A quick read about a life-long Cubs fan and his reaction to the 2016 World Series win. I expected to be annoyed by the book (as I am by fandom, in general), but I mostly enjoyed Simon’s stories and his connections with the team. It made me reminisce about my time as a Cub fan, that ended well before 2016.

I am a lifelong CUBBIES fan...thanks for the opportunity to read this book....LOVED IT!

Many fans of any sport have a team that they “love.” In the case of Scott Simon, a National Public Radio personality, that team is the Chicago Cubs. This book is a collection of stories, reflections and accounts of Simon’s team.

Simon tells of his family connection to two people who played big roles in the history of the team: former first baseman and manager Charlie Grimm and former Cubs broadcaster Jack Brickhouse. Grimm was married to a good friend of Simon’s mother and Brickhouse was a godfather. The tales of “Uncle Charlie” and “Uncle Jack” were interesting and added to the intimacy of the tales.

The writing was not especially insightful, especially the recap of the team’s most exciting moment in 108 years, the night when they won game 7 of the 2016 World Series. They were, however, something that a fan would write when reliving a great memory. The reverence that Scott feels for the Cubs is very evident throughout the book. One of the more clever aspects is that many of the infamous moments in the team’s history- the Curse of the Billy Goat during the World Series in 1945, the black cat as Shea Stadium in 1969 and the eighth inning meltdown in game 6 the 2003 National League Championship Series – are written to the same cadence as the famous “Tinker to Evers to Chance” poem.

The best line in the book comes near the end when Simon explains why he has the feelings for the team that he does. He explains that his “feeling for the Cubs is love, not loyalty. It has not always been pure pleasure to be a Cubs fan, but it’s never been a chore…” That one line explains much about the author, the book and what means to love one’s team. Most baseball fans can relate to this sentiment and therefore will enjoy this book written by a fan that truly illustrates a fan’s point of view.

I wish to thank Blue Rider Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of My Cubs: A Love Story by Scott Simon that I read and reviewed.
I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry as a total Cub fan it was so awesome reliving the the World Series and even going through all the heart break through the years that brought the team to the top. I loved how Simon relived the years that he spent in Chicago and what it was like growing up a Cub fan and having family that worked for the team.
This book was an insight to the team through the eyes of a true fan. How he saw the players, the team, the field, the wins, the losses, the idea of a curse and of course the Championship. This book is perfect for young and old because it will bring back memories and also introduce facts to younger Cub fans.
I am giving My Cubs: A Love Story five out of five stars.

There was a time, I must admit, that I would tease my husband and tell him Scott Simon was going to be my NEXT husband. After all, we have so much in common. Chicago, the Cubs, NPR . . . . well, I guess not that much. Let's just say that I've been a fan of Scott for a long time.

So, when offered the chance to read his latest book, My Cubs, before publication, I was all over it. It's a delightful read, weaving a bit of memoir with Chicago history and literature into the Chicago Cubs championship 2016 season. His writing is heartfelt and beautiful, much as his presence on his weekly Weekend Edition broadcasts. He paints the images of Wrigley Field clearly, and lets us in on corners of it we probably don't know. His description of the now epic Game 7 made my heart and stomach flutter, even though I know the outcome (by heart, in fact). My only regret is that I didn't have access to an audiobook edition. I'm sure the experience of this book as a listener will surpass the reading experience (something I rarely think) when read by Scott Simon's recognizable voice.

I highly recommend this delightful read to everyone, but especially Chicagoans and Cubs fans, wherever they may be.

MY CUBS by Scott Simon is about what it means to be a Cubs fan, the history of the Cubs from a fan's perspective, and Simon's own feelings about growing up Cubs fan and finally being rewarded with a World Series victory in 2016.
Clearly passionate about the Cubs, Simon analyzes the highs and lows of being a Cubs fan; he looks at the neighborhood, the park itself, the community of fans, etc to paint a picture of fans in Chicago, who despite the mediocrity and the almost successes, love their Cubbies. His own life enters the picture and he tells of growing up loving the Cubs. Heartfelt, honest, and introspective, MY CUBS is a treasure for Cubs fans and fascinating read for everyone else.

Part personal memoir of his experience as a fan and part history of the franchise, "My Cubs" is an engaging effort with heart and humor. While briefly sweeping through a number of years as a fan of the often-struggling team, the major emphasis is given to the 2016 successful quest to become World Series Champions. The book is intentionally more a love-letter from a fan than a serious history, but should be engaging to those who prefer either one over the other. The author's access to the team through both family and media connections provide a closer glimpse of some aspects than one might encounter from a typical fan's perspective. As a Cubs fan myself, I found the book an easy, brief, and engaging read. Disclaimer: I was given a galley copy of the book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.