'Monday Morning Quarterback' book review

by Ed Valentine on Oct 13, 2009 7:00 AM EDT in New York Giants News

I have to preface this post by saying I am not the world's biggest Peter King fan. I read his 'Monday Morning Quarterback' column every week simply because it has become pretty much required reading for anyone who writes about the NFL.

I bring that up because King is out with a book aptly titled -- what would you expect? -- 'Monday Morning Quarterback.' I received an advance copy of the book to review, and before you read what I have to say about the work I wanted to be sure you know where I stand on King.

The book is a compilation of King's favorite MMQB columns, with some updated commentary to set the scene or to give a little new insight to a dated topic.

To be honest, anti-King sentiment and all I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading much of what is in the book. I love to learn behind the scenes details that don't come out in the day-to-day reporting and in the usual analysis stories and columns. I also love heartfelt stories that are well told. King's book includes both. FULL DISCLOSURE: I cheated and 'cherry-picked' my way through some of the book. I did skip a couple of the columns/chapters that held no interest for me.

There is a great chapter in the book about the twists and turns of how the Eli Manning to the Giants saga unfolded in 2004. The Giants came really, really close to just taking Ben Roethlisberger and skipping the whole thing.

There is another great chapter in the book about former Giant defensive end George Martin and his experiences walking to raise money for forgotten 9/11 victims.

There are chapters on greatest players of today, greatest players of all time, the things King would do if he was commissioner for a day, and a lot more.

If you love King, you will love this book. Even if you don't love King, or you don't read him regularly, you can find some things in 'Monday Morning Quarterback' that you will enjoy.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Where do you find the time

Thanks for the honest insight into the book.

Just where do you find the time to read, search the internet for articles and post them and answer emails etc?

Keep up the excellent work as BBV is the only place to go for Giants news.

by G Fan in England on Oct 13, 2009 7:14 AM EDT reply actions

Well ...

Lucky for you guys … and not so lucky for me, at least financially … I have been without full time work for a year now. Blogging has pretty much become my full-time job.

by Ed Valentine on Oct 13, 2009 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry to hear that

Whilst it will be BBV’s loss I hope your employment situation improves sooner rather than later.

by G Fan in England on Oct 13, 2009 7:37 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks

I love doing this. It’s just not possible to make a living from it.

by Ed Valentine on Oct 13, 2009 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Ed, keep the faith

Where else can we turn for all the Giants news AND a fan from across the pond using the word “whilst”?

by nybaseballgiants on Oct 13, 2009 8:47 AM EDT reply actions

Yes our British buddy...

I was very happy that he came all the way over here and saw a great game!!

by Bobbiblue on Oct 13, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions

I pretty much think Peter King is an idiot

But it sounds like his book may be worth reading..Sorry to hear the job issue Ed, but it looks like like this “Economic Crater” our lovely Government and the crooked financial institutions created, is starting to slowly bounce back so hopefully you’ll land something soon..Your obviously talented and it would be selfish of me to say stay with your excellent work and writing on BBV..Oh hell, I will be selfish

by Bobbiblue on Oct 13, 2009 9:04 AM EDT reply actions

Thinking about it, Ed.

I believe you’ve given up on newspapers. You should. When guys like you and Paladino can’t find work, it tells me that the jobs in that business will be fewer and fewer. Ever think of writinga book? Hell, I’ve had a couple published, so why not you? How about a memoir of a year doing a Giants blog? The Frankie Filchock story? It’s all but forgotten now, but it has relevance as a question of justice. (People have been arguing about Billy Budd’s fate since Melville wrote it and will continue to do so in the future.) How about fiction? Working as an editor for a small town, privately owned newspaper, a subject you know from personal experience. Most newspaper guys have an itch to write a book. If you do, this might be your opportunity to scratch it.

by blue gonz on Oct 13, 2009 9:17 AM EDT reply actions

George

You and I need to chat. There are a couple of book ideas floating around in my brain, and you might be able to help me.

by Ed Valentine on Oct 13, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Get in touch whenever.

I’ll be upstate from 10/16-10/27, closing the lake house. No computer there (or Direct TV). E-mail me for phone # if you like. My books were published in ‘78, so I don’t exactly have my ear to the market. I’ve been working on a trilogy for years, but to date haven’t aroused any interest from agents. (Next to impossible to get anything published w/o an agent these days. Maybe when I finish the damn thing.) I always thought Billy Scharr’s story would be a good one, best player in upstate NY history (QB, anyway) and look what happened . So many wrong choices. He’s coaching at one of those Rochester coleges now, Roberts Wesleyan maybe(or maybe it’s one of the Green brothers who played for Michigan State.)

by blue gonz on Oct 13, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions

i like Peter King

the only exception was when he ranked all 32 NFL quarterbacks before the 2007 season and had J.P. Losman ahead of Eli Manning. the rest of the list is laughingly bad.

i know Eli was at a crossroads going into ’07, but J.P. Losman was never better than Eli. in fact, he was never even close – ditto for Leinart which King also had ahead of Eli.

i guess even great writers (did i mention Ben Roethlisberger checked in at #17 on King’s list) have their off-days.

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Oct 13, 2009 10:10 AM EDT reply actions

Peter King

PK is good stuff. I don’t always agree with his opinions, but he is a good writer and quality source of inside information. I really miss Dr. Z though…

by Aceholioo on Oct 13, 2009 5:33 PM EDT reply actions

over/under on Brett Favre anecdotes

150? 300? 500? All kidding aside, when he can be objective I don’t really mind King that much.

Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!

by bigbluethruandthru on Oct 13, 2009 8:01 PM EDT reply actions