261 pages
English language
Published April 11, 2004 by HarperCollins.
"Soccer is a perfect window into the crosscurrents of today's world ... Franklin Foer takes us on a tour through the world of soccer, shattering the myths of our new global age along the way"--jacket.
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.
