Robert Lipsyte Criticism
Robert Lipsyte, an American novelist and journalist, is renowned for his insightful and thoughtful work, particularly in the realm of sports journalism and young adult fiction. His career as a sports columnist for The New York Times is marked by his commitment to truth and deep understanding, qualities that permeate his novels and nonfiction. Lipsyte often explores themes of self-worth and resilience against societal pressures, using sports as a backdrop to address broader social issues.
His debut young adult novel, The Contender, follows a Harlem teenager's spiritual journey through boxing, highlighting the importance of inner strength over physical victories, as noted by Edward B. Hungerford. However, critics like Nat Hentoff and Susan O'Neal have critiqued the novel for its didactic tone and oversimplified social commentary. Lipsyte's One Fat Summer is praised for its engaging portrayal of a boy's transformation during a summer of challenges, as observed by Betsy Hearne and Zena Sutherland.
In his adult fiction, such as Something Going, Lipsyte explores themes of corruption in the horse racing world, critiqued by Pete Axthelm. His work in nonfiction, including SportsWorld, offers a critical view of American sports culture, as Roger Kahn and Paul D. Zimmerman highlight. Lipsyte's biography Free to Be Muhammad Ali is lauded for its balanced portrayal of the legendary boxer, capturing both his complexity and mythos, as noted by Mel Watkins.
Lipsyte's works resonate with young readers who appreciate his blend of sports enthusiasm and nuanced social commentary. While some critics view his fiction as superior, others argue his nonfiction stands out. Regardless, Lipsyte's fresh narrative approach remains widely commended, providing both entertainment and a profound exploration of human nature.
Contents
-
Ages 12—Up
(summary)
In the following essay, Edward B. Hungerford argues that Robert Lipsyte's novel The Contender effectively immerses the reader in the protagonist's experiences, exploring themes of struggle and perseverance in a ghetto setting, resulting in a compelling, compassionate, and enlightening narrative.
-
New Books for Young Readers: 'The Contender'
(summary)
In the following essay, Nat Hentoff critiques Robert Lipsyte's "The Contender" for its didactic approach, arguing that while the novel occasionally evokes authentic experiences, particularly in its portrayal of boxing, it ultimately fails to convincingly marry its moralistic themes with realistic depictions of socio-economic challenges.
-
Junior High Up: 'The Contender'
(summary)
In the following essay, Susan O'Neal critiques Robert Lipsyte's The Contender for oversimplifying racial dynamics and societal pressures, emphasizing that while it is engaging as a sports narrative, it lacks depth as a social commentary on the complexities faced by African American youth in urban settings.
-
Stories for Older Boys and Girls: 'The Contender'
(summary)
In the following essay, Mary Silva Cosgrave commends Robert Lipsyte's The Contender for its honest and realistic portrayal of a young Negro teenager's struggles in Harlem, offering hope amidst adversity and engaging readers with its authentic depiction of relationships and moments of levity.
-
Assignment: Sports
(summary)
In the following essay, the critic highlights Robert Lipsyte's ability to capture the complexities of sports beyond mere performance, emphasizing how his work in Assignment: Sports addresses themes such as politics, race, and economics through rich narratives and diverse subjects, distinguishing it as a significant contribution to sports journalism.
-
Special Journalism
(summary)
In the following essay, Walter B. Chaskel commends Robert Lipsyte's Assignment: Sports for elevating sports journalism to a literary level by delving into the personal and emotional dimensions of athletes' lives, thereby appealing to readers who appreciate fine writing beyond mere statistics.
-
For Young Readers: 'Assignment: Sports'
(summary)
In the following essay, Sam Elkin argues that Robert Lipsyte's "Assignment: Sports" transcends typical sports writing by focusing on the human element behind sports figures, utilizing a detached and unsentimental narrative style that appeals to both sports fans and general readers.
-
Book Marks: 'Assignment: Sports'
(summary)
In the following essay, John W. Conner commends Robert Lipsyte's Assignment: Sports for its insightful depiction of athletes, noting Lipsyte's skillful use of language and character development through sports-related conflict, which reveals deeper human vulnerabilities and enhances reader engagement.
-
Lipsyte's 'Contender': Another Look at the Junior Novel
(summary)
In the following essay, John S. Simmons argues that Robert Lipsyte's novel "The Contender" successfully navigates the constraints of adolescent fiction by presenting a credible depiction of urban life and adolescent struggles, while skillfully addressing complex themes such as self-identity, friendship, and societal issues within the bounds of censorship.
