The Game and the Glory

by Michelle Akers, Gregg Lewis

A celebrated midfielder of the phenomenal United States women's soccer team chronicles her life, discussing the difficulties she overcame, including a strange career-threatening illness and a painful divorce, and exploring the re-found faith that helped her realize her dreams.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Memoir, Soccer, Autobiography

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Mighty Barons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle Akers was (and still is) one of the most dominant and tough players to ever grace the game of women's soccer. She tells her story in her own words, complete with exclamations and jargon that leave no doubt she was in her prime during the 90's. Her steadfast faith and stalwart strength sustained her through to the most elite level of soccer (read: she helped pioneer women's soccer and pave the path for younger girls to follow) all while suffering from Chronic Fatigue. It is inspiring to read how absolutely spent she was after getting the brunt of physical contact from other teams on top of running her guts out and overpowering those opponents to goal.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in Orlando, FL and had no idea what an impact one resident was making in the world of women's soccer. I only remember hosting the men's World Cup in '94 but everything else in the book was new to me. Thanks Michelle for being a trailblazer.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for my birthday. *I think* Back in third or fourth grade. I was a pretty big soccer nut back then. Michelle Akers was one of the best women's soccer players, but she struggled with CFIDS. I loved this book because Michelle is actually a Christian. It was a cool story about how that impacted her life. I just wish she could still play for the women's team-that would help us win the next World Cup!

[DJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read this in high school, and at the time it made a big impression on me. i was particularly inspired to read about her commitment and drive to play at her best, even as she struggled with CFIDS.

at the time, i did not relate much to her views as a Christian athlete, so i would recommend the book with the caveat that it may be more appropriate to (or resonate more with) Christian readers.

[Hanna Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was uninteresting. It was all about soccer and not much about religion like it says it is. Also, I did not enjoy the writing style.

[Cws]

796.33

[Rebekah Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!!