Customer Reviews

The Glorious World Cup: A Fanatic's Guide

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Knowing little about Soccer, I picked up this eye catching book at a friends house. Having read Sterrys work before I was curious. I wasn't disappointed. This book is full of humor, facts I have no clue how he found, bios and strange trivia that I try hard to remember at gatherings to appear smart.

I loved this book so much I am now waiting for two copies to arrive for family members in London who take this game extremely seriously.

A perfect, clever, funny jem of a book for die hard fans and people who know nothing about soccer, but want to be entertained.

This book stands out from the pack of statistics-laden competition. Guest authors, illustrations and behind the scenes information about the players, teams and location that you won't find anywhere else. Read this book before the World Cup and keep it by your side once the games begin. You'll see the whole thing through a new, clearer lens.

Hilarious, insightful, an examination of why this is the most important game on the planet. A joyful celebration of the random acts of madness, tragedy, and triumph that can happen when 22 people get together and kick a football around. Wicked sharp writing, can't recommend it highly enough!

I bought this book because my boyfriend is a soccer fan. I knew I was going to be watching a lot of World Cup games and hearing about the ones I missed. I don't have much soccer background beyond an unsuccessful experience coaching fourth graders during my second year of teaching (which I won't go into except to say that someone with no soccer experience or athletic skills will always have a hard time coaching soccer). The few books I read to brush up on the game did not help or spark my interest.

This book, on the other hand, did both. It was funny, fast-paced, and short and gave me a sense of the personalities and unique challenges of the different teams. It wasn't quite enough to make me want to coach children's soccer again, but it definitely helped me find reasons to watch and enjoy the games. Today was the first day I found myself on the edge of my seat cheering and disappointed when the team I was supporting didn't win. I'm starting to understand why the whole world loves this game.

I had planned to read the book and then pass it on to my boyfriend but he read the first few pages and would not give it back until he was done.

When the dust settles in 2010 and one lucky country holds up the World Cup this book will still be funny, insightful and unbelievably entertaining.

Speaking as someone who hasn't been to a soccer match since he played for his middle school's team in the sixth grade, this book will make a fan out of you. Even if you are reading this after the 2010 World Cup, I highly recommend you pick up a copy. Mr. Black and Mr. Sterry will introduce you to all the unbelievable quirks in Soccer history along with the sport's gods, underdogs, and even a few villains. The authors have the uncanny ability to sniff out all the funny, strange and weird things that have taken place in the sport over the past several centuries.

If you are a fan of the game there is no reason why this shouldn't be on your shelf. Even if you only think of soccer as "that sport that's like hockey but on grass" you'll still get a kick out of this book. It might even convert you into a fan.

I knew this author from his memoir "Chicken" so I got this book for my sports obsessive husband since he wouldn't stop talking about the World Cup, but so far he's been unsuccessful whenever he tries to claw from my hands. This author makes me laugh out loud like few writers can. This is not your dad's stiff sports book. David Sterry has such an interesting perspective on the events of his life and soccer--you saw it with Chicken and I see it in this book--I'm determined to try to finish before my husband steals this back.

This book may turn you into a soccer fanatic if you aren't already one. I'm a newbie to the sport, but authors Black and Sterry manage to roll the history, stats, stories and nuances of the game into a deliciously readable appetizer for the upcoming tournament. Make sure you read this book before the games begin! It will give you a whole new appreciation of the sport, as it has for me.

You won't find a more fun book about the World Cup anywhere else. It is a well-written book penned by authors who are just as passionate about the game as you are. Definitely a must, must read.

I haven't played soccer since fourth grade, but this book scores big time. Great writing, great stories; it's unbelievably entertaining.

Terrific introduction and overview of soccer, and perfect gift for anyone interested in soccer and the World Cup, but unsure of where to start. Will buy for my teenage son, who is showing interest in World Cup after many years of being 'sports neutral.' Excellent stuff.