Outcasts United

    Who willing wants to read any assigned book, further more, who wants to read an assigned summer reading book? I know I did not at all. However, my education is very critical to me, and I knew I had to do what I had to do. And, that was to read Outcasts United, by Warren St. John. At first, I did not think I'd like the book at all, because I figured how would I be able to relate to this book to actually enjoy it? But, much to my surprise, I enjoyed the book. I myself use to be a soccer player, and the book truly made me wish that I still played. I found the aspects of the book about soccer to be riveting and lively. Yes, at times the book seemed to go on and on, however, anytime I reached a part about soccer, I imagined it, truly upheld a visual of it all (taken from my own experiences) and felt the game. Soccer though, was not the only theme throughout entire book.
    Outcasts United is a story of Luma Mufleh. She was born into a very traditional family in Jordan. However, traditional was the furthest thing Luma desired to be, even though it was expected of her. Luma got to attend college in the United States, and after which she did not return to Jordan, mainly because she knew she could not follow the traditional ways that were so sought out for her. In Atlanta, Georgia, while driving through Clarkston, Luma came across the game of soccer, played by refugee boys. Having prior experience coaching soccer, she became the new coach for the group of boys. She learned of their lives and struggles, and in some ways, became a mentor to them. 
    Outcasts United reminded myself of my own troubles that I've experienced, and how soccer was outlet to escape it all, and forget whatever was occurring in that present time. I wish I still played soccer, because watching the game, and reading of it, makes me miss it all that much more. But in conclusion, Outcasts United was an accomplished summer reading book that I actually did enjoy.