After taking about six months to finish The Count of Monte Cristo, I finally was able to read another book, this time being Nick Hornby's Fever Pitch. And it took me a tiny fraction of the time it took me to read the aforementioned book!
Fever Pitch tells the autobiographical story of Hornby's tenacious and ever-growing obsession with Arsenal FC, from the time he was a little boy to in the years of his 30s (post-Anfield '89). If you know me at least a little bit, you can see why I would be attracted to this book; but in my defense, I am a fan of Hornby's other books as well, especially About A Boy, and I am planning to order High Fidelity sometime soon. But anyways, I read this book with an shy smirk on my face, because although I am not from England and have not loved Arsenal since I was ten, I understood where Hornby's love came from. Clearing his schedule for matches, waiting anxiously to watch, making personal connections with the club, they are things that I can relate to as a fan myself (though I will not go on a debate of "who's a bigger fan"). It might seem apropos that Hornby wrote about Arsenal in particular, but I think that even if it were about Liverpool, Fulham, or hell, even Leeds, I still would be attracted to this book. Fever Pitch is a fan's memoir, and Hornby's emotions throughout the book can be relatable to any football (or any sport) fan, no matter who they support.
I recommend this book to any passionate sports fan, whether you like football, baseball, or even golf. No matter if you like football or not, I think many can identify with the obsessive firmness that Hornby developed throughout his life.
