Basketball Books

Enjoyed this look into the life of David Thompson, both the good, the bad the really bad and the good again. The chapter recalling the 1974 NC State/UCLA semi-final game was so detailed, it was like watching it all over again. Additionally, the book did not shy away from the dark side of David Thompson's life and although he may have not fulfilled his full professional basketball potential, it is gratifying to see his life is now at peace. Not just for hoops fans, but hoops fans will throughly enjoy !

David Thompson was Awesome Back in the day.Imagine DR.J,Jordan,Kobe&Vince Carter&with Madd Hoops that was David Thompson. if the NBA of Today was Allowed Back in the day then David Thompson would Be talked about the same way Lebron James&Kobe are today.same goes with DR J. this Book tackles His Whole Career from college,ABA&NBA&also Off the court.David Thompson is One of the Most Gifted Atheletes that I Ever saw as well.Props to Him always.

This book tells the amazing story of the basketball protegy that goes to NC State, wins the NCAA championship, goes to the ABA and becomes the best player immediatly, then goes on to success in the NBA. Unfortunatly, drug use and a bad fall in a nightclub rob him of a MJ-like career. Now he has found God and cleaned himself up. A very inpsiring book.

By the way, he tells a story of how NC State was put on probation for his recruitment, and how UNC is to blame! Very juicy stuff.

The essence of David Thompson's impact on the NBA and it's fans is captured in the following memory...a playoff game in 1980 with Thompson's Denver Nuggets playing the Seattle Supersonics in the Seattle Kingdome...the game was in it's closing minutes and the outcome was no longer in doubt (Seattle had the game well in hand). Most TV viewers (especially those of us on the East Coast) had already undoubtedly turned off the TV, but I noticed that DT was still in the game. Telling myself to keep watching as Thompson may do something memorable, I kept my attention focused until with about 30 seconds remaining, DT had the ball at the top of the key. Faking left and driving right, he took off from just inside the dotted circle...cuffing the ball in his right hand (at 6' 4" his hands were too small to palm the ball), he sailed in and threw down a one-handed windmill tomahawk slam over two amazed Sonics that brought me and the remaining crowd in the Kingdome to it's feet. My mission then complete, I felt it was safe to then turn off the TV and go to bed.

It was with these type of memories that I obtained a copy of Skywalker...I needed to know how this mega-talented legend fell so far. What I got and what other readers of this work will get is a completely honest mea-culpa...straight forward and with no excuses Thompson explains his rise from a shy teenager just discovering that an amazing leaping ability could lead to superstardom to his equally amazing fall from that lofty position. He explains his addictions and insecurities and how these affected him and those he cared about...all culminating with a remarkable recovery topped-off with his induction into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1996. Along the way we also get a first hand account of the building of the legend and an inside look at the 1970's and 80's NBA...the legendary players and unfortunately the legendary drug use.

DT became a nationally known superstar in the early 70's of course as a member of the National Champion North Carolina State Wolfpack...the team that essentially unseated the mighty UCLA Bruins of John Wooden and Bill Walton (who pens an excellent forward to this book). He shuns the NBA and instead becomes the star of the ABA's Denver Nuggets...further driving a wedge between the leagues that ultimately leads to the 1976 merger. Year after year Thompson sets the bar for "high-wire", above the rim ball (along with Julius Erving) that preceded Michael Jordan by over 10 years (Jordan admits that Thompson was his main boyhood idol). His career is full of legendary highlights such as the 1976 ABA Slam Dunk contest and culminates in 1979 with his end-of-season battle with George Gervin for the NBA scoring title. Scoring 73 points in the season ending game against the hapless Detroit Pistons, DT takes the lead in the race. Gervin plays that evening and knows exactly how many points he needs to score and breaks through with 63 points of his own against the equally hapless New Orleans Jazz winning the title and adding to his own legend as well.

