Football Books

PATRON SAINTS tells the story of a people thrown into hell on earth after the worst natural disaster in American history and how a professional sports team, of all things, helped them return to normalcy. Using an oral history approach, author Alan Donnes creates a mosaic of voices that take the reader on an emotional journey from the depths of despair to the triumph of victory, not just on the playing field (which the Saints did), but in the hearts and minds of the people. More powerful than WE ARE MARSHALL or REMEMBER THE TITANS, PATRON SAINTS is the most inspiring story to come out of the Crescent City since Katrina and may well be the most inspiring sports story ever told. In the words of everyone from a 12 year old boy to the President of The United States and from players to fans, PATRON SAINTS gives us all a reason to cheer. We dare you to read about the team's and THE PEOPLE's return to the Superdome and NOT tear up. This book reminds us all why sports is so important in our lives. PATRON SAINTS is for the serious football fan and, maybe even more so for those who wonder why cities fight to get and keep professional sports franchises. Read PATRON SAINTS and see how the SAINTS gave New Orleans a reason to BELIEVE.

PATRON SAINTS is currently being developed as a major motion picture to be filmed on location in New Orleans.

This is more of a compilation than a novel. I bought this for my husband, who is not normally much of a reader, but he couldn't put this down. He read alot of it out loud to me, because he was so interested in the stories. I finally told him that I would read it myself when he was finished, which I did, and really enjoyed although I am not a football fan. Who couldn't be a fan that year? It tells the story from perspectives of all sides, and tells of the inspiration that came from unexpected places and inspired unexpected people.
This is definitely a must read for New Orleanians, who lived this, and understand what that Saints season meant to us. But also for others who weren't there and don't live here to understand why it meant so much.

This book gives an amazing and accurate account of how the New Orleans Saints inspired and motivated the City of New Orleans and its surrounding parishes. As someone who went to that Monday night game against the Atlanta Falcons in the newly renovated Superdome, I cannot begin to describe the emotions I and many others experienced that night. Seeing the Saints run onto the field was my "Katrina moment." It was then that I knew things would be alright. The Superdome had always been a place to go to have fun. It was not that horrible place seen by so many people after Hurricane Katrina. To see the Saints return to the Dome turned a negative back into a positive for me. It was just one more step on the path back to normal.

That night my brother and I parked the car and began walking to the Dome. The walk took us through neighborhoods that had not yet been gutted. It took us past buildings that had water lines almost over my head. I thought about the people who walked that same path to the Dome after the hurricane hoping for refuge from the devastation. I got a lump in my throat and began to cry. This walk, however, was different. This walk was positive and determined. It was prideful, and it had purpose. We were walking to the Dome to bring it back and to bring our Saints back. Fans walking to the Dome were not just fans, we were family. We were family members from all over the New Orleans area who were brought together to welcome home a team many of us believed might never return. That night we were going to show the world that New Orleans - our home - would also return. We needed something to believe in. The Saints gave us that inspiration. We believed in them, and they seemed to believe in us. It was a powerful year.

Though I cannot even begin to describe the true emotions felt during that football season, this book does a great job. I loved reading how the players and coaches felt and how the team was just as inspired by us as we were of them. Just like a previous reviewer, I'd recommend this book to anyone who has ever pulled for the underdog. It's a remarkable read.

Told through interviews with everyone from Quarterback Drew Brees to fans of the Saints who lived in New Orleans during the rebuilding of the city, Patron Saints covers one of the greatest, TRUE underdog stories in all of sports. The interviews with Saints players and coaches are fascinating, and provide a unique insight into what actually went on behind the scenes during the unlikely Cinderella season. But what truly makes this book special are the interviews with the fans; real people who convey how important this team was to the residents of post-Katrina New Orleans. Patron Saints gives the reader a "view from the gallery;" a chance to share in how the Saints' winning season was able to uplifit the spirits of an entire city where so much had gone wrong.

There are very few true sports stories this great (that of "Rudy" Reuttiger and the Marshall football program come to mind). But this book isn't just for Saints fans, or even football fans; it's for anyone who has ever rooted for the underdog.

