Very detailed history of the land and the culture of Belle Glade, that western sliver of Palm Beach County. Once covered by the water of the Everglades it now produces sugar cane, some vegetables, and a preponderance of eventual professional football players. This book follows a few players as well as a few high school football players in the Glades. What I found missing, as it actually missing from this part of society, is any mention of the academic training of these guys. One injury and you are out. If you have not made any connections or have any other aspirations, that means, in Belle Glade, you are out in the street unemployed, involved in the gangs, and/or on drugs. Lots of research on this good account not written by a local. I don't like or understand football otherwise I would have rated it higher. ( )

Well let me just start by saying I won this on goodreads from first reads quite a while ago and did finish reading it quite a while ago. It wasn't till I was going through my books last night that I realized I hadn't written my review yet on it:( So I went back to the book it'self to figure out why, and I realized that there were parts of the book that when I had finished I wanted to go back and better understand. I just finished doing that and came to the same conclusion, What an awesome book! Even a non-football fan will find this book an interesting read about the history of a town, meaningless to many that a lot of histories greatest football players emerged from in Florida. I thought the author did a wonderful job learning about the town and the players and made this part of history really come to light for a lot of us who just never knew! What a great story, the writing was hard for me personally to follow at times, but once I got into the book I loved it and have passed on to my nephew who said he can't put it down as well:) Thank you Bryan Mealer for such great work, oh and I am not understanding what's with the book cover change I really did like the first cover better, which is the one I have thank god, I just don't like the red:( Still great book and would recommend to anyone interested in football and still a few who are interested in a good story about football:) ( )

I am a reading teacher in Muck City and was mesmerized by the way the author captured the setting and mood in Belle Glade. Is it possible to be arrogant and destitute at the same time? How old is the story of trying to help being a thankless job? Yet it's hard not to root for these kids. Belle Glade is a classic example of technology leaving poverty in it's wake. There will be plenty more as time goes on. The novel works as a football story and a social examination. Those in search of either will not be disappointed. ( )