Michael Oher

While on Christmas vacation I read a fascinating book. At least fascinating to me.
I love professional football. I describe it as 'fast, violent chess.' Football is not just big men banging into each other; it is a very strategic game.

Michael Lewis' book Blind Side tells the story of Michael Oher, a large black guy who grew up in the ghetto of east Memphis. His mother was a drug addict. His father had been murdered. Michael roamed the streets and hardly went to school at all. But through a remarkable set of events he ended up at a rich, white, private Christian school where they took him under their wings and did the impossible. He was adopted by a wealthy, white family. Tutors worked with him non-stop. He was put on the football team. To make a long story short, Michael Oher has just finished four years at Ol' Miss as an offensive lineman. He is now a top prospect to be drafted by the NFL to make millions of dollars.

Michael Lewis' book deals with football theory--especially the left tackle position that has come to be a high-paying spot on NFL teams. He deals with a real human story that is truly inspiring (I found myself brushing away tears a couple of times). He deals with racism and social class discrimination in our nation--and in sports. He writes about the almost inevitable dead-end lives of highly talented people growing up in certain areas of the country.

I have recently read that this book will be made into a movie.

The human spirit is amazing.