While watching the Bengals game, I discovered the most wonderful thing on Twitter. Football and Books, created by Lauren at Bookmark Lit. (Click HERE for more info and to join in on the fun.) These are two of the best things ever. And even though I’m a college football fan more than an NFL fan, I have some strong feelings about both.
So this week I bring you Football and Books: NFL Edition. (For those of you who don’t like football, I’ve included a cute puppy at the end.)
- THIS IS MY TEAM. I love them more than anything and don’t care if the obsession is unhealthy. | Favorite book of all time
I have to admit that as a child in Cincinnati, I rooted for the Rams (because I loved their helmets). However, once I became a fan of actual sports and not the fashion of sports, I have loved my Bengals the most. And even though it’s so difficult for me to pick a favorite book because I love so many, Nuala O’Falolain’s book is one that has left a lasting mark on me.
2. I hate this team with every fiber of my being. When they lose, I feel like I’ve won. |Book with a low rating and/or enraged you while reading
When I see New England play or think about them or see that goofy, spaced-out grin on Tom Brady’s face, I bubble in anger. If I were a cartoon character, steam would pour out of my ears. I really can’t explain it in any rational way. I detest the Patriots and Tom Brady. And Bill Belichick’s stupid hoodie. Similarly, I detest everything about The Sound and the Fury. I couldn’t come up with a YA book (or anything else in the universe, for that matter) that made me equally angry. This book will forever be known to me as The Sound of My Fury.
3. A lot of people I know love this team, but I’m not one of them. | Hyped book that didn’t work for you
It might be a California thing, but a lot of people I know like the 49ers. It’s not that I dislike them. I just can’t get excited about this team. Same for Go Ask Alice. It’s not necessarily a ‘hot’ book right now, but overall, it’s pretty well-known and people think it’s great. I thought it was gross, and I wanted to take fifty showers after I read it. It didn’t do much for me.
4. I don’t personally know a single person who roots for this team. (Do they have fans??) | Underrated book you loved
I can’t think of a single person I know who is a Vikings fan. Similarly, I don’t think I ever come across someone who knows about Feeling Sorry for Celia. I love this book. And not just because the cover is pink and green. It’s so funny! You should read it. Really.
5. I HATE how good this team is and I really need them to suck a bit more. |Book that pleasantly surprised you
I think my deep hatred of USC leads to my dislike for Pete Carroll which leads me to want Seattle to suck. And that sucks because I like Russell Wilson and one of my favorite UCLA players, Derrick Coleman, plays for Seattle. But I just really wish they would lose most of the time. I thought I would lose with The Hunger Games. I don’t like non-realistic books usually. I also hate bandwagons as much as I hate USC. But I actually enjoyed The Hunger Games series. I was pleasantly surprised.
6. I’d give anything for one of this team’s players to join my team. | Favorite supporting characters or friend group in a book
**UPDATE** When did the Broncos trade Rahim Moore? I just saw highlights of him in a Texans uniform. Ahhhh…I can’t keep up.
There are so many players to love on the Broncos. Peyton Manning? Yes, please. Rahim Moore (UCLA!), Demaryius Thomas, Brandon Marshall? Yes. Yes. Yes. Plus I’ve always loved John Elway. And now for a shameless plug for my debut novel, CHASING EVELINE (November 10!). I hope it’s okay to say that Matt from this novel is my favorite side character. His growth throughout the book happened almost on its own. He took on a life of his own and wrote his own side story. I love him so much. And while I have your attention, if you would like to be part of my cover reveal, click here. Matt and I would be so happy. 🙂 End of shameless plug.
7. If I had to get rid of my team’s quarterback, I’d take the quarterback from this team in his place. | Favorite main character
If the Bengals are my #1 team, the Colts are my #1.00000000000000001 team. I love them, too. And I super love Andrew Luck. If he could be a Bengal, my world would be complete. He’s such a nice guy. And a good quarterback. As is Emma Woodhouse a nice girl. As misguided or flawed as she may be at times, she just wants people to be happy. And there’s nothing more lasting than my love for really nice people.
8. This team has one of the HOTTEST players in the NFL. *fans self* | Book boyfriend
JJ Watt has looks and he seems like such a nice guy. He’s a hottie. That’s all. Enough said. Matt Finch is a fictional hottie. I love music and I love boys-next-door. He would be a good book boyfriend.
9. I generally like these teams and will root for them (unless they’re playing mine, of course). | Books you’d recommend
I remember all those years the Lions were so awful. I just want them to be good. The Dolphins are just a team I’ve always liked, for no particular reason. Maybe because I like the colors of their uniforms. And Da Bears. Such a funny SNL skit. I like them, too. The Cardturner was a book about bridge. And Louis Sachar made it interesting. It’s a great read. The Shadow of the Wind was such a great story and so beautifully written. And if you (hate to) like to run, The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances put out by The Oatmeal, is a must-read. You might not laugh too hard if you’re not a runner, but if you are…go buy it. NOW.
10. As promised, the cute puppy….
Mr. Darcy
Check back next week (er…well, hopefully next week :)) for Football and Books: College Edition! In the meantime, leave me a comment and let me know YOUR favorite teams or tell me about books you can’t stand or maybe just leave me a cute picture of a puppy!
