Season of Life: A Football Star, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood

Rating:
Summary: Life Changing Book
Review: As a coach and parent, I have to say this book was simply stunning to me. This is a story that will have you thinking, "This is what I've always wished coaching could be, but quite frankly, I didn't think it would ever work." (Jesus wept when His friend Lazarus died, but He told us that we have the hope of resurrection some day, so get off the fence.) Joe Ehrmann's story shows that a coach can teach love and integrity and devotion to one another and still be successful in a competitive arena. In fact, it's these traits that he teaches and lives out that actually make his teams successful. These are not traits to be overcome in order to be a success, but traits that directly lead to success. This book demonstrates in some deeply profound ways that focusing on being a certain kind of person is far more important that focusing on results. It also demonstrates that when we focus on being a certain kind of person, the right kinds of results tend to follow.

Rating:
Summary: This should be required reading.
Review: Every son, every dad, every coach and every son's mother should read this book. As a son, dad (of two boys), and coach myself, this book has completely adjusted my mind. Every dealing I've had with my kids (I'm a teacher) has been changed by this book. I can't wait until fall when football starts up again.

Rating:
Summary: Everyone should read this!
Review: It forces you to review your how you live your life, and the choices you make in relationships. Anyone involved in the teaching, coaching, or raising of a boy will find this not only informative, but helpful and uplifting. A great read!

Rating:
Summary: The Man You Want to Be
Review: Jeff Marx has written a great story that gives compelling answers to the questions: What does it mean to be a man? What kinds of lives should we strive to lead? If you have ever given any thought to either of these questions, you will enjoy reading this story.

Rating:
Summary: Boys to Men
Review: ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR!! There may not be a more importat issue in todays society. We often talk about how athletics is an important training ground for life. It has been never been better demonstrated than by these coaches and this writer. Mr. Marx follows one season of a very special high school football team and the life lessons the team's coaches impart to their athlete's. This book is special. It should be read by every coach , parent and athlete.

Rating:
Summary: A coaching book that's not just for coaches.
Review: This book needs to be read by every youth worker and parent in America. Jeffery Marx does a brilliant job of showcasing the ministry of Joe Ehrmann, former NFL Player turned high school coach. Joe's approach to the problems of dysfunctional families and poverty are right on target. I wonder how many people would have heard of Joe had it not been for this book. Jeffery Marx does a great job of not just exposing Joe Ehrmann and his personal journey but also his own struggles with coming to terms with his own father.

One of the best lines in the book is when a parent approaches Joe at the beginning of the high school football season and asks, "What kind of team do you think we'll have this year?" Joe quips, "I guess we'll find out in about 20 years." Ehrmann's approach to coaching is one that should be shared by anyone who coaches young people. We need to be concerned about how our children develop as people and not just players.

Rating:
Summary: The Anitdote to Friday Night Lights
Review: This book reexamines the way a coach and his players learn to become a team and, ultimately, men.

I read this book in 2003 when it was first published but a small independent press. I remember thinking: "This book has some important lessons and it needs widespread distribution." Thank goodness a major publisher picked it up because this story needs to be told far and wide.

Sports play and integral part of the American youth experience. From pee wee soccer to college gridirion. Finally some coaches have put the proper perspective on youth and sports and its role in the larger society. Author Marx captures their story quite well and his reporting and writing is clear and crisp.

This book should be required reading for every high school football coach.





Rating:
Summary: Thank you Jeff and Joe!
Review: This small book is a must read for coaches and parents with messages that go far beyond the football field. I'm sure John Wooden would approve! A quick read but there are passages that you will want to go back and read again and again. Just as in the author's case, I found myself thinking back about past coaches as well as my own father. Pass the word to your friends!

Rating:
Summary: Must read for Males
Review: Though this book may lead you to think of this as all about football, it's not. It's about how men related to their fathers and how that relationship affects all other relationships. I've given away almost 10 copies of this book. Once you read it you'll want every man you know to read it too. A must read...

Rating:
Summary: If you're reading the reviews you HAVE to read this book
Review: Whether you be a man or a woman this extremely well-written account offers insight into the emotional maturation of young men and the role coaches and other adults play in that process. It is a journey millions of Americans have gone through -- playing youth sports -- however most have unfortunately not had coaches with the compassion, wisdom, and courage of Biff Poggi and Joe Ehrmann. These coaches understand the responsibility and opportunity they have to positively affect the lives of their players. They challenge with compassion and instill an emotional intelligence and literacy that is all-too-rare in our society, let alone in young high school men.

Jeffrey Marx is a first-rate storyteller and Joe Ehrmann's journey is more than worthy of Mr. Marx's skill. Season of Life is truly a MUST read. You will be glad you did; and unless you overtly inhibit it, the world just might get a little better because you took the time to laugh, cry, and explore along with Jeff, Joe, Biff, and the team at Gilman High.