From basketball dreams to climate change’s impact on sport, 2024 has brought us a variety of sports books that are as thought-provoking as they are inspiring. Here are five standout titles that blend personal stories, social commentary, and the influence of sport on society.
1. There’s Always This Year
Hanif Abdurraqib (Allen Lane)
Hanif Abdurraqib, the acclaimed poet and essayist, brings his lyrical and profound voice to the world of basketball in his latest book. There’s Always This Year is part memoir, part cultural commentary, intertwining Abdurraqib’s own experience growing up in Columbus, Ohio, with the rise of basketball star LeBron James. As a young player in one of the most impoverished areas of the city, Abdurraqib reflects on the heroes who shaped his youth, from the University of Michigan’s Fab Five to the indomitable LeBron. The book examines the dreams and struggles of youth sports, with a focus on those whose talents never made it out of the neighborhood. Through poetic prose, Abdurraqib delves into questions of aspiration, race, and social mobility, making this a powerful meditation on basketball as a means of escape and a reflection of broader societal challenges.
2. Godwin
Joseph O’Neill (4th Estate)
At first glance, Joseph O’Neill’s Godwin may seem far removed from the world of sports, but it soon reveals itself as a deeply insightful work that examines the intersection of sports, ambition, and society. The novel opens with the story of a writer and a struggling co-operative, but quickly shifts to a gripping tale of two brothers trying to find and sign a football prodigy. O’Neill’s writing is sharp and witty, and his characters are both infuriating and captivating—one brother is described as “a tornado of unreliability and superfluous scheming.” As the story unfolds, O’Neill weaves a narrative that explores the cultural and economic forces at play in the world of professional sport, showing how the pursuit of glory and success can be as chaotic and unpredictable as life itself. It’s a darkly humorous, social commentary disguised as a sports novel, making it a unique entry in the genre.
3. My Beautiful Sisters
Khalida Popal (John Murray)
My Beautiful Sisters is the powerful memoir of Khalida Popal, a pioneering figure in women’s football in Afghanistan. Raised in a country where women’s sports were not only marginalized but actively oppressed, Popal’s story is one of resilience, resistance, and hope. After enduring childhood trauma as a refugee and later becoming a target due to her activism, Popal founded the first women’s football program in Afghanistan. Her book is a raw and unflinching account of the dangers and abuses she faced—both on the field and in her personal life. The memoir is a testament to the strength of women fighting for their right to play and be seen, and Popal’s voice provides a vital perspective on women’s sports in one of the most challenging environments in the world.
4. Warming Up
Madeleine Orr (Bloomsbury)
In Warming Up, Canadian ecologist Madeleine Orr tackles the growing impact of climate change on sport. Inspired by a skiing accident caused by late snow and overcrowded slopes, Orr began to explore how the climate crisis was disrupting sports worldwide. From flooding and rising sea levels affecting stadiums and golf courses to wildfires and pollution halting events, Orr paints a grim picture of the sports world’s vulnerability. The most harrowing sections focus on the athletes who have been directly impacted by extreme heat, with stories of lives lost to rising temperatures. Yet, despite the dire consequences, Orr delivers a message of hope, offering practical solutions and calling for meaningful changes within the sports industry. This urgent, eye-opening book is essential reading for anyone involved in sports or concerned about the environment.
5. Richie Benaud’s Blue Suede Shoes
David Kynaston and Harry Ricketts (Bloomsbury)
In Richie Benaud’s Blue Suede Shoes, historians David Kynaston and Harry Ricketts delve into one of cricket’s most iconic moments—the 1961 Ashes series between Australia and England. Through the lens of two opposing captains—Peter May of England and Richie Benaud of Australia—the authors examine the cultural and social changes of the post-war era. The Ashes series is portrayed not only as a thrilling sporting event but as a symbol of the shifting societal dynamics of the time. Kynaston and Ricketts bring the series to life with rich historical context, exploring the personalities and tactics of the captains, while also evoking the broader sense of change that permeated the postwar world. For cricket fans and those interested in the evolution of sport as a reflection of society, this book is a must-read.
Conclusion
2024 has seen a diverse range of sports books that challenge our perceptions and deepen our understanding of the role sports play in society. Whether it’s Abdurraqib’s poetic exploration of basketball, Popal’s inspiring memoir of defiance, or Orr’s urgent call to action on climate change, these books go beyond the game and offer profound insights into culture, politics, and the human condition. They are essential reads for anyone looking to explore how sport shapes—and is shaped by—the world around us.
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