My top book recommendation of 2022: Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life by Alex Bellos. “Of all nations, none has a people that loves and falls in love more than mine,” says soccer icon Sócrates Brasileiro in the preface. Bellos tells a rich story of cultural and political history. It’s not an encyclopedia; it’s a story. Lots of colorful oral history. I finally feel like I’m beginning to understand Brazil after this book. I’m already looking forward to re-reading it and highlighting key passages.