Hi Friends!
Over the past 4-5 years, I’ve had the opportunity to read and review several books. The books are always given to me, and in return, I provide an honest review here.
This time, I have the honor and privilege to write my husband’s words here for the review of the book More Than Rivals: A Championship Game and a Friendship That Moved a Town Beyond Black and White by Ken Abraham.
I requested this book from the publisher with the intent to write my own review. I thought it sounded like an inspiring and hope-filled message. I didn’t even have the chance to grab the book before my husband did…and he was off and running. I think he enjoyed the book, considering I didn’t really ‘talk’ to him during the 3-4 days it took him to read it.
Here’s what he has to say…
This book is a story of two boys, one Caucasian,Bill Legion, and one African American, Eddie Sherwin. The setting is Galleatin, Tennessee in the 1960’s. In this time and place, race was still a dividing issue in all arenas — church, school, stores.
These two boys are blinded to race by their love of a sport…basketball. To them, skin color is far less important than their passion for playing on the court.
As quickly as their friendship begins as young boys, it is uprooted when Eddie’s family moves to the other side of Gallatin. Eddie then attends Union school.
The two boys grow into young men who both excel in academics as well as athletics. Although they no longer have the opportunity to see each other other on a regular basis, the local newspaper coverage allows them both to continue to follow one another and their success on the basketball court.
As the 60’s come to an end, the city of Gallatin is faced with the dilemma of consolidating two schools into one. Both Gallatin and Union basketball teams are undefeated and it seems that for the first time ever, the boys’ paths are about to cross for the district championship. It is around this time, the town is on edge with trying to figure out how both sides will coexist. Eddie and Bill however, remain focused on the game they both love so much.
In what truly must have been a game of the ages, neither team backed down and fought like they never had. Their respective communities filled the stands and the atmosphere had everyone on edge. Local KKK groups were in attendance and did not make it any easier.
Sadly, we live in a world where race is still an issue. These boys remind us what it is to be followers of God. God doesn’t discriminate, so why should we? This book will move you to re-evaluate how you are living life and what areas still need improvement. I wish I could be more like Eddie and Bill.
Special thanks to my husband for his review of this book. I’m adding it to my ever-growing ‘To Be Read’ pile.
