Behind The ScenesESPN Deportes

Summer Reading: Freddy Rolón

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Vice President and General Manager, ESPN Deportes, Freddy Rolón not only enjoys reading thought-provoking novels and historical tomes, but he also explores the Harry Potter series and comic books. We asked him to share a few of his favorites in this week’s segment of our Summer Reading Series.

What book are you currently reading?
I’m currently juggling three books, including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with my two youngest daughters.

I have been listening to Junot Diaz’s The Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. The audio book is narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Karen Olivio. As a fan of In the Heights (a musical by Miranda, the mind behind Hamilton), the narrators drew my attention to the story. The book tells the story of a man from the Dominican Republic growing up in New Jersey. I love the way Diaz uses English and Spanish to tell the story.

The Guns of August, by Barbara Tuchman, is the third book I’m reading. The book is about the time before WW I and what led to that conflict. It’s a very detailed book and does a great job of explaining how regional conflicts became global.

Where is your favorite place to read?
There is nothing better than reading, for a few minutes, in bed before going to sleep.

How do you fit reading into your busy schedule?
I love to read, so it’s easy. I try to fit it in during travel time; audio books in the car and text books during a plane/train ride.

What was the last book you read?
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, I wanted to read it before it becomes a movie.

What is the most influential book in your life?
That’s tough, there are so many books I love . . . do Spider-Man comics count?

It has to be Native Son by Richard Wright. I read it in sixth grade as part of a reading group, and it was such a moment in time for me. The book is very well written and I remember, for the first time, being able to talk about a book and its meaning to other people who were just as interested and invested in the story.

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