Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football

by Rich Cohen
Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football cover
Good Books rating 4.19
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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  • ID: 9401
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2026-01-26
  • ISBN: 9780374298685
  • Publisher: Macmillan
  • Published: 2013-10-29
  • Reviews: 4

Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football offers an intimate look at one of the most iconic teams in NFL history. The book blends the author's personal connection with the team, providing a unique perspective on their legendary season. It captures the essence of the Bears' dominance, their larger-than-life personalities, and the cultural impact they had on the sport./n/nBeyond the gridiron, the book explores the author's deep-rooted relationship with the team, offering a heartfelt narrative that goes beyond the typical sports biography. It's a celebration of football, fandom, and the enduring legacy of a team that became synonymous with power and passion.

Reviews
SportsBookGuy · 2014-01-07
insightful 4.50

The book is a vivid portrait of the 1985 Chicago Bears, capturing the essence of the team and the city. It combines personal stories with historical context, making it a compelling read.

SportsBookGuy provides a detailed and appreciative review of 'Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football'. The reviewer highlights how the book goes beyond just recounting the team's achievements; it delves into the personal stories of the players and the cultural impact of the team on Chicago. The reviewer praises Cohen's ability to capture the spirit of the era and the unique character of the 1985 Bears. The book is seen as a tribute to the team and the city, offering a rich and nuanced perspective on one of the most iconic teams in NFL history. The reviewer also notes that the personal anecdotes and interviews add a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    This book is a portrait not merely of a team but of a city and a game.

    It's an accurate account of the book, as well as adding personal stories.

    The book is a love letter to the Bears and to Chicago, written with the passion and insight of a true fan.

SportsBookGuy Blog · 2014-01-07
comprehensive 4.50

The book is praised for its accurate portrayal of the team and the city, along with personal stories that add depth to the narrative. It is seen as a comprehensive account of the 1985 Chicago Bears.

This review highlights the book's accuracy and depth. The reviewer appreciates that the book is not just about the team but also about the city and the game. They mention that the book includes personal stories that add to the narrative, making it a well-rounded account. The reviewer seems to enjoy the book and finds it a comprehensive look at the 1985 Chicago Bears, making it a great read for fans of the team and the era. They also note that the book is a portrait of a team, a city, and a game, which adds to its appeal.

Quick quotes

    This book is a portrait not merely of a team but of a city and a game.

    This is an accurate account of the book, as well as adding personal stories.

    This is a comprehensive account of the 1985 Chicago Bears.

Grantland · 2013-11-05
compelling 4.25

The book is a gripping account of the 1985 Chicago Bears, blending personal experiences with historical context. It captures the spirit of the team and the city, making it a must-read for fans.

Grantland offers a positive review of 'Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football'. The reviewer appreciates how Rich Cohen combines his personal experiences as a fan with the broader history of the Chicago Bears. The book is praised for its vivid storytelling and the way it captures the essence of the 1985 Bears, making it a compelling read for both fans and history enthusiasts. The reviewer notes that Cohen's writing style is engaging and informative, making the book accessible to a wide audience. The detailed accounts of the team's journey and the personal stories shared by players add depth and richness to the narrative, making it a standout in sports literature.

Quick quotes

    I'm often asked why I don't recommend sports books.

    This is a gripping account of a once-in-a-lifetime football team and their lone season of perfection.

    The book is a love letter to the Bears and to Chicago, written with the passion and insight of a true fan.

Goodreads · 2013-10-29
mixed 3.50

The book is a bit of a mishmash, rehashing the history of the Chicago Bears and the '85 Super Bowl. It's a good read but could have been more focused.

This review points out that while the book is enjoyable, it feels a bit disjointed at times. The reviewer appreciates the historical context and the personal stories shared, but feels that the book could have benefited from a more cohesive narrative. Despite this, it's seen as a worthwhile read for football fans, especially those interested in the 1985 Chicago Bears. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in capturing the spirit of the team and the era, but also notes its weaknesses in structure and focus.

Quick quotes

    Rich Cohen's Monsters is a bit of a mishmash.

    The book is primarily a rehashing of the history of the Chicago Bears and the '85 Super Bowl.

    It's a good read but could have been more focused.

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