Geeks Vs Jocks

by Jessica Zafra

Jessica Zafra has never played sports in her life. She should be barred from any playing field, for the safety of players and spectators, and especially her own. It is not that she hates sports, but she believes it should be left to those who are actually skilled at it. Of course she is painfully aware that sport is essential in Geek History, being a primary means by which we learn that what does not kill us makes us stronger.

However, Jessica has always enjoyed writing about sports—partly because we must know our enemy, and partly because it’s fun. Geeks Vs Jocks is a collection of her writing on tennis, rugby union, football, boxing, and other games including politics and history. Among other issues she writes about Roger Federer as platonic ideal, the dread of watching the All Blacks almost lose the Rugby World Cup, what happens when you put rugby players in tiny underwear on giant billboards on the highway, and Game of Thrones as a playbook for Philippine politics.

Genres: Nonfiction

159 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Jessica Zafra (born 1965) is a fiction writer, columnist, editor, publisher and former television and radio show host. She is known for her sharp and witty writing style. Her most popular books are the Twisted series, a collection of her essays as a columnist for newspaper Today (now Manila Standard Today), as well as from her time as editor and publisher of the magazine Flip. She currently writes a weekly column for The Philippine Star which is called, Emotional Weather Report. She resides in Metro Manila, Philippines, where she is working on her first novel. She also managed the Eraserheads during the 90's.

Her work often are about current events (both Philippine and international), tennis, movies, music, cats, books, technology and her personal life. Her work has been the subject of academic study. The main ingredient to her work is often fun cynicism and irony.

Find out more about her here.

Reviews

[Irvin Sales · Rating 5 out of 5]

JESSICA ZAFRA AT HER VERY BEST!!!

[Karl Ocampo · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I was still in high school I used to really like Jessica Zafra’s writing, but I guess over the years of not reading her and then revisiting her now the appeal is not there anymore. I just wish there is more meat to it, more than just being fun.

[John Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the geeky articles about movies; I got confused with the sporty articles and probably why it took me so long to finish this book. Not that I read this everyday, I only read this when I was running errands i.e. while waiting in line.

[kb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still has that sardonic tone and yet enlightening insight~ Will still read a J Zafra book anytime, any day

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Same as Zafra, I haven't played sports my entire life, save for the required (and I must say, torturous) PE classes in school and the occasional badminton which I totally suck at. I totally agree on saving sports for the skilled. With her usual wit and sarcasm, sports makes for a fun topic to read especially since Zafra and I are definitely on the same court side. This collection reminds me of her earlier work, the Twisted series, which I so loved and has left me wanting more! more! more!

Book Riot's 2017 Read Harder Challenge: Read a book about sports - 1/24

[Cez Prieto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be forewarned that this book is filled with satirical essays about Roger Federer, tennis, rugby, football, and Philippines. So if you're a highly sensitive person, best to let it go. Otherwise, read it to your bellies content.