PAPER LION Confessions of a Last-String Quarterback

Narrator Dan Woren brings a cadre of creative voices to one of George Plimpton’s sports journalism books. With unprecedented access, Plimpton famously spent time with the Detroit Lions, and even managed to play briefly in an intra-squad scrimmage. Plimpton’s reporting recounts off-the-field antics and on-the-field perspectives, and Woren gives the players and coaches quoted fun, assertive, and sometimes gruff voices. Thanks to his attentive narration, each player maintains an identity, including Plimpton, who is given slightly patrician diction throughout the telling of this first-person story. Thanks to Woren, no one looks bad here. Plimpton is always game for trying. Fans gain keen insights. And the Lions come off as well-rounded—though sometimes sophomoric—people, not just one-dimensional athletes. M.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2016]