You’re glued to your phone, refreshing the Olympic results, your thumbs aching from texting friends about the heart-stopping finish, the dramatic upset, the sheer brilliance of it all. But the Games are over, the medals have been awarded, and the joyous (or bittersweet) feelings linger. Now what?

Don’t let the Olympic spirit fade! Instead, dive deeper into the world of sports and stories that captivated you during the Games. Here’s a guide to your next literary adventure, inspired by your Olympic texting habits:

If you’re texting about…

The underdog story: The athlete who overcame all odds to reach the podium.

Read:

“The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown: The inspiring true story of the 1936 American rowing team who defied expectations to win gold.

“The Fish That Ate the Whale” by Rich Cohen: The unlikely story of George Steinbrenner, the controversial owner of the New York Yankees, whose ambition and tenacity fueled his success.

“Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” by Trevor Noah: The hilarious and moving memoir of a comedian who grew up during apartheid, defying the odds to find his voice.

The inspiring comeback: Witnessing an athlete return from injury or adversity to reclaim their glory.

Read:

“Open: An Autobiography” by Andre Agassi: A raw and honest account of Agassi’s journey from tennis prodigy to battling inner demons to finding redemption on the court.

“Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand: The unforgettable true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who survived a plane crash and years in a Japanese POW camp.

“The Last Race” by Carol Ann Duffy: A captivating verse novel about the legendary British runner, Harold Abrahams, and his journey to win gold in the 1924 Paris Olympics.

The thrilling final moments: The nail-biting competition that had you on the edge of your seat.

Read:

“Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game” by Michael Lewis: A fascinating look at the Oakland A’s, a baseball team that defied the odds with a groundbreaking statistical approach to team building.

“The Miracle on Ice” by Buzz Bissinger: The true story behind the 1980 US Olympic hockey team’s historic upset over the Soviet Union, a David vs. Goliath tale for the ages.

“The Boys in the Band” by Mart Crowley: A groundbreaking play that captures the tension and drama of a group of gay men at a birthday party, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of a generation.

The awe-inspiring feats of strength and skill: The athletes who pushed the boundaries of human potential.

Read:

“The Perfect Shot” by Mark Levin: A compelling story about the legendary basketball player, Larry Bird, and his journey to the top.

“The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach: A moving and insightful novel about a talented college baseball player who navigates the challenges of love, loss, and the pursuit of greatness.

“The Climb” by Michael Roberts: An adrenaline-pumping account of the quest to climb the world’s highest mountains, a testament to the human spirit’s limits.

Beyond the field of play: The stories of the athletes, their struggles, their triumphs, and their lives beyond the Games.

Read:

“The Sports Gene” by David Epstein: A fascinating exploration of the science behind athletic performance, delving into genetics, training, and the psychology of success.

“The Olympian” by Caroline Moorhead: A captivating biography of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, revealing his vision and the struggles to bring it to life.

“The Race Against Time” by Paul Hemphill: A poignant account of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, a time of political turmoil and social change.

The Olympic spirit: The values of sportsmanship, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence that transcend the Games themselves.

Read:

“The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown (again!): While a compelling story about athletic achievement, it also explores themes of teamwork, resilience, and the power of human connection.

“Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer: A gripping account of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, exploring themes of human ambition, risk-taking, and the ethics of pushing limits.

“The Greatest Game Ever Played” by Mark Frost: A captivating story of the legendary 1919 US Open golf tournament, highlighting the rivalry between two iconic players and the changing landscape of the sport.

No matter what captivated you during the Olympics, there’s a story out there waiting to be discovered. So, grab a book, settle in, and let the Olympic spirit continue to inspire and ignite your imagination.