Body Politic: The Great American Sports Machine

by David Shields

Book Overview

In Body Politic, David Shields looks at contemporary America and its mythology through the lens of professional and college sports. The result is an unusually insightful and provocative book about an empire in denial. Shields relentlessly examines the way we tell our sports stories (both fictional and nonfictional), considers the kinds of athletes we choose as heroes, and delineates the lessons and values we glean from sports. He explores the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803260326
• ISBN13: 9780803260320
• Release Date: November 2007
• Publisher: Bison Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A different and wise look at sports

David Shields is one of my favorite authors, whether he's writing fiction or non-fiction. He has a tremendous eye and feel for his subject matter. Here he views sports, primarily in America, from many different points of view, including the issues of race and various stereotypes that are out there. I particularly liked his take on Phil Jackson, truly the anti-gym teacher coach. Shields prose flows like a river, he's very easy to read. A short book, but truly and excellent read. If you like sports, get this. If you don't like sports, but like great writing, get this. If you like sports and great writing, this is a must-read.

GREAT BOOK! I highly recommend this.

I really enjoyed this book. I must admit that I'm a little too drawn out with the topic of sports. Yet while reading this novel I was just re-immersed with feelings of high school/ middle school days when I was in sports. This novel is just THAT good. The context is compelling. The writing is even far more impressive than what I had anticipated. Overall, this was a really great book.