Game and the Glory, The [Paperback]

Michelle Akers (Author), Gregg Lewis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

In addition to leading her teams to two World Cups and an Olympic Gold, Michelle Akers is a spokeswoman for the cause of soccer, women, and Jesus Christ. Her award-filled career, including the physical, personal, and spiritual struggles she has overcome, is the subject of this book.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

As the world watched Brandi Chastain set up for her penalty kick, Michelle Akers lay on a training table beneath the Rose Bowl recovering from her efforts in the Women's World Cup final. She had been given two liters of fluid intravenously but was still woozy and it didn't register, at first, that Chastain had scored and the U.S. team had won. At her insistence, the doctor removed her IVs and she staggered out onto the field to join the celebration. As she stood in the center of the field, the capacity crowd began chanting "Aaa-kers! Aaa-kers! Aaa-kers!"

U.S. Women's Team coach Tony DiCicco calls Akers "the best women who's ever played the game." Her fellow 1999 Women's World Cup champions describe her as "a true warrior" and "the heart and soul of this team." In The Game and the Glory, Akers tells the story of her life both on and off the field, and the faith and determination that keep her going--despite a troubled home life, countless injuries, and her battle against CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome). Akers's candor is refreshing; she doesn't paint herself as an angel or take a holier-than-thou attitude. Her Christian faith, simply put, is what allows her to succeed. An inspirational book. --Sunny Delaney --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Akers, a member of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team since its inception in 1985, was at 33 the oldest player when the team won the magical World Cup Final at the Rose Bowl in 1999. Along the way, she suffers her parents' divorce, 12 knee operations, and, most remarkably for an elite athlete, a diagnosis of CFIDS (chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome). Sapping her energy and requiring post-game intravenous injections, this illness made it impossible for her to train and play at her usual "all-out" level. Much of the book deals with how she overcame CFIDS by combining her innate competitive focus and perseverence with Christian faith. She has founded a ministry to spread the Christian message through soccer. We see Akers the incredible athlete but also the ordinary person kidding around with teammates and afraid of public speaking. An excellent addition to public and academic libraries. (Photos not seen.)--Kathy Ruffle, formerly with Coll. of New Caledonia Lib., Prince George, BC
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Youth ed. edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310700256
• ISBN-13: 978-0310700258
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,172,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Sports > Track & Field
  • #63 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Teens > School & Sports > Girls in Sports

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! From tears to cheers, this book has it all., April 3, 2000

By 

J. Denning (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Game and the Glory (Hardcover)

The Game and the Glory is an outstanding book. The life of Michelle Akers is an incredible story of courage and faith. This autobiography shares intimate details of Michelle's life which allow you to feel the passion, the pain, the glory, and the love this special person has shared with so many. It was a pleasure to read and very gripping, you'll have a hard time putting it down.

By reading this book you will clearly understand what makes an athlete - WORLD CLASS. You'll experience the training process, the playing field, the locker room, the awards ceremonies as well as the pain of CFIDS, multiple injuries, and some of her hard life experiences. There are many great players in the world but it takes something special to make it to the top. Michelle has that something and you'll be inspired when you experience her story first hand. She not only made it to the top but stayed!

I also listened to the tapes which are read by Michelle (mainly) and it was just like she was riding along in my truck, sharing her life with me. The passion alone took me from tears to cheers - I HIGHLY recommend you read this one!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars And I'm not even a soccer fan!, June 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Game and the Glory, The (Paperback)

This is a great book for a young girl because it feels like Michelle is talking to you. I felt like I was her best friend, because I could relate to her family situation, and like her, I'm a tomboy. I don't care for soccer, but now I have a giant Michelle Akers poster hanging in my room, and I feel like I know her well even though I've never seen her play. I recommend this to any girl, ages 8-15.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Michelle is awesome, and her faith is unsurpassed, May 22, 2001

By 

Eliza - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Game and the Glory (Hardcover)

I know I would love this book even if the writing sucked, which it doesn't...it's beatiful. Still, I'm bias. Michelle has been my role model as a soccer player for years, and I've always her respected her deep faith in Jesus Christ. I'm Catholic. I think Michelle's faith is wonderful, after all she has been through. And the fact that she is grateful for her suffering makes her, in my eyes, a true follower of Jesus.

You will enjoy the thoughts of this excellent (tough as nails) soccer player, and Christian who inspires many others who share her faith. Go USA!

PS. Since this book was written, Michelle has retired.