Diane's review
Cross-X
by Joe Miller
Diane's review
Cross-X by Joe Miller
Diane's review
rating:
I would have loved this book even if the author wasn't a friend of mine. I was blown away by Joe's narrative and the breadth and depth of his reporting. He wrote so compellingly about the students that I found myself rooting for them in every debate round, as if I had actually been at all those schools during all those tournaments.
In that sense, Joe accomplished what Laura Hillenbrand did in the fantastic book "Seabiscuit," where it felt like the reader was actually in the saddle during the races.
"Cross-X" works so well because of the students Joe followed and how he got them to open up. I was especially moved by Joe's final few chapters, where he continues advocating for the Central kids and tries to change the rules of debate. It was a great way to end the book, having done a complete 180 from his starting point as a detached observer in the high school.
I think this book resonated so well with me because I always wished I could have been involved with ...more
In that sense, Joe accomplished what Laura Hillenbrand did in the fantastic book "Seabiscuit," where it felt like the reader was actually in the saddle during the races.
"Cross-X" works so well because of the students Joe followed and how he got them to open up. I was especially moved by Joe's final few chapters, where he continues advocating for the Central kids and tries to change the rules of debate. It was a great way to end the book, having done a complete 180 from his starting point as a detached observer in the high school.
I think this book resonated so well with me because I always wished I could have been involved with ...more
