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Brian's Song
Winner of five Emmy awards
Two men. Once names Gale Sayers, the other Brian Piccolo. They came from different parts of the country. They competed fiercely for the same job. One liked to talk; the other was shy. One was white; the other black. This is the story of how they came to know each other, fight each other, and help each other. . . .
Two men. Once names Gale Sayers, the other Brian Piccolo. They came from different parts of the country. They competed fiercely for the same job. One liked to talk; the other was shy. One was white; the other black. This is the story of how they came to know each other, fight each other, and help each other. . . .
119 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 31, 2012
This is my alltime favourite book - I have read through 2 copies (destroyed the first one by reading it so often) and every time I pick it up I have to read it in one sitting.
Makes me laugh and cry every time.
A great story (hated the movie, though).
Makes me laugh and cry every time.
A great story (hated the movie, though).
January 4, 2018
The true story of the relationship between Brian Piccolo and Gayle Sayers. Just as heart-wrenching as the movie.
December 2, 2014
If a reader enjoys a heartfelt story that is both inspirational and comical, then Brian’s Song by William Blinn is the perfect read. The emotional, screenplay style story is based on true events that took place within the Chicago Bears football organization. Two rookie half backs, Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, compete for the same starting position. In the beginning of the story, both compete using every ounce of strength, heart, and will. By the end of training camp, Gale wins the starting role, and Brian is given the backup role. During a regular season game against the San Francisco Forty-niners, Gale injures his knee and is sidelined for the remainder of the season. Brian steps in as the starting half back in the absence of his now close friend Gale. At the conclusion of the season, Brian pushes Gale to get him back into shape so the two can compete yet again for the starting role. Gale again wins the position however the coach recognizes the hard work of both men and gives the full back position to Brian. Just when all seems to be going well, Brian is diagnosed with lung cancer and shortly after loses his battle with the disease. The story is one that has both joyful as well as tearful moments, and provides inspiration to athletes everywhere.
Brian’s song is not only one of the most inspiring stories I’ve read, but it is also the most interesting in regards to sports. The main idea found within Brian’s song are that there will always be good days, and always be bad days, but no matter what kind of day it is or what it is one may be going through, it is better to go through it with a close friend. Brian and Gale depict a beautiful friendship that should inspire people to not only lift each other up, but push each other to be the best that they can be. Brian and Gale both overcome adversities, hardships, and injuries, and both work with each other to make each other better.
I am giving this story a four out of five and I would recommend it to any athlete, especially young athletes who are looking for inspiration. Brian’s Song with bring both tears of laughter and sadness out from within a reader, and will undoubtedly affect the lives of the readers. The reason I am not giving the story a perfect five is because of the way it is written. The story is written in a screen-play script which can make it harder to understand and follow along. In the end, I was touched and inspired and after reading the story, would highly recommend Brian’s Song.
Brian’s song is not only one of the most inspiring stories I’ve read, but it is also the most interesting in regards to sports. The main idea found within Brian’s song are that there will always be good days, and always be bad days, but no matter what kind of day it is or what it is one may be going through, it is better to go through it with a close friend. Brian and Gale depict a beautiful friendship that should inspire people to not only lift each other up, but push each other to be the best that they can be. Brian and Gale both overcome adversities, hardships, and injuries, and both work with each other to make each other better.
I am giving this story a four out of five and I would recommend it to any athlete, especially young athletes who are looking for inspiration. Brian’s Song with bring both tears of laughter and sadness out from within a reader, and will undoubtedly affect the lives of the readers. The reason I am not giving the story a perfect five is because of the way it is written. The story is written in a screen-play script which can make it harder to understand and follow along. In the end, I was touched and inspired and after reading the story, would highly recommend Brian’s Song.
March 12, 2013
I remember buying this long ago and "acting" parts of it with friends. I was a strange kid.
October 5, 2015
William Blinn's purpose for writing Brian's song was to inform readers of a true bond of friendship that was created in a very unlikely way. Brian Piccolo, a white man, and Gale Sawyers, a black man, begin with only one thing in common, their love for football. They meet during pre-season for the Chicago Bears. The two start off merely joking around with each other in attempt to get on the other's nerves and by the end of the story, have become almost inseparable. This novel was intended for audiences who enjoy football and empowering stories. Blinn shares the story of Piccolo and Sawyers as if he knew firsthand the strength of the two men's bonds with each other.