As important as the basketball side, the personal side of Thompson's story is the strongest part of this work. Thompson's writing style certainly isn't Pulitzer worthy, but it's the force of his story and his uncompromising explanations of his personal problems that capture his audience and is what ultimately sells this book. Cocaine and alchohol drag him down and forces him out the league at a relatively young age...injuries also had much to do with it and he argues that the long term abuse may have led to them. A jail term (where he watches Erving's retirement from the NBA) and many re-hab visits force Thompson to consider building a better life and he becomes a born-again Christian. This is the avenue that ultimately leads to his recovery and Hall of Fame induction in 1996.

A strong read and an important one especially for young fans of the NBA, David Thompson has a strong message for all. Having been at the heights of fame and at the lowest of lows, DT's life takes on an important meaning...all fans and players should read this to see the fragile hold fame has on it's participants. I highly recommend this.

David Thompson was a great basketball player in college and had a great start in his pro career. Unfortunately, David gave in to the lure of drugs and his career and life suffered. Somehow, through his belief in God and his love of family, David was able to eventually overcome his demons. His rebound was too late for his basketball career, but not too late to save his marriage.
David is very clear in discussing his problems. He makes no excuses. His love for his God and his wife are also very clear, as he credits both with saving his life and sticking with him.
His review of the important 1974 NC State-UCLA semi-final game was very detailed and fascinating. I know he could not do that with every game or even every important game, yet still I would have liked more detail about his interactions with teammates and coaches. At times, this book was more about his redemption (which is more important in the grand scheme of things), than his basketball career, but a few more stories would have rounded out the book. He did play with some greats of the game and in the ABA. Surely he could have pulled out a few more stories.
Even with this one complaint, the book is well worth reading. David Thompson may have ended up being a better person than he was a basketball player!

Knowing Pat for over a decade and having spent three of those years coaching against him in the Middle East. I am not suprised to see such a well written book. This book exemplifies the committment to detail which keeps the reader locked in right down to the final ticks much like Pat's teams that he has coached. A must read not only for coaches but for anyone who has an interest in cultures. The chain of events are unbelievably funny and reads like an ficticious adventure novel, but guess what it's real. The greatest source of knowledge is derived through travel and Pat has a wealth of it.

You can tell by the way it is written that Pat Stewart thinks he is very funny. Unfortunately, he is not! The book drags along to the point that it very hard to read. In fact, I could not finish it. Reading it felt like watching a bad comedian bombing on stage - you just want it to end. In the hands of a better writer this may well have been a good book. The subject matter had potential. Travelling abroad is ripe for comic attack as, I am sure, is putting together a basketball team in Saudi Arabi. It's too bad that the writer couldn't make any of the humor flow. He was constantly throwing in one-liners of his own trying to add humor. The most poorly written book I have read in the four years I have been buying [...]

Having known Coach Stewart for many years, apart from being a very successful coach in several countries and at all levels he IS genuinely a funny guy! To do what he has done all over the world, beleive me you have to have a great sense of humour, a stomach lined with lead, the patience of a Saint and undoubtedly the technical expertise in terms of coaching. I found his book absolutely a great read, I couldn't put it down and have recommended it to several coaching colleagues of mine. Anyone who has been involved with International basketball will absolutely be able to identify with and share a good chuckle with the hilarious anecdotes that are Coach Stewart's life story!! Most pleasurable book this year!

Pat Stewart is a master storyteller. He has you belly laughing one moment and then shaking your head with disbelief the next. Insightful pilgramage with lots of laughs on the way to the Arab Basketball championships. Great reading for those who love to travel and have dealt with the ambiguities of foreign travel and living overseas. Stewart most be a wild and crazy guy to live the life he does. I could not put down the book, a real page turner. Could not wait to learn what crazy event was next on the tour de farce. I look forward to Pat Stewart's next book.

A fun, highly humorous look at coaching basketball overseas as only Pat Stewart could describe it. His unique sense of humor gives you a roller coaster ride through the adventures of coaching in a foreign country. Especially fun for anybody who has coached, played, or traveled overseas with a basketball team.

You will enjoy it!

I heard about this book in a radio interview with the author. She told annecdotes from the book and talked about Bob Collins and his radio legacy. After reading the book, I was impressed by how many people contributed to it. Bob always phoned his parents on the show and both Candi and Jack Packett comment on him saying, "I'm going to miss his calls. His hearty laugh and all. He was always concerned about what we were doing, what the kids were up to. I'll miss that."

