By Ashley Rands, Marketing
The Olympic fever has cooled, but the thirst for athletic drama and triumph hasn’t. If you’re missing the thrill of the games, there’s no better way to relive the excitement than through the pages of a captivating sports novel. Let’s dive into a world of sweat, victory, and heart-pounding action with these summer sport reading recommendations.
For the Soccer/Baseball Enthusiast
Kulti
by Mariana Zapata
Sal Casillas has worshiped Reiner Kulti until he became her coach. Turns out he is not the man she thought he was and he definitely brings out the worst in her. Be sure to read this captivating soccer romance novel.
The Art of Fielding
by Chad Harbach
This coming-of-age story revolves around a baseball prodigy, Henry Skrimshander who is a shortstop for a college baseball team. However, it’s the supporting cast of characters, including a tennis-obsessed coach, that adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
For the Basketball Fan
The Crossover
by Kwame Alexander
A poetic and inspiring tale of twin brothers navigating high school basketball, family, and the pressures of stardom. Josh and JB are basketball legends at their school. As one of their most important matches of the season approaches, tensions grow at home and school.
A Mindful Journey
by Jeffrey R. Coby
This memoir is a culmination of Coby’s personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Coby shares his understanding of the trials and tribulations one faces on the path to self-fulfillment and the transformation power of mindfulness in overcoming them.
For the Swimming and Diving Aficionados
Swimming Pretty:
The Untold Story of Women in Water
by Vicki Valosik
This is a riveting history that traces a venturi of aquatic performance. From vaudeville and dime museums to the Olympic arena. Williams, who became a Hollywood sensation for her splashy “aquamusicals,” was just one in a long, bedazzled line of swimmers who began their careers as athletes but found greater opportunity, and often social acceptance, in the world of show business. Together, they not only laid the groundwork for synchronized swimming, but forever changed women’s relationships with water.
Barracuda
by Christos Tsiolkas
Danny is chasing dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer. When he misses his chance, he seethes with shame. Swimming here is a love-hate affair with the water: when it’s willing to have you, it’s transformational, but when it is against you, it’s devastating.
The Swimmer
by Roma Tearne
Set in the small Suffolk village of Orford, this novel revolves around Sri Lankan refugee Ben who swims in the river near Ria’s house. They become friends, and then lovers. Swimming is what kicks everything off, and Ben uses the water to reconnect – after a fashion – with his homeland.
For the Track and Field Lovers
Once A Runner
by John L. Parker, Jr
Universally acclaimed as the greatest running novel ever written, this book is a staple on any top ten list. It chronicles the tumultuous journey of college miler Quentin Cassidy. After a clash with university officials leads to his expulsion from the team, he embarks on a solitary training regimen, culminating in a high-stakes race against a world-renowned athlete.
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner
by Alan Sillitoe
Sentenced to a grim, punitive reform school after a bakery heist, Smith finds solace and perspective in running. These moments of solitude allow him to question societal norms and his own role within them. Selected to compete in a cross-country race against an elite private school, he seizes the opportunity to demonstrate his newfound autonomy and defiance of constraints.
For the Volleyball Addicts
Bumped Up
by Pam Greer
Payton quickly finds that her superior basketball talent doesn’t translate to the volleyball court, resulting in a divided team and a rift between Payton and her best friend Renika, whose natural ability for volleyball earns her a starting position on the varsity team. Will Payton get it together in time to help her team make it to State or will she be left behind?
Volleyball Dreams
by Jake Maddox and Jessica Gunderson
Ramona loves sand volleyball but has a hard team being a team player. When she learns that the court will be destroyed by a plastic company, she must learn the importance of being part of a team. Geared for 8 to 11 year olds.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions to get you started. The world of sports literature is vast and varied, offering something for every reader. So grab a book, find a comfortable spot, and let the games begin!