I saw the author interviewed at a Saints pre-season game, and he stated that he is donating 70% of his revenue from the book to help childrens schools and hospitals in New Orleans. I think thats great, he wanted to tell our inspirational story and help the children of the City of New Orleans, too !

This is a five star book that is especially useful for 8-15 year old players. If you know any aspiring Ronaldo's, this would be an excellent choice. It looks great and has lots to offer in 96 pages.

Features include: A useful skills/drills section; an informative Brazilian soccer history lesson; and best of all, a ' moves to beat your opponent' section, that profiles a number of famous Brazilian soccer stars, and gives a signature move for each player, including the big three: Pele, Romario and Ronaldo. By the way, these one-on-one moves are helpful for adult players too.

One of the problems facing young soccer players in North America is they play soccer, but don't watch it. Compare that to the aspiring basketball player, who religiously watches the NBA, and then practices and emulates the moves of the star players.

Therefore, the 'moves to beat your opponent' section is truly useful for injecting some creativity and imagination into youngsters' developing games.

This book is also just plain FUN, and I wish I had it when I was 10...

This is a five star book that is especially useful for 8-15 year old players. If you know any aspiring Ronaldo's, this would be an excellent choice. It looks great and has lots to offer in 96 pages.

Features include: A useful skills/drills section; an informative Brazilian soccer history lesson; and best of all, a ' moves to beat your opponent' section, that profiles a number of famous Brazilian soccer stars, and gives a signature move for each player, including the big three: Pele, Romario and Ronaldo. By the way, these one-on-one moves are helpful for adult players too.

One of the problems facing young soccer players in North America is they play soccer, but don't watch it. Compare that to the aspiring basketball player, who religiously watches the NBA, and then practices and emulates the moves of the star players.

Therefore, the 'moves to beat your opponent' section is truly useful for injecting some creativity and imagination into youngsters' developing games.

This book is also just plain FUN, and I wish I had it when I was 10...

I have been playing Football since the age of 4 years old, and until now, have not come across a better 'Soccer' book for players of all ages and coaches alike.

After moving to the U.S. 7 years ago, I found that the young players in the States love to play the game, but have never really watched it, and therefore new ideas, moves and skills were hard to develop.

This book lays it out very simply, and provides a world of knowledge. Finally someone got it right, Tremendous book!!

I have had the pleasure of meeting with Simon Clifford, the author, when back in Leeds, England. He is a truly great guy with tremendous dedication to Football/Soccer.

Great gift for any player or caoch.

If you've witnessed the skill and pure creativity of Brazilian soccer, you're bound to be amazed when you open a copy of this book. As I stood in the stores, pondering my decision for my next "skills and drills" book, I happened to stumble upon a copy of "Play The Brazilian Way", the last one on the shelf. Out of curiosity, I opened the book, and the next thing I knew, I spent over an hour gazing at the amazing techniques taught in this book. From one-on-ones to skilled passing and fluidity, this book has it all. In full color, and displayed in a finely-illustrated step-by-step format, this book is a joy to read. Coaches and players alike will benifit from the drills and skills taught in this book, playing according to the legendary Brazilian method of soccer.

For those of you who are content-conscious, there's nothing to worry about. Each page is filled to the brim with useful tips and information, plus profiles and advice(not to mention deadly one-on-one moves) from some of the greatest Brazilian players of all time(Pele, Garrincha, Rivelino,Tastao, etc.) You'll never stop learning! The author encourages readers to attempt techniques and the moves taught in the book on their own, thus makes this book truly practical and not just a waste of money.

In conclusion, this book stands out from other books of it's category. Get this book!

This is a five star book that is especially useful for 8-15 year old players. If you know any aspiring Ronaldo's, this would be an excellent choice. It looks great and has lots to offer in 96 pages.

Features include: A useful skills/drills section; an informative Brazilian soccer history lesson; and best of all, a ' moves to beat your opponent' section, that profiles a number of famous Brazilian soccer stars, and gives a signature move for each player, including the big three: Pele, Romario and Ronaldo. By the way, these one-on-one moves are helpful for adult players too.

