Book Review :: The Detroit Lions by Dave Birkett
Review by Denise Hill
As a native Michigander and lifelong fan, I was excited to see Dave Birkett’s, The Detroit Lions : An Illustrated Timeline. First, there’s no one better to tell this story than Birkett, a sports journalist covering the team since 2010, and second – it’s the Detroit Lions! Still, I was skeptical I could appreciate this tome, with reminiscences back to the team’s start in 1934 (waaaay before my fan time) and (sorry Dave) likely a lot of stats to make my brain wander.
Winnowing 90 years of history down to under 200 pages, with pictures, is no small task, but Birkett harnesses this successfully. There is a new segment every page or two-page spread (perfect for open-book display) and a photo on every page.
Each segment focuses on a player, game, coach, element of play, or some facet related to the team. I learned the roots of the Thanksgiving game-day tradition (“Why is it always the Lions?”) and the team’s signature colors, Honolulu Blue and Silver, and about the two players who sang backup on Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” While there are many celebratory stories, as a reporter and not a PR spin doctor, Birkett does not shy away from somber and sometimes downright shameful notes: rifts among personnel, devastating game losses, unethical behaviors, players sustaining life-altering injuries, and the passing of many greats due to various causes.
And yes, there’s data for enthusiasts who love to recall these key moments, but Birkett couches this within unique narratives, managing a fine balance to keep readers with a range of interests engaged. Birkett’s own voice is subtle, crafting the historical record and quotes from central figures to speak as the voice of The Lions. His rhetoric guides readers to sense the sorrow, disgust, frustration, excitement, and humor in many relived memories.
As Thanksgiving comes around, and you roll your eyes and once again ask, “Why is it always the Lions?” Answer: Because it’s THE LIONS! And each year, believe me, fans will also roll their eyes and ask, “Will they do it this year?”
What say you, Dave?
Don’t answer, because as true Lions fans know, predictions don’t matter. We always show up to cheer our team for the win.
The Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline by Dave Birkett. Reedy Press, October 2024.
Reviewer bio: NewPages.com Editor Denise Hill reviews books based on personal interest.
