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lucas_madden's review
4.0
My partner and I have been fans of Robbie Rogers since he came out in 2013. Ten years later, and I finally decided to read his memoir (which my partner had read so it had been on our bookshelf.) Also, we are about the same age, so I could relate to the feelings he expressed because the early 2000s were not an accepting time to be an LGBTQ+ teen or young person.
Robbie's story is heartbreaking and all too familiar for people who have been conditioned to believe their queer identity is something to be ashamed of (and that shame comes from multiple angles in Robbie's case as someone who was raised in a conservative, religious household and as a professional athlete.) The reality of his experiences are heightened because of the extraordinary situation he's in.
I find it interesting how much progress was made in the early 2010s with regard to LGBTQ+ inclusion in athletics, but that the inclusion of LGBTQ+ male athletes has been far outpaced by the inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ+ female athletes. And now, the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the United States are being attacked and eroded; however, too much progress has been made and Robbie Rogers is a part of that progress!
Robbie's story is heartbreaking and all too familiar for people who have been conditioned to believe their queer identity is something to be ashamed of (and that shame comes from multiple angles in Robbie's case as someone who was raised in a conservative, religious household and as a professional athlete.) The reality of his experiences are heightened because of the extraordinary situation he's in.
I find it interesting how much progress was made in the early 2010s with regard to LGBTQ+ inclusion in athletics, but that the inclusion of LGBTQ+ male athletes has been far outpaced by the inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ+ female athletes. And now, the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the United States are being attacked and eroded; however, too much progress has been made and Robbie Rogers is a part of that progress!
andrewotey's review
2.0
Though at times moving, this book could have benefitted from editing. Still, Robbie Rogers is an inspiring individual.
michelereise's review
3.0
I had never heard of Robbie Rogers until a friend recommended this book. We were discussing the lack of out players in Soccer/football. His story was one of internal sadness hidden inside a life of extreme privilege. The writing wasn't the best and it was hard at times to grasp the depth of emotion he was feeling because of the poor writing. It was great to hear that he was universally accepted by his family, friends and teammates but I think that is why the book was less than interesting to me. It was hard for me to sympathize with his story when so many young gay people don't have the positive experiences he had and yet he is the "role model" for those with much harder journeys.
brokenrecord's review
4.0
4.5 stars. Since I'm obsessed with soccer and the Galaxy in particular, I obviously had to read this. It was really great, but man was it painful at times. I'm definitely impressed with Robbie Rogers for being so open and honest about everything he was going through. This also made my estimation of all the people who were supportive of him throughout this time go up a lot, including Sigi Schmid and Bruce Arena and Landon Donovan and Bob Bradley and Todd Dunivant (not like I didn't already like them all, but this definitely helped!). I'm so glad it worked out that Robbie was able to join the Galaxy and that it seems like it's been a great environment for him since. I also really liked how Robbie would talk about people saying shitty things about homosexuality when he was younger but point out that they have evolved and wouldn't say the same things now (like about how his dad used to have a problem with him playing with dolls because it would make him gay, but now he's completely supportive). Like sure, it would be great if everyone could be open and accepting from the start, but it's nice to see that people can change and become understanding and accepting.
lberestecki's review
4.0
3.5 Stars.
The book was written sort of in a stream of consciousness, which I didn't love, but Robbie just seems so likable and engaging that I still enjoyed the book a lot. It was a quick read.
The book was written sort of in a stream of consciousness, which I didn't love, but Robbie just seems so likable and engaging that I still enjoyed the book a lot. It was a quick read.
windingdot's review
4.0
Robbie Rogers was an exciting young player on the Columbus Crew in the magical 2008 season. For me it was a great experience to go out to LA and see them win the MLS Cup in person. Which made it all the more poignant to read here about how unable to enjoy the experience he felt at the time, because he felt crushed by the secret he was keeping from his family, friends, and teammates.
Due to the unique nature of Rogers' story (which I imagine will be much less unique in a generation), this is a cut above the usual as-told-to sports bio. Worth a read even if you're not particularly a soccer fan.
Due to the unique nature of Rogers' story (which I imagine will be much less unique in a generation), this is a cut above the usual as-told-to sports bio. Worth a read even if you're not particularly a soccer fan.
ajenndae's review
5.0
While this might not be the most amazing book I have ever read, it definitely touched me in a way I didn't think it would. As an avid fan of the Columbus Crew, I followed much of Robbie Roger's professional career, and I have to say, reading this books made my heart ache for him. It's one of those things - when you love your team so much, each team member feels like a person you know, whether or not you have had the honor of meeting him. I remember after he left the Crew, keeping track of him in England, and then reading the fateful letter he tweeted. However, reading this I really got to know Robbie and his struggles off the field and how it affected his ability to play on the field. His story is one that he needed to tell to be able to become who he is and I applaud this book.
anna's review
4.0
My star rating on this is pretty meaningless considering how I don't feel I can really rate a book where someone is just talking about his life and struggles. Robbie Rogers is a soccer player, not a writer, so I didn't expect this to be some beautifully written book. It's simply him sharing what he had gone through and I am glad he did.
I knew coming out had been difficult for him, but actually reading him explain it all in depth was heartbreaking. He suffered so much having to hide who he is. I am so glad he seems to have found happiness and could return to soccer while also sharing his story. This book is important in helping others understand how damaging a homophobic sports culture can be and how easily you can hurt another person without knowing it.
I knew coming out had been difficult for him, but actually reading him explain it all in depth was heartbreaking. He suffered so much having to hide who he is. I am so glad he seems to have found happiness and could return to soccer while also sharing his story. This book is important in helping others understand how damaging a homophobic sports culture can be and how easily you can hurt another person without knowing it.
robotgoods's review
4.0
It's not extraordinary writing, but the story is compelling and honest. And relatable.