One of the problems facing young soccer players in North America is they play soccer, but don't watch it. Compare that to the aspiring basketball player, who religiously watches the NBA, and then practices and emulates the moves of the star players.

Therefore, the 'moves to beat your opponent' section is truly useful for injecting some creativity and imagination into youngsters' developing games.

This book is also just plain FUN, and I wish I had it when I was 10...

Lucy's father forced her to move to Malibu right after her freshman year of high school. She's heartbroken to leave her best friend and the house where everything reminds of her mother.

The first week has been rough, but then she starts soccer tryouts. Lucy loves soccer and being a part of the team. She's devastated when her name is not on the list. However, the coach pulls her aside and tells her that the football team needs a quick replacement kicker and she should try out. At first, Lucy thinks the idea is crazy, but the more she thinks about it the more she likes it.

She makes the team, but doesn't have the instant camaraderie that she's been craving. Instead, the team members give her a hard time. Her father has forbidden her to join the team, so she lies. He thinks she's joined the cheerleading squad. He will discover the truth soon and then Lucy will have to figure out how hard she'll fight to remain on a team that doesn't want her.

Lucy Malone's determination and strength leads her to go where no other girl in school has gone before - the all-boys football team. Once on the team, she doesn't shy away from all the pressure, the grief, and her father's objections.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

Lucy Malone has just moved to Malibu, California, and even though she's got a totally awesome room in an amazing new house, things aren't going well. All her friends are back home in Toledo, Ohio, and it doesn't seem like she's going to be making any new friends soon. But opportunity soon presents itself in the form of soccer tryouts. Lucy was on the varsity soccer team at her old school, so being on the team in Malibu would be a chance to show off something she's good at. But she's not good enough; she doesn't make the final cut for the team and is heartbroken.

Lucy doesn't feel that she has anything going for her now until the soccer coach Martie suggests Lucy use her strong and accurate kick to try out for the boys' varsity football team. At first, Lucy is skeptical; after all, she is a girl who wants to fit in. But then she gives it a try and makes it. She soon finds out that football may be her calling. Unfortunately, her father forbids her from playing football, but that doesn't stop Lucy.

Lucy constantly feels like she has to prove herself. Along with joining the football team comes hazing and potential friends. Throughout the novel, Lucy's tentative friendships with members of the soccer team, the football team, several popular cheerleaders, her father, and a very sweet boy named Benji are tried. Lucy finds out which friendships are worth it, and comes to terms with her father.

Playing with the Boys was a thoroughly enjoyable novel, even though I didn't understand most of the football terms. I am definitely not a sports person, so I found it relieving that I was learning all about football along with Lucy. The novel was very straightforward and slightly predictable, but it didn't make the story any less sweet. I recommend this book to people who like sports novels, such as Pretty Tough also by Liz Tigelaar, Screwball by Keri Mikulski, and Dairy Queen and The Off Season by Catherine Murdock. I actually haven't read any of these novels yet, but am planning on it because Playing with the Boys was such a fun novel to read.

[...]

If you like Dairy Queen and The Off-Season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, then you'll like the PrettyTOUGH books by Liz Tigelaar. The tagline for the series is perfect: Who says you can't be both pretty AND tough?

Playing with the Boys is the second book in the PrettyTOUGH line and takes place at the same school as the first book, but with a different protagonist. Shortly after moving to town and starting a new school year, Lucy tries out for the soccer team. She doesn't make it, but the letdown is replaced by surprise when she's recruited for the boys' football team due to her awesome kicking ability. After she gets a crash course in football - and a quick crush on a popular boy - Lucy has to prove herself to her classmates, her teammates, her coach, and her widowed father.

Tigelaar's stories will score major points with female athletes. The books, though fictional, are associated with the real-life girls-and-sports association PrettyTOUGH. Both the books and the association encourage young women to try out for sports teams and go for their goals. Girls CAN be both pretty and tough, both on and off of the field!

A great story! This book encourages young women to unleash the potential to play one of the best sports on earth. As a female football player, I hope more young women see that they aren't limited to just being one of the girls.