My favorite story is from a fan, Judith Perkinson. She speaks about her father who is blind and lives alone. After his wife died, her dad had a hard time adjusting to life. He knew it was morning when he heard Bob's voice and started each day with him. Bob Collins became his radio friend. The story was really touching. There are so many ways you can influence other people's lives with out even knowing it. Her dad never contacted Bob but this book highlights that he was not alone in calling Bob his friend.

The book reminded me just how much "Uncle Bobby" will be missed. The stories are all unique and reinforce what a great guy he really was, not just on the radio. It is hard to get to know someone, especially a celebrity, but reading the stories gave me more insight into the Bob I have listened to for years.

This book is excellent. I have listened to Bob Collins every morning for years. I saw Feder's great review in the Sun-Times and got a copy immediately. Any fan of Bob Collins should buy this book.

There are many ways to write a biography, but I think the most interesting format is to let those who knew the subject tell their stories unencumbered. If that seems to be a simple technique, trust me, it actually requires a very skilled interviewer to pose the kind of questions which elicit coherent answers. Author Quade knows exactly how to do that, judging by the stories in this book. She has wisely left their words intact, sparing them from the editorial Cusinart which often destroys interviews by "cleaning them up." These stories are collected from real people, and they sound like it.

The contributors range from old friends to business associates, politicians, other radio personalities and "ordinary" listeners who felt a special closeness to a man most had never met.

What emerges from these stories is a man seemingly untouched by the fame (and power) which attach themselves to people in his position. He seems to have remained his real self, a "smart-alecky guy with a penchant for rock and roll ..", "a hillbilly from Florida who was articulate and funny." And his listeners responded to this persona by expressing in their various ways how they knew he was "just one of the guys." Meaning, "like us."

They rewarded him (and WGN) with, according to Quade, a 10.4 audience share, "unheard of in the highly competitive [Chicago] market."

In fact, I believe DJ Dick Biondi had equally powerful numbers, but that was many years ago, long before radio audiences became fragmented into so many demigraphic slivers. So to equal or better his ratings in today's radio universe is indeed proof of just how well he connected with his audience.

The point here, demonstrated by Quade's interviews, is that Collins was seen by an extremely broad-based listenership as the man they wanted to listen to, four hours a day. While one would not expect to read negative comments in such a book, it is remarkable how many people really liked him, and the personal way they reacted to his untimely death. They lost a good friend, and "I Remember Bob Collins" demosntrates why they felt that way.

This book is wonderful. After Bob died in the plane crash, I was really taken back by all the fans who felt like I did. My office talked about his death for several days and I realized just how quickly life can change. Reading this book, made me wish that Bob knew how much he was loved by everyone. It is sad that people express their feeling after a person dies. This book captures the sadness of his death as well as the joy of having known or listened to Bob. Anyone reading the book will learn more about his life. Each story tells how he influenced the persons life reinforcing the positive effect of goodwill and generosity. I Remember Bob Collins is a wonderful tribute to the life of Uncle Bobby.

I was a fan of "Uncle Bobby" for years - and miss him dearly. I've been going to the WGN web site (wgnradio.com) to read the messages and listen to Uncle Bobby's favorite bits. I got more out of the web site than this book. It seems to be more of an attempt to gather stories from co-workers and people on the message boards - it is a light tribute with little depth in that respect. Like people sharing stories at a wake. I also read that the family does not support the book because of the way the author unsympathetically hounded them days after the accident. Not as good as the message boards and actually listening to that great laugh on the WGN web site. I'd pass on the purchase of this one and go to the web site.

Starks does a good job here detailing his life and whats most rewarding is his confession of his errors and failures on and off the court. That is this book's strong points.

There are good photos here.

John discussing some of the nutty fans who stalked him is a good read and my personal favorite is his story of the first time he drives his mother and grandmother thru Manhattan traffic, weaving in and around the taxis. The description of what was going on with the two women had melaughing.

The weakness of this book is the dvd that is included with it.
John should have paid someone a little bit more money to produce this thing a little better. And throughout the book, he repeats a lot of the bad stuff that happened to his brothers over and over again. Hos co-writer should have edited that a little bit better.