The theme of this book is definitely friendship. Brian Piccolo and Gale Sawyers are with each other through all the ups and downs of their lives together. When Gale faces a serious knee injury, Brian is chosen to step up and take his starting position. In this time, Brian does everything he can to get Gale back on the field, even though that will mean him losing his starting position. On the other side, when Brian is diagnosed with lung cancer and unable to play anymore, Gale stays by his side. They may have no longer been teammates, but rather brothers. Both men embrace their friendship and brotherhood rather than focusing, like society, on them being different races.
The specific style of this book is a narration. The story is told in chronological order, beginning during the first day of post-season, up until after the tragic death of Brian. The story is most effective being told in the order of events that things happened because it is a true story, giving the reader a better understanding of the events that occurred and the process of the friendship that was formed.
Being one who typically doesn't enjoy reading non-fiction books, I was pleasantly surprised. Brian's song was a quick and easy read for me. I loved how the all the little details were written about how the two men would prank each other and act like children at heart. It gave such a light tone to the book. There's not a whole lot that I can say I disliked. I can compare a whole lot about this story to The Blind Side. In The Blind Side, the main character bonds a strong relationship with his new family, just as Brian and Gale bond their strong friendship with each other. Overall, I would give this book four out of five stars.
The theme of this book is definitely friendship. Brian Piccolo and Gale Sawyers are with each other through all the ups and downs of their lives together. When Gale faces a serious knee injury, Brian is chosen to step up and take his starting position. In this time, Brian does everything he can to get Gale back on the field, even though that will mean him losing his starting position. On the other side, when Brian is diagnosed with lung cancer and unable to play anymore, Gale stays by his side. They may have no longer been teammates, but rather brothers. Both men embrace their friendship and brotherhood rather than focusing, like society, on them being different races.
The specific style of this book is a narration. The story is told in chronological order, beginning during the first day of post-season, up until after the tragic death of Brian. The story is most effective being told in the order of events that things happened because it is a true story, giving the reader a better understanding of the events that occurred and the process of the friendship that was formed.
Being one who typically doesn't enjoy reading non-fiction books, I was pleasantly surprised. Brian's song was a quick and easy read for me. I loved how the all the little details were written about how the two men would prank each other and act like children at heart. It gave such a light tone to the book. There's not a whole lot that I can say I disliked. I can compare a whole lot about this story to The Blind Side. In The Blind Side, the main character bonds a strong relationship with his new family, just as Brian and Gale bond their strong friendship with each other. Overall, I would give this book four out of five stars.
April 18, 2013
The book Brians Song is about two rookie running backs who are drafted on the the Chicago Bears together. Both of them fight for the starting job but Gale wins the job. Gale and Brian become best friends and when Gale gets hurt, Brian helps him back into shape. When Brian comes back next season, he challenges Gale for the starting job but fails. The coach soon realizes he has worked hard and rewards both of them starting jobs, Brian at fullback. Soon something terrible happens that will change there lives forever.
My favorite character in the book was Brian. Brian was a very loud person that was very crazy sometimes. “He is up on his chair, launching into the Wake Forest fight song” (16). Brian was a funny person who was very tough on the football field. He was very undersized that fought his way onto the football field. Brian was my favorite because he would never give up.
The book Brians Song was written in the movie script form. I personally did not like this because it was annoying to read. The author wrote it in a confusing way but it was the exact script of the movie. “Atkins: (yelling) Welcome to the Chicago Bears!” (33). But with the movie script the book is much shorter but it was very strange to read like that.
Overall I liked this book very much. I believe this is a four out of five book. This is a great story that everyone should know about and many sports fans would love it. This is a very great book.
My favorite character in the book was Brian. Brian was a very loud person that was very crazy sometimes. “He is up on his chair, launching into the Wake Forest fight song” (16). Brian was a funny person who was very tough on the football field. He was very undersized that fought his way onto the football field. Brian was my favorite because he would never give up.
The book Brians Song was written in the movie script form. I personally did not like this because it was annoying to read. The author wrote it in a confusing way but it was the exact script of the movie. “Atkins: (yelling) Welcome to the Chicago Bears!” (33). But with the movie script the book is much shorter but it was very strange to read like that.
Overall I liked this book very much. I believe this is a four out of five book. This is a great story that everyone should know about and many sports fans would love it. This is a very great book.
April 18, 2013
The book Brian Song is about two running backs, one white and one black, fighting for their jobs on the Chicago Bears that create a strong friendship. They go through joy and hardship, but in they are just great friends. This is a story for sports lovers and people that love inspirational stories.
