A short book that delves into the profound effect that tough love can have on adolescents as they grow up and learn about life.

Tough love is a complex concept, and while there is much more to it than what can be simply summed up, it is indeed one of the most effective ways to understand its impact.

The book presents an interesting perspective when it succinctly states that one will never truly win against life. Instead, it emphasizes that what truly matters is the quality of the struggle.

This idea challenges us to look beyond the end result and focus on the process of facing difficulties and growing through them.

For adolescents, who are just beginning to navigate the challenges of life, understanding the value of a meaningful struggle can be a crucial lesson.

Tough love, when applied appropriately, can help them develop the resilience and character needed to face life's obstacles with courage and determination.

It can teach them that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth, and that the effort they put into their struggles is what defines their journey.

Overall, this short book offers valuable insights into the power of tough love and its potential to shape the lives of adolescents in a positive way.

I won't bother to repeat all the basic details already covered by other readers. Suffice it to say, yes, it's short (I'm estimating 8,000 words), but it really packs a punch.

As a father of four (3 boys, 1 girl), the themes truly resonated with me. This quote seems to sum it up much better than I could:

"Fitz gave another one of his sermons. They were always a little different but they never strayed far from a general theme: What It Means To Be A Man. What it meant to be a man was that you struggled against your natural instinct to run away from adversity" (p.77).

There's an even better quote on pages 82 - 83, but I'll let you read it yourself.

Here's why that quote resonates with me personally. For the past 15 years or so, I've contemplated the idea that self-discipline is listed last by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22 - 23 \\n  perhaps\\n because it is the "holy grail" of a truly fruitful life. More than anything, I desire my children to grow up esteeming self-discipline as equally honorable and desirable as virtues like love and peace. I'm aware that one can be extremely disciplined in all the wrong ways (hence the other 8 fruits), but the older I get, the more I recognize the elusiveness and value of that fruit called self-control. Even as I type this, I'm wearing a cheap rubber bracelet that simply says "Lose Your Quit." I can't help but think that the world would be a far better place if we all learned this simple lesson. Sadly, there isn't a Coach Fitz in each of our lives. I guess this tiny booklet will have to do.

I truly believe that this short work holds great wisdom and value, especially for those of us who are parents and are striving to raise our children with strong values and character. It makes us reflect on what it truly means to be a man or woman and how we can better ourselves and our families.

A lovely little book awaits you. It is written in the characteristic Michael Lewis style, which is sure to engage and captivate you. The story revolves around a coach who is finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the 21st-century world where parents seem to always think they are right. This book offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by coaches in today's society.

I was able to finish reading it in just half an hour, but don't let the short reading time fool you. It is truly worth taking the time for. The author's writing is concise yet powerful, painting a vivid picture of the coach's struggles and the complex relationships between coaches, parents, and athletes. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a parent, or simply someone who enjoys a good read, this book has something to offer.

So, pick up this lovely little book and immerse yourself in the world of the coach. You won't be disappointed.

In Coach, Michael Lewis addresses the recent grievances of the parents of current players regarding his high school baseball and basketball coach. He does so by reflecting on the valuable lessons he acquired from that very man during his teenage years.

Lewis recognizes that the parents have the noblest of intentions for their kids and, as tuition payers in a private school, they are indeed entitled to a certain degree of control. However, he presents an instance of how the effective methods of raising children that were beneficial to earlier generations might be eroding and may not be present in the future.

Readers are bound to delight in Lewis's engaging anecdotes about his high school sports experiences. They will be amazed at the vast number of lives that Coach Fitz has influenced and will nostalgically recall their own days on the playing fields and courts. It is a captivating exploration of the impact of a coach and the changing landscape of parenting and education.

You know that old trick of double-spacing your essays and increasing the margins to make them seem longer? Well, this book kind of does that. It has a giant font, double spacing, and even throws in a few random stock images for good measure.

“Why is that old man crying into a catcher’s mitt? This was never discussed!” It really feels like a long Vanity Fair article that has been stretched out into a book.

But here’s the thing, it’s actually a really great read. Michael Lewis was intrigued by the fact that while everyone in his generation adored their old high school coach (the alumni had just finished raising funds to build a gym in his name), for some reason, all the parents of the current generation were trying to get him fired.

Why? The answer is a beautifully told story about what we once trusted and expected coaches to do – to discover and nurture our most precious values through trials and tough love – and how we no longer make room for that kind of growth in our lives.

It’s not just a “special snowflake” kind of piece, though. There is real heart, beauty, and nuance in this tale. You can read it in an hour, and it’s perfect for parents or teachers. It’s truly a gem.

I have a distinct set of feelings when it comes to Michael Lewis and coaches. I absolutely love Michael Lewis for his remarkable writing and insights. However, my attitude towards coaches is quite the opposite. In high school, I saw coaches as part of the elite group. But let's face it, when they wear those absurd coach shorts, it's really hard to maintain that elite status. It just doesn't look good on any man.

