Basketball Books

For my book review I read On the Devil's Court. On the Devil's Court is written by Carl Deuker. The book is realistic fiction.
Joe Faust is a senior in high school. He loves to play basketball. He is very good at basketball until one day when he just can't hit any shots he takes. Then he comes across this secret gym. While he is in the gym he makes a bargain with the devil: "One perfect season and I will give you my soul".
This book is very good. I liked it because I like sports. This book is good for any middle school or above basketball fans.

Joe Faust is a high school student. Joe and his family move to Seattle. Joe's absolute passion is basketball. It's basketball anywhere and everyday practically. Joe has to start at a new school in the fall and the most important thing to him right now is basketball. Joe's parents want him to go to a high quality school that has very good teaching, but all Joe wants to do is play basketball and one of the best high school teams is at the school a couple of blocks down. The school Joe wants to go to his parents don't approve of. It's not the best school for Joe. He ends up going to the high school that his parents thought was best for him. It turns out that they have a pretty good basketball team. Joe starts making some new friends and now he is the most popular kid at school. One day Joe finds this abandoned gym not too far away from where he lives. Joe climbs through the window and starts to shoot some baskets. He makes his first three shots in a row. Joe is thinking how in the world this is happening. He keeps shooting and makes every single basket. Later on Joe believes that he has now sold his soul to the devil. In school, Joe's class is reading a novel about Dr. Faustus. In the novel, Dr.Faustus is a scientist, like Joe's dad and Dr.Faustus' name has a resemblance to Joe's last name and they both think they sold their souls. Will Joe be the next big basketball star? Did he really sell his soul to the devil or is he just dreaming?

I enjoyed this book a lot. Carl Deuker is one of my new favorite authors. All his books take place in Seattle and they are all about sports. Once in a while I like to read all about sports because I think sometimes those stories are the best. This book was very entertaining and the characters were great. I could picture everything in my mind perfectly. The description and the book itself were really great too. I recommend this book to anybody who loves fiction novels and sports.

The book was excellent. There was only one thing wrong with it. The beginning was a little slow. But after i got through it it wasn't bad. Actually it was one of the better books ive ever read.



Joe had to move to Seattle. His dad is a scientist. His dad said he will be able to go to a public school in Seattle but once he sees the school he says no. Joe makes the varsity basketball team because of an injury to one of there players. In practice Joe keeps doing horrible so to solve his problems he starts practicing in a little abandoned gym. When he sells something of his for something in return to the devil.


The type of reader that would like this book would have to be a reader that like ports and id in 7th grade or higher. Because there is some bad language and it is a YA book.

On the Devil's Court is an intriging realistic fiction story by Carl Deuker that had my head spinning. In the beginning Joe a new kid from Boston is just trying to fit in. He's gone to private schools his whole life, and finally got his chance to go to a public school, but then he met Ross. Ross was the kinda kid who I thought didn't sound to bad, man was I wrong. One of the thing that got me rethinking about Ross was when he held a party, and Joe ended up getting drunk. That was it back to private schools. Then Joe finds this old gym in the run-down side of town. He was shooting jumpers, and he made ten in a row. Then Joe said,"Devil give me 24 games of power and my soul is yours." But did he really sell his soul? I really liked this book,I've also read other books by Carl Deuker, and they've all been great. If you really like sports like me, then Deukers books are for you.

Joe is new in town. His father is a very important scientist who used to work at Harvard. The summer before Joe's senior year in high school, his father has accepted a job in Washington State. Joe is hoping that with the move he will have his first chance to attend public school instead of another snobby private one. He is especially looking forward to school after he starts playing basketball every day with a group of guys from his neighborhood. The biggest passion in Joe's life is basketball and he wants to be on a team that will be good.

Then Joe goes to a party thrown by one of the basketball players, drinks, and loses his parents' trust. He ends up being enrolled in private school. Much to his surprise, the basketball team is good, so good that he might not make it. Joe seems to have lost his touch for basketball. One evening in frustration Joe, not sure if he is being serious or not, makes a deal with the devil to give up his soul for a perfect basketball season.

