Basketball Books

This book is for baseball fans. It answers the question of Who was Cy Young? Every year Major League Baseball gives an award in both leagues and I doubt that the vast majority of baseball fans can write two sentences about Cy Young. I found his accomplishments stunning in an era when pitchers started every third day, the good ones threw more than 400 innings a year and finished their own games.

Baseball was clearly not the game then that it is today. This tells how it has changed. For example, in Young's day, fans were called "cranks." I think this is an apt description of even today's fans! It was common to call the police to settle on-field arguments! Wow! Read this before the season starts if you are a fan. If you aren't a baseball fan...why not?

Jim

We are very interested in baseball's history, so this book is a welcome addtion to our library.

Cy Young spent most of his life in a small Ohio village. He left in 1890 to play baseball for the Cleveland Spiders, and returned in 1912 after racking up a truly impressive pitching career: 511 wins, pitched the first perfect game, won more than 30 games a season five times.

This modern biography (written in 2000) is equally impressive for focusing on his baseball career instead of making spurious accusations about his psychological makeup and personal life. It also gives an excellent historical background and explanation of the rule changes during the period, and touches on a few personal areas without going into excessive detail; his life from 1867-1890 and 1912-1955 is covered in just two chapters.

Of the six baseball biographies I've read recently it truly stands out. The author did a great job of explaining how baseball worked back then, both in terms of the game itself and the teams/managers--and, as you can imagine, professional baseball was more than a wee bit different in 1890 than it is today. He uses copious references and footnotes, and makes it clear when he's speculating rather than writing based on fact. (In particular we don't know for sure what player salaries were like during the time. He has a helpful appendix explaining his reasoning.)

If you have any interest in baseball history pre-1920, or are just curious, it's well worth reading. It's one of the best modern biographies I've read.

Reed Browning set the model for baseball bios, and it's too bad the scores of works that have come out since this volume have not been up to the mark set. Mr. Browning is a history professor, but other professors who have written about their favorite players have been less accurate and unbiased. Browning has done his homework thoroughly and with no errors. Of course, with Cy Young it's easier to be unbiased and still show him to be among the greatest of all time.
Browning has the perfect combination: all the detail about Cy Young's personal life he could get and keep the book flowing; all the baseball anecdotes worth telling; a fine writing style; and all the live action game and year by year stats and events you can want.

Considering the lack of material, Mr. Browning does an excellent job recounting Cy Young's life. While he is forced to make a number of guesses, they are all well reasoned. Some biographies give a game by game description of what the subject did year by year. Mr. Browning thankfully does not do that, instead focusing on the high points of each year. The book includes a number of informative discussions about the evolution of the rules in the late 19th/early 20th centuries.

this book is a boy name Lonnie Jackson who leaves Harlem because he got accepted to Montclair State in Indiana to play on their basketball team. In the beginning he'll have trouble fitting because he thinks that it's not the right place for him. He also has trouble with his schoolwork because he didn't because he wasn't taking things seriously before. The only thing he knows is how to play ball, while in college he is tempted to fix games with local gamblers. He has a hard time focusing until sherry comes along. She is a determined track star and she's also very independent. Which attracts Lonnie but he's also going crazy because he doesn't like that fact that has on-again, off-again relationship.

The outside shot is a good book about a young African-American male that has to leave New York City to play college basketball in the Midwest. He has to struggle to make the team, impress his coach and the girl that he likes. He has hard times in school and contemplates leaving school. He ends up getting caught in a scandal with a bookie and the NCAA. I really enjoyed the struggle aspect of this book. He had to work hard to make it. It is also really cool when he helps a troubled kid at the hospital he works at. I would definitely give this book a five out of five. I really enjoyed this book and I know you will to.

The Outside Shot is the story of Lonnie Jackson's journey through his freshman year in college. He is from Harlem and is attending the school on a basketball scholarship. As soon as he arrives at the school trouble starts. He thought because he was on scholarship he automatically was on the team. He was wrong about this because he still had to try out. At the college, he meets a girl named Sherry, who is there on a track scholarship. He is interested in her and they have an off-and-on relationship. He also develops a friendship for a boy named Eddie who is at the hospital he works. Eddie is thought to be autistic and Lonnie plays with him in the gym at the hospital. The relationship starts off slow but gets better. While he is at a pick-up game he meets a man everybody calls the "Fat Man". The Fat Man gets him in a situation where the college says Lonnie is involved in the gambling of there games. He is suspended from the team. During this time he starts to drink a lot and does not attend any of his classes. Sherry is there to comfort him but he does not seem to want to be comforted.

