Dear Debbie Spring,While looking for a book in the school library, your novel, Breathing Soccer, instantly caught my attention. I love soccer! So, without hesitation I checked the book out. At that time, I had no idea what Lisa’s story would mean to me.
Your book taught me a simple, but very important lesson: never give up! You hear this all the time, but the book truly motivated me to go on even in rough times. It was very moving when you described how Lisa suffered, for instance when her dog was taken away from her because she was allergic, or when her soccer coach wouldn’t let her play on the team because she had asthma. However, she never gave up and kept going until she became the soccer player she always knew she could be.
At the time I was reading your book, I was experiencing some hardships too. I was struggling to get good grades at school. If I did not do well in my studies, I knew I would have to drop out of competitive soccer and tennis. Also, I fought a lot with my family because I was upset all the time. The special bond I had with my family seemed to be breaking.
What made matters worse is that I was recovering from a broken arm, and I was trying to play soccer and tennis again. I was one of the best tennis players in my town, but my comeback was a very rough one. I kept losing match after match, and it came to the point where I would cry after every defeat.
When Lisa played as goal-keeper and the opposing team kept scoring on her, she felt like “the world was against her”. The day I was reading that part of the book, I went to soccer practice. My team was split into two groups, and we had to dribble around the cones as fast as we could. I was the last player to dribble and we were in the lead. But I messed up, and our team lost. Everybody yelled at me, and blamed me for the loss. At that moment I truly felt like I was in Lisa’s cleats and I was on the verge of tears. I understood how it feels like when the world is against you.
Your novel inspired me in setting three goals: get my grades up, make up for the fights I’ve had with my family, and finally, win a Gran Prix, our town’s main tennis tournament. If Lisa could become a breathtaking athlete despite her asthma, why can’t I? I only broke an arm! So, instead of slouching during classes, I fixed my posture and actually listened to what my teacher was saying. I apologized to my parents and brother; they immediately forgave me. I also trained very hard during practices.
I was hesitant to sign up for the upcoming tennis tournament. But I knew I should face the challenge. I played three tough matches, and I won them all! I felt like I was on top of the world. My family was very proud of me. This reminded me of Lisa’s success in the soccer tournament’s final match.
Your book wasn’t just a story to me. It was like a friend helping me to get back on my feet when I was struggling. The book didn’t just help me in sports, but also in my studies, and in improving relationships with my family. It made me realize that there will be times in life where it is going to be bumpy. But I need to keep going and believe in myself no matter what. Now, it feels like nothing is going to stop me from chasing my dreams. Thank you for Breathing Soccer. It is amazing to me that a book can inspire and motivate me so much, even in very hard times.
Sincerely,
Neha Gopal
