Season of Life: A Football Star, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood (Hardcover)

by Jeffrey Marx (Author) "YOUNG FACES USUALLY FILLED WITH WARMTH AND wonder were now taut with anticipation and purpose..." (more)
Key Phrases: false masculinity, team meeting room, New York, The Door, Poly Prep (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
When Pulitzer-winning investigative reporter Marx was a kid in the 1970s, he was a ballboy for the Baltimore Colts. One of the team captains was Joe Ehrmann, a larger-than-life party guy and star defensive lineman. After the death of his younger brother, Ehrmann changed his life, working in Baltimore's inner city and eventually becoming an ordained minister. Prompted by an article about the demolition of the Colt's legendary Memorial Stadium, Marx reconnected with Ehrmann and became fascinated both with his ministry and his work as a volunteer football coach at a Baltimore private school. This account of Ehrmann's career--and his effect on Marx's life--is inspirational without being preachy. Most amazing are the stories of the team Ehrmann coaches--a football team on which life lessons are more important than tackling fundamentals. The lessons extend to Marx himself, who describes how he was moved by Ehrmann's example to work on his relationship with his father. A sports story, yes, but much more, too. Wes Lukowsky
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
Frank Deford, Sports IllustratedJeffrey Marx has used the most violent of American games to show how men and boys should dare not be afraid to look for love. I was tremendously touched by Season of Life.

Christine Brennan, USA TodayIn a warm, passionate story, Jeffrey Marx finds a boyhood hero who ends up leading him on a fascinating personal journey. This is a book that every father and son will enjoy.

Carl Lewis, Olympic championSeason of Life should be required reading for every high school student in America and every parent as well.

Ronnie Lott, NFL Hall of FamerThis is not a book you are just going to read and then forget about. You're probably going to read it again sometime. And you'll definitely want to tell family and friends about it. By sharing Season of Life with others, you will be helping to make this a better world.

Steve Moulton, ESPN RadioThis is a life-changing book. You'd have to be a slug on a rock not to be impacted by the messages in this book.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (August 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743269748
• ISBN-13: 978-0743269742
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #517 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #1 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Inspirational
  #2 in	Books > Sports > Football (American)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Boys to Men, January 2, 2005

By	Michael DENNISUK "cc coach" (trenton, michigan USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR!! There may not be a more importat issue in todays society. We often talk about how athletics is an important training ground for life. It has been never been better demonstrated than by these coaches and this writer. Mr. Marx follows one season of a very special high school football team and the life lessons the team's coaches impart to their athlete's. This book is special. It should be read by every coach , parent and athlete.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relationships and boys into men, August 13, 2004

By	Tommy S. (Baton Rouge, LA) - See all my reviews

When I first approached this book, I had the initial impression that it would be just another banal "feel-good" book about football. As I began to read the book and reflect upon "Rev. Joe's" messages, I found myself frantically flipping back pages to reread a passage, or see that quote just one more time. What began as a quick afternoon read, developed into a multi-day affair of taking notes, rereading, and reflecting! The format of the book is deceivingly simple; Mr. Marx is able to convey the warm camaraderie of the Gilman Football team in a very moving, very honest lesson about what it means to love and to be compassionate. Far from being commonplace, the powerful lessons of this book will sit well with young men, people struggling in difficult times, or anyone hoping to read an inspiring story.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!, August 21, 2004

By	Jana P. Moreno "Jana P." (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Not only have I read this book but I was able to go to a seminar that had Jeffrey Marx and Joe Ehrmann as guest speakers. Joe's life story is one that every person should read. Not just Fathers or Coaches. Everyone can learn from this book. I feel blessed to have heard their story in person and then blessed to be given the gift of this book. I have gained so much wisdom and more love from my children by using these methods. I have two boys of my own and as a mother, I needed help in raising two boys to become "Men built for others."