 
Game and the Glory, The
Average Rating: 5.0 Total Reviews: 6
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 On: 2006-01-15
Michelle Akers is the example of what persitence can do for you in any area of your life. We are taken into her world and shown what the career of an athlete entails. I was presently surprise to not be hit over the head with a sermon of why I should be Christian. In this book metaphors can be drawn and you can take her inspiriation to apply it to your daily life. An easy read and you dont have to believe in Jesus to love this book!!
I reccommend this book!!!
by: Anonymous On: 2003-02-08
I play select and I alway enjoy reading books on awsome soccer players. When my friend told me about this book I jumped at the oppertunity to read yet another soccer book. I read it and couldnt put it down. As a Catholic I diffently could relate and found it pretty cool we share the same faith.
It was a very good and inspiring book! IM GONNA BE THE NEXT MICHELLE AKERS SO WATCH OUT AMERICA CUZ HERE I COME!!!
On: 2002-10-07
Michelle Akers writes a truly inspirational story. As you read The Game and the Glory you feel as if you know Michelle personally. The book is easy to relate to because she tells her story on such a personal level. We see Michelle grow through her relationships, her spirituality, her CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome), and of course soccer.
Michelle is honest about the carefree wonders of childhood. She tells about two of her childhood dreams: One of being the next Mean Joe Green of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the other dream of being an Olympian. Although, for Michelle, childhood is not always carefree dreams. When she is only in the sixth grade, she struggles to understand the reason behind her parents divorce. Ironically, even Michelle herself cannot believe when she goes through her own divorce. Michelle, with the guidance of a few friends and through her struggles, finds a relationship that will help her cope with all of her problems.
As a child Michelle always found mass to be boring and going to church on Sunday was never something to look forward to. It is not until Michelle is in high school, with the guidance of a teacher, that she truly finds a relationship with God. However, she gets distracted from this newfound relationship quite soon. After her divorce, Michelle realizes that there is something missing from her life: God. She turns to God at this point in her life, and this time she holds on to what she has found. Michelle promotes her Christianity in a way that no one else has ever done. She founds an organization called the Soccer Outreach International. An organization to promote Christianity in sports especially soccer. Michelle did not only turn to God for answers about relationships and soccer, but also about her CFIDS.
Not long after her World Cup experience in 1991, Michelle begins to suffer from CFIDS. However, Michelle is not diagnosed with CFIDS until 1994. From 1991 to 1994 she did not know exactly what was causing her to feel always fatigued and never well. Michelle has done what no other athlete that competes at the level she competes at has done. She played while suffering with CFIDS. This truly shows her unstoppable compassion for the game.
Michelle played many sports as a child, but soccer was her first true love. When she was only nine years old she attended a soccer camp. During the soccer camp she competed in a juggling contest to see who could juggle for the longest. Michelle stayed out at the field juggling for hours without once loosing control of her ball. The camp director stayed and counted her 5,392 touches, which shattered the previous record set by boy who went on to play collegiate soccer at Duke. This is only one of the amazing stories about Michelle and soccer. Through soccer Michelle has traveled to many countries around the world and established lifelong friendships. She is an original member of the first United States Womens National Soccer Team of 1985. With the National Team she has won many individual awards and is a 1991 World Cup Champion, a 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist, and 1999 World Cup Champion. Michelle admits that God has carried her through it all and without Him she would have never accomplished everything that she has.
It is amazing to think of how great a person she is and how truly human she is. Michelle has accomplished so much for womens soccer. She opened up a new door for girls around the U.S. by using her position as the best womens soccer player to promote the sport. She is one of the reasons that womens soccer become an official Olympic sport. Michelle is a role model to many not only as a world class soccer player but also through her display of Christianity in her every action. In reading her story I have learned that sometimes you just have to "show up" and let God take care of the rest.
On: 2001-05-23
I know I would love this book even if the writing sucked, which it doesnt...its beatiful. Still, Im bias. Michelle has been my role model as a soccer player for years, and Ive always her respected her deep faith in Jesus Christ. Im Catholic. I think Michelles faith is wonderful, after all she has been through. And the fact that she is grateful for her suffering makes her, in my eyes, a true follower of Jesus. You will enjoy the thoughts of this excellent (tough as nails) soccer player, and Christian who inspires many others who share her faith. Go USA! PS. Since this book was written, Michelle has retired.
by: Anonymous On: 2000-06-11
This is a great book for a young girl because it feels like Michelle is talking to you. I felt like I was her best friend, because I could relate to her family situation, and like her, Im a tomboy. I dont care for soccer, but now I have a giant Michelle Akers poster hanging in my room, and I feel like I know her well even though Ive never seen her play. I recommend this to any girl, ages 8-15.
On: 2000-04-04
The Game and the Glory is an outstanding book. The life of Michelle Akers is an incredible story of courage and faith. This autobiography shares intimate details of Michelles life which allow you to feel the passion, the pain, the glory, and the love this special person has shared with so many. It was a pleasure to read and very gripping, youll have a hard time putting it down.By reading this book you will clearly understand what makes an athlete - WORLD CLASS. Youll experience the training process, the playing field, the locker room, the awards ceremonies as well as the pain of CFIDS, multiple injuries, and some of her hard life experiences. There are many great players in the world but it takes something special to make it to the top. Michelle has that something and youll be inspired when you experience her story first hand. She not only made it to the top but stayed! I also listened to the tapes which are read by Michelle (mainly) and it was just like she was riding along in my truck, sharing her life with me. The passion alone took me from tears to cheers - I HIGHLY recommend you read this one!
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