All of a sudden things are going perfectly right for Joe. He makes the varsity basketball team after all, and some nights he feels like he couldn't miss a basket even if he tried. He begins to get very uneasy. Did he really make a bargain with the devil?

I liked the concept of this story, and I liked the way Joe and his parents related to each other. I didn't like the ending, though. I was expecting a great resolution, perhaps an interesting twist, but was left feeling disappointed.

This book was very fast paced and straight to the point, which is just how I like it. Travis hunter did a great job with this novel and I really loved how he brung back other characters from his previous novels into this one! Way to go Mr. Hunter!Cant wait for the next one!

I was apprehensive about reading this book by looking at the cover, I thought to myself this is one of those corny romance novels....boy was I wrong! This book was action packed from start to finish; do your self a favor and pick up this gem!

This is a great read, I've read all of Mr. Hunter's books and have enjoyed them. Keep up the great writing.

I really enjoyed reading "Something to Die For." It was a real depiction of how good guys CAN finish first. Hunter is a master at his craft. He creates a page turner with a story line that sends your imagination and emotions on a roller coaster. The reader is left with "Tears of Joy."

College basketball star Nasir Lassiter was imprisoned for life, for a murder he did not commit. Nasir didn't want his loved ones to see him locked up, so during visiting hours he refused to visit with them and after awhile they eventually stopped coming. The only exception to the rule was his Granny, because she was very adamant in her decision not to leave until she had spoken with her grandson. It was the visits from Granny that sustained and enabled him to make it day in and day out. Mysteriously free after five years, Nasir returns home to find a daughter he didn't know existed, his girlfriend shacking with an insecure, possessive man and his mother strung out on drugs. Nasir feels guilty for shutting the people who needed him the most out of his life. He is determined to right every wrong his family has endured.

SOMETHING TO DIE FOR is Travis Hunter's fifth novel to date. Readers who have graciously awaited its release will not be disappointed. In true Hunter fashion, this is an awe-inspiring novel that depicts men in a positive light. He touches on child abuse, molestation, substance abuse, prostitution and the consequences we face when hanging out with the wrong crowd. Nasir was a positive role model to the people of his community, but in the blink of an eye being in the wrong place at the wrong time, cost him his freedom. SOMETHING TO DIE FOR was well-written, extremely engaging and witty at times. I highly recommend you read this novel.

Reviewed by Pamela Bolden
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Entertaining read. His story is quite remarkable. You don't come across someone who has his life experiences very often. I would recommend this book very highly.

From the first pages, I just could not put this book down. The suspense in dealing with people who could turn on you any moment was thrilling. It is obvious that Bob Delaney is one of our true heroes in the fight against crime.
I highly recommend this book to those who like true real life thrillers.
Tim Berg.

This book stinks! Just another cop glorifying himself. Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob

This book is a must for anybody who enjoys Mafia stories, but inside is so much more.

Bob Delaney has a story to tell that few people can truly appreciate, let alone relate to. The detail in the tale of his undercover life is amazing, and Dave Scheiber brings the Jersey waterfront to life in front of you. We all know what today's high-tech world is like, where you can bug a man's house from top to bottom without the slightest clue, but imagine what it was like back in the 70s, when state of the art devices were still pretty sizeable tape recorders. Bob Delaney was undercover, surrounded by the Mafia, wearing wires and carrying tape recording devices that weren't exactly nano-technology.

Hearing his depiction of the events and his life before and after the experience is an incredible privilege, and I urge anybody to read this book.

Good journalism is nothing more than the art of telling a story. Bob Delaney had a one in a million story to tell, and Dave Scheiber told it to perfection.

Great book by an author who has lived a diversified life, from under cover state trooper to NBA referee. Bob Delaney is a special guy who exposes the mob for the exploitative, amoral group of criminals they are.

