Valet Reader

Why did the chicken cross the road? To see Michael Oher play football, duh!

Blindside by Michael Lewis

To be completely honest, I am not a true football fan. Sure, I watch the Chargers play every Sunday when I can but I don’t know all the players and know very few players of the opposing teams. But, I’ll tell you this much, from here on out I will be paying a lot more attention to the left tackle.

In a story that take us from inner-city Memphis, which frankly scares me, to the football field at Ole Miss, Michael Lewis teaches us about love, struggle and redemption. It’s hard not to immediately feel for Michael Oher from the beginning of the book. Here’s this kid who is huge, in a good way, and is so far removed from society thanks to his rough upbringing that he has no direction. In comes the affluent white family to end his misery and show/teach him how to be a better person and excel at sports. Sounds like a lifetime or hallmark movie, right?

The first half of the book was certainly more compelling than the second half and it seemed as though there was some redundancy. As far as the football banter, there was a bit much for me and I didn’t quite follow all of it, but it didn’t really take a whole lot away from the general feeling. I think the hardest thing to deal with was the ending. As this is a story that has not yet ended I feel like waiting a couple more years to write the book to see what actually happens would have paid off. Maybe Mr. Lewis was hard up for some cash, although I highly doubt that. If I’m not mistaken I think they’re planning on turning this into a movie that unfortunately will probably be somewhat dull and have the feeling of all generic sport flicks of this nature. Anything Hollywood can do to make a buck these days I guess.

Update: It’s confirmed, the movie is slated for release on November 20th of this year. And what a banger of a cast, Sandra Bullock ( of Speed fame which we all know was her only good role) and Country Rocker Tim McGraw will be leading the cast. I’m embarrassed to say, after watching the trailer, it actually looks pretty good (although it does look like a completely different story being told).

Even if you’re only mildly interested in football I think you’ll enjoy this book. And if you’re a true fan of the sport, I know you will. For those ladies out there reading this review, remember this one come holiday season or your dad’s/boyfriend’s/husband’s birthday they’ll appreciate it I’m sure.

For all you fantasy football players out there, I would look for Joe Flaco to put up big numbers in the near future thanks to Mr. Oher.