The World Is a Ball

The Joy, Madness, and Meaning of Soccer

De: John Doyle

Narrado por: Chris Kayser

For the past 10 years, leading Canadian journalist and cultural critic John Doyle has been traveling the globe to observe World Cup and other soccer matches played at the highest level. The result is a Bill Bryson-esque narrative full of wit and insight, concluding with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

In between his encounters with the delirious fans, the crazed taxi drivers, the leprechauns and the lederhosen, Doyle examines the evolution of soccer as a global phenomenon. More importantly, he explores in highly entertaining fashion how national character is revealed in both how the teams play the games and how their fans choose to celebrate.

This is a book that will excite and entertain both soccer enthusiasts and the legions of listeners who simply love great storytelling.

©2010 John Doyle (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Some great stories but best for a true soccer fan

This is a fascinating chronology of major events in soccer from a unique perspective. However, although the writer attempts to simplify certain terms and examples, it takes a certain amount of preexisting knowledge to understand it all.

A fantastic story

A must listen, of a unique and passionate persective on the world's most important sport.

Really enjoyable

Great quarantine book. I attended many of the same World Cups and Euros as discussed and was fun to hear his take on them.

solid story, good humor

great insight and perspective from a journalist and fan! good anecdotes from soccer maniacs across the globe.

Enjoyable

Listening to the journey of various World Cups, various Euro competitions, it's a great listen. Lots of history and lots of fun

Fantastic story, solid but flawed narration.

The story was magnificent, the narration solid, but too many mispronounced/overpronounced names that occasionally broke the immersion of the book.

Mostly very enjoyable BUT....

How did the narrator detract from the book?

SOOOO many poor pronunciations...UEFA, Ajax, Scholes, Ibrahimovic, Feyenoord, Arjen Robben...all it takes is a little research. I suspect the author would be disappointed.

A must read for north American soccer fans!

The emotional aspect of the game becomes clear as the narrator delivers a strong performance to capture those aspects of the Beautiful Game that are blaringly absent from traditional North American sports. We'll written and a joy to listen to! RCTID!