Delaney tells a serious story with humor and a style that keeps the reader turning pages. I recommend this book to everyone interested in criminal justice or just a good nonfiction read.

very good read i just wish there was a 2nd book to follow but it will be read again believe that

I just love K'wans books. He keeps it real and puts you into the book which some writers do not have the gift of doing.

it was a great story, i didnt expect it to end how it did and thats what made it great. i feel like i could identify with the main character Shai who was always around drug dealers but never got pulled into the life until..... but yeah i'm hoping there's a sequel coming out

K'Wan was one of my favorite authors until I started reading this book about 4 or 5 months ago (I still haven't finished it). This book was all over the place. It did not grab (let alone hold) my attention. One paragraph was about one character in one place and the very next paragraph K'Wan had brought another character, scene and time into play. It was as if he was writing a rough draft and just submitted it as it was. He did not finish a thought before going into another one. I was honestly disappointed with this book.

I read Criminal minded by this Author and enjoyed it very much. This lead me to purchase Hoodlum, which was even better. K'won Foye is a great writer of urban fiction, and he will go a long way. Some writers books are written so immaturely, in the urban genre. With K'wons books I actually feel as though I am reading something on an adult level. I look forward to purchasing more of his work. Hopefully he will write a part II to Hoodlum and let us know the cards that Shai has dealt for himself and the Clark legacy.

The book shows just how tough life in the NBA can be, especially when you have a guy like MJ, a selfish ball-hog and control freak. After reading the book, any liking I had for MJ has since vanished. Behind the scenes, the guy is selfish, narcisistic, hyper-competitive person who must win at EVERYTHING he does, and have things HIS way all the time. He even went so far as to never lift weights in the same weight room as the team for fear that one of the players might be able to lift more weight than him. Boo hoo! Imagine that Michael! There might be someone actually stronger than you.

I was truly disgusted with this book.From the onset I read so many falsehoods I thought I was reading the national enquirer.As someone who has followed Michael Jordan throughtout his career I understand that this rag was wrote by someone with an awful agenda.Sam Smith is the first 300 pound white male golddigger I have ever heard of.I was amused at how he put Jordan's thought down like he was a mindreader as well as a hack writer.He actually praised Ed Neely (clearly a good friend or relative)like he was a good player.Neely didn't even average 6 minutes a game but was so valuable in Sammie Smith's mind.Smith even wrote that he was the smartest player on the team(was he good at scrabble or something?Because he wasn't smart enough to get more playing times).He said Bill Cartwright had the best footwork on the teams lol.I guess thats why the refs called him for the most travel calls on the team.John Paxson was also a favorite of his so much in fact he said that he was a good defensive player lol.Shall I believe Sam or my lying eyes.Sam said Horace Grant hated to be a second fiddle to Michael Jordan but dashed to Orlando to play behind Shaq and Penny.I could go on and on about this trainwreck but I have spent enough time on this idiot.So if you are thinking about reading this book do something more interesting watch paint dry.

Sam Smith does a very good job describing how the personalities clash on this team. Jordan is revealed as an extremely intense individualist in a team sport, who is quick to identify and pounce on weaknesses in opponents, and more often, teammates. I enjoyed this book as a chance to get a better perspective on a team at the beginning of a historic run of championships. This book also illuminates the fact that it isn't necessarily chemistry that leads to championships, but balance. It's also interesting to see Phil Jackson lay out the nuances of the triangle offense with quotes by Native Americans and Rudyard Kipling. All in all, a great look at the construction and molding of a collection of strong personalities into a functional, cohesive championship team.

This is one of the great books that I had a hard time putting down. Sam Smith plays with our intrigue and wins out, enticing us to keep reading as we ask, "Did Isaiah Thomas really say that?" or "How did the Bulls stand together when at least half the team was demanding trades in 1991?"


We see them as if we were a part of the team.

*Hopson weeping after the 1991 title due to a fleeting feeling of comradely.
* Michael Jordan's off-the-court feud with Isaiah Thomas.
*Pippen demanding to be traded due to contract negotiations.
* Jerry "Crums" Krause being ridiculed publicly by Jordan and his brown-nosing cronies.
* Alliances forged through empathetic teammates who viewed the team's other pockets of faction with distrusting, and sometimes vengeful eyes.
* Cliff Levingston's constant butt-kissing of "His Airness".
* Horace Grant physically standing up to Jordan in practice and bragging about it later.
* Scottie Pippen's inward fear of Dennis Rodman.
* Phil Jackson's craving to buy a gun after a private meeting with a then-psychotic Scott Williams.
* The Pistons' mental control of B.J. Armstrong, Scottie Pippen, and others.
* Stacey King and Michael Jordan's verbal wars.
* Literal fist fights between certain players in practice.
* Jordan's constant campaign to assume control of the team's decision-making processes and how Phil Jackson combated his egocentric, and often enigmatic star.