My favorite character in the story Brains Song is Brian. He was so positive and he always had hope even when things got tough. He also made the book funny and exciting with his smart remarks. Brian: “Joy did you hear that, the great stone face from Kansas told a joke” (38). He was always making the audience laugh.
The author, William Blinn, decided to write the book in a unique way. He wrote it like a screen play. It was very different than regular text. “Fade in: interior hospital” (90). It helped me as a reader know where they were and I really enjoyed the screen play version. Don’t be shot away from the book. Because of this.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I gave it a 4 out of 5. I thought it was a really great book, but it was good enough for 5 out of 5. If you like sports this is definitely the book for you, but if you are not a sports fan then I wouldn’t read it and that is why it isn’t a 5 star.
My favorite character in the story Brains Song is Brian. He was so positive and he always had hope even when things got tough. He also made the book funny and exciting with his smart remarks. Brian: “Joy did you hear that, the great stone face from Kansas told a joke” (38). He was always making the audience laugh.
The author, William Blinn, decided to write the book in a unique way. He wrote it like a screen play. It was very different than regular text. “Fade in: interior hospital” (90). It helped me as a reader know where they were and I really enjoyed the screen play version. Don’t be shot away from the book. Because of this.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I gave it a 4 out of 5. I thought it was a really great book, but it was good enough for 5 out of 5. If you like sports this is definitely the book for you, but if you are not a sports fan then I wouldn’t read it and that is why it isn’t a 5 star.
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October 2, 2013 After reading this book I think the auther William Blinn, wanted you to realize the bond that Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo had. The fact that even though they were competing for the same position on the Chicago Bears football team, they had a great and unique friendship.
Both Sayers and Piccolo joined the bears the same year. They became roomates for all the away games and they were inseparable. I think the author wanted the reader to realize what a dedication both players had for football and each other.
When Sayers was hurt during the season, Brian Piccolo came to his side and nursed him back to health. When Sayers made it back to the field, the competition began again. Until one day, Piccolo was struggling Sayers was right by his side. Brian Piccalo was diagnosed with Cancer. Sayers was an amazing teamate.
While Sayers supported his best friend and his wife through the deadly disease, their love and bond greww stronger. Their frienship is unique and special, is hard to find.
This book was truly amazing. It hit home with me beacause of my uncle. It shows the definition of true friendship.
Both Sayers and Piccolo joined the bears the same year. They became roomates for all the away games and they were inseparable. I think the author wanted the reader to realize what a dedication both players had for football and each other.
When Sayers was hurt during the season, Brian Piccolo came to his side and nursed him back to health. When Sayers made it back to the field, the competition began again. Until one day, Piccolo was struggling Sayers was right by his side. Brian Piccalo was diagnosed with Cancer. Sayers was an amazing teamate.
While Sayers supported his best friend and his wife through the deadly disease, their love and bond greww stronger. Their frienship is unique and special, is hard to find.
This book was truly amazing. It hit home with me beacause of my uncle. It shows the definition of true friendship.
February 26, 2009
This book was laying around the house because my daughter was reading it. I had seen the movie several years ago (to the point I forgot most of it) and decided to pick it up and read it. It can be read quickly. Good story--written as a screenplay, so kind of short and to the point. This was a Battle of the Books selection this year, which is one of the reasons my daughter was introduced to it. It does have some colorful language in it (like the "n" word) which surprised me--after all, isn't that one of the reasons schools ban Huck Finn (one of my personal favorites!)??? So, I guess I found it interesting that this made a Battle of the Books list.
November 7, 2014
I think I need to see the movie- the book just did not convey the emotions that I have been told about this story of friendship. I kept feeling like I was missing a pivotal event that solidified their bond. It is a great lesson for older kids about cheering on and being happy for your friends- even when they are competing with you. It teaches the precept that you need to be strong for a friend even when it is agony for you. My son will enjoy this book.
August 11, 2022
As a fan of professional American football and someone who loves literature, I wasn't sure how this would hit me. I haven't even seen the movie but I know the story and read I am Third shortly after Gale Sayers' passing. This brought me to tears despite its familiarity and its format. If you liked Love Story by Erich Segal (the first book that ever made me cry.), this will be right up your alley.
November 16, 2007
I think I read this in 8th grade, when I hated reading. But I read it in one sitting and it made me cry. Yeah, go ahead and laugh at me.
