, and Me details Lang's entry into adulthood alongside one of the greatest runs a baseball team has ever gone on (14 consecutive division titles can't be argued against). It's a story of one man's love of his team.
I've included a short review I wrote below, but checkout the book if you're so inclined.
I'm not a Braves fan, so I wasn't sure if this was the book for me. On top of that, I'm not extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Braves.
Turns out, I didn't need to be either to enjoy this book. The book is as much about Lang's journey into adulthood as it is about the Braves, which made it an easier read than just a straight Braves history book.
I found myself engaged in the book, but it's not something I'm going to be telling everyone I know to read (my 5-star rating standard). I'm not sure why that is, I enjoyed reading it, it just wasn't life changing.
My next test (4-stars) is would I tell my friends that are into baseball to read it before other baseball books. I'm not sure I would. If they're into the Braves certainly, but I'm not sure a die-hard Brewers fan gets a lot out of this book if he isn't interested in Lang's journey. Moneyball and others are these perspective altering books, Lang's book is a story of a man's journey with his team.
I've been a SLAM subscriber for years, and that's what ultimately pushed me over the top to read the book. I'm glad I did. If you're going to read just one book this year, this probably isn't it. However, if you're into reading about sports, you will likely enjoy this book, especially if you have a relationship with a must-watch favorite team.
Tags: Book Reviews