A priviledged look into the makings of one of sports' greatest teams ever, and a eye-opening look into the makings of sports' greatest hero.

Synopsis: This book is about the 1992-93 Chicago Bulls Championship Team. It includes qoutes form the Bulls's general management and the teammates. The book takes you through the championship season. It also tells about Michael Jordan yelling at coaches and teammates.
Critic: This book is good because it shows that Michael isn't as clean cut as he seems. The author does a great job of getting both sides of the story.He talk about what Michael said and then what the teammates have to say. He does a great job of describing all the events in the book. I recommend this book for huge Michael Jordan fans everywhere! This book is great for people that love reading about him and all his success.
Big Bertha

the rare times rick put down a fork and talked in depth about playing point guard or some other keen insight, the book was marvelous, that happened in maybe 10 pages ... i have read hundreds of sports books and next to vitale's first book, this was probably the worst one i muddled through ... loved rick as a coach--his triangle and two vs zona is legendary--but i would've liked to have heard some of his ex-players discuss what it was like to play for him--word on the street, it was far from a picnic basket ... akin to coach k's books, who saints himself w/o ever revealing his darkside, it's fun to see the real story ...

read dean smith's 'a coach's life,' feinstein's 'a season inside,' 'breaks of the game' by david halberstam, or 'the miracle of st anthonys' if you want to digest great basketball stories ... or the best of them all, pat conroy's MY LOSING SEASON

compared to those, rick's was a lady finger dud

Sports books that attempt to cash in on the immediate popularity of the author often suffer in quality due to the desire to strike while the iron is hot. I am glad to say that My Life on a Napkin does not suffer from this flaw.

Gene Wojciechowski, contributor on this book, did an extremely good on format and finding and maintaining Majerus' voice. His previous work on Nothing But Net (Bill Walton's autobiography) has served him well.

The most interesting technique used in the book is the interjection of short anecdotes culled from Majerus' friends and family. The juxtaposition between his view and the view of his friend/family member/player is humorous at times. This is a technique I haven't seen used before in this type of book and I find that it seems to work better than simple paraphrasing would.

In short, the only reason this book doesn't deserve four stars is because it falls far short of the high standards set by autobiographies/biographies of individuals whose careers have already ended. I feel this book focuses too much on the recent to the detriment of the early years. For example, A Coach's Life by Dean Smith has an entirely different perspective because in many ways his story is finished. This allows him to devote equal time to all portions of his life and career.

Additionally, it would have been nice to have an appendix containing information on every player who had ever lettered for Coach Majerus. If we could see the tremendous legacy that he has had on the lives of all the students who have passed through his programs it would reinforce hsi commitment to his players' well-being. To me, that would be an even greater testimony to his legacy than the stories presented in the preceding chapters.

It's forty-five minutes before the WAC tournament championship game. Majerus has pulled into the parking lot in front of the gym only to discover that some nimrod has parked in his space, a space that costs him $2,000 a year to reserve. What does he do? He parks somewhere else, comes back and lets the air out of two of the guy's tires. When his friend asks him why he only selected two tires, Majerus says, "Because he only had one spare."

Such are the experiences that encompass 'My Life On A Napkin'. We see Majerus for what he is, the world traveling, food connoisseur, who values loyalty, a good massage, and an occasional fantasy involving Cindy Crawford. Covered in his book are some of the following:

* Majerus' discipleship under Al MacGuire while at Marquette, and Don Nelson while with the Golden State Warriors.
* Majerus' quick process of overtaking BYU as the team to beat in the WAC.
* The difficulties of recruiting, particularly in a place like Utah.
* Majerus' propensity for speeding. Upon accelerating to over 100 MPH, Majerus once told a concered friend, "Hey, if we crash, I'm you're airbag."
* His affinity with living in hotels.
* The 1998 NCAA tournament and his famous triangle and two defense that shut down number one seeded Arizona and North Carolina.