June 20, 2013
This is one of the best football stories written. It's a short read but it's wonderfully written. This is the kind of book that will stick with you and will be a repeat read.
June 12, 2024
This was so good and heartbreaking 😭
(School read)
(School read)
March 14, 2017
Very good, although we read a teleplay.
April 18, 2013
Brian’s Song is a true story about two people named Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. They are both competing for the same job of being running back for the Chicago Bears. They became best friends through competing and rooming together. Gale plays most of the time over Brian but are still friends. In one game Gale breaks his knee and Brian is there for him. Near the end of the book they both get spots on the field playing together. But that all changed when something happens to Brian.
My favorite character was Gale Sayers. He was quiet, smart, and thought a lot too. “… he was as shy as a 3 year-old” (1). Gale was also very fast and a great football player. But, Gale still knew how to have fun by playing tricks on Brian. Gale was able to pull through his knee injury and be there for Brian when he needed his help the most.
The unique thing about the text is it is for a play or movie.
“CLOSER ANGLE- GALE AND CABDRIVER
Gale pays the cabdriver
Brian (voice over)
Heads up! Look out!”(3).
Since it was written for a play it tells what angle the camera is at every paragraph. Every time somebody talks the author starts a new paragraph. Then when the author describes something, it starts another paragraph. The unique thing about the text is it is written for a play or movie.
I’d give Brian’s Song a 3. It was interesting because it was a true story about two really good football players. But it was confusing with all of the different camera angles and people talking. The book did not have a lot of action of them playing football. The ending of the story was confusing to. Writing the book regular would have been better than as a script. Brian’s Song was an average book but was interesting book.
April 18, 2013
Brian’s Song is a true story about a brotherhood between two football players, Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. Their friendship grows as they face adversity and each other. They compete for the same running back position for the Chicago Bears. Will their friendship fight through the adversity they face? Read to find out.
People can be friends despite race. Race doesn’t decide friends it should be based on character. Brian and Gale find a way to get through that. Many people also don’t believe that Gale can play in the NFL. He proves every doubter wrong as he has success in the NFL and becomes best friends with Brian. They help each other work on plays and work out with each other to get better.” Fantastic! Three more man! ... Can you make it, huh?”(66) This shows that Brain and Gale help each other get better.
My favorite character is Gale because he works hard, is very kind, and supports Brain. Gale works hard after his knee injury to come back to the NFL and he inspires to be the best he can be. Gale is very kind because he offers a little girl an autograph. He is also very respectful of all the coaches and teammates.” Little girl I met day I came in here. … Told her I’d get your autograph. … Be glad to.”( 93) This shows that Gale is kind because he offers to give the little girl an autograph.
I would give Brian’s Song an 6 out of 10 because it is a good story about two best friends. I am interested in sports and this is a good book about football. It is also written a little different, so if you want something different, read Brian’s Song. If you are interested in a short story about sports and friendship, read Brian’s Song.
People can be friends despite race. Race doesn’t decide friends it should be based on character. Brian and Gale find a way to get through that. Many people also don’t believe that Gale can play in the NFL. He proves every doubter wrong as he has success in the NFL and becomes best friends with Brian. They help each other work on plays and work out with each other to get better.” Fantastic! Three more man! ... Can you make it, huh?”(66) This shows that Brain and Gale help each other get better.
My favorite character is Gale because he works hard, is very kind, and supports Brain. Gale works hard after his knee injury to come back to the NFL and he inspires to be the best he can be. Gale is very kind because he offers a little girl an autograph. He is also very respectful of all the coaches and teammates.” Little girl I met day I came in here. … Told her I’d get your autograph. … Be glad to.”( 93) This shows that Gale is kind because he offers to give the little girl an autograph.
I would give Brian’s Song an 6 out of 10 because it is a good story about two best friends. I am interested in sports and this is a good book about football. It is also written a little different, so if you want something different, read Brian’s Song. If you are interested in a short story about sports and friendship, read Brian’s Song.
April 18, 2013
The book Brian’s Song is about two football players who play for the Chicago Bears. One Gale Sayers is black and the other, Brian Piccolo is white. They both play running back and quickly become friends. The book is about the good times they have as well as the illnesses, injuries, and competition that they face. The theme of the book is probably that friendship, happiness, and determination can conquer all.
My favorite character was Brian for several reasons. He is pretty funny and easy going and on the surface he seems to be carefree. However underneath that carelessness is a very different person how is competitive and driven. This is shown when he pushes Gale to recover after his injury because he doesn’t want to be starting because the number one guy got hurt.
