Fans book
IN THE PRESS
Below is a sampling of the attention and recognition the new book Fans: How Watching Sports Makes Us Happier, Healthier And More Understanding is getting in the media.
For news and updates on other sports and sports fan topics in the news, please see the Blog Page.
Fans author Larry Olmsted has recently appeared on numerous radio shows including Philadelphia’s Fanatic sports talk radio, Vermont Radio Network and Michigan’s Big Show. Many more radio and television approaches to come!
Los Angeles Times:
Fans author Larry Olmsted on Spectator Sports & Healing (Op-Ed)
“Sports has the track record to prove their link between trying times and healing… America’s stadiums are often described as temples of their respective sports, but the reality is they are bigger than houses of worship and are often the largest places people can come together. When the games resume, stadiums will once again be full of fans celebrating normalcy, the simple fact that they can sit next to strangers instead of staying six feet away - and cheer as one.”
United Airlines Hemispheres:
March 2021
“After a uniquely challenging year, and with the future looking brighter yet still uncertain, we as individuals and as a society can use all the help we can get. As you tune into tonight’s game, take a moment to appreciate not only what sports give to fans, but also what fans give to sports. While the focus is often aimed at what happens on the field, without the people watching in the stands and at home, none of the aforementioned societal impact would be possible. Give yourselves a hand, sports fans.”
Wall Street Journal:
Interviewing Fans author Larry Olmsted on the future of sports post-pandemic
“I think there’s a potential for people to expand their notion of what is a spectator sport as a result of their experience in the pandemic.”
SILive.com:
Book Review
“Sports fanatics rejoice!
Whether you are a devoted fan of Serena Williams, can never miss a New York Giants game, or you are counting down the days until the 2021 Summer Olympics, FANS illustrates how a passion for sports also provides community and hope. The book shows how sports act as a cultural currency, a global language, and a source of healing, and it displays recent groundbreaking studies into the effects of sports fandom.”
Booklist, The Magazine of the American Library Association:
Book Review
“Olmsted’s study offers ideas fans would do well to take seriously.
For sports fans feeling even slightly guilty over parking themselves in front of a TV for a few hours to watch, say, a football game, this volume offers a winning counterargument: It’s good for your health!”
Michigan's Big Show:
Talk Radio
“A Must-Read For Any Sports Fan!
Olmsted’s Book Put Me In The Stands, Wearing My Jersey And Cheering – For Myself!
It Turns Out Being A Rabid Fan Is Good For My Health.”
USA Today:
Op-Ed Opinion Piece
March Madness is an opportunity for basketball fans to give back. They won't be alone.
"One of the most overlooked advantages of sports is a higher rate of charitable giving, volunteerism and community service by fans."
Library Journal:
Book Review
“Even though it is evident he spent a lot of time researching this book, Olmsted writes accessibly, and his work will engage readers of all ages. VERDICT: While there have been other books written about fandom, this is a quick read that even casual fans of sports may enjoy.”
NetGallery.com Librarians Review Site:
Book Review
“An entertaining look at the ways being a sports fan enhances lives.” Rating: 4 out of 5 stars."