Hopefully John will coach the Knicks one day. If you're a Knicks fan, then read this book.

john starks was my idol growing up. Before he came to the knicks they were very mediocre. As he says in the book his rise coincided with the knicks title contension throughout the 90's. The book was very good and gave great insight into the man before his career. I was shocked when i read that he used to sell drugs and had been in jail. i followed everything about him back in the day and i remember never hearing about his father so it surprised me to hear that he met his father a couple times. anyway i lived and died with starks the dunk was this city's highest high and 2-18 well u do the math. i recommend this book to anyone who loved a good underdog story about a man with a heart as big as the big apple

I raced through reading this autobiography of John Starks, mainly for personal reasons. The rise of John Starks as a New York Knick corresponded with a lot of overcoming personal struggles in my own life, and I've always felt a deep connection with his story, his explosiveness as a player and as a person, his perpetual teetering on the edge of self-wreckage, and with his continuing maturity and enormous heart that he always brought to the table. This book is hardly a sophisticated read, so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. But if you look at John Starks as I do, as a true phenomenon of character and class, as someone who broke through barrier after barrier, tripped over his own bad habits along the way and still always remained deeply resolute in his belief in himself, then you'll love hearing how his voice comes through the writing of Dan Markowitz. Learning about the chaotic and reckless background of John's life reminded me of how gritty and passionate he was as a player, how his unstoppable desire shook the NBA world. But even in a moment like "The Dunk," John always remained a humble, down to earth man, someone undisturbed by the glow of fame, even more human because of the doubt that always followed his brilliant success. I wish he could have won a championship and have his number retired at the Garden, but in a way, even though his "2 for 18" night left fans like me forever hungry, the dramatic ironies that occupy his life story and the peace that he discovers within himself allow me to savor the tales he tells in this book, as I will forever be inspired by one of the most unique and lovable characters in the history of New York sports.

John Starks' story is full of inspiration. The man grew up in a rough area of Tulsa, Oklahoma without a fatherly figure. His mother and grandmother instilled some positive attributes. However, John faced many troubles growing up and his brothers had a mixed influence on him.

However, John Starks perservered from a troubled youth stocking shelves in Safeway to an NBA All Star. John overcame many obstacles in the NBA and earned the respect of many of his peers in spite of a few overzealous actions on his part.

What really comes accross in this book(and from listening to John speak in person) is the that Mr. Starks has turned into quite an articulate and intelligent young man. He sets a good example as a USBL coach and certainly would be a good candidate to coach in the NBA. John's strong work ethic will indeed carry him to much further success.

A good read even for Chicago Bull, Miami Heat and Indiana Pacer fans!

Outside of Patrick Ewing, former CBA veteran John Starks is probably one of the most recognizable figures in New York sports during the 90's. In his book, Starks talks about his humble beginnings--moving from four different college academic programs to making it to the New York Knicks on a technicality (as injured players can't be cut from their teams, John attempted to dunk of Patrick Ewing during the pre-season in 88' and got hurt in the process).

Through his words, Starks shares the will, desire, and tenacity which made him one of the most exciting and controversial players to ever play in the NBA. Starks shares stories that made him the most decorated guard to ever come out of the CBA with accolades such as the winning a spot on the NBA All-Star team and the 6th Man of the year award. He also talks about his horrible game 7 performance in the 1994 NBA finals as well as the trials and tribulations which he and a number of his family members had to go through.

If your a fan of the NBA, this is certainly one ride you wouldn't want to miss! Get your copy today!

If you found this review helpful, kindly vote for it. Thanks!

Many events take place in the story Johnny Long Legs. In the beginning of the book Johnny moves to New York City with his mom to live with his mom's boyfriend and his son. Soon after the son (Toby) asks Johnny to join the schools basketball team. Johnny figured why not he had played some in New York so he figured he'd give it a try. All of the kids thought that Johnny was going to an awesome player because he was so tall and had probably played a lot in New York. In the first few games Johnny doesn't do to great. He isn't great at shooting and can't jump to save his life. This shocked people because of his height. Johnny would always loose on jump balls now matter how small the kid was and how hard he tried. Fans began calling Johnny "Lead foot" and "Johnny Long Legs". Johnny practiced jumping whenever he could and finally outjumped his toughest opponent at the end of the story. Johnny was finally proud of his nickname "Johnny Long Legs".

