2nd Quarter Outside Reading Book Review
The Express: The Ernie Davis Story by Robert C. Gallagher. Random House, Ink., New York, NY Genre: Biography
Ernie Davis was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in college football. He played high school football in Elmira, New York and went on to Syracuse University to win a national championship in 1959. Davis was the number one pick in the 1962 NFL draft and he signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns. Davis never got to play in the NFL because he was diagnosed with leukemia the summer before his rookie season.
As a sophomore Ernie Davis led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1959, he earned his nickname the Elmira Express. Davis broke the rushing yards at Syracuse University. He showed great dignity and courage, and he inspired the nation.
In this book Ernie Davis has obstacles on and off the field. There were a lot of racist comments on the field and off. The comments stopped when he inspired the nation. He dealt with prejudice and leukemia and he still showed dignity and courage. This reminds me of the book Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado because the people have to overcome obstacles.
“Winning the Heisman Trophy,” he said, “is something you just dream about. You never think it could happen to you. Naturally I always wanted to win, but I never thought I would.” (93).
I really enjoyed reading this book. Ernie Davis was an outstanding football player and he showed courage throughout his life. Most importantly Ernie Davis was an example of a decent person. The author attended Syracuse University which made his choosing to write the Ernie Davis story that much more interesting.
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Jake seemed to really enjoy this book. I know he's into sports and the backround story of Ernie's life was probably even more interesting to him. He didn't say anything about the writing style but im sure it was desciptive and Ernie himself and what he went through. I really liked the passage jake selected. It said how Ernie dreamed of winning the Heisman and never thought it would happen to him but he did win it. I was more interested in this review than others because I am really into sports and i am watching the college football national championship right now! Yes, I would read this book because the story seems interesting and cool but also sad that he never had the chance to play in the NFL.
ReplyDeleteJake made it seem like the book was very interesting to him which meant it was a good book.
ReplyDeleteJake did not mention anything about writing style to maybe he should next time.
Jake did pick a good passage from the book because it described how the football player felt about winning the Heisman trophy.
This reminds me of the movie i watched The Blind Side. It shows how a man can come from nothing and become one of the best.
I would consider reading this book because i like learning about football.
1) Jake thought this book was good and very interesting.
ReplyDelete2) I don't think he mentioned anything about the writing style.
3) Jake picked a good passage because it shows how much the heisman trophy meant to Davis.
4) I would say this one had a better summary of the book but i didn't know about the writing style.
5) I would read this book because i like football.