It's 1976 and the United States is home to The Giganticos, a football super squad led by the one and only Pearl of Brazil, and more or less the only reason AASSA (American All-Star Soccer Association) exists.
Enter Danny Hooper, a third-division English footballer from East Southwhich Albion, whose thuggish reputation limits him to playing the role of enforcer on the pitch, despite his admiration for the artistry of world-class football from Latin America and the Continent. After Danny takes his frustrations out on an unfortunate opponent's tibia, he finds himself sold to the Rose City Revolution of Portland. But there is more to the trade than a shocked Danny could ever imagine: turns out,he's going to America not just to introduce soccer to its skeptical masses, but to help foil a communist plot.
What is the plot exactly? What could Danny possibly do to stop it? The future of America's soccer league, not to mention the life of the world's greatest soccer player, hangs in the balance; but it is author Dennie Wendt's pure love of the game, and his poetic sideline accounting of the Revolution's season, match by match, that will leave you cheering at the end.
Join the Booked Library & Literary Project team and local author Dennie Wendt as we discuss “Hooper’s Revolution” and reminisce about American soccer in the 1970s at The Toffee Club before the Timbers match on April 13 at 3 PM. You’ll get the chance to ask Dennie about what inspired him to write this fictional tale and it’s eerie connections to actual events of the era. We'll also play some NASL trivia for unique prizes, and maybe meet some special guests! You’ll also get first dibs on a great seat to watch the Timbers play Dallas (FC? Tornado? Debacle?)
Space is limited so please RSVP!
"Hooper's Revolution" is available on loan at the Booked Lending Library Multnomah County Library; and for sale at Possession Soccer Store, Powell's, Annie Bloom's Books, and online.
Check out this video! - hooper2_903.mp4 Excerpts and reviews