My favorite part of the book was when Johnny out jumped his rival opponent and tough competitor Jim Sain. They had been neck and neck or hand and hand shall we say all year. I thought this part of the book was great because Johnny realized that all the hard work he did to strengthen his legs and to improve his jump really did pay off.

I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys sports novels Matt Christopher is a great sports writer in my opinion and great for kids. Also if you want a page turning book this is definitely a book for you! There was a lot of excitement and intensity in this book. I feel that this book was a quick and easy but awesome read!

This book is about a boy named Johnny. He was not into sports until he wanted to try it out. He was tall, real tall to be in middle school. People wanted him actually to try out and he did. When they had practices and games, Johnny didn't start or play too much. This was very new to him playing basketball that season. If you like sports, especially basketball, you may like it because it tells you all the basics of basketball.

Its a good book, and I'm the guy on the cover, just throwing it out there

This story is about a boy named Johnny that moved in with a boy named Toby. They both joined the same basketball team called Wild Cats. A boy named Jim is on a team called Hornets. Jim bullies Johnny and Toby most of the time. If you want to find out more about what happens to these boys read this book. I think it was an exciting book!

In the book Johnny Long Legs, by Matt Christopher, Johnny is a boy in 7th grade who just moved in with a boy named Toby. Toby asks Johnny if he wants to play on his basketball team called the White Cats. Johnny, who was very tall started out slowly. Jim Sain caused Johnny lots of problems, both on and off the basketball court. With a lot of help from Toby, and after a lot of practices, Johnny became a better player. Although Johnny and Jim continued to do battles on the court, they became friends off the court. This book is very exciting and is really hard to put down.

In 1974, after her parents' divorce, Julie moves to another part of San Francisco with her older sister Tracy and her artsy mom, who runs a shop called Gladrags. Though she's close to her sister and to her mother, Julie misses her father, her bunny, and her best friend, Ivy.

Shortly after Julie starts fourth grade at Jack London Elementary School, she learns that they don't have a basketball team for girls so she asks if she can join the boys' team. The coach initially refuses her request, but Julie sticks to her guns. She learns about Title IX and turns in a petition with 150 signatures on it. The coach still refuses to hear her out, so she works up the nerve to talk to her principal about the situation and earns a spot on the team. Later books in the series, such as Julie Tells Her Story, include basketball practice and games.

The Julie books are part of the American Girls line of books, which offer realistic glimpses into America's past through the eyes of young girls and furthermore encourage the girls of today to reach for the stars. With beautiful illustrations by Robert Hunt and a solid story by Megan McDonald, Meet Julie is a welcome addition to the American Girls library.

The woman who wrote these books, I have a sneaky suspision she's a liberal. She mentions in these books saving the earth, Bille Jean King, things that I don't think truly matter as historical value. I, as a person who loves history, was so disappointed by this series. I undersand the 70's was a dark period in our history, but I think this series could've been better or been about a different time.
Personally, I think it should've been done about Ivy Ling, Julie Albright's best friend. They've never done a collection about a Chinese American, it should've been about her. That would've been truly exciting. Overall, I disliked this series.

Ivy does count as an Asian character. She is just as important as Julie. They are best friends, and they mean the world to each other. Ivy is more than a best friend. She's like a sister. :)

In a world of broken-down, drug-addicted teen stars and pop princesses with tarnished crowns, it is refreshing to read a book about a young girl with strong moral fortitude and solid goals.

Julie Albright, the latest American Girl, is a ten year old girl living in 1970s San Francisco. In the first book, Meet Julie, we learn that her parents have recently divorced, forcing Julie and her sister to move away from their friends, father, and family home. We also learn that Julie is a quietly determined girl who cares deeply about those near to her and the issues that are dear to her.

