Hey Everybody!
Hope you all are well. For this post I am reviewing the recently released (November 24, 2015) book "Concussion" by Jeanne Marie Laskas, which is also being made into a movie set to be released on Christmas. I want to first of all thank Netgalley, Random House Trade Paperbacks (the publisher), and Jeanne Marie Laskas (the author) for an Advanced Reading Copy in return for an honest review. For those of you who haven't yet bought this book, now is the time to do it. You have 21 days to read it before the movie comes out on Christmas. To buy a copy of this book please click HERE.
I would give this book 4 stars out of 5. This book was so much more than the story of Dr. Omalu's discovery of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and the uproar it caused with the NFL. It was about Dr. Omalu, his journey spanning across two continents in finding himself. It is about a man who is determined to find the truth, find the answers to his questions. Dr. Omalu is a man of conviction, he has a strong moral character and doesn't back down when he is doubted or questioned. He stands up for what's right no matter what. It is the story and life of Dr. Omalu his own intimate narrative. And yes it is the stories of the retired football players who suffered with CTE and their long battle with the NFL.
The author did such an excellent job of bringing Dr. Omalu to life. Reading this book felt so real, it was like I was observing Dr. Omalu's life and seeing his life through his eyes. This book was an eye opener, it boldly told the story exactly how it happened, nothing was sugarcoated or exaggerated, it told it like it was. It presented the timeline of events, the hardcore truth, the facts which allowed the reader to form his/her own opinions. This story portrayed how Dr. Omalu's Nigerian and American culture connected and collided with each other. Dr. Omalu was able to connect and related with the football players who suffered with CTE, and through this connection was how he made the discovery that would set the NFL into a frenzy. This story is sad, it could have been told in a pessimistic, cynical tone. However, it wasn't it was hopeful and inspiring, it told a story of tenacity, courage, hope, and conviction.
The only criticism I can make was the beginning of the book was choppy it didn't flow well. I wish the story didn't start with the courtroom scene in the U.S. The storyline picked up and was a lot smoother after the second chapter. Overall this book was well done. It was a story worth telling. And I hope the movie will be just as great as the book is. The movie has a lot to live up to. So treat yourself to an early holiday gift and buy this book today so you can enjoy it as much as I did.
Until the next page,
Jill
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