Teresa Goddard Rocco

While I've not completed this book, by Chapter 4 it had me gripped in the telling of the stories of each different member of the Grunfeld family. Having been a student at Tennessee during the Grunfeld era, this book can magically transport you back to a time that was not only special as a Volunteer, but broadens your realization of how special it was to see Ernie Grundfeld play the game of basketball. I find myself rooting for his son Dan and in awe of Ernie's mother who I vividly remember meeting after Ernie's last home game in Stokely Athletic Center in Knoxville. The book weaves through each of the stories simultaneously which makes the read more compelling and exciting. Even though I witnessed so much of this story, I was holding my breath to see if the family would have an Olympic athlete and was brought to tears at so many of the passages. For anyone who is a fan of basketball, a student of recent history or just loves a good story, "By the Grace of the Game" does not disappoint. We all can learn from these passages: lessons of perseverance, determination, courage, grace, generosity and hard work. It is a testament that there is no trace of bitterness or anger, in these pages. Thank you Dan Grundfeld for sharing your family story.