Why I love Meet Julie:
This book tells the story of a compassionate, intelligent young girl living in a time of great change, yet it never preaches or attempts to make the reader feel guilty. I love that American Girl seems to be committed to addressing the concerns of young women living in the world today by giving them identifiable characters who are faced with similar challenges. It's not enough to tell a young girl that she should have goals and stay out of trouble. I love that American Girl, with these Julie books, actually shows girls how they can stay out of trouble by caring about something greater than themselves. In a world of sad, broken-down Britney's and troubled, unlovely Lyndsey's, it's nice to have a Julie to introduce my daughter to!

All of Julie Albirhgt's stories were a good addition to the AG's collection. They really keep your attention the whole way. However, I do feel that the 70s is to recent to be called Historical. I also feel irritated that it is yet another blonde in the AG. There still isn't an Asian historical, and Ivy dosen't count considering she's just a BF doll. The MAIN girls get more attention. This girl reminds me too much of other American Girls. We need more diversity besides the series of blondes they decided to release this year.

This book really goes behind the scenes in the NBA. While Keteyian and Co. certainly don't pull any punches, it might have been nice to see some of the positive things in the NBA discussed. But I guess sensational news is what sells and this book has no shortage of it. The authors talk about David Stern, Michael Jordan's gambling and the murder of his father, the drugs and gambling problems that plague many players, and also about how Joe Smith and his family coped with NBA life. I was really shocked to see how deep the problems with gambling and drugs go. If you are an NBA fan, definitely read this.

Page-turning behind-the-scenes analyses of major NBA issues of the 1990's such as the Isaiah Thomas point-shaving scandal, players' union unrest, Micheal Jordan's gambling habits, the murder of his father and other issues the NBA proved to have little interest in investigating much less proving. The title of this book should be "Money League" as David Stern and his puppets are clearly more interested in doing whatever it takes to boost international exposure and television ratings while maximizing revenues, as this book accurately suggests, than doing their best to protect and ensure the compliance of the league's most valuable assets - the players.

This book once again speaks to the inherent racism and resentment that is waged against superstar black athletes by white sportswriters. The fact that Isiah holds dice games in a house that he owns with money he earned,is nobody's business, the fact that Michael Jordan gambles with shady characters is nobody's business. This book is just another example of how white sportswriters seek to destroy the "famous" image of black professional atheletes for their own gain and benefit. This book proves that these writers have an innate resentment toward these athletes not only because they are black but because they have the athletic prowess and the bragadacio to do what the heck they want to do and they don't care who doesn't like it. Sportswriters seem to only like black athletes what are seldom seen and seldom heard, who act like good little children and stay in their place. Well I say shame on this book and shame on the writers and publishers who would print such a load of bull. Stop trying to make a buck at everyone else's expense. I don't think any of you writers are without sins and faults.

i am a big fan of Armen Keteyian's and i found this book to be among his best! you can always count on the credibility of these writers.there is no hidden agenda, just documented facts. the evolution of sports, along with its history is not forgotten with Mr. Keteyian. today, history is overlooked, for the quick fix. if reality insults you, maybe this book is not for you. but if you enjoy the truth, READ THIS BOOK! when so many sportswriters and broadcasters prefer adulation to pointed questions, this take is refreshing. thank you Mr.Keteyian, and your co-writers, for not being afraid to print your investigation.

This is a great read. In response to the person from Richmond, Virginia...who wrote and I quote " This book once again speaks to the inherent racism and resentment that is waged against superstar lack athletes by white sportswriters."

First of all, it is the sportswriters job to get both the good and bad about athletes. White sportswriters pick on athletes who do stupid things, color has nothing to do with it. Pete Rose got tossed out of baseball for allegedly gambling on baseball, but I recently saw an interview stating he did gamble, but he was tossed out for gambling on the Super Bowl, specifically the Super Bowl XXIII. Hey, I would rather them have them expose the truth than the kiss Michael's ass journalism that most of the media seem to employ. Sportswriters are supposed to report the facts, and that's it. They have no obligation to support or criticize any athlete or team, and if they do state an opinion, it should be for a column or where they are required to do so, anything else would reek of blatant bias. As for the writers without being sins and faults you're probably right, but how many people idolize sportswriters or buy their products? Hell, didn't the press get on the President of the USA, who in my view,has perhaps the most important job in the free world, and I'm not even American. They did their job and exposed him for being an adulterer. If the President of the United States can be held accountable for his actions, why can't sport stars? Just because they're rich and famous, it doesn't mean they shouldn't be held accountable for their actions. If you don't like it, read some shlock book like Return of a Champion by Joe Layden, or Rebound or Hang Time by Bob Greene.

