I’ve never subscribed to Sports Illustrated magazine. As a result, I totally missed the Rick Reilly era, which, in all honesty, was my 
error.
Thankfully, my brother let me borrow one of Reilly’s books, Hate Mail from Cheerleaders and Other Adventures from the Life of Reilly.
This book is a collection of columns from “The Life of Reilly,” first published in Sports Illustrated. Reilly says this about his style…
“I don’t write about sports. I write about people who happen to be in sports. I write about human joy, sorrow, religion and politics as it weaves itself through sports.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. His stories make my eyes, and, in some cases, my heart smile. On more than one occasion, I’d finish reading one of his columns in this book, grin and say, “good one” out loud. My brother and I recommend checking out this book (right, Joe?). Or, at the very least, reading Reilly’s June 20, 2005 column, Strongest Dad in the World, if you haven’t already.
He’s a clever one.
I suppose I should start reading ESPN now since Reilly is writing over there. I wouldn’t want to miss out on another word from “one of the funniest humans on the planet,” according to the New York Daily News.
Now I Reilly must go check my mail and see if there’s any hate mail from cheerleaders or (gasp!) Fitness & Spicereaders!
Lance says:
February 1st 2010The first place I used to go before Mr. Reilly stopped writing for SI. A stop at the very back page was always so worth it….
Miz says:
February 1st 2010I loved his column in SA as well. He’s just a fantastically funny writer.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says:
February 1st 2010I’ve never even heard of this (not being a sports girl, myself), but I’ll have to check it out!
Jody - Fit at 52 says:
February 1st 2010I am like Anna… need to check it out or ask my hubby who is a huge sports fan & old enough to remember! :-)
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman says:
February 1st 2010See, this is what I get for avoiding sports talk at all costs. I’m sure my husband would be thrilled if I bought this.
Estela - Weekly Bite says:
February 1st 2010i want to check that book out :)
Jess (Fit Chick in the City) says:
February 1st 2010Sounds like such a cute book! I’m like Tracy, I avoid sports talk and seem to have missed out.
Suzanne says:
February 1st 2010I loved his column about taking his soon to the photo shoot for the swimsuit edition, very funny! I saw the Hoyts running the Boston Marathon one year, they are so inspiring.
FatFighterTV says:
February 1st 2010Never heard of him – now I’m Reilly intrigued. :)