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The National Spelling Bee and the Culture of Word Nerds
Rodale
May 2006
370 pages ISBN: 1594862141 Hardcover
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Non-Fiction
What the bestselling Word Freak did for Scrabble,
this riveting narrative now does for the National Spelling
Bee. Here is a captivating slice of Americana - part
sporting event, part absorbing human drama, and part
celebration of the magic of words. Every spring in the nation's capital, after a starting
pool of 10 million kids narrows to 250 finalists, America's
top young spellers face off in a nail-biting contest. So
electric is the drama that millions of viewers tune in to
watch ESPN's live telecast But this national obsession is much more than a sporting
story - and this first-ever narrative nonfiction book about
the National Spelling Bee immerses the reader in unique
subculture, portraying the endearing fraternity of
brilliant, eccentric young word nerds who vie for a gold
trophy, a hefty check, and a glorious moment of national
fame. Author James Maguire, who like the contestants is an
inveterate word nut, captures the agony and glory of this
singularly American event. He profiles the top five
spellers across the country, exploring their hopes and
dreams - and strategies for winning - as they prepare for
their moment in the spotlight. American Bee takes
readers behind the scenes at the National Bee, providing a
narrative thrill ride as the tension mounts round by round.
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