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Spectator Sport
Indianapolis' 500-Mile Race, "the world's greatest sports spectacle," was rained out three consecutive days in 1973, and marred by lethal wrecks. Thousands of drunken race fans made the Speedway a vast encampment of garbage, misery and debauchery. The event is vividly recreated through a dozen fictional characters, their lives interwoven in crisis. A true study in violence and voyeurism.
452 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2000
28 people want to read
About the author
James Alexander Thom
25 books412 followersJames Alexander Thom (born 1933) is an American author, most famous for his works in the Western genre. Born in Gosport, Indiana, he graduated from Butler University and served in the United States Marine Corps. He is a former professor of journalism at Indiana University, and a contributor to the The Saturday Evening Post. His fifth wife, Dark Rain Thom was a member of the Shawnee United Remnant Band until its dissolution; the Thoms presently live in the "Indiana hill country" near Bloomington.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 20, 2011
Others have not found this book as good as I did. You learn about peoples personalities and what a three day race weekend in Indianpolis does to bring them out, both good and bad. It does get pretty "racey" at times. (Sorry for the pun) In places, it even gets a bit erotic. But for the most part it is a gritty accounting of the different personalities that find themselves drawn to Indy in the month of May. Especially during the race's heyday in the 70's when it was the only place to be and party during the Memorial Day weekend. Growing up in Indianapolis this book seems way more fact than fiction as I have seen all of the events cronicled in this book take place at one time or another. I can easily envision each of the characters as if I have actually met them. From the grimey rednecks to the partying teens to the poor woman just trying to get to her job on race day. A great book if you like books about people and all their goodness and flaws.
May 26, 2021
This book brought back many memories of the Indianapolis 500, both good and bad. Focuses on the variety of fans who attend the race. Describes the 1973 race, which was the last race my husband attended. We both swore we would never go back again, since the flaming crash of Salt Walther on the first lap happened right in front of us, and since our car got stuck in the mud after all the rain. 3 days of rain delays were tough on the drivers, the fans, and the broadcasters. This book tells it all.
July 20, 2012
One of James Alexander Thom's first published books - shows his potential and rookie problems.
James Alexander Thom is one of my favorite authors. In my classroom I have had two of his books on my shelves and kids come to me looking for something to read I recommend those books first due to the power of the storytelling. Those that accept my recommendations concerning his books are never disappointed. Great stuff!
While most of his books concern the frontier days of America's old Northwest Territory (Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, etc.), Spectator Sport concerns itself with the rain-shortened and deadly 1973 Indy 500. The race took part over the course of 3 days and was finally called after a little more than 300 miles due to rain and the fact that only 9 of the 33 starters were still on the track. Thom was at the race and the events inspired him to write this book and explore the motivations of race fans, violence on television and the news and voyeurism of all sorts.
This book however does not qualify as great - it is too up and down and inconsistent.
First - what is done well:
-Thom accurately portrays the way the 'Snake Pit' of the Indy 500 used to be - the dirt, the beer, the hedonism.
-Thom accurately captures the feel of the 500 just before the race starts. The tension, the anticipation, the pomp and ritual.
-Thom's descriptions of the Speedway and its environs are dead-on. Especially the traffic and the insanity of the some of the police who are directing it.
What does not work so well: ...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
Read all of my reviews of books by James Alexander Thom here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
James Alexander Thom is one of my favorite authors. In my classroom I have had two of his books on my shelves and kids come to me looking for something to read I recommend those books first due to the power of the storytelling. Those that accept my recommendations concerning his books are never disappointed. Great stuff!
While most of his books concern the frontier days of America's old Northwest Territory (Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, etc.), Spectator Sport concerns itself with the rain-shortened and deadly 1973 Indy 500. The race took part over the course of 3 days and was finally called after a little more than 300 miles due to rain and the fact that only 9 of the 33 starters were still on the track. Thom was at the race and the events inspired him to write this book and explore the motivations of race fans, violence on television and the news and voyeurism of all sorts.
This book however does not qualify as great - it is too up and down and inconsistent.
First - what is done well:
-Thom accurately portrays the way the 'Snake Pit' of the Indy 500 used to be - the dirt, the beer, the hedonism.
-Thom accurately captures the feel of the 500 just before the race starts. The tension, the anticipation, the pomp and ritual.
-Thom's descriptions of the Speedway and its environs are dead-on. Especially the traffic and the insanity of the some of the police who are directing it.
What does not work so well: ...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
Read all of my reviews of books by James Alexander Thom here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews