TORONTO – With the Canadian National Exhibition in full swing, the sun beginning to set earlier and earlier, and the MLS Cup playoffs fast approaching, it is clear that summer is coming to an end.
But fret not, there is still time to get in some of the last-minute pleasures that come from this time of year.
One such summer pleasure, reading, holds a special place for Justin Morrow.
“Apart from soccer, all of us professionals have other hobbies,” said Morrow. “I live in a great city so I get out a lot, eat out a lot – food is a special hobby of mine – my other thing is reading.”
In order to share that passion, Morrow has been seen not only all over the pitch come July, but across Toronto, visiting classrooms, providing gifts, and discussing books with students in his summer reading program.
Launched in 2015, the Toronto FC defender has linked up with the Toronto District School Board to help promote the importance of education and literacy, while providing students an opportunity to make positive choices and thrive as part of the Model School for Inner Cities program.
“To be able to share that passion with the kids is very important,” smiled Morrow. "Not only is it my hobby, something that is important for me, it's helped me a lot in my career; [to] stay sharp, stay focused.”
Morrow, who studied at the University of Notre Dame, while excelling for the Fighting Irish, added: “Without school, and reading feeds into school, I wouldn't be here today.”
But this year’s Gold Cup commitments, where he, along with Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore lifted the trophy with the US Men's National Team, kept Morrow away from the classroom.
“It's unfortunate [I couldn't do the summer reading program this year],” lamented Morrow. “The way I had it worked out the Toronto School Board was they let me come in in the summer school period, which was July. I was gone all month. But definitely next year.”
In that spirit, TorontoFC.ca caught up with Morrow to get some of his recommendations for us older students.
Here's Morrow himself:
Take one glance at my list, you'll realize I'm not the biggest fan of fiction.
So if you're looking for the newest murder mystery to read on your summer vacation at the beach, sorry, but you won't find it here. That's not to say these stories won't keep you on the edge of your seat, I just find a story more impactful when I know it's real.
Although I stick to non-fiction, I'm not into the titles that tell you how you're supposed to feel. You know the "Eat this, change your life!" Or the "Happiness is only one step away" type. No, I just like a good story where I'm allowed to draw my own conclusion in the end.
It's not hard to tell but my list is full of inspirational figures with incredible stories. I've given a little snippet about why I've chosen each book. Each contains something I find interesting (I was a business major in College), something I'd like to be, or part of my hobbies.
A small list with a little bit of me:
Shoe Dog - Phil Knight
Try to forget the name of the company behind the man, and take this story for what it is. A spectacular account of American ingenuity & perseverance.
Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future - Ashlee Vance
The title says it all. Electric cars, space ships, hyperloops, etc. This guy wants to change the world. A modern-day visionary and this is his story.
Yes, Chef: A Memoir - Marcus Samuelson
Apart from being a dedicated family man & soccer fanatic, I'm also a huge foodie. I love simple, good, fancy, bad, different, all foods. There's not a thing I won't try and it's one of my favorite parts of living in a big city. This book is about food, but also an inspirational story about a remarkable man who overcame tough circumstances to rise to the top of the culinary world.
Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood - Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah is a television host of Comedy's Central's The Daily Show. He's funny, witty & and an international sensation, all things I'm not. This book details his winding path to stardom including growing up with racial struggles in post-apartheid South Africa, his mother's overbearing & undying love, with plenty of laughs along the way.
Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy Seal Team Six Operator Adam Brown - Eric Blehm
This is a book I always come back to when I need some perspective. The story of Adam Brown's character, sacrifices and love from others will take you through a range of emotions. In the end, you'll realize your problems are insignificant in comparison to others.
