Discussion: Reasons to Read Sports Contemporary Novels

Let’s talk sports. Now, I must confess that I am not an athletically inclined person. However, I love watching sports and last year I jumped down the rabbit hole and discovered the addictive world of sports contemporary novels. These books are my go-to if I’m in the mood for a fun and fast read. They’re perfect books to get you out of that dreaded book slump. Today I am going to share with you the reasons you should read sports contemporary novels.

Team Spirit

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One of the best components of these books is that you get to explore that sense of brotherhood that comes with being part of a team. The guys you play with can become like family. You train together, you play together and you celebrate together. Having a group of guys at your back can be the most encouraging feeling but it also has its down sides. When you’re part of a team, you’re going to get a mix of different personalities and dynamics. Getting to explore these dynamics is so interesting because you can gauge how they impact a teams performance and straddles that line between personal and professional. You might not like a few of the guys on the team but the challenge of not letting those feelings effect the team is really interesting. The nature of the dynamics within the team is so interesting in how it can effects a team’s performance. 

Appreciate Athleticism

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Being an athlete is very time consuming. Between the practices and the games, you also have to consider the fact that athletes also have to take the time to strengthen his own mind, body and soul when they’re not playing. It’s very demanding and that perseverance is admirable, no matter which stage they are in their career. It’s not just the physical strength you have to nurture but also the mental strength. You have to be able to take the hits and not let it drag you down. You have to take the mistakes you make and the losses you have and learn from them. Sometimes teams have back to back games and you have to have that mental and physical toughness to not let the events of the previous game dictate the way you play the next one. It’s a tough ask for anyone and some of these books really do make you see just how much work they have to put in to do what they love.

Low on Angst

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One of the highlights of sports contemporary novels is how little angst there is included. A lot of these sports contemporary novels fall into the New Adult category and those books are notorious for piling on the angst. Sports contemporary books are the opposite. Instead of angsty drama, we are treated to a lot of humour. Again this falls back to the sense of brotherhood with the team because the camaraderie between them is so hilarious at times. The banter, friendly insults, even to discussions on how to “woo a girl.” There are some golden moments in these books that have me crying with laughter. The lack of angst also means that when there is conflict and drama it feels a lot more grounded and realistic.

Romance

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You knew this was coming. A lot of these sports contemporary novels are very romance heavy, which is fine by me. I love a good romance and sports contemporary books more often than not feature a romance that is guaranteed to sweep me off my feet. Beyond that these romances also gives us a bit of an insight into the highs and lows of dating athletes. As I mentioned earlier being an athlete is very time consuming and if you’re dating an athlete you have to deal with the long distance, the practices and everything in between.

The only gripe I sometimes have with the romance is when it takes over. If I’m reading a sports contemporary novel, I want to read about the sport, not just the romance. There has to be a balance between the two.

Bring out your inner sports fan

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There’s a strong sense of community within sports, that’s a fact. When you’re in an atmosphere that’s so caught up in sensation, it’s hard not to get caught up in it as well.  You don’t have to play the sport to enjoy it. There’s a sense of togetherness that comes with supporting a team or just following the sport in general. If you want an example, look no further than to the reaction NFL players, owners, coaches etc, had to Trump’s remarks. They’re stranding strong and they’re displaying that sense of togetherness. It’s inspiring to watch.

Sport Contemporary Recommendations

The Hard Count by Ginger Scott
Looks at the way sports can divide a community and family just as easily as it can bring them together.

Off-Campus Series by Elle Kennedy
Hilarious. Romance focused but still a good exploration of college hockey. Incredible dynamic between characters

Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Berry
Focuses on a young baseball player looking to prove himself in the major league and his developing relationship with the coach’s daughter.

Rusk University by Cora Carmack
All the characters face different challenges. Explores what American football means to each player. Angst free.

What’s your favourite sport?
What do you love about sports contemporary books?
Do you have any sports contemporary book recommendations?

 

29 thoughts on “Discussion: Reasons to Read Sports Contemporary Novels”

  1. I love sports romances ❤️❤️❤️ for me it’s all about the balance of sport, team, romance and buff jocks.;-) I’m going to look into Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Berry. I’ve read all your other recommendations but never heard of Julie Berry.

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    1. The balance between sport and the romance is crucial for me. I just love exploring the different dynamics within sports. Whatever Life Throw at You is definitely more romance orientated but there’s also plenty of baseball in it and a great father-daughter relationship. I hope you get the chance to read it soon.

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  3. I don’t read tons of sports-romance kind of books, but…you certainly convinced me that I should do it a bit more. I’m not a sports-person myself, meaning that I’d rather watch it on TV than actually practice it, haha, but I really like how it brings team spirint and this little something more in a book. Also, low on angst?! I’m all for that ahah. I’ll check out your recommendations! 🙂

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    1. I wish I was more athletically inclined but I’d much rather watch it than take part in it as well. I don’t know what’s happened but I’ve been really getting into sports for the past year or so. It’s so easy to immerse yourself in the spirit of the game. I think the books kick-started this sports appreciation thing and I love it. If you’re not looking for a book that’s as romantically dominated I’d go for the Hard Count. That book is everything I want in sports contemporary.

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    1. YAY!. I’m so happy that my mission was a success. Unfortunately, I’ve not read a basketball or volleyball focuses book but I’ll be sure to let you know once I find one. 😀

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    1. I’ve never been able to get into autobiographies but I have been getting into my sports, watching not participating haha. I think you’d enjoy the Hard Count. It’s not as romance focused and it does a great job at exploring the role of sports in a community.

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  8. Hi Lois!

    To be honest, I don’t read much sports contemporary fiction! The ONLY book I’ve read in this genre was Him (which I absolutely loved!) I am terrible at team sports, but I agree that there is something to love about watching/reading about characters who excel at it. And YES – as much as I like contemporary books, they are often full of angst, and reading a non-angsty book is a breath of fresh air 🙂
    I looked into The Deal by Elle Kennedy, which sounds like it is a good book! It’s now on my TBR 🙂

    Sophie

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    1. I’ve been on such a sports contemporary kick lately so I’m hoping I can read Him soon. Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series is hilarious. The friendship between the guys is so funny and endearing. I couldn’t stop laughing in some moments.

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  9. Such a fun post!! I personally really enjoy romance contemporaries that feature sport, cos they add a great dimension to the story- sadly though, my two favourite sports- tennis and football (or soccer in american lingo)- are rarely if ever featured. But even if I never understand what’s going with the American football in books, I still enjoy them!

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    1. I’ve never been able to get into football. I just don’t see the appeal in it. I don’t mind Tennis, it is the one sport I can actually play but I can’t watch it for such a long stretch of time. Ice hockey and rugby are my go-to’s and with my brother’s help I’m slowly beginning to understand the rules of American Football now.

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  11. Interesting post, wish I acquired any of the information in this book especially when I was trying to turn pro in soccer. However, your perspective is just as interesting.

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      1. Cheers Lois, can I ask for a favor as a newbie in writing. Is it possible you read my story when you get the chance, more than anything would love some constructive feedback. 🙂

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