Soccer Times has review my book on the US in Korea, check out their review at http://www.soccertimes.com/
I liked the last sentence of the article: "Gustafson should be granted a press credential to the 2006 finals in Germany." Word. Good book man. I enjoyed it.
Thanks, Chelsey. Glad you enjoyed it, that's why I spent those hours typing away! As for the credentials for Germany, I probably won't even apply. Not that I have no chance, but I enjoyed being a fan way too much! I talked about it a bit in the book. Thinking about it, I probably would have had a heartattack when JOB scored if I had been in the pressbox and unable to scream myself hoarse! Should we qualify for Germany, I will be in the middle of the fans, singing for the boys, not in the quiet, stirile pressbox. SJEarthquakes: an experience like none other. For anyone who was not there, I do recommend the book. My main goal was to give you a taste of those fantastic weeks from an American fans perspective. Most who have read it and were there have told me I was able to accuratley do so. Please, have a read.
Thanks to you, we did make a bit of noise. You did a great job organizing everyone in song! I guess your quote means you finally read the book? I saw Leo at Port Authority and he said none of you guys had read it yet. And to think, I really featured you and your NY Crew! I mean I really gave you Metro's mad props. Glad to hear you gave it a read. Actually, something funny. Last week my job held some stupid talent show. At the last minute, I entered and my talent was reading from my book. I read the part from the 3 Alley Pub, just before the England-Argie match about the gross old lady's feet and the dog giving birth. It was great, because everyone was eating while I read it! A few people almost got sick--everyone was mad at me for subjecting them to those visuals. Of course it ended with Joe's famous quote, "What are you all worried about, they are just showing the menu."
Thanks, Flan. I hope you enjoy it. Do me a favor and post when you get it. Just curious to see if it does take 8 days to get there. Again, thanks for the support.
How's about 24 days? It was from publishing house in the UK, I left the paper at work (all my mail goes there) so I can't remember who. Anyway, Andy, I don't have much time this week, but I can't wait to start reading it. I don't know how many other people have ordered it, but these exact words are what made me order it. As in, I read them, and ordered it. http://www.soccertimes.com/oped/2003/oct16.htm
Thanks Andy I read your book a few months ago. Thanks for writing it. My appreciation is only exceeded by my jealousy. Because of your book, I am definitely taking my wife and kids to Germany. I would bet there are others that going because of the book also. Thanks again.
Andy, since I'm an old "rusty" fart, it took me awhile to get my hands on your most excellent book. Andy Mead shared his copy with me, and I must say... I just placed an order for my own copy. Your words vividly brought back all of the sights, sounds, and smells from our month at the Cup. Thanks for your efforts. This one will go into the family heritage files!!! Cheers, Wade Thought this might help set the mood.
USA Fans Only? Andy... or anybody else who might offer their opinion... my wife's church has a Korean congregation that shares the church. Do you think it would be a good idea to loan a copy of your book for them to read? Except for a very few blurbs of profanity... is there anything else you can think of that might offend a Korean reader?
Thanks for all the positive reviews, guys. Keep them coming! Actually, I am so happy that you all enjoyed my book. I have said it before, but it is true, it took a long time, a lot of sweat (and tired fingers), and vigerous efforts from not only myself, but many others to produce this book. Hearing that you guys, the real American soccer fans, have read and liked it have made all the work worthwhile. Truely, it warms my heart to hear that US Soccer fans hold this book in such esteem. Wade, great idea for the congregation. I think it would be fine. I do discuss Christianity briefly in it, and do to my beliefs, it is in a positive way; excpet, prehaps for the preacher on the subway who hit me! The other thing to be a little wary of is that there is A LOT of drinking. I have cautioned a few parents about young children reading it for that reason. I actually didn't realize how much we (alright, I) drank over there until I read it! I fear that some people think I am a drunk. All my friends ask me about it, saying "You usually don't drink like that, do you?" Don't worry, I generally don't, only at soccer games and weddings! Again, thanks to everyone who has bought and read this book.