I initially started this blog as an exercise and a resource. I could work on my writing, flesh out ideas for potential papers, and I could have a database of my initial impressions of important literary works to reference if I ever needed reminding. But now I have finished my English undergraduate studies and instead of moving on to pursue a potential Ph.D or teach, I am pursuing my Master's in Multimedia Communications with the intent to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. So this blog is not as useful of an exercise or a resource as I once hoped.
Yet I have recently decided that if I am going to make it in sports, I need to educate myself on the history of sports and sports media in much greater detail. I need to actually read books about sports. Surprisingly, despite my love for both sports and reading, I have never done this before. I either was reading classic literature for school or fantasy/sci-fi novels for fun. I don't think I have ever picked up a non-fiction book about sports ever. Until now. I am re-purposing this blog as a place where I can record my impressions and thoughts about these books of an entirely new genre for me.
I will do some summarizing so I can refresh my memory later, but I also want to delve into the story telling techniques of the authors. Even though I am pursuing a career in television and writing in TV is completely different, I need to become a better story teller. So hopefully by enjoying and dissecting some of the best literary examples of sports story telling, I'll be able to pick up a few things on the way.
If anyone does read this blog, I am always open to suggestions for the next book(s) as well as opinions on the books and/or my analysis. Any feedback is welcome and appreciated. I just hope my newest post is always better than the one before it.
**EDIT - As an additional note (adding to the title of the post), I want to read as many of these book second hand as possible. I think the genre is pretty money driven and often is a way for former players/coaches to partner up with a sports write and make a little extra on the side. So I'd like to avoid contributing to the money grab by paying a little less than retail when I am buying the book. Of course, I won't complain when I receive them as a gift like I did with my next book (Lamar Hunt). A few other reasons, it is fun to shop at second hand book stores and I like knowing someone else has read the exact copy I am holding in my hand (Although I guess they weren't too crazy about the book if they sold it or donated it).
No comments:
Post a Comment