Also of note is Majerus' ceaseless wit and humor. A group of cheerleaders once came to do a promotional at Rick's hotel. He told them, "Don't worry if you see me staring at your belly buttons. It's mostly because I haven't seen mine in years."

Majerus shares truth about recruiting, the intense competition between other coaches, and how he took a bunch of non-sensational and mostly mormon kids and came within 5 minutes of being the 1998 national champions.

No coach is as openly eccentric as Majerus, and in 'My Life on a Napkin', you will find out why he is not only revered as a basketball mind, but also as a comedic juggernaut.

After getting this book I could not put it down. I first became aware of Majerus after he led his un-athletic Utah team to the NCAA Final Four in 1998. His press conferences after those games were part basketball pontification and part stand-up comedy routine. His book is a lot like those press conferences: serious about the game he loves, but not afraid to crack a joke at anytime. The stories about his lack of fashion sense and eating habits will leave you doubled over. For "gym rats" everywhere!

Far and away the best book I have read in the past year. Coach Majerus' passion for his players will leave you mesmerized. The best part of the book are all the quotes added from former players, friends, coaches, family members,etc...Rick never was much of a great athlete, but he knew the game from an early age and was considered the epitome of a team player. Majerus' stories from his days at Marquette and Ball State to his time with Don Nelson and Del Harris make for a great read. If you like sports and admire the true work of a "team" you will love this book.

For keith the opportunities for his family were his main focus. He was sure of the longevity of his decision. Keith's bestfriend Curtis had a different agenda which is probably why they are such good friends they both respected each other and the game. maybe Keith was slightly envious of each other since all Keith could think of doing what he had to do where Curtis seems to have more freedom.

The loss of his father made him feel even more obligated to step up, dealing with his own guilt and possibly losing Sherry. The shock of finding out his father never forgave himself for allowing Keith to make the choices he made must have been a slap in the face considering a poor kid from BedSty growing up and attending Harvard is a pretty impressive feat since most people in the hood never imagin getting out.Attending a Ivy league school would be any parents' dream. Keith was confident he did the right thing, sending the message that there is more than one way out,Curtis on the other hand is what we all see the fast track to success and money which isn't the wrong way but im sure Keith wonders what if he had taken the other route.

Well I think that there is a lot of reason for motivation in this story. First I think that Derrick is motive by the idea that he can beat any one on that court. Black or white bigger or smaller it din t matter. But then he wanted to stay loyal to his friend, but could not cause his dad wanted him to go to the better school to help him in the long run. So then his motive was to show his dad no matter what he would make it. But he was scared. Then when he was doing well he thought that he could help his family that is when his parents got there jobs and his sister got in to the school. But he still felt bad cause of his friend. He was not getting and playing time because there were a lot of good players on his team. But then he thought that just maybe he could do what he wanted to do from day one that he picked up a ball, make it pro. But should he get his education first. But then he and his family say that he could go to school with a broken leg and 5 million dollar but not to the NBA with a broken leg. So that is why he did what he did. I think that he made a good decision. Great story K-FAB. This is a great way to learn, I think that this help a lot better then a book.

I think Keith Marconi motivation to making a decision on going to harvard and not taking an NBA contract was first his family and giving them a better life. I also think that he wanted to make sure he had a better education so that if he ever got shut out of the NBA he would have a fall back job or carrer he could attend to. He realized that he had to make a choice at the last years of his school at harvard is he had to finally think about himself and make sure he has a better life. Joining the NBA was his dream but he also realized he had to make a choice of bettering himself for the rest of his life.

When given the opportunity of fortune and fame over a Harvard education, Keith chose the Harvard education. The first time he did it to help his family become more secure, the second time he did it for himself. He believes if he focuses then opportunity will follow.
In order to make an educative decision, Keith asked for advice from the ones he loved in hopes that they will be proud of him as well as be there for him no matter where his path in life will go. It is that strength that allows him to make one of the biggest decisions in his life. His family motivates him to push himself to do the right thing. As seen in articles today, when it comes to professional sports, one day you're on top the world and the next you're like everyone else. At least with an education the possibilities are endless.

