Hi Everyone,
Now I may be a soccer geek who likes books anyway, but ‘Keeper’ by Mal Peet can really inspire any goalie to perform better- not just one like me who gets off on reading line after line of written text!
This is why I raise the question of it being the best goalkeeping book ever, because it’s so easy to be motivated by such a fantastic fictional story.
In this post I’m going to provide a variety of things about this great book: my star rating, a review, a synopsis, some comments from the media and the awards it has won.
´
Brief Synopsis
´
The story is basically about the world’s greatest goalkeeper and how he came to be so skilled. The keeper, named El Gato for his athletic abilities, tells South America’s top sports journalist (Paul Faustinho) about his life as part of a special interview. Within this interview the goalie’s story unravels and we find out about his upbringing in the rainforest, the mysterious goalkeeping lessons he received on a haunted pitch and his patht to success.
Like most great things, he came across goalkeeping by accident as he had initially dreamed of being a striker. He couldn’t deny his natural instincts though, and went from being a provincial logger’s son to world star because of his extraordinary abilities. The story documents the many occasions he played soccer in a clearing within the rainforest and how these sessions eventually helped him reach the peak of his game.
´
Media Comments
“This book has something for every reader, not least those who revel in excellent writing” (The Guardian)
“A remarkable and absorbing story with football at its heart, but superb storytelling in its soul.”
(Branford Boase Award panel)
“Written with skill, humanity and a vibrant passion for its subject, the book is irresistible”
(Jan Mark)
´
Literary Awards
WINNER of the Branford Boase Award
SHORTLISTED for the Smarties Book Prize
´
Rating & Review: ◊◊◊◊◊
´
Given my first paragraph on this post, I guess it’s unsurprising that I give this book five stars (or diamonds in this case). One key reason for this is that Mal Peet’s simple and accessible writing style makes the story appealing to readers of all ages. What’s more, it’s primary purpose is as a work of fiction- so anyone can enjoy the story and you hardly have to be a soccer expert to figure the plot out. As you may have gathered from the synopsis, the story is told within the framework of a conversational interview between two important personalities. This informal feel sucks you into the deeper tale of El Gato’s early life untill you are firmly gripped by the excitement of his jourmey.
But clearly for me this book by Mal Peet is far more than just an exciting story. What sets it apart is the invaluable goalkeeping advice which is delivered within the context of the plotline and surely has the power to inspire any goalkeeper. Whilst some of the messages are practical, to do with setting walls for example, much of the important information is motivational and to do with the psychological resilience you need as a keeper. This ranges from overcoming setbacks and believing in yourself, to learning from role models and learning to make best use of your natural reflexes and vital instincts.
I have no intention of rambling on with a lengthy review, so in summary: the story is exciting, the goalkeeping advice is essential, and the motivational insights are transferable to many different areas of life. I was recently told that 80% of US families didn’t buy or read a book last year. Call the remaining 20% geeks like me if you will, but this book is a chance to join that 20% and be inspired by goalkeeping.
´
If you’d like to buy ‘Keeper’ by Mal Peet, possibly the best goalkeeping book ever, please click here
… and then enjoy being a geek- it’s a good thing!
Have fun,
Soccer Geek
x
Format: eBook
Format: eBook
Format: Package (Software + PDF + eBook bonus)
Format: Paperback
Format: Paperback (fiction)
