Paperback, 261 pages
English language
Published July 5, 2005 by Harper Perennial.
Soccer is much more than a game, or even a way of life. It is a perfect window into the cross-currents of today's world, with all its joys and its sorrows. In this remarkably insightful, wide-ranging work of reportage, Franklin Foer takes us on a surprising tour through the world of soccer, shining a spotlight on the clash of civilizations, the international economy, and just about everything in between. How Soccer Explains the World is an utterly original book that makes sense of our troubled times.
It doesn't, but it does shine a light on the workings within several regions -- US, Scotland, England, Serbia, Ukraine, Brazil, Jewish Europe. The common thread -- neighbors keeping their disparate views under wraps until they get to the stadium.
This was a fun read, and I appreciated the insight into the politics, history, and culture behind different nations' soccer clubs. I didn't find the "theory of globalization" aspect of the book very well annunciated or explicit, but thinking about it a little more, I think I appreciate that he doesn't streamline his subject matter to make pat points or ideological generalizations. I just liked learning more about my favorite sport. I found the chapter on the "American culture wars" especially enlightening; to be honest, I had no idea that soccer was so reviled by a certain segment of American society. My theory has been that Americans don't like soccer simply because there's no room for commercial breaks!
Fun read, well-written, highly recommended for soccer fans.