Keith Marconi.....seems like a well mannered, unselfish, honest man. In the beginning of the story he wants to do what is right for all the people around him. He chose, i think wisely, i might have done the same. It was a hard choice to decide for happiness for the people around you. The happiness for them was an obvious definite. It seemed like a coin toss for him to find the same.

Later in the story once again he is stabbed with a hard decision. But this time he finally takes all the determination he has and uses it for himself. He finally decides to stay in school and furthur educate himself like he wanted.

I think Keith had made two very good decisions in a round about way.

OMIGOD I AM SO EMBARASSED..I WROTE ABOUT BARNYARD BATTLE IN HERE .WHERE IS MY BRAIN...FORGIVE MEEEEEEEE.

Well,this book is good too.In it,the girls cheering team,including Jesica of course,want to show the boys that they ARE good at sports too and form their own basketball team.Steven is their very tough coach.

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I am a really big fan of Sweet Valley Twins' books and this book is unmissable! It's really funny when Jessica refuses Bruce's pleading and gives an offer that he can't resist! I recomend it to every Sweet Valley fan!

this is my favorite sv twins book for sure. i totally love how jessica and the other take charge of bruce and the other players. this book is great

Twins Jessica and Elizabeth are interested in playing basketball,but when they start up a girls team,the boys are less than impressed,and act like a girls team is no big deal.So when the boys diss the girl's matches,the girls' cheerleading team refuses to cheer at the boys games,until the boys realize that they need the cheerleaaders.The girl's promise to cheer,only one condition.Look at the cover..can you guess what it is?!(giggle)

I dont THINK I have already written this review..when the twins' class is sent to a pioneer farm,a bet is on with the boys as to which gender will get by easiest...i think I have written about this b4..oh well..By the by,this book seems to REALLY get girls fired up!

This is excellent reading if you enjoyed the movie. It just gives the reader a deeper look into the lives of Arthur and William. There is so much detail we didn't get in the movie. In the book, we learn about additional family members and best friends. Who knew William lived with his sister when he started attending St. Joes? We found out more about race relations at St. Joes and that William had janitorial duties at the school to offset his financial obligations. There's more to how William felt about Coach Pingatore. We learn more about Arthur and his relationship with his father. Best of all, there is more about their lives once they begin college. It's a must read for everyone who enjoyed the movie.

Summarized by, Isaac Sarate

Two kids dream of playing basketball is offered a chance to shine. Who will succeed, and who will fail? It all begins in the city Of Chicago; two young athletes are offered to play basketball at a private school. This school is known as a basketball powerhouse. The often required pay for enrollment but since these gifted athletes play basketball and play it well the school pays for the expense. The only requirement to get this scholarship is to maintain a passing GPA.
The young boys by the Name of William Gates and Arthur Aggee are in a documentary of the life in the hood trying to succeed at basketball and life. Arthur comes from rough life of abusive, drug dealing, never there dad. He struggles to adapt to the private school. He soon is released due to failing grades and no money to maintain him enrolled. Arthur returns to his former high school. He never gives up his dream and works on every aspect of his life school, family, basketball, and most importantly his belief in himself. While all the hard times in his life he becomes stronger at basketball proving many wrong.
While Arthur was struggling at the beginning William gates was competing highly at the varsity level as a freshmen. He played 3 strong years for the school school. Offered many scholarships William comes to the point where the S.A.T.S gets in his way of his dreams of playing college ball. His final year as a senior playing basketball was cut short with injury to his knee. Rehabbing his knee while his teams try's to return to state. Will William Gates be able to play again in high school let alone play in college?
The most inspirational part of the story was when Arthur's father really distracts Arthur's focus on basketball and school, with abuse and violent drug dealing lifestyle. He took money from the family and left them with out electricity for weeks. Many troubling times was brought to Arthur but the never gave up or even gave in on his lifetime goal. He studied in the dark and took care of his family. Arthur rose above all negatives in his life and managed to stay focused. He completed his goals. That really inspired me! It taught me no matte what the situation is make best of it and never give up.
The main theme of this book is clearly to never give up. Like what I wrote in the above paragraph, many obstacles might get in your way but, if you're positive and focuses things will workout. Hard work and dedication does pay off in the end.
This book is a book I really encourage people to read. It teaches you the lifestyle of kids in the hood. The troubling time many of those young kids go threw really show you in this book. Life lessons are addressed in many different ways. The kid's choices, the downfall in family, grades, collage, and how it affects you and others. People who have trouble in believing in them selves should read this, and it would make them stronger.

