So maybe you saw the movie, read the book, or both? Moneyball is a great example of highly readable sports writing that bridges the gap between the intricacies of the game and the personalities and story lines behind it. If you’re in the market for non-fiction sports reads, give one of these titles a try.
King of the World: Muhammad Ali and the rise of an American hero by David Remnick
The larger than life career of Ali, both inside and outside the ring, is chronicled in detail in this biography. Hailed as the “Best Nonfiction Book of the Year” by Time magazine the year it was released.
Glory Road by Don Haskins
The 1966 NCAA men's basketball championship between Texas Miner’s College (with 5 black starters) and the University of Kentucky (with 5 white starters) is widely considered one of the most legendary games ever played in college sports. Released as a movie with the same name in 2005, this autobiography is a story of sports, society, and one coach’s unshakable character.
The Boys of Winter: The UntoldSstory of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team by Wayne Coffey
Even if you have seen the movie Miracle, this book is bound to show you a side of the Miracle on Ice you didn’t know before. An intriguing look at the human side of the U.S. and Soviet teams, the rigorous training that they went through, and the political and social climate of the time.
I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to the Blind Side, and Beyond by Michael Oher
The true story of The Blind Side star Michael Oher’s rise from poverty, homelessness and desperation in inner-city Memphis to college football and eventually breaking into the NFL. The author’s candidness and determination shine through as he encourages other young people facing difficultly to find and pursue their passion.