Charles Barkley is a NBA legend, cultural icon, and a brash black man who writes his complaints down into books instead of rapping them away on albums. This book is full of complaints from the Round Mound of Rebound. He complains about the NBA, other players, referees, the management at several franchises, America's parents, America's teenagers, and of course, himself. This is Barkley's first book, and in it he describes his youth, his entry into basketball, his days in college, and finally his life in the NBA. He goes over some of the challenges he had in his life and how he came to overcome them. He also talks about the people he has encountered in his life, such as his family members, teammates such as Rick Mahorn, Moses Malone, and Dr. J, and opponents such as Michael Jordan and Bill Laimbeer. Through it all, he writes with wit, comedy, and the occasional bad word. The book is good reading, and easy reading at it, though not appropriate for anyone under 13 years old in my mind.

Speaking The Truth

This book that I've read was called Outrageous Charles Barkley. The book is mainly about a young talented man who went to the NBA to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Charles speaks the truth because even though he can dunk a basketball doesn't mean he should raise your children. What he is trying to say is kids have role models and they try to be just like then in many ways. So if your child watches and follows those role models moves, then he or she is going to be in trouble. He also meant that it is not his job to raise your kids because he is they role model.

What I like about this book is that Charles Barkley is speaking the truth in many ways. The book talks about everything that a person would think or say about the book before they actually read it. He talks about his personal life and how he is paid to play basketball. So if he was to get in trouble outside of the basketball world don't think he is a bad person because ever one makes mistakes all throughout life.

Now what I didn't like about the book is when he speaks about things I want him to keep going and don't stop until every little information is said and done. Another reason is the people in the story weren't really talking about to many details but they could have done better. My main reason for not liking this book is because they did not have a whole lot of pictures to describe the scene of the situation.

Speaking The Truth

This book that I've read was called Outrageous Charles Barkley. The book is mainly about a young talented man who went to the NBA to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Charles speaks the truth because even though he can dunk a basketball doesn't mean he should raise your children. What he is trying to say is kids have role models and they try to be just like then in many ways. So if your child watches and follows those role models moves, then he or she is going to be in trouble. He also meant that it is not his job to raise your kids because he is they role model.

What I like about this book is that Charles Barkley is speaking the truth in many ways. The book talks about everything that a person would think or say about the book before they actually read it. He talks about his personal life and how he is paid to play basketball. So if he was to get in trouble outside of the basketball world don't think he is a bad person because ever one makes mistakes all throughout life.

Now what I didn't like about the book is when he speaks about things I want him to keep going and don't stop until every little information is said and done. Another reason is the people in the story weren't really talking about to many details but they could have done better. My main reason for not liking this book is because they did not have a whole lot of pictures to describe the scene of the situation.

I have Always Respected Charles Barkley's Game.THe Brother Can Ball&for his Size he is something else.but even better has been his Honesty about the Nba.He Rips into all kinds of Issues&it's the mark solidly.The NBA needs More Brothers Like Charles who tells it like it is.He is a Winner.this book keeps your full attention.

AS A CHARLES BARKLEY FAN THIS BOOK ALLOWS A READ BETWEEN THE LINES APPROACH TO THE COMPLICATED MAN KNOWN AS CHARLES BARKLEY.

