Sometimes you need a book that reminds you what people are capable of. These six inspirational sports books tell true stories of extraordinary grit, unlikely comebacks and the human spirit refusing to quit, from a WWII survivor to a Depression-era rowing crew to a cricketer beating cancer. Read one when you need a lift, or give one to someone who does.
Quick picks:
- Most powerful: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. View on Amazon
- Best underdog story: The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. View on Amazon
- Most motivating: Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins. View on Amazon
True stories of survival and triumph
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Laura Hillenbrand is a narrative historian. The near-unbelievable survival story of Olympian Louis Zamperini, from the track to a WWII POW camp. Gripping and inspiring.
Best for: Survival and the Olympian.
→ View on AmazonSeabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
Laura Hillenbrand is a narrative historian. The Depression-era racehorse who lifted a nation, told with novelistic sweep. One of the great narrative nonfiction books.
Best for: A Depression-era legend.
→ View on AmazonThe Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Daniel James Brown is a narrative historian. The stirring true story of the 1936 US Olympic rowing team. A beloved, deeply moving underdog tale told with warmth.
Best for: The great underdog story.
→ View on AmazonOvercoming the odds
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins
David Goggins is a former Navy SEAL and endurance athlete. David Goggins's brutal, motivating memoir of overcoming everything through sheer will. A phenomenon and a superb audiobook.
Best for: Mental toughness, extreme.
→ View on AmazonOpen by Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi is a former world number one. Andre Agassi's astonishingly honest memoir, widely called the best sports autobiography ever written. Raw, beautiful and unforgettable.
Best for: The best sports memoir.
→ View on AmazonThe Test of My Life by Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh is an Indian World Cup hero. Yuvraj Singh's raw account of the 2011 World Cup triumph and the cancer battle that followed. An inspiring story of resilience.
Best for: Inspiration and resilience.
→ View on AmazonHow we chose these
We looked for the sports books that last: player memoirs with something real to say, credentialed sports scientists and psychologists and the acclaimed journalists and historians who turn a game into a story. A few iconic novels earn a place too and we label them as fiction. We describe and compare these books to help you choose your next read.
