This annual sports anthology series always is a pure joy. The writing is brilliant, and the reporting and storytelling are supreme. This book isn't a recap of stories documenting the big sporting events, such as the World Series and Super Bowl. Rather, it is a somewhat eclectic mix of pieces that dig deep into the soul of sports. Subjects include an elite female mountain climber; the challenges faced by a transgender athlete; and an annual marathon conducted within the walls of the federal penitentiary at San Quentin.
This year's edition, selected by guest editor Howard Bryant, a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine, features entries by heavyweights such as David Remnick, Roger Angell and Pat Jordan. You will be hard-pressed to find a better account on the downfall of Tiger Woods than Wright Thompson's story for ESPN The Magazine. Of local interest, there is a compelling piece by Rick Telander for Sports Illustrated on the sad post-football life of former Bear William Perry. The New York Times' John Branch weighs in on the tragic death of the father of former Bulls guard and current Golden State coach Steve Kerr. The beauty of this book is that if you have only 15 minutes, you can pick out a story or two and be thoroughly entertained and enlightened.
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