If I Don't Six

Rating:
Summary: Horrifyingly accurate accounting of Div. One football
Review: "Sports Books" as a genre leave a great deal to be desired, both in the writers' delivery and the subject's depth. "Six" is one of those trancendent efforts done a disservice by being lumped in the sports category. With writing succeeding on its own merits, I was doubly entertained by the characters, recognized from my own Pac 10 locker room experiences by different names but similar social retardation. The best I can say after reading this book is that, pushing 40 years old, I feel less regret for "thinking too much", college football's greatest sin. Is Reid accurate in his portrayal? Unfortunately, very. It really is that bad in places, though the unthinkable behavior is necessarily more condensed here. However, one should realize that football programs reflect their leadership and institutional standards to SOME extent. A John Robinson or a Lou Holtz will enforce standards well above what you read about here. A fine book, though not for the squeemish. Most importantly, if you're an ex-player, or a participant as we speak, you owe yourself a look at these pages to see if you recognize yourself.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Book Showing How College Football Really Is
Review: Elwood Reid gives a great description of the recruiting process, spring practices, coaches and college life at a Big 10 university. It also deals with other life issues like young love, good friends, etc. I enjoyed this book very much and hope to see more from this very talented author. I found out about this book by default while listening to WQAM 560 AM in Miami one day and Mr. Reid was on telling about his newest piece and how he, too, played ball for Michigan. He has been there, writes from a knowledgable point of view and this book should really keep your interest from cover to cover. If you like football, loved college life and parties, then you'll enjoy it, too. It brought back memories.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting things to know about college football
Review: This book was interesting. I found it very fun to read. The many things that college football players go through at a big time school were funny. Some were gross. It entertained me though. The story itself was a little sketchy here and there, and jumped forward too fast at certain times I thought. I found that there were gaps in the story that left me wondering if more should have been explained about this or that, but each reader should decide that for themselves. If you have ever wondered what an athlete sometimes has to go through at a college, then this may start to enlighten you a little. It's by no means a tell all tale of sports, just one mans view of the collegiate system, a view that I found fun to read.