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

by Erik Barmack (Author), Max Handelman (Author)
Key Phrases: fantasy managers, fantasy football, mock drafts, Bush League, The Mick, The Death Maiden (more...)

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

Product Description

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416909966
• ISBN-13: 978-1416909965
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #244,284 in Books (See Bestsellers 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 Laugh out loud funny, February 21, 2008

By	Sam Hendricks "Author of Fantasy Football Gui... (Virginia USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Why Fantasy Football Matters (and our lives do not)" by Erik Barmack and Max Handelman

One word sums up this book best.

Captivating.

I picked up "Why Fantasy Football Matters (and our lives do not)" and finished it within two days. It was hard to put down because every new chapter takes the reader along the next adventure of a leagues FF season. If you play fantasy football you will enjoy reading this in-depth look at a typical fantasy football league by Barmack and Handelman.

I loved the references to movies and other cultural icons like Bill O' Reilly, Seinfeld, Wile E Coyote, Cool Hand Luke, the Muppets and even DR Seuss. Sure some of the lists were for issues that are not of particular importance to me; however, for the most part, they were an enjoyable look back into some iconic moments from my past.

I especially enjoyed Chapter 20 "Rage Against The Experts E-Mail". It has an excellent diatribe about "expert advice and analysis" and the sometimes stupid questions (and answers) FF columnists get and give. I think every fantasy fooballer has had these thoughts on one occasion or another. It was good to see them in print!!!

As far as criticism, do not expect too much fantasy football wisdom from this book. Just sit back, read it and enjoy the ride. It does have an occasional morsel of knowledge, but if you are into fantasy football these "tips" and "strategies" will be well known by you now.
Another albeit small criticism is that "Why Fantasy Football Matters" was published in 2006, so some of the references to the fantasy football season may seem a bit old to new readers. But this does not distract from the obvious humor in these references.

All-in-all, this is an entertaining book that examines the stereotypical thoughts and actions of a 12 man fantasy football league from pre-season through their post season blues. I guarantee something in the book will remind you of your league and make you laugh out loud. Along similar lines if you enjoy this book you will also love "Committed, Confessions of a Fantasy Football Junkie." by Mark St. Amant which I have also reviewed (and others have mentioned in previous reviews). It too is a humorous look at a fantasy football league's season and the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF).

Sam Hendricks, Author of "Fantasy Football Guidebook" and "Fantasy Football Almanac"

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

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Football `Widow no more, August 31, 2006

By	Mom of two (MA) - See all my reviews

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!