Like every other major event scheduled for this summer, the 2020 Olympic Games have been postponed. But, you don't necessarily have to wait until next year to catch some Olympic spirit. Try some of these titles to experience a deep dive into a specific sport or into the history of the games as a whole.

 

The Boys in The Boat by Daniel James Brown

The uplifting, improbable tale of nine rowers from the University of Washington who overcame obstacles to represent the U.S. in the 1936 Olympics and defeat Hitler and the German rowing team.  Brown’s work reads like fiction, but is meticulously researched, based on the men’s own journals, as well as interviews with survivors and family members.  A truly inspiring story that will give you hope in the dark days we are currently enduring.

 

 

 

Gold by Chris Cleave

In this novel, which was published to coincide with the 2012 London Olympics, the author of Little Bee explores the world of competitive cycling with the story of two friends and rivals who must compete with each other struggle with impossible choices in their quest for the gold.

 

 

 

 

Rome, 1960: The Olympics that Changed the World by David Maraniss

The 1960 Olympics were the Olympics of Wilma Rudolph and Cassius Clay. It was also the Olympics ushered in vast political and social change, according to Pulitzer Prize winning journalist David Maraniss. Sports became entangled in the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, the Nationalism identity war between China and Taiwan, as well as in the struggle for civil rights in America. Performing enhancing drugs and secret lucrative endorsements also begin to become part of the Olympic landscape in this watershed year.

 

 

The Games: A Global History of The Olympics by David Goldblatt 

A definitive history of the summer games, exploring the origin of many Olympic traditions, as well as the selection process, the influence of politics on the games, and profiles of the most memorable athletes.  Covers the beginning of the modern Olympics in 1896, through the Rio games of 2016.

 

 

 

 

Eddie The Eagle  (film)

A heartwarming film inspired by the true story of Eddie Edwards, an unlikely but determined British ski-jumper whose quest became one of the highlights of the 1988 winter games in Calgary. He never had a shot of winning a medal, and he became the butt of many a joke, but his determination to become an Olympian is the very definition of the Olympic spirit. Starring Taron Egerton as Eddie, and Hugh Jackman as a jaded coach who finds new purpose in his never-say-die pupil.

 

 

Bliss , Remembered by Frank DeFord 

Legendary sports journalist DeFord delved into fiction with this engrossing and poignant story of an American swimmer who unexpectedly falls for a young German during the 1936 Berlin games.  A satisfying mix of romance, history and sports.

 

 

 

 

Foxcatcher (film) and Foxcatcher: The True Story of My Brother's Murder, John du Pont's Madness, and the Quest for Olympic Gold by Mark Schultz

Both a book and a film adaptation, Foxcatcher is one of those bizarre stories you’d never believe if it weren't true. It’s about the murder of American wrestler Dave Schultz, by John du Pont, heir to the legendary du Pont fortune. du Pont was desperate to be around champions, so poured a ton of his money into creating an entire complex for the American wrestling team. But, du Pont became increasingly paranoid, delusional, and violent, and Schultz, who was once his trusted confidante became the victim of a senseless tragedy.

 

---

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!