The author of "We Own This Game" tells the story of Mexico's infamous border city ravaged by violence, but held together by the resilience of its citizens and one beloved soccer team.

About the Author

Robert Andrew Powell is the author of "We Own This Game" (Grove/Atlantic, 2003), a story of race, politics and football in Miami. The book was excerpted in Sports Illustrated; the magazine later named it one of the Best Books of 2003. His journalism has appeared in the New York Times, the New York Times Magazine, Play, Slate, Mother Jones, Inc., 5280, Sports Illustrated, Runner's World, the Kansas City Star, on public radio's "This American Life with Ira Glass," and in the "Best American Sports Writing" anthology. He also produced a documentary film, "Year of the Bull," which first aired on Showtime. He has won a James Beard Award for his food writing and twice been a finalist for the Livingston Award. He lives in Miami.

Reviews

Praise for WE OWN THIS GAME: Brilliant...sharply written...compulsively readable. Steve Almond, Salon.com A solidly researched, well-written, chilling account of how screwed up a youth sport can be. NPR's 'Only a Game' Hair-raising...you finish the book furious that so much of the joy of sports has been snatched from so many kids who never get the childhood they deserve. Sports Illustrated 'Best Sports Books of 2003' Powell paints the city of Miami in short, sharp strokes...[he] tells a story that ultimately isn't about youth football, but about America itself. Seattle Times [A] superbly written account of a strange and twisted world. Dallas Morning News