Playing with the Boys is even better than the first book in the Pretty Tough series. I love how gutsy Lucy is - how she shows that girls can do anything they want. I laughed and cried along with her and after reading this book, I may want to try out for the football team. What a great way to meet guys!!

Unlike some boring secondary-source history books, Dom Dimaggio gives a riveting first-hand account of the 1941 baseball season. During the 1941 season, Joe Dimaggio recorded his 56 game hitting streak and Ted Williams hit .406. Dom Dimaggio has the great fortune of being the brother of Joltin' Joe and a close friend of Teddy Ballgame. Throughout the book, Mr. Dimaggio recalls his favorite moments and memories of his career playing for the Red Sox. Certainly, a must-read for any baseball fan that loves to learn about the history of the game!

After the heroics of this past baseball season, it was a pleasure to read about one year in another era of the sport that also included monumental feats by star players. Joe dimaggio's 56 game hitting streak and Ted William's .406 batting average are records still waiting to be broken. Dom Dimaggio has brought us a view of 1941 that is unforgettable. He certainly did his homework as he quotes statistics and plays on the field in certain games as if they happened yesterday. He tends to repeat himself a bit and spends too much time on American history, but all in all a wonderful reminiscence of a great era.

As the jacket cover states: "1941 was the last original baseball season." Although I wasn't around to see 1941, this book made me feel like I was. Dom DiMaggio's perspective on this historic year is fabulous. I've read lots of baseball books about all the great players of the past and this one outshines them all. It's written with passion and "insiders knowledge" that makes the season itself seem like an all-too-perfect script. It's warm, engrossing, and highly dramatic, without being overly sentimental.

One of the best Center Fielders of his era tells the story of his brother and good friend's chases of the record books. He tells Joltin' Joe's story of the 56 game hitting streak like it was yesterday. The more poignant part of the book comes in the retelling of the forgotten heroes of that long ago summer. Pete Reiser and Johnny Vander Meer come to life. Mickey Owen and Hugh Casey's shamed moment is also retold with a tear in the reader's eye. This book tells the story of a recovering America right before another nightmare would crash over the country.

The author of "Real Grass, Real Heroes", Dom "The Little Professor" DiMaggio (For those of you who don't know about him: He was a terrific outfielder with the Red Sox from 1940-41, 46-53), looks back at the "good old times" (sometimes a little bit nostalgically) and the historic baseball season of 1941 which most of us haven't experienced personally. In this time teams still used to travel by trains, there were only 10 Major League teams in 16 cities, no astroturf, no expansion, no Division or League Championship Series, and baseball wasn't played just because of money but because of dedication and love for the game! He describes not only the love for his brothers (especially the more famous Joe who played for the Red Sox' arch enemies, the Yankees) and the game of baseball but also the feelings of people living on the eve of WWII. He also tells us about such unique historical things like the first baseball night game, Johnny Vander Merr's two consecutive no-hitters, the first televised MLB-game, Lou "Iron Horse" Gehrig's farewell and death, Lefty Grove's 300th win, the dramatic ninth All-Star Game, Joe DiMaggio's Major League record consecutive hitting streak of 56 games, Ted Williams hitting .406, the World Series (and the Mickey Owen game). But he also criticizes some conditions which the players of that time had to endure: many of them were under-paid bond man, e.g. This book also contains lots of small details about life in that time when radios were just becoming common and cars were still considered a luxury, that's why I think even somebody who doesn't like baseball will like this book! "Real Grass, Real Heroes" also features lots of autobiographical notes about Dom, great anecdotes about such heroes as Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Enos Slaughter,... ,and 41 great photos (mostly from the 1941 season)! He doesn't even forget the umpires (of which there were only two in each game at that time, by the way!).

In my opinion this book is very well written, sometimes funny, sometimes sad (just like life itself!) and exciting! Although it's non-fiction it isn't dry at all. The only thing I miss in this terrific book is an index because it's really hard to find some detail again without it! I think this book is good for anyone who wants to find about more about life just after the great depression and before WWII. It's great for all baseball-fans, and it just is a must-have for all Red Sox-fans (and especially for Dom DiMaggio-fans, like me!!!)!