I find the Spanish system quite appealing. In Spain, athletics are not considered school activities in the same way as in the US. As a result, the American jock culture doesn't have the same level of prominence there. I vividly remember my experiences with coaches. I had a coach for my driver's education class, and it was clear that he was far too dim-witted to teach anything of substance. I also had a coach for junior high physical education, and he was another half-wit who seemed to be an oligarch within the jock-tocracy.

These experiences have left me with a rather negative perception of coaches. While I'm sure there are some great coaches out there, my encounters have not been so positive. It makes me wonder if the way coaches are trained and the culture surrounding them in the US could be improved.

This article is a quick and easy read,

yet it is packed with an abundance of extremely powerful thoughts.

There are numerous sentences and paragraphs within it that I found myself having to re-read multiple times

simply because they were so incredibly inspirational.

It truly makes one realize that everyone in their lives needs a Coach Fitz.

A Coach Fitz can be that guiding light,

the one who provides the necessary motivation and inspiration

to help us reach our full potential.

They can offer valuable insights and perspectives

that we may not have considered on our own.

With their presence in our lives,

we are more likely to strive for greater things

and achieve the goals that we set for ourselves.

So, don't hesitate to seek out your own Coach Fitz

and let them help you embark on a journey of growth and success.

Michael Lewis, the highly productive author, penned a short memoir. In it, he recalls a baseball coach he had during his high school days.

The coach had a firm, yet caring approach that left a profound and lasting impact on him.

Lewis vividly describes how the coach's strict discipline and unwavering expectations pushed him to strive for excellence.

Despite the tough exterior, the coach also showed genuine concern for the players' well-being and development.

This combination of firmness and care taught Lewis valuable lessons about hard work, dedication, and the importance of having a mentor who believes in you.

The memoir serves as a testament to the power of a great coach and the lasting influence they can have on a student's life.

It also highlights Lewis's gratitude and appreciation for the coach who played such a significant role in shaping his character and values.

Overall, this short memoir offers a glimpse into a memorable chapter of Lewis's life and the profound impact that a single person can have.

'There are teachers who possess a truly rare ability to enter a child's mind. It's as if their very capacity to reach that inner sanctum bestows upon them the right to remain there forever.

There was a significant turning point in Michael Lewis's life during a baseball game when he was just fourteen years old. The irascible and often intimidating Coach Fitz entrusted him with the ball when the outcome of the game hung in the balance. Somehow, Coach Fitz managed to communicate an unwavering and confident trust in Lewis's ability, leaving the boy with no option but to rise to the occasion.

"I didn't have the words to describe it then, but I do now: I am on the verge of showing the world, and myself, what I am capable of doing." The coach's message was not merely about the pursuit of victory; it encompassed far deeper values such as self-respect, sacrifice, courage, and endurance.

In some respects, even thirty years later, Lewis still finds himself striving to meet the high expectations that Coach Fitz had set for him.

If I could give this 45-minute book 6 stars, I would have done it without hesitation.

This book is truly remarkable as it offers wonderful life lessons that are applicable to everyone, regardless of whether they are a sports fan or not.

The author has managed to pack a wealth of wisdom and inspiration into a relatively short read, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

From learning about perseverance and determination to understanding the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, this book covers a wide range of topics that are essential for personal growth and development.

What I love most about this book is that it presents these lessons in a relatable and easy-to-understand way, using real-life examples and anecdotes from the world of sports.

Even if you have no interest in sports, you will still find something valuable in this book. It will make you think, inspire you to take action, and leave you with a positive outlook on life.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick and easy read that will leave them feeling motivated and inspired. It is a true gem that deserves to be read and shared with others.

I truly believe that I need to discover my inner Coach Fitz on a far more regular basis.

Coach Fitz seems to possess a wealth of wisdom and guidance that could potentially transform my life.

His teachings and principles have the power to inspire and motivate me to reach for greater heights.

Anyway, this book, although short in length, is an absolute gem.

It packs a punch with its profound insights and practical advice.

Each page is filled with valuable lessons that I can apply to my daily life.

I am determined to make the most of this book and let Coach Fitz's words guide me towards a more fulfilling and successful future.

3.5. Another book that I listened to for my daughter's book challenge was truly an engaging experience.

It was a story that took us on a wonderful adventure through different worlds and introduced us to a cast of interesting characters.

The narrator's voice was so captivating that it brought the book to life.

My daughter and I would often sit together, completely immersed in the story, sharing our thoughts and feelings along the way.

This book not only entertained us but also taught us valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance.

It was a great addition to our book challenge and I would highly recommend it to others.

I look forward to listening to more books with my daughter and continuing this journey of exploration and discovery.