Brady vs Manning - Gary Myers

If you are a diehard NFL football fan, or a sports fan in general, then you've heard about one of the biggest rivalries of all time - Brady vs. Manning. 

We're in the middle of the NFL playoffs and a day and some hours away from watching Tom and Peyton go at it again for a chance in Super Bowl 50.

I grew up watching Peyton. My father, a diehard Manning fan and career-long supporter, introduced me to the game when I was 8-years-old. We would sit around together in our Indianapolis Colts jerseys watching Manning play every Sunday or Monday night. These are cherished memories of my childhood. It came as no surprise to those that knew me that I followed Peyton when he became the Denver Broncos Quarterback. With my support of Peyton since his start in Indianapolis came the natural instinct to hate Tom Brady. I didn't care to know him or watch him play unless he was an opponent of Peyton's. I gave into the media's instigated rivalry hype. 

Getting a chance to read this book changed my understanding of Brady, quarterbacks and the game, for the better. Gary Myers told stories old and new of the two quarterbacks and their journeys to becoming two of the best NFL players to ever join the league. We hear their sides of stories discussed cruelly by the media, reactions and opinions each quarterback had towards various games and interactions with each other and, of course, their splender of impressive statistics. Myers turns a typical compilation of stats, play-by-plays and quotes into an unique and enjoyable narrative. He isn't one-sided, which is my favorite aspect of Myer's writing style. I didn't feel too much attention was given to one or the other. If you, like me, are a bigger fan of one quarterback you will still enjoy the read. 

"Brady vs. Manning has been great for the NFL. It's been great for Brady and Manning. They have pushed each other to the very top of the heap of the all-time best quarterbacks." (Pg. 248)

Books like this are important. We need more than just 1,000 word articles with a bias attitude and cruel assumptions. Myers went directly to the sources, Brady and Manning, and gave us a chance to get to know our favorite players a little better. 

I'm anxiously awaiting Sunday, Jan. 24th to see the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots one more time! Of course, I'll be cheering for Manning, but it is sure to add another glorious chapter to the Brady vs. Manning story. 

4.5/5 

Happy Reading! 

Breanna 

Go Ask Alice - Anonymous

I'm starting off by reviewing an older book from 1971. While you may have heard about it or even read it yourself, I wanted to draw attention to it. I think it is a phenomenal book - a diary that is still very relevant today. I hope today's youth have an opportunity to read this. Having the chance to read this when I was 13 years old is a main reason why I stayed away from drugs and always will - aside from a natural disinterest. But, some are not as fortunate...they struggle and face temptations. Some enter the world of drugs and never get out. 

This book is raw. It doesn't sugarcoat or leave things out. You won't feel happy or excited for the girl in this book but you will feel guidance, you'll question her and her decisions as well as reflect on your own life. It's gut wrenching. 

I found myself attached to her, hoping for her, struggling with her and felt somehow I had received a glimpse into a new world -- a living nightmare. Something you don't want to see anyone you love or care for experience.

Its a simple, quick read. I finished it in just 2 days. But, its a book I won't quickly forget  and have not forgotten in the last 13 years since I first read it. 

There is still a stigma attached to depression, addiction, anxiety, and self-harm. People don't want to talk about it let alone read about it but it is so important that we do. We are making progress but still have a long way to go. It is vital for future generations to know they are not alone, that there is help and support for them. 

If you are looking for a quick read, something that will get you thinking out of the box, or even something to share with someone who needs encouragement to stay on the right track and away from societal pressures then I suggest this book. 

Most have rated Go Ask Alice 3.8/5 but I rate it 4.2/5 for giving a strong voice to a difficult subject. 

Happy reading! 

Breanna 

How to begin...

Its always tough knowing where to begin. Beginnings can be scary. There is a lot of uncertainty in the unfamiliar or unknown. I have known for awhile that when I got back into writing regularly again I wanted it to be something I am passionate about, something I wouldn't be tired of in a week. A few things came to mind but one thing stuck -- Books. I love reading.  I haven't written many book reviews during my many years of writing. I typically wrote news articles for my high school and college newspapers. But, I'm excited by the challenge of something new. I read in my spare time as much as I can. I am always trying to add to my collection. I own quite a few books and am anxious to share my thoughts on ones I love, ones I disliked and hopefully get recommendations for something new. I grew up in a household that considered reading a constant means of entertainment. My parents would always take my sister and I to libraries and bookstores. I consider books the gifts that keep giving. I spent last year rereading the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. I fell in love with each book and character all over again. I found new things within the pages I missed in prior reading or may have forgotten with time. A book is like an old friend, you can go months without seeing each other but when you meet again you pick up right where you left off. Its an amazing feeling. 

So, with that said... lets visit some friends-- old and new. 

Happy Reading!

Breanna