READING UPDATE

We are well into February now…how many of us have found our book-reading groove?

Shockingly….I have.

After stumbling to a two-book 2020, I have come out of the gate hot and have already wrapped up my fifth page-flipper. The goal this year is 20 books, and if I can’t hit it this time…I never will.

I’ve (re)discovered that books are a relaxing way to end my day. They sure beat the endless scrolling on social media that can quickly take over my time. It also helps that I have found some fantastic titles to dive into. A good book is its own reward.

For those of you who haven’t checked out my Goodreads feed, feel free to follow along (my username is bamlinden). It has really helped me stay focused…like a gentle nudge on my shoulder saying “Hey, you’ve got some reading to do”.

I’ve enjoyed biographies, stories of adversity and challenge. All have been non-fiction to date. I love a good true story.

In my previous book post, I shared my thoughts on Big Magic, so here are the other four titles I’ve conquered…

THE RIVERTON RIFLE by Reggie Leach

This was a pretty easy, straight ahead bio that sat nicely in the pocket for the bulk of the book. Nothing “incredible” or overly revealing...rather a simple, first-person account of a hockey player who carved out a solid career and had a story worth telling. I just wish some of the stories within dug a little deeper.

I have been drawn to stories of Indigenous hockey players ever since learning of a hockey card collector who has rookie cards of every Indigenous player to play in the NHL (those that have a rookie card…not all do). To see his collection firsthand, talk to him about his passion for collecting and to feel the importance of these players in the realm of professional hockey really has opened my eyes to how inspiring and incredible these stories are….and how important it is to learn more about these players.

Many of the Indigenous players who have donned an NHL sweater have shared their story…and sparked the next generation of Indigenous players. It’s so cool to see just how much these guys resonate in their community, and across the country.

Reggie Leach has that interesting story. Playing in the era of the Broad Street Bullies and facing some incredible teams like Bobby Orr’s Bruins and Guy Lafleur’s Canadiens. An enjoyable book…I just wish there was a little more meat on the bone.

AFTER THE LAST BORDER by Jessica Goudeau

Mu Naw, a Christian from Myanmar, did everything she could to survive for decades in refugee camps. Hasna, a Muslim from Syria, loved her country and the sense of community and support she felt. They both have separate, but equally captivating journeys that would see them end up in Austin, Texas as part of the American refugee program - a program that has had its own long and storied history.

I’ve not read a more compelling book. This could rank in my all-time top five very easily. These three stories are beautifully intertwined, each providing a very vivid sense of surrounding, emotion and urgency. Each chapter painted a scene that I felt I was a part of. I was in the buildings, running alongside Mu Naw or Hansa as they escaped their dire situation and I was reaching out to console them as they battled absolutely enormous challenges that I have never even had to fathom…let alone face.

The stories are both tragic and inspiring, hopeless and yet breathe a spirit of optimism that I can’t shake. These women epitomize resilience...and to such a different level than I could possibly imagine. Author Jessica Goudeau does an outstanding job in carefully crafting these stories. The names have been changed, some aspects and details altered to protect those she is writing about, but the message and humanity shines through vibrantly. Highest recommendation on this one.

I’M POSSIBLE by Jeremy Cowart

I won’t mince words....this might be the best book I’ve ever read. It’s been a couple weeks since I finished it and the takeaway still sits loudly within me.

Jeremy Cowart has led such an extraordinary life. His work has taken him to places and events most of us could only dream of. His humanitarian work is plentiful...and fuelled by selflessness. His dreams and aspirations truly have no limits. And all of this coming from a person who, growing up, continuously told himself “I can’t”.

The first half of this book, where Jeremy talks about his struggles in school, trying to find his way, discovering skills and talents that would lead him into his working life - taking chances....fantastic. All of it, fantastic. I especially enjoyed Jeremy’s internal monologues which would continuously cut through the seriousness of the matter and reveal the ‘everyperson’ that Jeremy is. The writing of this book was done in a way where I could see Jeremy in the words. He brought me along with him on this journey.

Now.....I haven’t even hit the best parts. Jeremy’s humanitarian work, the projects that he has undertaken that has put the focus on those in need...absolutely spectacular. I can’t begin to describe how in awe and inspired I felt reading chapter after chapter of just sheer awesomeness. The lessons shared and the feeling that I can make a difference in my own way, POWERFUL.

He is the ‘everyman’….and he is the Superman.

I. Can’t. Recommend. This. Book. Highly. Enough.

FULL DISSIDENCE by Howard Bryant

Howard Bryant wasn’t holding back when he unleashed Full Dissidence on us last year. He is a master wordsmith...and blends that talent with brutal honesty and a perspective that forces the reader to think about where we are as a society.

The first paragraph describing this book on Goodreads does a better job than I ever could…

“Whether the issues are protest, labor, patriotism, or class division, it is clear that professional sports are no longer simply fun and games. Rather, the industry is a hotbed of fractures and inequities that reflect and even drive some of the most divisive issues in our country. The nine provocative and deeply personal essays in Full Dissidence confront the dangerous narratives that are shaping the current dialogue in sports and mainstream culture.”

For all the times I spent nodding my head in agreement with what I was reading, I couldn’t help but feel I was part of the root problem. We don’t put the importance of race, gender, equality and opportunity at the forefront. In fact, it’s created a greater divide than ever.

This is a thought-provoking book, incredibly well-written and sitting on the backdrop of sports (brands, teams, athletes) makes this a challenge for those who take it on. I do wonder though if Bryant sees the rays of optimism? The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel? That was something not overly explored…..maybe it just doesn’t exist.

So that’s where I am. Five books in and it’s been a wild ride. I’ve already got the next title ready and will be jumping into it this week. I hope you have found a book or two this year that has hit all the right notes. If not….there’s still plenty of time.