Two big thumbs up for "The Right Kind of Heroes: Coach Bob Shannon and the East St. Louis Flyers." Although Coach Shannon has apparently moved on, this book is still as -- or perhaps more -- relevant to those facing battles against the odds.

Expertly penned by St. Louis columnist Kevin Horrigan, the book does a remarkable job of putting the reader right in the middle of the dingy and dangerous town of East St. Louis. It's a real "you are there" feeling as you get to know the players and coach of this amazing team. Although the story is heartbreaking at times, you won't hear Horrigan break out the violins and wax overdramatic... just a solid real-life story.

Even if you're not a sports nut -- or only know a little about football -- you will be inspired as you laugh, cry, struggle and celebrate with this courageous coach and champion football team. You just can't put it down until the last page.

Whatever challenges you may be facing in life, this book will move you to "get it done!" I highly recommend it.

This books paints the picture of a man who worked hard to acheive his goals. His example is good for everyone to follow. I wish he would have been my coach but I'm honored that he is now coaching my son.

I read this book 10 years ago and it was just as enjoyable this time around. This book is full of insights not only into the person of Bob Shannon, but offers an informative look into East St. Louis. A very quick and easy read. I had the pleasure of having Shannon as a teacher many years ago. Reading his words brings to mind his most distinctive voice, which always commanded respect.

This is one the best books on football that I have read. Coach Shannon is a credit to our coaching profession and this book shows that. It also gives us a look at what is like to work under adverse conditions. If you are a football coach who thinks he has it tough, then you should read The Right Kind Of Heroes.

Having played against Bob Shannon, I know full well of the East Side mystique. Being a former player at nearby Granite City, I went to nearly every game mentioned in Bob's book. So, I'm over qualified to say that the East Side Flyers's story is a fascinating one. The place just emits an aura that has High School Football all around it! The 'Side was made on big play football, coached by Shannon, a big time coach

DENNIS BYRD'S TESTIMONY HAS TRULY GOT TO BE THE MOST FAITH RENEWING EVER. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE FACING ANY KIND OF TRIAL OR ADVERSITY IN THEIR LIFE.

I read the book when I was losing my job because of a NAFTA downsizing. Somehow, the little things that I was facing seemed to be just that---little things. I have read the book many times, and I find new strength from it each time.

I had a brush with paralysis when I was in training camp in my second year of University. The injury I suffered ended my days as a football player but I was fortunate enough to not be paralysed as a result of it. I can still, however, relate to many of the thoughts Dennis shares in his book. His story is without a doubt, one of the most inspirational I have ever heard and I admire him for his courage. Nothing I have ever read has helped me to put my life in to perspective better than "Rise and Walk". His book is among my favorites and I enjoy reading it more every time. I would recomend it to anyone.

My niece's neck was broken and her spinal chord injured after a drunk driver hit the car that she, her brother and boyfriend were riding in. Her injury was in the same area of her spine as Dennis'. This book gave me a great start when trying to figure out if we were on the right track, medically. I have so much respect for Dennis and Angela...spiritually, emotionally and physically they have perserveared! My son loves football (age 9) I have many reservations about him playing this game. However, Dennis has given me a new perspective and I am re-evaluating my feelings about the game!

this book kept me wanting more Dennis and Angela Byrd are truly inspirational people. I highly recomend this book to any one who has had any kind of setback in their life or career. Dennis never asked "why me?" when he paralyzed playing football. Dennis used faith in him self and God to rise above it.

Rockin the Rockpile is a fantastic piece of work covering the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League, 1960-1969. Author Jeff Miller has packed it all in here, game summaries, oral histories, and a fantastic narrative that leads the reader through the formation of the AFL in 1959, and the following 10 seasons. Great detail in the game summaries/recaps, and wonderful insight into the inner-workings of the team from the players themselves. Rockin the Rockpile is a must-read for AFL fans, regardless of what team they call their own.

Great book with amazing information and very well written. Extremely interesting to read and just be able to open it to any page and read some very unique information.

Great to remember those years at War Memorial. Could almost taste the Genesee long necks. Enjoyed the recaps of each and every game. Would have liked to see more pictures of the stadium itself however.

