IHJJR 1st Annual Summer Reading List

Remember in grade school when your teachers would give you a list of crappy books to read? You would spend all summer pretending to read them in between marathons of Sega Genesis right? Well here are some books to read this summer that definitely don't suck.



One of my favorite sportswriters, Simmons 700 page epic chronicling everything basketball. Simmons puts his great humor and satire into every story and even if you're not a huge NBA fan you will enjoy this book.





I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max

If you haven't read this book yet go to Amazon right now and order it. Seriously the funniest book I've ever read and once you start reading it you won't be able to stop. The book is basically stories of Tucker and his boys drinking, banging chicks, and being dumb asses. Max is a complete asshole but while reading the book you wouldn't want him any other way. It's like if Deion Sanders was on your team. You wouldn't mind him taking smack to the other team. This book would be perfect to read on the beach nursing a hangover. Each chapter is a different story so you can pick it up whenever and you won't be lost. Must read material.





The Blind Side by Michael Lewis

I never thought I would be one of those douche bags that said this sentence but......the book is so much better than the movie. I tried to watch the movie last week and I could barely make it through. I'm not alone. Michael Oher, who the story is based around, didn't like how he was portrayed in the film. The book is a great read and if you ever read "Moneyball" you know Michael Lewis is an amazing writer.






Etiquette for Outlaws by Rob Cohen & David Wollock

Ever wondered how much to tip a stripper for a lap dance? What type of cigar to purchase? How to find the best bookie? Well this book is for you. A quasi user manual for everything bad ass this book was recommended to me by my friend Lindsay and it's a great read. It covers tons of different topics and even if you don't need advice about any of the topics its still pretty entertaining.







Next Man Up by John Feinstein

One of the best sports authors alive Feinstein followed the 2004-2005 Baltimore Ravens and wrote about every detail from the inner sanctum of the NFL. From coaches meetings to the background of individual players Feinstein paints a picture so well that you feel like you are a fly on the wall. I know what you're thinking but I didn't pick this book just because it involves the Ravens. It's a great book and will give you a completely new respect for life in the NFL.

I'm Back for More Cash by Tony Kornheiser

Before he was on Monday Night Football getting on people's nerves Kornheiser was an awesome sportswriter and radio host. What I like about this book is most of the articles are about life instead of sports. Great read. Hilarious stuff.