Literary Titan Book Review

Michael Lynch wanted a second shot at the sport he loves. He spent the better part of his life living and breathing everything football. From his early days as one of five football loving children, Lynch knew he was destined to have the sport as a significant focus of his life. Having moved from playing football on sandlots to playing in high school, college, and semi-professional teams, Lynch had almost run the gamut when it comes to the sport he loves. But, as the years passed, Lynch found himself yearning for another shot on the field.

The Golden Gladiator, by Michael Lynch, is the story of the author’s lifelong love of football and his determination to carry his involvement with the game into his golden years. Virtually everything he sees and does reminds him of the game he came to know so well in his youth, and he looks for every opportunity to delve into the ins and outs of the game. Lynch has maintained his health, and physical conditioning remains a priority for him. He is more than ready for another chance to participate in a game, and he begins his search for the perfect team. 

Lynch is open and honest about his thought process leading up to his decision to try out for a semi-pro team nearly forty years after his last game. The author is candid–something all readers will appreciate. Approaching my fifties, I was able to empathize with the desire to relive experiences from my twenties. Though Lynch’s work centers around football, it is a fabulous book for any reader who wants to turn back time and relive their youth. 

Football fans will relish in Lynch’s experiences. From start to finish, he includes exchanges between renowned names in football, sport-specific terminology, and references to games any true fan will recall. Lynch leaves no stone unturned when it comes to providing readers with a narrative they won’t soon forget.

The Golden Gladiator is an inspiring book for anyone who is looking for a refreshing look at the sport of football through the eyes of someone who has been there, done that, and yearned to do it one more time. Lynch is making his own dreams come true while handing readers hope for their own. This is a must-read for readers of all genres.