Thursday, August 14, 2008

Gold Medal Reading




Booking Through Thursday


You, um, may have noticed that the Olympics are going on right now, so that’s the genesis of this week’s question, in two parts:


First:

- Do you or have you ever read books about the Olympics? About sports in general?
- Fictional ones? Or non-fiction? Or both?


And, Second:

- Do you consider yourself a sports fan?
- Because, of course, if you’re a rabid fan and read about sports constantly, there’s a logic there; if you hate sports and never read anything sports-related, that, too … but you don’t have to love sports to enjoy a good sports story.
- (Or a good sports movie, for that matter. Feel free to expand this into a discussion about “Friday Night Lights” or “The Natural” or whatever…)


(For the record, I am not a sports fan at all, but I’ll watch almost any Olympics event, have indeed read books about the Olympics–and strongly recommend The Second Mark, which yes, is about Figure Skating, but was a fantastic story and particularly enthralling in its view into life as an athlete in China, so no sneering at the sport, okay? The book was fascinating. I’ve also read a history of the 1896 Olympics (there’s also a good mini-series which just came out on DVD).)

~~ First let me say, I've always love watching the Olympics events in the Winter. More of my favorite competition. Ice Skating is my most favorite (So Deb, I'm going to look for "The Second Mark" from library, thanks for recommendation!). But I'm starting to watch this Summer Olympics too and enjoy the swimming and gymnastic. Including the beach volley ball. I've been rooting and cheering all for my favorite since the last 5 days now and so far they're doing great. I know everyone does their best even on their bad day. Congrats to all winners with the medals!

Now onto the Booking Through Thursday questions. I don't think I've read book that is about Olympics, however I have read a few of sports fiction book. While I am not a fan of sport, I do enjoy reading books about them. Just like what Deb said "But you don’t have to love sports to enjoy a good sports story" - and this is an honest truth. It exactly how I felt. I don't consider myself as sport fan, even though I do watch it on TV. I just don't make my way to participated to watch every single time it on. Of course it depend on who is playing, but I enjoyed watching it --- not sure if this make sense.

Some of the author's sport fiction books that are contemporary that I've continue to read over the years are: Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Chicago Stars series (this about football), Deidre Martin's New York Blade series (Ice hockey), Kate Angell's Boys of the Summer series (Baseball) and few of NASCAR books series. I'm sure there few more but I'm blanking on them. But beside seeing the team play -- or not play --, each members get their HEA for each installments. If you like a light contemporary with humors, read these book series. I hope you give these authors a chance :)

But I'm always looking for more sport recommendation, similar to above authors. I'm always looking out for "a new to me authors" as well.

I've enjoyed watching "Friday Night Lights" and are wondering if the show ever coming back? Or did it get cancel? Yesterday I saw a show about soccer, that was on the FX channel - I believe. It was interesting. What other sport shows out there that I don't know about?

What about you? Can you answers this week questions? Have a good days and weekend ahead! :)

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

6 comments:

Melody said...

I enjoy watching the Olympics too, but I'm not a sports fan (weird eh?). I don't think I've read any books on sports, unless the characters are sports fan themselves. ;)

Lynda said...

I like the winter olympics too. The cie hockey series sounds interesting ;0)

Alice said...

Hi Julia, I'm no sports fan and haven't actually read any sports-related books...

SmilingSally said...

I admit to missing many hours of sleep while watching Phelps pile up his mountain of gold.

juvylyn said...

Hi i am a great sport fan especially basketball.
http://www.sportsbettingreviews.com/

Vicki said...

Thank you for visiting my blog! It's nice to meet a new blogger :-)Have a good weekend!

Vicki x