Incredibly detailed book, evoking fond memories of a football era gone by. A must for all football fans, especially AFL/Buffalo Bills fans.

As one of the worlds biggest Buffalo Sports Memorabilia Collectors I was very excited to see this book come out. While filled with great stories and tales of the old AFL and a veritable who's who of old Bills interviews I was disappointed to find very little in terms of memorabilia (programs, ticket stubs, pennants, bobble heads, gum cards, jerseys, helmets etc. etc.) displayed. I think a color center spread of all the old items mentioned above would have added to this book tremendously. Also, for a book that centered on War Memorial Stadium (The Rockpile), there's only one aerial picture of it. Some different views of that great old place would have been nice. Still the book is a great addition to a Bills fans collection and a very worthy effort. To the author: Please contact me if you decide to do another book on the Bills or even the Sabres, Braves or Bisons for that matter as my entire collection would be at your disposal. John B.

Run to Daylight was published in 1963 and was instantly recognized as a classic. Written by legendary Green Bay Packer head coach Vince Lombardi, RTD details Lombardi and the Packers preparation for an unnammed opponnet in the 1962 championship season. The book is a must read for the aspiring coach or anyone interested in pro football coaching. RTD provides the psychological motivation of both the players and coaches and a highly readable account of a week in a pro football season. Along with John Wooden's "They Call Me Coach", this is a must read for coaches of any sport.

In this book Lombardi's life is played out during a week as the patriarch of the Packers. He highlights in detail why they were a 60's dynasty. From the cycles of game planning, interactions with his team, you get to see Packer football from a new perspective. Despite his gruff exterior, it is crystal clear that he genuinely cared about his players on and off the field. This is not a how to coaching book or a biography. It is a slide snapshot that tells more than the reader expects.

Such a rare gem of a book, I was floored by it's great detail and was very happy with this book!! This 1963 publication written by Vince Lombardi, is sure to be missed by much of today's generation, and unfortunately so. Lombardi SHOWS why his Packers were the 60's greatest football dynasty, and how his life plays out during a week as the leader of the Packers. This is an absolute MUST read by ANY real football fan!!!

Vince Lombardi's dedication and devotion transcended football. His quotes are used all the way from the high school locker room to the corporate board room.

This diary is Lombardi in his own words. It covers his views of the weekly cycle of planning for battle, preparing for battle, and then the football game itself.

Packer fan or motivational fan - this book is an easy read worth the several hours to get cover to cover.

This book is mandatory reading for football fans, particularly fan of the Green Bay Packers. Some of the ideas about this book are misleading. However, it is still a great read.

This book is not a biography of Lombardi or a guide on how to coach football. This book does give readers insight as to what it was like for Lombardi during his coaching tenure. Based on technology alone, there are great differences now. The readers get to see all of Lombardi's preparation for the mystery opponent in silver uniforms.

Several of Lombardi's famous quotes are included. Lombardi also discusses specifc intereactions with players as well as a number of interesting stories about various players. Despite his tough exterior, he genuinely cares about his players. When the book arrives at game day, you get to see the game form Lombardi's perspective. It is a real treat for football fans.

If you have read other books about the Packers during this era, you are not likley to learn many new facts. Many of the facts in here are credited as a primary source in other books. However, you do get to see Packer football from a new perspective.

I've just finished reading Sawyer and I must say that I am very impressed! I find it difficult to `let go' and allow myself to be easily drawn into most stories. In fact, I can only think of a couple of times in my life when I was so taken by a book that I couldn't put it down... Sawyer is one of those books.

The characters are very real and the plot has some interesting twists. There is a good mix of action, suspense, sex, and sports. I read it in two sittings. I hope that Mr. Yearick is working on his second novel... he certainly has the potential of being one of the more popular contemporary authors.

Bob Yearick's eye for detail quickly pulls readers into the fast-paced world of professional football and its pains. The hero, Sawyer, enters limping, sore from his last game, and on the make. He's looking for a woman with brains and beauty and finds her in the person of Christine Atherton, a female sports writer who challenges every move he makes. The sexual tension between the two sizzles and readers are in for a treat as we watch the lovers finding their way through the struggles of the "game."

