Book Log 2010 #36: The Kings of New York by Michael Weinreb

Stefan Fatsis' Word Freak set the standard for a new genre of non-fiction, where writers delve into a subculture focused on a specific game or pastime and examine on set of (usually very good) practicioners to show the depths of their particular obsession.

(OK, this may not be an actual genre, but it does seem like more of these books showed up after Word Freak. Maybe I'm just more aware of them.)

Anyway, this book takes a year to follow the chess team at Edward R. Murrow High School in New York, a group of multi-ethnic oddballs whose focus on chess is fostered by the school's open approach to learning, nurtured by city programs such as the one the brings chess into elementary schools, and guided by a coach whose interest in the game and the students eclipses his own skills.

As with many of the books, the actual events of the season pale against the personalities of the players and their interactions. For example, the growing feud between the team's top two players brings an interesting subplot, one often seen in sports that never gets considered in more intellectual pursuits. That they both seem to feel that the school team is increasingly beneath their talents turns up the tension.

There's a fine line between writing about teenagers making a serious pursuit and exploiting the kids to get good copy from their idiosyncracies, but the line is traveled well here. The result is a great balance between the "year in the life" aspect of the story - will they win another national title? - and the conflicts within each player regarding their love for the game, its impact on their academics and personal lives, and relationships with teammates, teachers and family. And, from a technical standpoint, you really don't have to know how to play chess to follow the story, as explanations are made quite clearly as needed. Very much worth a read.