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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
I could not get into this book. I was hoping for more insight or personal stories, but it was more like a reading of newspaper articles just detailing sports play by plays.
Jim Thorpe was an amazing figure in American history, I just don’t feel this book captured his contribution and story.
Jim Thorpe was an amazing figure in American history, I just don’t feel this book captured his contribution and story.
I definitely would have enjoyed this more if I were an avid sports fan, nevertheless, it was a very nuanced and thought-provoking look at Thorpe's life.
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Path Light By Lighting details the life of folk hero Jim Thope. It details his school life, developing into a legendary football player, his time at the Olympic, and life as a professional baseball player. After Jim retires from athletics he does various odd Jim’s and tries to make it in the movie business while struggling to support his family. The book is an excellent representation of the life of Jim and the adversity he overcomes throughout his life.
The book is has an aura of sorrow as it delves into the racism the Jim experiences growing up and throughout his life. Jim is frequently exploited professionally and personally while constantly working his way through adversity.
The one issue I had was the book was written too late. Jim passed way in the 1950’s, the book would have been even more impactful if the author was able to explore Jim’s life with Jim.
That being said the book is very impactful, well researched, and well written. The tone or undertones of the book are not one of my favourite topics, but aside from that it was a god read.
The book is has an aura of sorrow as it delves into the racism the Jim experiences growing up and throughout his life. Jim is frequently exploited professionally and personally while constantly working his way through adversity.
The one issue I had was the book was written too late. Jim passed way in the 1950’s, the book would have been even more impactful if the author was able to explore Jim’s life with Jim.
That being said the book is very impactful, well researched, and well written. The tone or undertones of the book are not one of my favourite topics, but aside from that it was a god read.
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
This was a very insightful book. Not just about Jim Thorpe but the Native American experience as well. I had no idea he had lost his Olympic medals and the impact of that on the rest of his life.
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
It's difficult to read this without drawing on the current context of multi-millionaire athletes. Thorpe's story is tragic from that perspective, and I admit it will be just as tragic if read in a vacuum - but this is more a celebration of what Thorpe was able to achieve against a far different backdrop, that of the systemic racism pitted against indigenous peoples trying to maintain a foothold (or merely survive) in "developed" countries.
Maraniss does a great job presenting the entire story; we're introduced (or re-introduced) to a number of names, many familiar, and how they shaped the Thorpe story overall. Lots of work went into this book, and it shows. A pleasure to read, in spite of the inevitable outcome.
Maraniss does a great job presenting the entire story; we're introduced (or re-introduced) to a number of names, many familiar, and how they shaped the Thorpe story overall. Lots of work went into this book, and it shows. A pleasure to read, in spite of the inevitable outcome.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Very in depth look at the difficult life of the great athlete, who had to endure many tragedies, including Indian assimilation/white man expectations, while also dealing with alcoholism and accepting his diminishing athletic abilities as he aged.
As a history of Jim Thorpe this is definitely a 5 but for a fan looking to learn more about him, but not every game he ever played in, this was way too long.