Cinderella Man

Set in New York in the Depression, Cinderella Man tells the true story of American boxing legend, James J. Braddock. James J Braddock who was nicknamed “Cinderella Man” by Damon Runyon, was a light heavyweight boxer with a great future. After falling into a great depression former boxer James J. Braddock works as a worker. Until his ex-manager, Joe Gould offers him a fight with a young boxer who is growing more and more. After recuperating from a shocking malaise James J Braddock returns to the ring full time although his wife does not agree. This book is based on the 2005 movie, directed by Ron Howard.

In 1928 the economy of the United States is at its best and in the life of Braddock as well. James J. Braddock is a very popular boxer athlete and very successful at that time. Braddock lives in New Jersey with his wife and three children. He has a stable and happy life with a boxing career with a great future and also with a very good economic life. Beginning the decade of 1930 Braddock’s career hits rock bottom because America suffers the Great Depression and with this Braddock feels unable to face this situation and can not pay his debts or support his family. Braddock is defeated in the ring and loses his license to continue boxing. Then Braddock works in the docks of Newark, New Jersey for a few dollars. Although James is very poor he never loses his pride and always struggles to get his family together.

After going through a desperate situation, Braddock gets the opportunity to fight again in the ring.

Despite not having what it takes to box or the necessary training returns to the ring. The time he spent working on the docks could strengthen Braddock’s left. In this boxing wins the fight, goes for more and becomes the champion of the American.
Thanks to his fight against the odds and the desire to reach his dreams of his countrymen with each blow. Braddock fight after fight works his way to reach the ranks of boxing to finally faces Max Baer a heavyweight world champion boxer who had a reputation for violence.
Even though his wife did not want him to fight he did it. The American population was poor needed to win another fight.
Braddock enters the ring being this a long and dramatic fight, wins the victory and thus achieves the triumph managing to defeat the great adversity.
Both inside and outside the ring is a truly inspiring story.

New Words

1.-dock (n) the place in a port where things are taken on and off ships.

2.-nod (n/v) a movement of your head to say yes or to show agreement.

3.-jab (n/v) a quick punch in which a boxer’s hand goes straight forward.

4.-boo (n/v) a shout showing dislike of a person or their performance.

5.-priest (n) someone who performs religious services in some religions.

6.-fist (n) a closed hand.

7.-punch (n/v) a hit with your closed hand.

8.-butcher (n) someone who owns or works in a shop that sells meat

Main Characters:

James J. Braddock: He was an American boxer who was the world heavyweight champion 1935 to 1937.

Mae Braddock: wife of James J. Braddock.

Joe Gould: was an American boxing manager best known for representing boxer James J Braddock.

Max Baer: was an American boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 14 June 1934 to 13 June 1935.

Jay Braddock: son of James

Rosemary Braddock: daughter of James

Howard Braddock: Son of James

quotes

If the family remains united in any situation nothing could beat them,

If I recommend reading this book because it teaches us how to be persevering in the worst situations, always believe in our dreams and that we can achieve them. This book is a motivation for life.