32 countries. One event. In stores now? Yes, the “Thinking Fan’s Guide to the World Cup” is the perfect companion to that little soccer tournament which began Friday. If you are not up to meticulous study or maniacal rooting (although that’s fine too) you can’t go wrong being a “thinking fan”.

Lord Stanley’s Cup; Westhead Not Slowing Down; A Cycle of Rumors; Wait ’til You See Her Play Tennis!; Charlie Pierce; “Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Last Hero”

Across the globe, the months leading up to the quadrennial World Cup prove dizzying for fans. Injuries can cripple a team and “friendlies” can turn very unfriendly. The U.S. team gives Bill Littlefield cause for optimism as well as concern.

Whether David Maraniss’s “Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Last Hero” examines the star’s mystique or reveals his darker side, it thorouglhy commemorates Roberto Clemente as a hero.