-
'Something Going'
(summary)
In the following review, Publishers Weekly critiques Robert Lipsyte's novel "Something Going," suggesting that it may appeal to horseracing enthusiasts but lacks compelling characters and results in a narrative where most characters end up as losers.
-
'Something Going'
(summary)
In the following essay, Jon L. Breen critiques Robert Lipsyte's Something Going as a competent example of popular fiction that authoritatively explores the world of horse racing, but notes its reliance on stereotypical characters, multiple subplots, and a heavy-handed approach to social critique.
-
Down the Stretch
(summary)
In the following essay, Pete Axthelm critiques Robert Lipsyte and Cady's novel "Something Going" as a bleak but realistic depiction of the horse racing world, drawing on the 1969 New York racing boycott to expose the underlying bigotry and corruption within the sport.
-
Astronaut and Revolutionary
(summary)
In the following essay, Jonathan Yardley criticizes Robert Lipsyte's novel "Liberty Two" for its lack of suspense, reliance on clichéd characters, and failure to transform political themes into compelling fiction, marking a disappointing departure from his acclaimed journalistic toughness.
-
'Liberty Two'
(summary)
In the following essay, Fred Rotondaro critiques Robert Lipsyte's first novel, "Liberty Two," arguing that it lacks the engaging narrative and vivid character portrayal present in Lipsyte's earlier sports columns, and expresses hope for improvement in his future literary endeavors.
-
Books in Brief: 'Liberty Two'
(summary)
In the following essay, John R. Coyne, Jr. argues that Robert Lipsyte's Liberty Two effectively captures the zeitgeist of contemporary America through its Watergate analogies, presenting a compelling fascist leader and social critique, with its vivid characters and plot potentially making it ideal for film adaptation.
-
No Tears for Namath: 'SportsWorld'
(summary)
In the following essay, Roger Kahn critiques "SportsWorld" by Robert Lipsyte, arguing that while Lipsyte offers compelling portraits and commentary, the book ultimately fails to transcend mere entertainment due to its lack of joy and hyperbolic treatment of sports as a societal metaphor.
-
Cold Shower
(summary)
In the following essay, Paul D. Zimmerman examines Robert Lipsyte's book "SportsWorld," highlighting Lipsyte's critical perspective on American sports culture and its myth-making, while also noting his enduring affection for sports despite his disillusionment with its ideological impact.
-
Children's Books: 'One Fat Summer'
(summary)
In the following essay, Betsy Hearne commends Robert Lipsyte’s One Fat Summer for its engaging portrayal of a young, overweight male protagonist in the 1950s, highlighting themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and defying societal expectations, while building a complex emotional landscape for its characters.
-
Young Adult Fiction: 'One Fat Summer'
(summary)
The critic highlights Robert Lipsyte's novel "One Fat Summer" for its engaging characterization and humor, illustrating the protagonist Bobby Marks's memorable summer as he faces challenges and personal growth with resilience and wit.
-
Children's Books: 'One Fat Summer'
(summary)
In the following essay, Stephen Krensky argues that Robert Lipsyte's "One Fat Summer" effectively captures the essence of 1952 through its narrative while portraying Bobby as a relatable protagonist who undergoes a significant transformation, despite the novel's inconsistent development of supporting characters.
-
New Titles for Children and Young People: 'One Fat Summer'
(summary)
In the following essay, Zena Sutherland praises One Fat Summer for its logical character development and well-paced plot, highlighting the protagonist's journey toward self-reliance and compassion, and commends the balanced characterization and polished writing style.
-
Free to Be Muhammad Ali
(summary)
The essay critiques Robert Lipsyte's biography, Free to Be Muhammad Ali, for its candid and balanced portrayal of Ali's career, addressing both his genuine talents and the myths surrounding him, while acknowledging the complex socio-political context and personal contradictions without succumbing to literary embellishment.
-
Children's Books: 'Free to Be Muhammad Ali'
(summary)
In the following essay, Mel Watkins commends Robert Lipsyte for his balanced and insightful portrayal of Muhammad Ali in "Free to Be Muhammad Ali," highlighting Lipsyte's ability to capture both the complexity and humanity of Ali beyond mere athletic prowess and public persona.
-
Robert Lipsyte on Kids/Sports/Books
(summary)
In the following essay, Robert Lipsyte critiques the portrayal of sports in children's literature, arguing that these books often perpetuate unhealthy myths about success and competition, and calls for more truthful narratives that acknowledge children's fears and integrate sports as one aspect of life rather than a metaphorical preparation for adulthood.