I loved this book. I'd seen the movie, and figured that I'd enjoy the book, but didn't realize how much. While the movie version focuses a vast majority of its time on the relationship between Michael and the Tuohy family, the book is split between that storyline and what changed in the game of football that lead to Michael becoming such a coveted player.

As a football fan, I understood enough of the technical parts about the game that it wasn't over my head, but I can see how it could be too much for someone not into the sport. I found a lot of the background about the former players and coaches who shaped the game and the role of the left tackle to be fascinating.

And of course, the story of Michael's life -- from his difficult childhood to becoming a "rich kid" with all the opportunity in the world -- is incredibly touching.