Finkel's Fast Five #156
1 book, 1 article, 1 thread, 1 quote at a time
BOOK: Best American Sports Writing 2020 edited by Jackie MacMullan
This is one of my favorite purchases every single year. I think I started buying it in the late 90s and if you’ve never heard of it, it’s a series that compiles the best sportswriting pieces every year with a big-time guest editor. This year’s editor is one of my all-time favorite writers, Jackie MacMullan. I love these books because you can read them in any order you want, whenever you want, and the pieces never get old. Also, it’s a who’s who of the most talented writers in the sportswriting game.
SIDE NOTE: one of the coolest moments in my career was when an article I wrote called The Night the Legend of the Driveway was Born, about me and my dad and brother, was a notable mention in the 2015 issue. If you played driveway hoops with your dad or your kids, I’m confident you’ll love it. Check it out here.
ARTICLE: Davante Adams is Peaking in Every Way Possible by Mirin Fader
I’ve recommended a few of Mirin’s longform features before. She’s a terrific writer and always tackles an athlete at the perfect time. Her most recent feature explores Packers’ star Davante Adams’ life, particularly his new role as a dad and his motivations to become a top receiver in the NFL. Enjoy it here.
THREAD: 5 Unique Presidential Fitness Habits
Biden’s bringing a Peloton Bike to the White House? Awesome. Beats Coolidge's dorky electric horse. Since I wrote the only book to rank every president’s athletic ability, I put together a special Inauguration Thread highlighting some of the goofier POTUS workout/sports habits. Read it here.
GEAR: SLOW GRIND CLOTHING
My Hoops Heist publisher and friend Isaiah Thomas has a clothing company based around the idea that success is a slow grind, and only by doing the work day-in and day-out can we succeed. I am 100% behind that ethos. I recently got my hands on some of the apparel from the Slow Grind line and I love it. I wore it during an early AM weight session this week right here. Check out the whole SLOW GRIND line and if you like it, hit me and Isaiah with a photo on Twitter and we’ll share it.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies.”
- Alexis de Tocqueville
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