This author is my favorite author. His writing style is very realistic. I am also a fan of basketball so this book kept me interested from beginning to end. This is definitely a five star book. Almost any male athlete will love this book.

The Outside Shot is a type of book that makes you want to read it more and more as you get further into the book. When you put the book down you feel like picking it back up. The Outside Shot is about a "cat" named Lonnie. He is one of the few African-Americans going to Montclare College on a basketball scholarship. He is from Harlem, New York. The college is pretty small but it has a lot to offer. Montclare could help Lonnie get into the pro's. When he arrives to college he realizes that the work is harder where as before he could easily pull of B's. This book has some good obstacles and conflicts to over come and has a variety of ways to entertain the reader.
On top of the new college, work, basketball team, Lonnie was interested in a girl named Sherry. Sherry wanted to become a track star. The two of them had a weird relationship. They went out and then broke up and did this again. This annoyed Lonnie and made him confused. Since he was from Harlem he kind of had some of his slang. This was shown when Lonnie would see Sherry and say something like hey baby. Sometime Lonnie would see her with other people and would say something to act cool as he walked by.
Overall this book gets five out of five stars from me. Do yourself a favor and read this book and see if Lonnie makes it through college, the pro's, and Sherry. If you need an interesting book that is entertaining this would have to be the book!

Ages 12 and up. The book The Outside Shot written by Walter Dean Myers is mostly about a boy named Lonnie heading off to play basketball for a mid-western college called Montclare. When going off to college Lonnie has to fit in with the others he is going to be living with. Lonnie has a scholarship for playing basketball, but Lonnie Jackson does not have the street smarts ne needs to pass those tough classes of his. He does not want his scholarship to go to waste, so he gives it all he`s got. While in class Lonnie meets an attractive girl named Sherry. Sherry, who in an athlete determined to be a track star.She keeps Lonnie in shape by telling him to give it all his best, and to try hard when it comes to his classes. Sherry`s independence attracts Lonnie,they have an on and off relationship that drives Lonnie crazy.The moral or the theme of the book "The Outside Shot" is that you can help others and at the same time you can achieve your dream.This works for Lonnie.I like that the book has Lonnie taking things easy and how he tries really hard to be the best basketball player that he really is.He does not get angry when things get bad,he just steps up his game, and shows others that he is ready to be on the basketball court.Also succeed off of it as well.

Boy, I was a huge UNLV fan while Tark was there, and I loved that team that beat Duke by 30 in the finals. Thus, I bought the book, and I enjoyed it. In virtually every chapter, there is a funny story or a simply outrageous story that I'm sure is true. Tark tells his story, and he seems to hold nothing back. Tark is truly unique.

My problem with the book is the Tark portrays himself as a "victim" of some sort of witch-hunt by the NCAA. I've no doubt that the NCAA was unfair-grossly unfair-to Tark. Yet I grow weary of self-proclaimed "victims."

Yet I suggest you buy it and read it. You'll laugh because it is funny.

And if you were a huge UNLV fan like I was, it will bring back some good memories.

Remember the incredible defense that Stacey Augmon played? If not, this book will bring back memories such as Stacey, et al.

Jerry Tarkanian seems to be a decent, likeable guy, evidenced by both his autobiography's narrative voice, and the "shark tales" inside. Tark is laid-back, self-deprecating, funny, and respectful in his tone and delivery, and his life's story shows he could get along with of all kinds of people, and was a valuable friend to have: everyone is a "good guy", with some rare exceptions, and Tark wanted to coach all of the kids and take all the adults out for a meal and a round of drinks.

Tark's larger than life, yet down-home, blue-collar personality developed by rising from a difficult home life (tough Armenian background, father died at 10, little money) to earn a series of coaching successes virtually right out of the gate- the guy never had a losing season at any level, and boasts an overall career record of 988-228 (.813). And coaching basketball was not originally a noble calling for Tark- it instead represented sort of a path of least resistance for an athletic guy whose grades were mediocre and who didn't want a desk job.

