Some stories stick with you because they’re about more than just one person. Mighty Joe Mui is one of those books. It’s a memoir that follows the life of Joe Mui, a five-foot-three Chinese-Canadian soccer player who defied expectations at every turn. From his humble beginnings in China to making a name for himself in NCAA soccer at Cornell and beyond, Joe’s story is an underdog tale in the truest sense. But this book isn’t just about sports. It’s about grit, resilience, and breaking barriers—often without even realizing it. The book takes us through his journey, from playing “crab soccer” in Hong Kong to facing off against the legendary Pelé, all while navigating life as an immigrant, an athlete, and eventually, a successful entrepreneur.

One of the things I loved about Mighty Joe Mui is the way it captures Joe’s relentless drive. The guy simply did not know how to quit. Even when he faced obstacles, like language barriers, financial struggles, and people telling him he was too small to compete, he found ways to push through. The book is filled with moments that showcase this, like when he first arrived in Canada and had to sharpen a pencil in class. That may sound small, but the teacher forced him to ask for it in English, something he barely spoke. It was sink or swim, and Joe chose to swim. Later, when he played for Cornell, he didn’t just compete, he dominated, earning All-American honors and leading his team to success despite being smaller than most of his opponents. The storytelling in these moments makes you root for Joe, even if you don’t know a thing about soccer.

The writing shines when it explores Joe’s life off the field. He was an immigrant kid figuring out a new world, a student navigating Ivy League academics, and later, a businessman making his mark in real estate. The book highlights how his discipline in sports translated into other areas of life. One part that stuck with me was when Joe, despite his busy schedule, still found time to mentor young athletes, passing down what he had learned. He never lost sight of where he came from, and that humility makes his story even more compelling.

While I enjoyed the book, I felt it sometimes jumps around a bit, especially when it mixes past and present moments. One second, we’re with young Joe in Hong Kong, the next, we’re with older Joe reflecting on meeting Ted Turner. It’s an interesting approach, but at times, I wished it stuck to a more linear timeline. But it’s a minor issue in an otherwise engaging read. The writing is conversational, which makes it easy to follow, and there are plenty of funny, heartwarming, and even frustrating moments that make you feel like you’re right there with Joe through it all.

Mighty Joe Mui is perfect for sports fans, but even if you don’t care about soccer, there’s a lot to take away from Joe’s story. If you love underdog tales, immigrant success stories, or just reading about people who refuse to let circumstances define them, this book is worth your time. It’s about perseverance, adapting to change, and proving people wrong.

Pages: 238 | ISBN : 1738328406