Over Time: My Life As A Sportswriter (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
Frank Deford is always great to hear on NPR, and impressive in his scope of knowledge and general presence. His writing is packed with incisive wit and keen analysis about the human-interest side of sports, which to me is far more interesting than the scores. This book is a collection of his personal stories from his epic life as the sportswriter (one word, he has clarified) of our times, and it does not disappoint. He is clever and funny with the turn of phrase that leaves me amazed by his broad grasp and precise intuition about the intersection of human nature, sport, literature, and history. What a mind! That said, chapter upon chapter of this began to remind me of being caught awkwardly in the armchair next to a grandpa who has fascinating but, ahem, endless stories of his youth. Stuff we should know, a time capsule of sportswriting and journalism, but best read in small doses. Because I enjoy Deford's weekly commentaries on NPR's Morning Edition, I read his book to find out more about him, only to find that with Deford, what you hear is pretty much what you get. Having done hundreds of commentaries full of short-form anecdotes, Deford has written his memoirs the same way, in a few dozen short chapters each telling a little story or following a well-defined theme. You get a lot of stories about hanging out with this athlete or that, and a lot about what it was like being a sports journalist in the 50s, 60s and 70s. What you don't get are many opinions stronger than those he shares on the air, any stories he probably hasn't told before, or much emotion of any stripe. (The death of his young daughter from cystic fibrosis is passed over in a mere mention.)I'm good at reading between the lines, so Deford's justified outrage over racism in sports and his empathy for the particular trials that great athletes must endure for their moments of glory come through loud and clear. But I wish, as he approaches the end zone of life, he might let his guard drop a bit.
What do You think about Over Time: My Life As A Sportswriter (2012)?
Loved this book. Favorite story was the one about Larry Bird and Bobby Orr.
—Errie2112
I really like Frank's writing. His piece on Arthur Ashe was wonderful.
—arakshan
Great insight on the life and experiences of a sports writer.
—Kelsi
A good, interesting, and thoughtful life. Well worth reading.
—Shauunagh
