In Lydia Reeder’s Dust Bowl Girls and Mark Leibovich’s Big Game, we are presented with two different snapshots of American history and culture. While one book delves into the inspiring story of a pioneering women’s basketball team during the Great Depression, the other provides a satirical look at the world of politics and power in Washington D.C. Despite their seemingly disparate topics, both books offer valuable insights into themes of teamwork, perseverance, and ambition. By examining how these themes are portrayed in each book, we can gain a richer understanding of the complexities of American society in different time periods.
Brief Summary of Two Books
Dust Bowl Girls by Lydia Reeder
“Dust Bowl Girls” by Lydia Reeder tells the inspiring true story of the Oklahoma Presbyterian College basketball team in the 1930s. Coached by Sam Babb, a determined and selfless man, the team overcame incredible odds and societal norms to become national champions during the Great Depression. The team, made up of courageous and talented young women from farming families in the Dust Bowl region, faced intense competition and prejudice, but relied on teamwork, dedication, and innovative strategies to achieve success. Despite facing financial struggles, lack of resources, and even being forced to sew their own uniforms, the team’s incredible determination and resilience led them to achieve a remarkable winning streak. Through the story of the Dust Bowl Girls, Reeder sheds light on the power of women in sports and the impact of basketball on communities during a challenging period in American history. The book captures the spirit and determination of the team as they shattered stereotypes, broke barriers, and inspired generations to come.
Big Game by Mark Leibovich
“Big Game” by Mark Leibovich is a satirical look at the culture and politics of Washington, D.C. through the lens of the National Football League (NFL). The book examines the relationships between sports, entertainment, and power in America, using the NFL as a microcosm of the country’s obsession with celebrity and influence. Leibovich explores the intersection of politics and sports, highlighting the connections between politicians, lobbyists, and team owners. Through interviews with key figures and his own observations, Leibovich paints a picture of a society where fame, money, and power are intertwined, and where everyone is trying to win the “big game” of influence and control.
Comparison between Two Books
Similarities in Sports
Both Dust Bowl Girls and Big Game explore the world of sports through the lens of women’s basketball and professional football, respectively.
In Dust Bowl Girls, the story follows a group of young women who come together to form a successful basketball team during the Great Depression. The book highlights the challenges they face as female athletes in a male-dominated society, as well as the camaraderie and perseverance that ultimately leads them to success. Similarly, in Big Game, Leibovich delves into the world of professional football and the politics, power struggles, and behind-the-scenes machinations that shape the sport.
Both books showcase the passion, dedication, and determination of the athletes and the communities that support them. Additionally, they both shed light on the societal and cultural factors that influence the sports industry, and the role that sports play in shaping identity, community, and national identity. Ultimately, both books demonstrate the transformative power of sports and the ways in which they can inspire, unite, and empower individuals and communities.
Divergences in Sports
“Dust Bowl Girls” by Lydia Reeder and “Big Game” by Mark Leibovich are two books that dive into the world of sports, specifically women’s basketball in the 1930s and the political and social implications of the NFL today, respectively.
One major divergence between these two books is the portrayal of sports as a means of empowerment for women in “Dust Bowl Girls” compared to the depiction of sports as a corrupt and manipulative industry in “Big Game.” In “Dust Bowl Girls,” Reeder tells the inspiring true story of the Oklahoma Presbyterian College women’s basketball team, who overcame adversity and prejudice to become champions during the Great Depression. The book highlights the positive impact that sports can have on women, empowering them to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.
On the other hand, in “Big Game,” Leibovich explores the inner workings of the NFL and delves into the darker side of sports, focusing on the greed, power struggles, and scandals that plague the league. The book reveals how sports can be used as a tool for manipulation, with owners, players, and politicians all vying for control and success at any cost.
Overall, these two books offer different perspectives on the world of sports, with one highlighting the potential for empowerment and inspiration, while the other exposes the less savory aspects of the industry.
Conclusion
Both books offer unique perspectives and insights into different topics, so it ultimately depends on the reader’s personal interests.
“Dust Bowl Girls” by Lydia Reeder offers a fascinating look at the history of women’s basketball in the 1930s and provides a inspiring tale of resilience and determination. It could be a great choice for readers who enjoy sports history and stories of overcoming challenges.
On the other hand, “Big Game” by Mark Leibovich provides a compelling and detailed examination of the intersection of politics and sports in America. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the influence of sports on politics and vice versa, making it a great pick for readers interested in current events and the political landscape.
Ultimately, both books have their own merits and are worthy of reading depending on the reader’s preferences and interests.
