Mark Leibovich Libri

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of *This Town*, this book offers a sharp examination of pro football, America's cultural juggernaut, during a time of immense success and underlying anxiety. Mark Leibovich, a lifelong New England Patriots fan, reflects on his obsession with the sport, particularly during the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era, which transformed the team into a dominant force and polarized its fan base. While building a career in political journalism, Leibovich attempted to connect with Brady for a profile, only to be surprised when the quarterback agreed to let him shadow him during the 2014 season—a pivotal year marked by a Super Bowl victory and the infamous Deflategate scandal. This four-year journey takes Leibovich deep into the NFL, capturing the essence of what may be considered "peak football," showcasing the sport's financial success and cultural significance while hinting at its impending challenges. He explores the NFL's explosive revenue growth alongside the unsettling realities of player safety, particularly concerning concussions. As the league intersects with America's culture wars, Leibovich navigates this tumultuous landscape while keeping a close eye on Brady and the Patriots, culminating in the 2017-2018 season. This engaging narrative reveals that while pro football may not be the sport America needs, it is undeniably the one we deserve.

"A book about contemporary political culture in Washington, DC"-- Washington funerals can make great networking opportunities. Disgraced Hill aides can overcome ignominy and emerge with a more potent "brand" than many elected members of Congress. There are no Democrats and Republicans anymore in the nation's capital, just millionaires. That is the grubby secret of the place in the twenty-first century: no matter how many elections you lose, apologies you make, or scandals you endure, Washington is the nexus of big politics, big money, big media, and big vanity.