Outcasts United

I've always preferred to watch football, basketball and baseball, and have never had much interest in watching soccer until coincidentally, three things happened nearly at once: my husband joined an indoor soccer team and is playing once a week, the FIFA World Cup is just days away from starting in South Africa and I've just finished listening to the audiobook of Warren St. John's Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference. Initially, what drew me to the request the book from my library was that the story takes place in another Atlanta suburb not so far from where I live, but much different.

The story hooked me right away. What fascinated me most about this book is its setting, Clarkston, and how so many cultures have descended upon this little town, and all of the boys who played soccer for their very strict coach, Luma Mufleh. I'd recommend this book to everyone. I think this book resonates with people for all kinds of reasons, but in light of Memorial Day and upcoming July 4th, I can't think of any book that better illustrates the complexities of American life for those who have lived here their whole lives, and those who come here to escape religious and political persecution, war, famine and other tragedies. I'm even going to see if I can get my husband to read it.

To read more about all of this soccer stuff, check out:

Fugees Family
FIFA World Cup South Africa
Outcasts United