This book is so captivating because I found a lot of interesting sections that kept me keep on reading and analyzing it. However, the most interesting thing I learnt in this book is the commitments of the leading protagonists: Joe Ehrmann and Jeffrey Marx. These are two former friends who have been together for more than four decades now. What perplex me most are their amazing perceptions towards life. Even if they have taken different paths of life now, they shame a similar world view and are out to positively transform the lives of the youths.
It was so interesting to learn that Joe, who had been a volunteer coach for the Gilan High School team and a leading NFL football star, appreciates the diverse nature of his team. Unlike other coaches, he goes beyond teaching his team on punishment, pursuance and penetration as the secrets to successful defense. Interestingly, he goes ahead to explain that love is also a contributing factor. Meaning, for the defense team to deliver their best, it is necessary for them to work in unity and show an unconditional love to one another. As an ordained minister, he has become so serious about the purpose of life and is now changing the lives of the youth.
At the same time, it was so interesting to learn about the path that had now taken to educate the youth on understanding the new meaning of masculinity. Through his Building Men for Others program, he sensitizes the Gilman boys on how to build their relationships with others and be of a great benefit to them.
What I did not like
One of the things I never liked in this book is the ambiguity in it. It was not clear to me whether Marx’s intension was to discuss about foot ball or life in general. This left me so confused on whether to view the book as giving me fundamental life skills or just concerned about sporting activities. Even if the Joe and Marx had been successful footballers beginning their relationships right from the ground, it would not be interesting to learn how a ball boy later becomes inspirational to the upcoming players.
Meanwhile, I disliked the way these two characters could not show a good relationship between them and others. For instance, Max, who started his long time career as a ball boy later, makes us know about the turbulent relationship between him and his father. When he was acquiring lessons on life skills from Joe, he dose not concentrate as he keeps on being haunted by the unresolved disputes he had with his father. This means that he was not a humble boy who respected his seniors. He must have been a tough headed child who never tolerated his father’s seniority and behave like his subject.
Lessons
In deed, Season of Life: a football star, a boy, a journey to manhood is a very invaluable text with lots of lessons. It is quite motivational and can change the life of a person if taken seriously. Personally, through Marx ideas, I was able to learn a lot about the meaning of manhood. He argued that being a man means going beyond individual borders and offering an unconditional perpetual selfless service for the benefit of others. For one to be fully regarded as a man, one must accept responsibility and come out as a bold personality who is ready to serve others with the honesty, integrity and the dignity they deserve.
Besides, I learnt that a successful life does not come from a silver platter. Instead, it comes from dedication and hard work. Marx who later became a proud successful was once just a mere ball boy. He was able to climb the hierarchal ladder due to his commitments and dedications. Even Joe whop later became an ordained minister was once a volunteer coach for a team. However, this did not deter him from accomplishing his life time dreams of being an admirable mentor to the future generations. This teaches me that for a person to fulfill his goals, he must work hard and be committed to whatever he does.
Lastly, I learnt that it is good to take back to the community. Just like Joe who after serving the society in various capacities, decided to launch the Building Men for Others Program to transform the life of youths. We should also think about how best we can improve the life of others in the society. In fact, we should come up with ideas that go beyond advocating for a certain clique of individuals. Instead, we should creatively come up with ideas that are beneficial to all the classes of people in the entire society. Surely, this will be a noble endeavor that will ultimately change the shape of the community.
In conclusion, I would like to commend Marx for publishing such a must read text. It is quite inspirational, informative and educative. Thank you Marx for your excellent work!