It’s a bit different in this book because it’s a screenplay and is designed to be shorter than the actual story so I can’t say that I would change anything rather than just buy the real book, because this is just a screenplay so I really can’t say without reading the real book. However the action happened really quickly to the point where it was very easy to miss important details.
The book is actually very different than anything I have read so far, because it is a screenplay and the text is compressed as well as a whole line of a page being dedicated to the name of the person who is speaking. All of this makes the 119 page book feel more like a 50-60 page book.
My favorite character was Brian for several reasons. He is pretty funny and easy going and on the surface he seems to be carefree. However underneath that carelessness is a very different person how is competitive and driven. This is shown when he pushes Gale to recover after his injury because he doesn’t want to be starting because the number one guy got hurt.
It’s a bit different in this book because it’s a screenplay and is designed to be shorter than the actual story so I can’t say that I would change anything rather than just buy the real book, because this is just a screenplay so I really can’t say without reading the real book. However the action happened really quickly to the point where it was very easy to miss important details.
The book is actually very different than anything I have read so far, because it is a screenplay and the text is compressed as well as a whole line of a page being dedicated to the name of the person who is speaking. All of this makes the 119 page book feel more like a 50-60 page book.
April 18, 2013
Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo are both running backs for the Chicago Bears and great friends. When Gale gets the starting job and Brian doesn’t Brian tries to prove himself by pushing himself harder than he ever has. Then Gale gets injured so Brian gets the starting job but Brian’s devolved cancer and he…
My favorite character was Brian Piccolo because he came from not the best collage but he still made it. “Gale- when I was in high school I was one of the best backs in the state. But unfortunately for me the best back, Tucker Fredrickson, went to the same school. And the collages would come down and watch us and Tuck ended up at Auburn and I ended at Wake Forest. Good school, nice place but not exactly the center ring you follow. So I worked my butt of and my senior year I led the nation in rushing and scoring… (60) With this quote it shows that Brian is a really hard worker and that is why I like him.
The author wrote this book in a screenplay format because this was made into a movie. “Fade in: interior hospital” (90) It did this a lot throughout the book but I also liked it because it helped me with the setting.
I give this book 5 out of 5 because you will enjoy this book if you’re a sports fan but if you’re not then you might not want to read this. It is also a great friendship book so if you like that then read this.
My favorite character was Brian Piccolo because he came from not the best collage but he still made it. “Gale- when I was in high school I was one of the best backs in the state. But unfortunately for me the best back, Tucker Fredrickson, went to the same school. And the collages would come down and watch us and Tuck ended up at Auburn and I ended at Wake Forest. Good school, nice place but not exactly the center ring you follow. So I worked my butt of and my senior year I led the nation in rushing and scoring… (60) With this quote it shows that Brian is a really hard worker and that is why I like him.
The author wrote this book in a screenplay format because this was made into a movie. “Fade in: interior hospital” (90) It did this a lot throughout the book but I also liked it because it helped me with the setting.
I give this book 5 out of 5 because you will enjoy this book if you’re a sports fan but if you’re not then you might not want to read this. It is also a great friendship book so if you like that then read this.
September 28, 2010
This is one of the best football books ever made. Yes, it's not that long, but it is great. Billy Dee Williams and James Caan were just starting out their careers and TV movies were still fairly new. This is a story of two opposites, one who was shy and kept to himself and the other who was cocky and confident. There would eventually see past their differences and become the best of friends. I like the chemistry that Williams and Caan had in this book.
They made you belive they were Sayers and Pic. What was the part that made me cry? It was the scene where Gale has to tell the team before a game that Brian has cancer. Even if I have to force it, I love to cry at that scene. It's the best part of the film. The musical score is also great. The theme has a tone to it I can't describe. I tried watching the remake when it came out, and couldn't make it through the first 15 minutes. It was Disneytized for my viewing displeasure. In my heart, Williams and Caan will always be Sayers and Pic. No doubt about it.
They made you belive they were Sayers and Pic. What was the part that made me cry? It was the scene where Gale has to tell the team before a game that Brian has cancer. Even if I have to force it, I love to cry at that scene. It's the best part of the film. The musical score is also great. The theme has a tone to it I can't describe. I tried watching the remake when it came out, and couldn't make it through the first 15 minutes. It was Disneytized for my viewing displeasure. In my heart, Williams and Caan will always be Sayers and Pic. No doubt about it.
