Atlético-MG player Scarpa's book review tops Amazon Brazil sales, spawns fan reading club

A ten-minute video review of Leo Tolstoy's 1886 novella "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" posted by Gustavo Scarpa, a 32-year-old midfielder for Atlético-MG, has driven the Russian classic to the top of Amazon Brazil's bestseller list. Published on Scarpa's YouTube channel "Canal do Scarpinha" approximately two weeks before mid-September 2026, the review has accumulated over 565,000 views. Google Trends data shows a corresponding spike in online searches for the book title, with "Scarpa" appearing among related search terms.

Scarpa, known among teammates and followers for his voracious reading habit, has made literary recommendations a regular part of his YouTube content. In the review, he highlighted the novella's exploration of mortality, social indifference, and human connection. He emphasized how Ivan Ilyich's colleagues and family members prioritize personal gain and financial advantage upon his death, while only a young servant, Gerassim, offers genuine compassion and honest acknowledgment of his condition. Scarpa drew a broader message about life priorities and the tension between social status and authentic human values when confronted with mortality.

The recommendation resonated beyond Scarpa's direct audience. Teammate Argentine forward Cuello received a copy as a gift from Scarpa. The influence extended to the wider Atlético-MG supporter base, prompting the creation of "Galeitura," a reading club established by fans, including Carolina Marques, a linguistics student at the Federal University of Ouro Preto. The club selected "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" as its inaugural read, dividing the 12-chapter novella into three weeks of structured discussion (16–22 September, 23–29 September, and 30 September–6 October). Weekly discussions occur via WhatsApp, with a final video meeting scheduled after all chapters are completed. The Galeitura Instagram account has accumulated approximately 9,000 followers.

Scarpa's reading habit has historical roots. In a 2019 interview with TV Globo's "Esporte Espetacular," he revealed an arrangement from his time at a previous club: each goal scored earned him a book. Recent social media posts by Scarpa have shown other players, including Tomás Pérez and Victor Hugo, reading during training breaks, reflecting the broader cultural influence of his literary interests within the squad.