As we navigated the vast landscape of numerous sports subreddits, hunting for the top sports books to ever have been released we found ourselves knee deep in discussions about buzzer beaters, Hail Mary passes, and underdog triumphs. The bleachers, well at least the virtual ones on Reddit, were packed with Redditors passionately recommending their favorite sports books that they hold dear to their hearts.
Our mission? To distil this digital info into a curated list of the absolute best sports books out there. Feedhour has taken up the time to check out some of the top sports books to have been released for you to resonate with the sheer feeling of camaraderie only something sports related can give you.
1. Fall River Dreams- Bill Reynolds ( sports books )
Fall River Dreams is a Bill Reynolds’s novel, which delves into the myriad experiences of high school basketball players of Fall River, Massachusetts, looking at how the sport effectively shaped their lives and the obstacles they’ve had to overcome through the years.
Bill Reynolds offers a perceptive and personal depiction of both the people and the wider social and economic environment in which they reside and it is this insightful storytelling and intimate portrayal that makes Fall River Dreams a captivating read, offering readers a window into the complexities of small-town life and the universal pursuit of dreams against formidable odds. The book explores the ambitions and aspirations of the players and the harsh truths that accompany the quest for achievement in the tumultuous world of high school basketball.
Why We Were Sold On It
Reddit User thecelticfromfinland writes that the book “is so good”, and has its “heartbreaking moments” but is a read that no one should miss out on.
Ratings-
- Amazon.in- 4.5/5
- Barnes & Noble- 4.5/5
- ThriftBooks- 5/5
2. Breaks of the Game- David Halberstam
The Breaks of the Game is an extensive tale of the performance of the Portland Trail Blazers during the turbulent 1979-1980 NBA season. The book is a testament to Halberstam’s exceptional journalistic skills as he explores the lives of players, coaches, and the complexities of professional basketball. He captures the human element inside the competitive sports world via extensive research and intelligent interviews, creating a story that extends beyond the game. The book is an engrossing journey that looks into the peaks and valleys of the Trail Blazers, offering a deeper comprehension of the obstacles, victories, and sorrows that mold the lives of these athletes two years removed from the season of their championship.
Why We Were Sold On It-
Reddit user it_has_to_be_damp reviewed that even Bill (Bill Simmons, who had later written a tribute to the Halberstam book) claimed that “it is one of the best sports books of all time“.
Ratings
- Amazon.in- 4.5/5
- Goodreads- 4.2/5
- Barnes & Noble- 4.5/5
3. The Jordan Rules- Sam Smith
The Jordan Rules is a captivating and enlightening account that explores the intricacies of the Chicago Bulls’ 1990-1991 NBA season, shedding light on the complicated dynamics of the squad under the leadership of the iconic Michael Jordan. Smith vividly portrays the difficulties, clashes, and victories of this legendary season, providing an unmatched glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most celebrated basketball teams in history. Smith’s astute observations and meticulous narrative provide readers a captivating investigation into the world of Jordan- making The Jordan Rules an essential literary work for sports aficionados.
Why We Were Sold On It-
Reddit user PhillySkunk writes that it is exceptionally “hard to believe that Sam Smith had trouble getting it published”. User jar45 also writes that the book is another one of the “best “season covering a great player/team” books” along with the The Breaks Of The Game by Halberstam.
Ratings
- Goodreads- 4.2/5 ·
- Amazon- Rating: 4.5
4. The Boys In The Boat Daniel James Brown
Brown skillfully narrates the account of the University of Washington’s rowing squad of nine, taking place during the Great Depression and World War II. The tale follows the remarkable journey of these ‘boys’, who emerged from obscurity to participate in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
The story is a fresh take on the field of competitive rowing while skillfully interlacing the personal challenges and professional triumphs of the individual oarsmen– with a particular emphasis on Joe Rantz. Brown’s dogmatic incorporation of historical intricacies, along with his compelling narrative style, gives you a story that both sends you in a trance and uplifts your spirit to persevere.
Why We Were Sold On It-
Reddit user zman1180 claimed that the book is ‘a great story’ and had never believed that he would “find rowing so compelling” but was “locked in to this one.”. User DeeBrownsBlindfold attests and writes that “That was a cool read.”
Ratings
- Amazon.in- 4.6/5
- Goodreads- 4.4/5
- Barnes & Noble- 4.4/5
5. The Bad Guys Won- Jeff Pearlman
The Bad Guys Won is a lively and perceptive exploration of the 1986 New York Mets- narrating the idiosyncrasies and larger than life personas of the athletes, creating a sharp depiction of a squad that challenges traditional norms both inside and beyond the game. The book is notable not just for its depiction of athletic events but also for its thought provoking examination of themes such as companionship, determination, and the mere fickle nature of success.
Pearlman explores the personal aspects of these baseball legends by sharing tales and providing insights into their behind-the-scenes experiences. In doing so, he uncovers their imperfections, idiosyncrasies, and the amusing dynamics that contributed to their successes. The notion of redemption is evident, particularly in light of the Mets’ previous difficulties and the unorthodox journeys that certain players undertook to attain triumph.
Pearlman openly acknowledges the problems and hardships that were associated with the team’s win. The book serves as a contemplation on the cost of achieving achievement and the indistinct boundaries between heroism and anti-heroism.
Why We Were Sold On It-
Before being sold on The Bad Guys Won, we were pretty much sold on Pearlman, as Redd it User ruandurphy puts it eloquently that “anything Jeff Pearlman is pretty great” and we stand by it. Another user PhillySkunk says that “i’ve re-read this one more than a few times” even though he claims that he is not a Mets fan. TwistAdditional3093 “echoes all the Pearlman love”.
Ratings
- Amazon.in- 4.6/5
- Goodreads- 4.1/5
- Barnes & Noble- 4.1/5
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Conclusion
We scoured the face of many subreddits and came up with these top sports books that not only capture the essence of the games that you absolutely love but also transcends the narratives that surround boundaries of the playing field to teach us lessons that we will take further in our lives. The narrative does not simply relay the tales of success, and is not, in fact, just about books; it’s about the shared experience of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. Check our Feedhour’s favourite sports books on Bruna today and enjoy the thrill only sports can bring!