June 25, 2009
I read this after loving the 2001 remake of Brian's Song. I wanted to learn more of the true story behind the movie and I realize I'd have been better off with Sayer's autobiography or Brian Piccolo's biography. Oh well.
It was enjoyable to be reminded of some of the good lines from the movie. There were some parts that were in the screenplay and not the remake and some parts in the remake were not in the screenplay.
The screenplay format was a little difficult because of the way the setting of each scene was listed out. It wasn't too hard to read, though.
If you want to know the story of Brian Piccolo I'd recommend just watching one of the two movies because they're so well done. Reading this is only worth it if you're a fan or really like the screenplay format.
It was enjoyable to be reminded of some of the good lines from the movie. There were some parts that were in the screenplay and not the remake and some parts in the remake were not in the screenplay.
The screenplay format was a little difficult because of the way the setting of each scene was listed out. It wasn't too hard to read, though.
If you want to know the story of Brian Piccolo I'd recommend just watching one of the two movies because they're so well done. Reading this is only worth it if you're a fan or really like the screenplay format.
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August 2, 2015Screenplay of the story about Brian Piccolo, a football player for the Chicago Bears who died at age 26 of cancer. This story begins with his beginning as a rookie until his death. He goes into his relationship with Gale Sayers, his roommate and a black. Gale and Brian were the first two players for the Bears to room together and black and white.
Touching story - very brief and easy reading. They only deal with Brian's dying at the very end, and then not in great detail.
The other books on Brian might be more interesting because this includes all the movie directions, but some may be ore interested in the screenplay because they had seen the movie.
Touching story - very brief and easy reading. They only deal with Brian's dying at the very end, and then not in great detail.
The other books on Brian might be more interesting because this includes all the movie directions, but some may be ore interested in the screenplay because they had seen the movie.
December 29, 2011
Written in screenplay format, William Blinn's "Brian's Song" gives you an amazing image inside your head of what this portrayal of friendship looks like. I watched the movie as well as read the book, but to be honest, I don't think that either of the two did the true story justice. This book was very moving towards the end, so if you're one that cries easily, break out the tissue boxes! It really wasn't my type of book, but it was good anyway - henceforth its rating.
July 3, 2007
i never liked sports. i still dont, really.
at age 12 i couldnt understand anything related to sports.
then i was forced to read this book and i discovered that people involved in sports were people too. they had feelings and thoughts and they cared for each other.
thanks mrs demouth!
i still dont like sports, though.
at age 12 i couldnt understand anything related to sports.
then i was forced to read this book and i discovered that people involved in sports were people too. they had feelings and thoughts and they cared for each other.
thanks mrs demouth!
i still dont like sports, though.
April 3, 2018
p.19 Martin Bormann is not in Argentina.
There is an apt Hemingway quote to begin the procedings. The story which follows is a mix of respectful competitiveness and a growing friendship. The development of the friendship between Brian and Gayle is framed within the game of the football, but extends well beyond the field.
There is an apt Hemingway quote to begin the procedings. The story which follows is a mix of respectful competitiveness and a growing friendship. The development of the friendship between Brian and Gayle is framed within the game of the football, but extends well beyond the field.
March 18, 2015
The story was kind of hard to follow because of the format although I did ask my dad what happens and he said one of the guys got cancer. I was kind of surprised that even though they were in a little bit of competition and they were of different races and that was a 'bad' thing. I like the unity that my dad told me about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2010
I get the impression that this was originally meant only to be a tv movie and not as a printed play for people to read. i got this impression because everything in the story seemed so rushed. I did like this book a lot which is why I gave it 4 stars but I feel like it could have been better.
December 26, 2012
Brian Piccolo died the same year my dad did and from the same disease. Reading this book, was heartbreaking for me.
Many years later, I had the great privilege of meeting and talking to Gayle Sayers and the author's capture of his character is spot on.
A wonderful, wonderful book of friendship
Many years later, I had the great privilege of meeting and talking to Gayle Sayers and the author's capture of his character is spot on.
A wonderful, wonderful book of friendship
February 8, 2016
One of the major tearjerkers of the 1970s. It was heresy to say this at the time it was popular, but it was essentially the story of how Brian Piccolo, a football player not really talented enough to live up to his professional-league dreams, became famous in another way by dying young of cancer.
July 2, 2008
A moving story of courage, love, and fate. My first introduction to cruel and non discriminating disease of cancer
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