Sawyer, a man who thinks seriously about football and about life, soon finds himself battling steroids, point-shaving, team violence, and his brother's illness from AIDS, and Christine supports him every step of the way.

Sawyer is a great read. Buy it for yourself, or for a man who loves sports and needs to learn how to express his feelings. In any case, you won't be sorry.

This is a great read, whether you're a sports fan, a fan of thrillers, or a romantic. Sawyer is heroic yet flawed, and he's trying to do the best he can in a difficult situation. I particularly enjoyed the romance between him and Christine Atherton, the sports columnist.

This is one of the best novels I've read in a long time. I just bought my copy and have already read it twice. A GREAT football story, but also whitty, romantic, and intellectual, with interesting plot twists to keep the pages turning. My wife, who's not much of a football fan, also loved it, and seems to have shed her poor opinion of "jocks," while she learned a little about football and professional sports, in general.

Again, this is a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it for any reader.

Being female, I didn't think I'd get into Sawyer. But this talented author has woven various delicious elements of suspense into a solid yarn, complete with sexy love story, a study of family relationships, and, of course, a real education in football. I originally bought this for my boyfriend (he's a football nut) but I ended up loving it as much as he did! I hope Mr. Yearick begins a second installment soon. (Note: To any woman who wants to buy a great gift for a dad, boyfriend, hubby or brother, check this out.)

As a former Lynvet, I attended many of the ganes highlighted in the book. Additionally I knew so many of the players mentioned who were a few years older than my friends and I. A few even were our coaches as we moved through the Lynvet organization. These flawed heroes modeled some risky behavior that many of us idolized. Consequently some of us followed in their troubled footsteps. And yet, the strength of character that they also modeled motivated recovery as well. The quasi-hero, Larry Kelly was responsible for many success stories including my own for which I could never repay him. I say a prayer of gratitude to him and all the fascinating old friends that the author recalls.
Jim Matthews, M.Ed. [...]

As an ex-Lynvet player and Annopolis grad, I thouroughly enjoyed "State of Grace." Mr. Timberg successfully brings you back to a much more difficult, but, in many ways, a simpler time. He provides vivid and colorful descriptions of his teamates and the challeges that they faced while entering adulthood.

"State of Grace" is a timeless book about young men living difficult lives, by today's standards, and through football and comraderie find their ways through life. I recommend this book to everyone, but especially to teenagers and their parents.

This memoir will never be dated. The son of a Ziegfield girl and an aspiring songwriter Timberg's book has you rooting for him from the beginning as challenge after challenge threaten to keep him down. He pulls himself into manhood and takes us with him in this superbly crafted work. His goal, Annapolis, is preceded by two years of trying to obtain an appointment. During this interregnum, he joins a sandlot football team made up of good, sometimes errant, boy/men wondering about destinies. A page turner.
S.D. Segalini
Falmouth MA

This book will appeal to anyone who grew up in the 50's/60's, especially in the New York area. The football aspect is a thread; the focus is on coming of age and the changes in society that took place in that era.

It was a personal bonus to me in that I knew the Stuyvesant High School folks mentioned in the book. They were a special breed, dealing with long commutes to school & practices while succeeding in one of the most academically challenging high schools in the U. S.

As I came to know the Lynvets in State of Grace, I found myself caring about each and every one of them while rooting for them to succeed in the games of football and life.

Robert Timberg comes across as an uncomplaining, grateful warm human being who appreciates the hardships of his life for the lessons they taught him, and the good things that happened to him and his buddies for the rewards they brought for trying. Unlike Frank McCourt , who, in "Angela's Ashes" and "Tis" constantly complains about his life growing up and shows very little appreciation for the good life that this country has given him. He should take a lesson from Timberg, whose book is equally as good, who loves his country and his fellow man.

It was wonderful to read about the bond between the Lynvets and the competitions that helped almost everyone to mature to his potential.

Despite a surface knowledge of football I thoroughly enjoyed "State of Grace", and the plays are so well described that it doesn't take much familiarty with the game to get involved and root for the Lynvets.

I highly recomment reading this book.

I. C. Lefferts - Litchfield, CT