Searching for Bobby Fischer

Rating:
Summary: An Absolutely Amazing Book for Anyone and Everyone
Review: I have no clue how to play chess, but that did nothing to inhibit my enjoyment of this book. Everything that one needs to know is explained by Fred Waitzkin superbly, yet the book focuses not on the chess, but on the people who play it. Waitzkin is such a powerful writer because he invites the reader into his life, zooming in on every detail, making us love his family as much as he does, allowing us to get as involved with chess as he is. We examine the homeless men in the park, who play expertly, treat Fred's prodigal son tenderly, and suddenly disappear. We meet parents who will do anything to help their children win chess tournaments. We look at all these people for whom chess is life. But it doesn't matter that it's chess - it could be anything. Waitzkin writes about relationships, capturing the essence of the characters. The book is much better than the movie, which oversimplifies the story, and loses that personal feel. You'll find your heart racing fast as you read whether or not little Joshua Waitzkin will win the chess championship. This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read.