I usually do not write about a book that I have not finished. But I enjoyed what pieces of it I had read so much - I needed to record it.
Who is the last person you would expect to write a book on sports? This author is well-known in non-fiction circles for a certain type of book. True crime. What is a true crime author writing about sports? Especially soccer? European soccer? It is with the voice of the converted, that Joe McGinniss can write about about his newest passion - soccer. Italian soccer. In The Miracle of Castel di Sangro, McGinnis takes an in depth look at the small soccer team from the remote village. They had managed a "miracle". They had moved up in the rankings and leagues of Italy's soccer standings. (The explanation of the leagues - is very intense and detailed.) Yes - for their fans, it was an amazing year. But the true miracle will be if they can hang on to their new standings.
Being an in depth writer, McGinnis plunges into this small community and their local team. His experiences with the Italian way of doing things - slower, a bit convoluted, seemingly simple - allows the reader to experience his year of living in Italy following "his" team. He takes us through the struggles that a young team has with owners who never expected that they would have to spend more money on the team now that it has been successful - see the complicated Italian soccer rules and guidelines for that bit. He allows us to peak at the players and coach who are trying to maintain their rankings for the following year. They are not looking to be number one - they just want to remain in the new league!
McGinnis shows us their triumphs and tragedies (is there any other way?) in his new beloved sport. A great book for soccer fans, sports fans, and those wishing to explore the Italian immersion experience. A good read.
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