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…)
First of all, I have to admit it. I'm am the quintessential rapid sports fan. I love sports!! I used to love to play. Now, I just love to watch. And it's not just the Olympics. I love football, baseball, volleyball, basketball.....LOVE them!! I love shouting at the TV when I'm angry and I love screaming when I'm happy!! A great Sunday afternoon is one in which I can turn on the TV and watch a football game, or a baseball game.
And this summer, the Olympics have been exciting. I haven't been this into the Olympic games since Mary Lou Retton ran away with the gold, ever so many years ago. Micheal Phelps is a big reason for that. He's amazing! Not so bad on the eyes either. The girls and I have watched all the swim meets, the gymnastics, and even the beach volleyball!
That being said, I've never been a big sports "reader". For some reason, it's never been as exciting for me on the page as it is for me to watch. I did highly enjoy Jim Bouton's CLASSIC book, BALL FOUR, a looky at the rather dark side of Major League Baseball. And FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS was also a phenomenal book. I guess maybe I SHOULD be reading more sports books.
Sports Movies on the other hand are a favorite of mine. Nothing will start tears flowing faster for me, than say the last 15 minutes of FIELD OF DREAMS. Or even FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME or THE ROOKIE. And those are just the baseball movies. What about RUDY? Man...that guy got to compete in just 27 seconds of ONE game. And it still puts a lump in my throat.
How about you?? Happy Thursday!!
8 comments:
I had never heard of "Rudy" until today - several people have mentioned it and seem to love it. Guess I'll have to put it on my Netflix list. And I forgot all about "Ball Four" - think I did read at least part of that one.
Rudy is a great story! I'm glad you reminded me of it. Miracle is my favorite.
Great pics on your post, too!
I agree: Micheal Phelps is amazing!
He proves that sports are best watched, not read.
I'm hearing the Rudy theme song in my head right now! I'm a big fan of sports movies, and it's always fun to watch good competition! Women's gymnastics is my favorite Olympic sport, but swimming, volleyball, and track are all really fun too!
well, I'm not an addict but I do love the olympics tremendously (both summer and winter) I watch it all ! I also love to watch figure skating every winter. and when I was younger i loved "wide world of sports". I watched football for years (when I was married..no real choice lol) but I don't consider myself a big sports fan, and don't read about it...but I've totally enjoyed some of the movies... mostly RUDY!
I love watching the Olympics. I havent read any sports books. I'm not a big sports fan. But I dont mind movies about sports. I agree Phelps is amazing. I've been watching the games with my daughter too.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
I love the sports movies but can't recall a single book - novel, anyway. (since most of the movies are based on true stories, right?) I loved Rudy, and Remember the Titans, and ,,,, and goodness - to many movies to mention. I've only read one book - it was a memoir of a sports announcer and how his wife doesn't 'get' sports.
Man, I can handle Olympic reading but the Olympics themselves are depressing for poor old Canada! I much prefer the winter Olympics anyway. And, of course, they are in Canada in 2010 and I would love to go, but who can plan that far in advance!
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