If you want to buy The Keeper: A Life of Saving Goals and Achieving Them and at the same time support It’s Called Soccer make sure to use this affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3ve3Xqd
The Keeper by Tim Howard
If you are interested in US Soccer and have any affinity towards the golden age of the 2002ish-2014ish squad with Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra, and Tim Howard this book is a must buy.
The Keeper: A Life of Saving Goals and Achieving Them is not a masterclass by any means. What is does do well is create a complete narrative of Tim Howard’s extraordinary life of living and overcoming Tourrett’s Syndrome (TS) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Howard’s writing and prose isn’t at the level of great authors but I wouldn’t expect it to be.
The writing is easily at a level to make an enjoyable book fly by before you know it. The story starts at the very beginning of Tim Howard’s life as you learn more about the early stages of his family unit lead by a second generation single-mom. If you’re curious about what it’s like for a generational talent to begin their journey in the US Soccer youth system this is the book for you. There aren’t many other direct insights into the development set-up of the 90s in US Soccer.
I thought one thing this story does incredibly well is weaving Howard’s complete soccer history with what is happening in his home life. I won’t spoil too much but it was fascinating to follow his journey becoming more comfortable with his disorders and even at times embracing them. The other story that is entwined in these pages is his love for his children and family while battling to find balance with his life as a professional athlete.
While Howard showed vulnerability and the ability to put into words raw emotions of his past, the way it was presented in the book was somewhat obvious. Again - this is where I would have expected a more seasoned writer to foreshadow more effectively I can’t really blame Howard for finding it difficult throughout his autobiography.
As a longtime fan of the USMNT it was incredible to read behind-the-scenes from people and players intimately involved in some of the best moments of the last two decades. The throw to Landon Donovan that led to our victory over Algeria is in this book. The countless achievements with Everton and Manchester United are in this book. The heart-pounding match where Tim Howard broke the record for saves in a World Cup against Belgium is in this book.
Bottom line
The Keeper is an almost great but definitely good book for any fan of soccer. If Tim Howard was an American player that helped you fall in love with the game, this book will be great for you. Be prepared to learn as much about his disorders and family as you do about his experiences on the pitch.
Score: 6.5/10 - A solid and entertaining read
If you want to buy The Keeper: A Life of Saving Goals and Achieving Them and at the same time support It’s Called Soccer make sure to use this affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3ve3Xqd
I got it through the link. Thanks for the info.