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Taking Names and Keeping Score
Being someone who reads a lot and one who will often undertake reading two books at one time, I must admit once I started this book it became my sole focus when it came to pleasure reading. Of course I continued to read the scripture on a regular basis as well as newspapers and other periodicals but when it came time to sit down and read a good book for fun, it had my full attention. From the outset anyone who reads it can't help but be impressed by the amount of research that was done by the author prior to writing the book. Although his focus and the thread that binds all the chapters of the book together is the 1966 crimson tide team, his in depth look at the lives of the players who made up the team and the coaching staff that directed their path is very thorough. And as one might expect of a book written about the University of Alabama football program during the 1960's, it also gives its readers an unusually close and revealing look at the life and mind set of the architect of the program, the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant. Looking at it from another perspective, it serves somewhat as a commentary on all the other things that were going on in our society during that era of time as well and how those things impacted not only on the lives of the individuals the story is written about but the whole political climate that ultimately had a significant and possibly unfair influence on the team's not being allowed to claim the college football national championship for a record setting third year in a row. That being the case, despite them being undefeated and untied unlike the two northern schools, who shared the title that year with a tie or their record. For those who bleed crimson and white and strive to teach their children to say 'Roll Tide' before 'mama' or 'daddy' it has to be on a must read list. If you are just a fan of college football in general I would think it should be on your list as a definite read too. And even for those of you who would bleed orange and blue if you had the choice and have a hard time using the words roll and tide in the same sentence, I think you would find it interesting as well because some of the truths it reveals about the bias that existed in this country toward southern football in general certainly applied to your favorite university as well during that period of time. In some ways the things it reveals about the sacrifices that were and still are made by those who would be champions, is too graphic for the average reader. But the heart warming stories of those who refused to let obstacles both real and perceived stand in their way of becoming the best they could be make up for it. I am sure because of the subject matter covered in the book there are those who would believe it to be gender specific in its appeal. I on the other hand believe it would appeal to both men and women because there is more to it than just rehashing old football stories. I am certain it might not be at the top of most women's reading list but for those who have and interest in the University of Alabama, sports, history or the day to day lives of people striving to be successful in a setting like that of college football it will be very informative and interesting. Now before you think something is amiss, let me set the record straight and say that I have not received anything for this endorsement but merely wanted to share what I considered to be good news in that there is a book like this available for us to read. If you choose to read it I hope you will find it as pleasurable and informative as I have.
Until next time……be safe!
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