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Book Reviews
When not playing or watching American Football, why not relax with a good book.
Something that covers a subject that interests you......., something that helps pass the time when there is nothing on the one eyed monster in the corner of the room.
How about a book on American football?
First up....
"Next Man Up"
As must read books go, the bestseller list for American Football must include "Next Man Up" by John Feinstein.
Subtitled "A Year behind the lines in today's NFL", this book does exactly what it says on the tin.
The books subject is a behind the scenes look at an NFL team over an entire season, from Draft Day to Post season.
The team in question is the Baltimore Ravens; but don't let that put you off, if you support one of the other 31 teams in the league, because this book introduces the reader to many of the practices, rules and traditions that underpin any NFL team.
Coach Brian Billick and his Raven colleagues have allowed John Feinstein to probe under the bonnet/hood of the organisation; with unparalleled access to star players, backroom staff, front office personnel, coaches and even the teams owner(s).
He gives insights into the game and covers some areas unheard of by most fans of the game.
This is complemented with condensed coverage of the teams regular season games, and the unseen background behind each one.
In addition John Feinstein has included personnel biographies of star players, coaches and other key personnel within the organisation, and this adds to the feeling of really getting to know the Ravens that were united for this season.
All told, it is a mix that gives the reader a fantastic insight into the running of the Ravens right from day one to their final game of the season.
So if you want to find out more about what life is like in the big league, then read this book.
Rating 5 out of 5
Book Details
Title "Next Man Up"
Author John Feinstein
ISBN 0-316-00964-4
"Do You Love Football"
Ever wanted to know just what it takes to become a head coach for an NFL team.
If yes is your answer; then this book by the NFL's SuperBowl winning youngest head coach is a good starting point.
246 pages of football life are crammed into a book that gives the outsider an insight into the football world and just what it takes to get to the pinnacle of American Football.
Jon has teamed up with Vic Carucci to document his path from high school football to the top job at Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the day he picked up the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Along the way he introduces us to some of the leagues well known figures and players along with some unique game day memories.
It is complete guide to "what makes Jon tick" and is well worth the read.
Rating 4 out of 5
Book Details
Title "DO YOU LOVE FOOTBALL"
Authors Jon Gruden with Vic Carucci
ISBN 0-06-057945-5
Films
Remember the Titans
Denzel Washington is coach Herman Boone in this story of a city "torn apart with resentment, friction and mistrust" and the divides which must be overcome when three existing high schools are re-aligned into just one, T. C. Williams High School.
The existing school football programs and coaching staff must now play as one, The "Titans"
This newly formed football team becomes the glue that must bond the town, but can Coach Boone first get the team to become one with themselves, or is the game lost before the starting whistle blows.
"Remember the Titans", which is based on a true story, is an excellent film that traces the fortunes of the 1971 team and its' staff through the challenges of the season and the many different problems of the time.
There is plenty of action on screen and the story thunders along like a red zone offence; making this film a definite "must watch" for all football fans.
Well recommended for that night in.
5 out of 5
The WaterBoy
Forget the serious hits, forget the big plays or the fact that the season’s successful ending depends on getting the team fired up enough to overcome the last obstacles that lie between success and failure.
No wait, don’t forget any of those things…just add a little H20 in there as well for good measure, ( that’s’ water by the way….ooh, you knew that already! ).
Now what you’ve got is a heady mix of Football, hard hits and refreshment, all at the same time.
Okay it’s not a serious football movie, but you can’t watch staid realistic movies all the time….you could I suppose…... but sometime you’ve got to laugh a little.
Adam Sandler stars as Bobby Boucher, the WaterBoy, from the country, who is passionate about the water he supplies to his team.
A team, who just love to take the preverbal out of him and his lowly position on the sideline.
Ditched by this ungrateful team, he leaves and finds new……..hey hold on a minute…I ain’t going to tell you the whole story!
Your just going to have to watch it yourself.
Alongside Adam are Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler…(yes the Fonz), and Fairuza Balk.
Not to mention a few of the games past greats including Lawrence “LT” Taylor and Bill Cowher to name a few, ok a couple!
Like I said, forget the serious stuff and take a break with one of the best comedy football films there is….(are there others!?)
Well worth the sheckles.
5 out of 5
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