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Searching for Bobby Fischer: The Father of a Prodigy Observes the World of Chess by Fred Waitzkin
keishamae85's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
northerly_heart_reads's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
swissmunicipal's review against another edition
3.0
This was a really enjoyable listen, in part because of my own competitive chess experience as a very young child and in part because of my vague memory of watching the movie years ago. This book really brought out more of the perspective of Fred, recognizing the vicarious nature of his son playing at such a peak level. It also expounded more on the character of Bobby Fischer who, while unquestionably one of the best chess players ever, was also racist and self-absorbed.
I'm glad I played chess as much as I did as a little girl, but I'm also glad I wasn't encouraged to let it consume my life.
I'm glad I played chess as much as I did as a little girl, but I'm also glad I wasn't encouraged to let it consume my life.
melisacabelloc's review against another edition
3.0
So the Queen’s Gambit lied. In a nonsurprising plot twist: there is no money in chess.
The book talks about a father and his son's early years in chess in New York City in the 80s, Josh (the son) will later be recognized as a child chess prodigy.
The book is set mostly in NYC, Russia, and Los Angeles. It talks not only about the world of chess and the dedication needed to become a master but also about antisemitism in the USA and the Soviet Union, as well as Russia during the Cold War. Although I appreciate the context of the world of chess I wish they would give more context on their family. At first, I thought that the title of the book was a little weird but the book describes the influence that Bobby Fischer had on chess around the world, as well as the myth-like fascination everyone had with Fischer. I personally also liked how the author included the reality of Bobby Fischer, he might've had a big influence in chess, but he was not someone you would like your kids to look up for.
If you liked the Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis you will probably like this, this seems like the realistic, nonfiction, less glamorous version of the book. Although the Queen's Gambit was published 5 years previous to this book, Searching for Bobby Fischer talks about the chess world during and after Bobby Fischer, which the Queen's Gambit clearly took inspiration and borrow elements from.
The book talks about a father and his son's early years in chess in New York City in the 80s, Josh (the son) will later be recognized as a child chess prodigy.
The book is set mostly in NYC, Russia, and Los Angeles. It talks not only about the world of chess and the dedication needed to become a master but also about antisemitism in the USA and the Soviet Union, as well as Russia during the Cold War. Although I appreciate the context of the world of chess I wish they would give more context on their family. At first, I thought that the title of the book was a little weird but the book describes the influence that Bobby Fischer had on chess around the world, as well as the myth-like fascination everyone had with Fischer. I personally also liked how the author included the reality of Bobby Fischer, he might've had a big influence in chess, but he was not someone you would like your kids to look up for.
If you liked the Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis you will probably like this, this seems like the realistic, nonfiction, less glamorous version of the book. Although the Queen's Gambit was published 5 years previous to this book, Searching for Bobby Fischer talks about the chess world during and after Bobby Fischer, which the Queen's Gambit clearly took inspiration and borrow elements from.
errantreads's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.0
A fascinating look into the world of obsession and the lives of exceptional children and their parents. The prose was more than a bit stilted and cold as was the author himself (my impression), but the story of their lives is engaging and truly very unique.
(Note, the book is a very different animal than the movie. The movie is spectacular, by the way.)
(Note, the book is a very different animal than the movie. The movie is spectacular, by the way.)
ivybeans's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book about a chess prodigy and his father a chess writer. It is a little dated because it was written in 1988 and the story takes place in 1986. For example, there is a lot written about the Soviet Chess Establishment. I look forward to seeing the movie.
suggoiai's review against another edition
5.0
Like many people, I had seen the film based on this book years ago. The book is different, truer to life, but the film captures the spirit of the book, even while bringing forward more minor characters, combining some others, and eliminating still more in the interest of time and comprehension. Still, the film took some great scenes directly from the text.
The book, like the film, takes a game that most people have only a passing knowledge of, and makes it exciting. Fred’s son, Josh, is as compassionate in this telling, and Fred’s criticism of himself is introspective and revealing.
I’ve rarely read a non-fiction book this gripping, and now want to watch the film again with this expanded view of the story in my head.
The reader was conversational and matter-of-fact, while still showing excitement and intensity at appropriate moments.
Well done.
The book, like the film, takes a game that most people have only a passing knowledge of, and makes it exciting. Fred’s son, Josh, is as compassionate in this telling, and Fred’s criticism of himself is introspective and revealing.
I’ve rarely read a non-fiction book this gripping, and now want to watch the film again with this expanded view of the story in my head.
The reader was conversational and matter-of-fact, while still showing excitement and intensity at appropriate moments.
Well done.