General

The last few times I was at the book store I passed by a newer book called How Soccer Explains the World by Franklin Foer. It truly was, as the subtitle explains an Unlikely Theory of Globalization.

Having listened to Thomas Friedman’s The World is Flat I have had a taste of globalization and enjoyed the look into how globalization is changing how we conduct business and the truly awesome power of the shrinking world. Having looked into the subject a little more than just that one book and having traveled (if only for two weeks and 4 countries) the world, I fealt I had a decent grasp on different corners of the earth. After reading How Soccer Explains the World I am beginning to sing a different tune.

Although it is a book focused around the cultural rifts in neighboring towns and countries and how they are exacerbated in the battles waged on the pitch. The book talks about the wars in the Balkans, the Hooligans of England, and the buying off of refs in Italy. The book explains cultural rifs, religious persecution, and of course the fall of South American Soccer Clubs.

This book was great, aside from the large words that I don’t think even Google could find. With the World Cup less than 10 hours away, this book is a great primer to get you pumped for the weeks of endless action on the field. Whether it’s football, futbol, or soccer give this book a read.