Why Fantasy Football Matters: (And Our Lives Do Not) [Paperback]

Erik Barmack (Author), Max Handelman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

Talking Trash, Trading Studs, and Drafting Sleepers -- an Insider's Guide to the World's Greatest Obsession

U.S. businesses lose $200 million in productivity each football season because employees are managing their fantasy squads instead of working.

In Why Fantasy Football Matters (And Our Lives Do Not), two grizzled veterans revel in the addiction that is fantasy football. From pre-draft hijinx to post-draft trash talk, from tumultuous trades to the perils of free agency, it celebrates the eccentric personalities, absurd rituals, and hilarious superstitions of one of the most fanatical fantasy leagues on earth.

With humor, insight, and a dash of advice, Why Fantasy Football Matters celebrates the thirty-two million Americans who prefer managing their fantasy squads to relaxing with loved ones. And it gives girlfriends, coworkers, and sports purists all the proof they need to accept that this is an obsession that really matters.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is to fantasy football what the Bible is to religion -- only funnier -- and with more football." -- Jason Sklar, cohost of Cheap Seats, ESPN Classic

"This is the biography of every fantasy league out there -- the camaraderie, smack talking, and competition that drives us all. The only thing more entertaining than reading about how normally responsible, mature professional people turn into obsessed lunatics is when you realize most of the writing is really about you." -- David Dorey, TheHuddle.com

"The passion, brotherhood, and insanity of fantasy football are here in all their glory. The perfect read for fantasy football enthusiasts . . . or those who want to understand them." -- Brendan Roberts, Sporting News

About the Author

Erik Barmack is a director of business development at ESPN and is the former vice president of fantasy games at the Sporting News. He has written for the Sporting News, the Sports Business Journal, the Atlantic Online, and others.

He and Max Handelman have won three Bush League Championships, and bickered endlessly while losing the other five.

Max Handelman launched Fox Sports's fantasy games division. He is now an independent film producer.

He and Erik Barmack have won three Bush League Championships, and bickered endlessly while losing the other five.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416909966
• ISBN-13: 978-1416909965
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #796,918 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Calling all guppies, August 17, 2006

By 

Lloyd Christmas "PW" (Hawaii) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Fantasy Football Matters: (And Our Lives Do Not) (Paperback)

Whether a veteran or rookie, you'd like to know how to improve a)your managing prowess and b)your ability to irritate other owners.

If you are a fantasy "widow", you're probably wondering why you receive only monosyllabic responses on Sundays from September through January

The answers are all here; a must-have before the '06 season.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Football `Widow no more, August 30, 2006

By 

Mom of two (MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Fantasy Football Matters: (And Our Lives Do Not) (Paperback)

This book by Max Handelman and Erik Barmack is hilarious! They give a great insider's view of what happens to ordinary people who have a serious obsession!! It's a great book for everyone to read because it's easily followed even if you have no clue what Fantasy Football is! I loved it and have shared it with friends who love and despise the game for various reasons! If you're a Sunday widow you should read this book and if you're a participant of this league, you should consider therapy! (when the season ends, of course). Have fun reading this funny tale of crazed wannabe's!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars happy husband, August 9, 2006

By 

Joanne Gartin (los angeles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Why Fantasy Football Matters: (And Our Lives Do Not) (Paperback)

I hate the fact my husband's life often revolves around fantasy football but I gave him this book and he loved it! The perfect gift!!!!!