I was totally immersed in this book from beginning to end. It is very well written, and well-edited, and it brings the story Pete Axthelm started closer to present day. I thought, nothwithstanding the comments from NBA.com herein, that its treatment of the relationship between the street and the business of basketball was intelligent and compelling. I recommend it highly.

this is truly an awesome book. not only does it teach you many things about the game and its origins, but it also opens up your eyes to things like growing up in streetball areas isnt as glamourous as it seems. i honestly feel like now everytime i play basketball or watch streetball, i will have that extra boost. another great thing is that it is very intelligently written and has a high reading level so its not boring or nething. THANK YOU PICKUP ARTISTS! i reccomend this to any fan of basketball or ne1 that wants to learn sumtin about it

This is a very interesting look at the history of amateur basketball from the early 20th century until the late 1990's. It focuses on street basketball, but also highlights basketball in places such as small town Indiana, an Indian reservation, and resort towns of the 1920's-40's. It is more about the culture surrounding basketball and its importance to various communities. There are a lot of wonderful anecdotes and legends included in the story, but they are only minor details in a much larger portrait. The book is not particularly well organized and the writing itself was poor, but it is obvious that extensive research went into it and the subject is very interesting, so I would recommend it on those merits alone.

As a senior editor at NBA.com, I feel my opinion holds just as much validity (if validity can be held) as a number of the other reviewers, and a little more than the supposed "Don Imus" quote that one of the authors perhaps submitted. While the book should be applauded for its comprehensive look at its subject, it does little to transcend the sad state of postwar sports journalism.

I have read several books regarding street basketball in america. This particular book covers legends across the country. It also takes a look at the sociology of regions. Although the basis of my research has been focused on New York this book was a great, well-written suprise. It is a thoughtful look at personalities and stories surrounding the legends you may have never heard of. If you want to read a good book on the subject this is a great place to start, It is very well written and thoughtful.

I enjoyed this book. The story line was easy to follow and entertaining. This book would be a welcome addition to any Library.

SCRUB MATCH by Bill Eisele is a wonderful coming of age story and boyfriend fiction at it's best. I started the book one afternoon read for two hours and then picked it up again when I went to bed and the next thing I knew it was 8 AM. Even if you don't care about the game of basketball you will get a lot out of this book. The story of Paul and his failed attemps at finding true love in the late 90's San Francisco is endearing and at the same time sad and hopeful. The Characters are all people I would want to have as friends, all flawed and all human. With one exception. But, hey what would good fiction be without a villain? When you read SCRUB MATCH, I would think that Paul and Twitch and the wonderful Campbell, Alvin, Jesse, Pual's parents and the others who enrich Paul's life will all become people you'd want to know as well. Yes, and love.

This coming-of-age novel about a gay bi-racialman Paul Carter learning to be true to himself. On his road to self discovery he not only falls in love but understand the measures off fighting for love. He learns how onniving people can be and still understand that there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Eventhough I was bored all the way up to chapter 8. It picked up, love has not everyone breaks even their are winners and there are losers. Sadly not everyone in this story is a winner however everyone walks away with a lesson learned.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its easy to read and a story I could relate to. I get so tired of novels where all the people are beautiful and successful.. Its about time we had a novel like this where everyone is not so "perfect" because thats more like real life.

To a mixed-race gay man still smarting from a failed relationship during his final year of college, San Francisco seemed like the best destination for Paul Carter after graduation. A city of ethnic diversity, where his red Afro would be less likely to elicit stares, and where a significant portion of the population was also gay, and far enough away from his father whom Paul felt was disappointed in him. If he could just make it through the sky-high rents, having to rent a room from a woman who constantly suspected him of stealing from her, and if he could only find a great boyfriend, like Twitch, the fellow he met on the basketball courts one night shortly after his arrival, and whom he has been "courting" ever since.

First time novelist Bill Eisele comes a coming-of-age novel about a gay man learning to be true to himself, rather than base his happiness on others' connections to him or their expectations. The diverse, colorful characters are mostly all members of a pick-up basketball team in a league at a local community center, where Paul seems to mistake their success on court with their ability to succeed at life. When his parents and younger sister come to visit him in San Francisco, Paul is worried about being caught in a lie he told about having a steady boyfriend, but finally allows himself to see his father through his friends' eyes, resulting in a cathartic reconciliation of sorts. Those who are not avid basketball fans (neither am I) should not be deterred by the novel's seeming preoccupation with the sport, since the "game" turns out to be much more than the one played under a hoop and net. Give it a try.