Title: Friday Night Lights
Author: H. G. Bissinger
Genre: Non-Fiction
Quotation: “Odessa is the setting for this book, but it could be anyplace in this vast land where, on a Friday night, a set of spindly stadium lights rises to the heavens to so powerfully, and so briefly, ignite the darkness.”
Would recommend to: football fans who don’t normally like to read.
I finished “Friday Night Lights” last evening — it was phenomenal. Since I just finished it, I’m also going to include three initial thoughts.
1. Texas is football crazy!
You don’t believe it until you see it, or at least read 300 pages about it. I had watched “Friday Night Lights” on Netflix last summer, but reading the words really packs a punch. Texans put football above everything else, even school or work. It’s the number one in their lives, and I’m truly fascinated by it. I’ve never been part of a community that bonds around one things so strongly. I feel it would be such a beneficial experience to have something so meaningful in your life.
2. That’s a lot of pressure.
The hopes and dreams of the entire town lays on the players shoulders — mere high schoolers just surviving to get by. I couldn’t imagine that amount of pressure at such a young, impressionable age. Washed-up football stars, parents, significant others, siblings, random fans in the stands — they are all relying on boys to make their dreams come true. Their dreams to win a state championship for Permian football again.
3. Bissinger is talented beyond belief.
The story of the Permian Panthers couldn’t have been told better in my opinion. Bissinger captured the heart behind every single player’s intentions. You get to experience the pain of every loss and the triumph of every win. His style of writing and the depth he went into for this story conveys every moment of clarity for the team and its rivals. I’ve never been a big football fan, but Bissinger made me care about these player’s with every word he wrote.
With the inclusion of photos from the team and personal interviews, “Friday Night Lights” captures every important play. While the writing stands alone as being astounding, the introduction of photos and other elements brings the story of these young boys to life.
It’s an easy read that keeps you entertained for every single page.
If you are trying to broaden your sports horizons, or really love football like a Texan, I recommend this book for you.
Happy reading,
Kimberly