If you're anything like us, you like it quite a lot. We quite like what Jules Renard had to say about reading:
"When I think of all the books still left for me to read, I am certain of further happiness."
To that end, our First Love for 2022 is Philip Micallef's Quote, Unquote which is a fascinating insight into 35 years of football history in Australia from the veteran journalist. Just some of the highlights:
“The game has become too big with too many interests attached…
It’s not fun anymore.
Diego Maradona,1993
"Johan Cruyff had a big ego and you don’t complain with him… you just do as you’re told.”
Gary Lineker,1995
“The best goal I ever scored was in the Club World Cup and it was disallowed for a passive offside. I could have killed the linesman.”
Michel Platini,1999
“If Australia can stage such a big event as the Olympics that has 20,000 athletes and officials, why can’t you cater for a much smaller event like the World Cup?”
Sepp Blatter, 2000
Quote, Unquote is a trip down memory lane for fans who have lived through these times, as well as a useful short history for those who are younger or new to the game.
With 100 separate short stories, it's a perfect volume for the bedside or the beachside (but maybe not on Valentine's Day!).
Our next book love is The End of the Game, the debut novel by award-winning playwright and teacher, Michael Fiddian.
It's a different football - but about a front-of-mind issue of overt and covert racism and how it shapes what we do, how we act, what we say.
Michael will also be one of the speakers at the 2022 Football Writers' Festival, talking on Writing with Purpose with journalist Michael Cain and activist and commentator, Craig Foster.
Wishing you love, happiness and more fabulous reading this February 14th.