Sugar
This heartfelt film by the writers of Half Nelson realistically follows the life of a minor league baseball player from the Dominican Republic. With a stunning lead performance and an unexpected resolution, this is not your average sports movie.
Bright Star
The butterfly scene alone makes this lovely film about the doomed love of poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne worth your time.
Moon
A Science Fiction movie for people who don’t like Science Fiction movies, this is more art house than action film.
- Beth
Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played
By Jon L. Wertheim
4 stars
Senior Sports Illustrated writer L. Jon Wertheim weaves an intricately detailed recounting of what all agree was an epic, thoroughly well played tennis match into a compelling multi faceted book.
This is a very descriptive portrait of each man’s differences, backgrounds, tendencies, technical strengths and styles, coaching entourages and personalities which leads up to the titanic Wimbledon final that was played over five sets and seven hours in July of 2008.
Many interesting behind the scenes moments, humorous asides and detours including how Federer met Mirka, his disdain for Djokavic’s “boorish” parents, Nadal’s family dynamics and upbringing, racquet comparisons and endorsements all add background color to the event. Even chair umpire Pascal Maria gets his time in the sun (or rain as it were) here.
One of the best tennis books I’ve read; an often witty and full account of the quirks and glories of Wimbledon, “The Championships” and of what makes both Roger Federer and the eventual ’08 Champion Rafael Nadal so outstanding by anyone’s standards.
My only complaint: no photos included.
- Phil K.
Every Second Counts
By Lance Armstrong
This is an excellent book to read prior to Armstrong’s attempt at a record six straight Tour de France victories in 2004. That would be an awesome achievement. Reading this book will give you unique perspectives and insight into what makes the brash Texan so tenacious and motivated.
Lance shares his thoughts on a variety of topics along the way, covering details from each of his tour victories, his preparation, the incessant doping control visits and his life in Spain and France. He treads upon the trials of his marriage, his disappointment at his Olympic performances, his great supporting teams on US Postal Service and how he is looked upon in the cancer survivor community.
Having seen him race a few times early in his career and as a devoted Tour de France fan, I highly recommend this book.
-Phil
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