Finished 'Friday Night Lights', today,

and am amazed by the feelings that linger. As I said, there's a reason H. G. Bissinger won a Pulitzer for his in-depth dissection of a Texas town's obsession with it's high school football program. They live and breathe it, not only cuz there's not much else to do, but there's a passion, there, that transcends everyday life and elevates it's players and disciples to a bigger than life stage. A toughness and oneness of spirit that makes it a highlight of the participant's lives. A goal to aspire to, with memories to last a life time. I was a high school athlete, who will be remembered for a last second shot that won the Big Ten Championship, but the stage wasn't comparable. The author, even ten years later, is still afraid to return, with threats to his life a common occurence, although the main characters all agree he did an honest portrayal as he updated their stories ten years later. He was trusted, and got to know the players, coaches and townspeople on his way to documenting an amazing season in the most fanatical high school football town, in a state FULL of high school football fanatics. He mixed sacrifice and hard work with politics, economics and racism, and came up with a story that everyone should read, if they want to begin to understand the enigma that is Texas. My hat's off to you Mr Bissinger, for telling a story in a painfully honest, exciting glimpse into a world that most people never see. Will add more later, but for now, just want thank him for that exciting ride, in the world of Texas football, as it played out in Odessa/Midland, Texas, in 1988. Wow....