A review by booktalkwithkarla
The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory by Thomas Fuller

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

This story about the deaf 8-man football team from Riverside, California came to my attention because it was 2024 Amazon book of the year. I love true stories and was intrigued. Even though I am not the biggest sports fan, I am a fan of real people overcoming challenges and a fan of belonging and community. 

Journalist Thomas Fuller writes about these people who are full of heart and deal with real challenges on and off the field. Not only do we get to hear about the two seasons the Cubs dominated in, but Fuller also reports to us the history and culture of deafness. And the personal stories of the coaches and players are shared in ways that do not detract from the timeline of the 2021 and 2022 seasons. 

This is an inspiring and emotional account of persistence, grit, and determination. Read it if you like football, underdog tales, or stories of achievement. The Boys of Riverside has those things and more. I look forward to my book club discussion and hearing if the others teared up and smiled like I did while reading.