A review by thomcat
Against Football: One Fan's Reluctant Manifesto by Steve Almond
4.0
This short book details, chapter by chapter, the several problems with football as a sport and as a business. Most are well argued, and though the author doesn't provide a solution, he is quite clear on that in the conclusion. He sees his role as provoking discussion.
Like a previous work, the autobiographical parts don't add much for me, and in many cases detract. No actual studies are cited, and there probably are several mentioned in the concussion chapter alone. It would be interesting to count the number of times "I believe" is used in the text.
I found the chapter on military connections most surprising, and the chapter on concussions most depressing. As a late-comer to the game and fandom, it is probably easier for me to step back - but I feel driven to make a bigger difference. This book only makes the arguments. Perhaps the associated website and forum have more suggestions for change.
Like a previous work, the autobiographical parts don't add much for me, and in many cases detract. No actual studies are cited, and there probably are several mentioned in the concussion chapter alone. It would be interesting to count the number of times "I believe" is used in the text.
I found the chapter on military connections most surprising, and the chapter on concussions most depressing. As a late-comer to the game and fandom, it is probably easier for me to step back - but I feel driven to make a bigger difference. This book only makes the arguments. Perhaps the associated website and forum have more suggestions for change.