Critic Reviews
Great
Based on 4 reviews on
Riveting and inspiring first-person stories of how "taking a knee" triggered a political awakening among athletes of all ages and levels, from the celebrated sportswriter
"With profiles of courage that leap of the page, Zirin uncovers a whole national movement of citizen-athletes fighting for racial justice."
-Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning
Hailed by Publishers Weekly in a starred review as "an enthralling look at the impact of peaceful protest by sports figures at the high school, college, and professional levels," The Kaepernick Effect explores the story of how quarterback Colin Kaepernick's simple act of "taking a knee" spread like wildfire throughout American society, becoming the preeminent public symbol of resistance to America's persistent racial inequality.
In this powerful book, critically acclaimed sports journalist and author Dave Zirin chronicles "the Kaepernick effect" for the first time, through "a riveting collection of first-person stories" (The Nation) from high school athletes and coaches, college stars and high-powered athletic directors, and professional athletes across many different sports-from Megan Rapinoe to Michael Bennett. In each case, he uncovers the fascinating explanations and motivations behind what became a mass political movement in sports.
"Necessary reading for all, especially those who want to make a difference in promoting social justice, equity, and inclusion, and end police brutality" (Library Journal, starred review), The Kaepernick Effect is for anyone seeking to get involved in the new movement for racial justice in America: "Take a knee, everyone, and start a revolution" (Kirkus Reviews).
Praise for The Kaepernick Effect:
"A collection of compelling stories that put the reader at the center of the tumultuous, frightening, and stirring protests for racial justice that, when put together, reveal the ways taking a knee transformed sports and the broader society. . . . [An] extraordinary book.""Across decades, Zirin has been a guide, machete-slicing through the thicket of marketing and mythologizing in sports to get fans closer to the uncomfortable truths. From the right side of history, intent on fairness and justice, he has been warning us about the liars, thieves, hypocrites, and grifters hiding in plain sight in America's playpen. He has an uncommon grasp of his subject matter, a sculptor's attention to detail and a historian's expertise, and the combination is worthy of your applause. Kaepernick's work will echo over the years. So, too, will Zirin's."
--Dan Le Batard
How many Black people have to die at the hands of racist cops before white America listens to those voices? The Kaepernick Effect needs to be read by those who continue to deny racism and police brutality."
--Chris Lamb, co-author of Sports Journalism: A History of Glory, Fame, and Technology