Jeff Pearlman: Boys Will Be Boys (2008)

Posted by admin on Nov 18, 2008 in Arts & Culture | 0 comments

For me, the Dallas Cowboys’ dynasty of the early-mid-90s is a clouded memory, as I was nine when they won their last of three Super Bowls. Jeff Pearlman, the bestselling author of The Bad Guys Won, which delves into the World Series season of the 1986 New York Mets, follows the formula of a sports writer with 2008’s Boys Will Be Boys for his look at the Cowboys.

Through candid interviews and various news articles, Pearlman crafts the elaborate background that had the Cowboys regain their position as America’s Team in the early ’90s, only to have their dynasty end and franchise unravel over the next ten years.

Pearlman doesn’t shy away from bashing people who deserve it, which is commendable, as often sports writers are more concerned with keeping up good relations than actual journalism. The book is full of humorous anecdotes, party tales and insider back stories on the players, coaches and owner Jerry Jones.
Not exceptionally written, Pearlman writes like a sports writer, adding little literary value of his own, and rather letting the story tell itself. For those interested in what goes on inside the world of professional sport, including the partying, deal-making and on-field heroics, this book is definitely worth reading.