this story is about two young boys the grew up off the street playing basketball. They both went to the N.B.A. to play basketball and were very good and this was my favorite book of all time and i havent seen the movie but it looks good

Hoop Dreams was probably one of the best books I've ever read. I don't think I would have liked it so much if it hadn't been based on a true story. This book is about two inner city kids from Chicago who aspire to play in the NBA. Although the odds aren't in their favor (only one out of every 7,600 high school players make it to the NBA) they still live for basketball. Without basketball these two boys would have nothing to them. Ben Joravsky does a good job of re-telling the story and showing all the problems these boys faced in there life. If it wasn't for basketball they probably would be out on the street trying to make a living. Throughout the story you feel as if you get closer and closer with the characters, and since it's spanned out over four years, it's as if they are growing and maturing right in front of you. Listening to Arthur's part of the story always kept me amused because he's a funny kid that everybody seems to like. William's story is focused more on the St. Joseph basketball team because that's pretty much all he cares about. This book was definitely a good read and I recommend it to anybody who likes books. Not just sports books either because this book goes beyond the boundaries of sports and is a compelling story about two inner city kids who defied the odds.

This book is a story of a basketball player who makes his dreams come true with persistence and a ambitious will. It does have some profane words that come about sporadically as your read but the story is not consumed by them. They are in there though so beware if a young child wants to read this story.

I have enjoyed reading this book. It gives lots of great insight into the stresses of nba players and coaches. How they prepare for games and their perceptions of fans and media. You really see how almost all NBA players are prima-donnas with fairly fragile egos. They all have their front that they put on for the masses and the media. It's good to see the human side of them. The book is an easy read and very enjoyable.

Even though I'm not a Suns fans and for that matter, not much of a basketball or a sports fan anymore, this was a pretty good book - it's mainly about the Suns' 2006 playoff run, with some "flashbacks" to some regular season games that season, with some insight into most of the players and an NBA season's roller coaster ride, and some insight into the coaching staff too. Individual players are discussed, as is the coaching staff, and it's nice to read that kind of info too.

Expected a lot more to be honest. There are better books by beat writers, such as "If They Don't Win It's A Shame" by Dave Rosenberg.

If you love basketball, you're going to love this book. McCallum writes about a season with the Phoenix Suns, and takes us through their playoff run. He mixes in flashbacks to key points during the season, and manages to entertain.

Two problems are that the book is shallow and doesn't go into enough depth on most topics, and there is absolutely no criticism of anything the Suns did.

Enjoyable, but light. NBA fans are going to devour this.

A great, well-written and funny book exploring what goes on behind closed doors on an NBA team.

If you're looking for a book that delves into players affinity for clubs, booze and girls, then you'll have to look elsewhere. The Suns are a pretty clean club, and I'm sure they've done some stuff that isn't included in the book. What is included is an insiders look into the thought processes of coaches and players and discusses how the relationships within a professional organization can affect the win-loss column. There are some solid perspectives on team chemistry, ownership, the role coaches play in the success (or failure) of a ball club, the pressures of the playoffs, the psyche of the pro athlete (who knew someone making $20m a year could be so sensitive), how marketing efforts can affect a player's attitude and much more. I kind of wish the Suns would've won it all in 2006 so that this book could've been longer. Also, you don't have to be a Suns fan to appreciate this book. I'm a die-hard Pistons fan, and found this read very enjoyable.

On thing to point out: there's some swearing in this book (a few F bombs and the like), so if you're a parent thinking of picking this book up for a young Suns fan you may want to browse the pages beforehand. Otherwise, there really isn't anything worse than that, though.