Coach's genius lies in recruiting, and most of the book recounts his amusing and clever escapades trying to bring talent to his schools. Tark recognized early on to utilize junior colleges to his advantage, to target niche players, and to embrace black athletes that other schools sadly (and suicidally) avoided during the 1960s. He visited kids and their families at their homes, regardless of how tough the neighborhoods were. He wasn't easily dissuaded by a kid's poor grades or legal troubles, without first assessing his character and potential. He was the consummate Las Vegas host, and had the whole city at his disposal (including, to a degree, Sinatra, who actually made a couple of recruiting visits for Tark), and could convincingly show visitors the kind of time they could expect to have by playing for UNLV. His list of contacts throughout the US was outstanding - he had high school coaches and scouts everywhere feeding him guys, and all the right jucos to park them in if they needed to cool their heels first.

Of course, Tark had his scrapes with the NCAA, and seemed unfairly targeted, particularly once recruiting rules got tougher. He was open and honest about his troubles- and his disdain for the NCAA investigators- and didn't seem to be whitewashing events. For one, he won a $2.5 million settlement against the NCAA, as retribution for their misguided hyper-vigilance of his program. And he also is forthcoming about where he technically bent the rules. He gives the impression that overstepping NCAA boundaries while recruiting (including, for instance, buying a kid a sandwich or magazine from your own pocket) is like speeding or web-surfing at work: everyone does it to at least a minor extent, and you only get caught by flagrantly abusing the system, or because someone with ulterior motives is paying too close attention to the little stuff. It seemed to be the latter for Tark, but a fighting spirit and the loyalty he inspired in those around him meant the system never had him beat.

I am a long time basketball fan, especially college BB. I remeber all the names the Tark mentions in the book and it was very enjoyable to read, I couldn't put it down. I loved the "inside" information the book gives as the average fan doesn't always know about what really goes on. I am huge Al McGuire fan so that was fun also. I would urge any basketball fan to buy this book.

Great book. I was in LV, NV during Tark's tenure at UNLV. Tark originally got crosswise with the NCAA when he criticized them in his basketball column at Long Beach State. The NCAA never let go after that. UNLV administration unfortunately bought into the argument that a school can either be academically or athletically based and never understood the vision of a powerful synergistic relationship (i.e. USC, Notre Dame, TX, etc., etc.). The administration and anti-Tark boosters basically invited the NCAA in for an audit that took years. The end result was a severely truncated basketball dynasty and a huge hit in academic and adminstrative credibilty from UNLV's President Maxson on down. UNLV has not achieved significant academic standing and and has never recovered athletically. However, Tark is $2,000,000.00 richer secondary to prevailing over the NCAA in a court of law, in addition to his 1990 NCAA basketball court championship.

I have not and will not bother to read this book, as I would not trust any of the facts. As an example, Wetzel recently (Yahoo!, 4/2/06) published an article bashing the UCLA basketball program. The entire basis for this was a "quote" that Wetzel attributes to Bill Walton. Nothing could be further from thr truth!

In his article, he states the quote was written by Walton ("Those quotes come from none other than Bill Walton, maybe the greatest Bruin of them all, in his 1978 book `On the Road with the Portland Trailblazers'"). This is false. The book was written by Jack Scott. In the Author's Note, Scott wrote: "Bill never asked to read even one page of the manuscript - never mind the entire manuscript - before it went to the printer. Consequently, I am solely responsible for the book's content. You should not automatically assume that Bill agrees with all of the opinions I express throughout the book..."

There are numerous other examples. When called on his error, Wetzel indicated that HE DID NOT EVEN HAVE A COPY OF THE BOOK he quotes, so could not confirm or deny the error!! Horrifying! Despite being called out, he has never made a correction to the story nor printed any retractions.

He is an untrustworthy writer, and clearly makes up and misrepresents the facts to sell his product.

BEWARE!

"The Story of the NBA's Rising Young Star Kobe Bryant" great for Lakers' fans. If you like basketball you will like this nonfiction book. Joseph Layden .I thought that the book was very easy to read and young children could read it by themselves. In my mind he is the best player ever. It the best book I ever read. I like the book, because I like to play basketball too.
In the beginning of the book it talks about his father and mother how they met each other. The book talked a bit about his family and also where he attend at school. I like the book, because you can image in your mind what it is talking about, and you can learn a little bit of vocabulary.
The setting of the book is in Philadelphia and also in Los Angeles. The author wrote the book very well, because it gives a lot of important information, it the best book I ever read. I like the book, because I like to play basketball too. I want to read more byJoseph Laden.
I want to recommend to book to people that like the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant and who like to play basketball. The book makes you think that you could be a great basketball player like Kobe, if you keep on practicing. I would recommend this book to grade school and also high school students.

I chose the book, Kobe, because I love basketball, and I was interested in knowing more about the life of Kobe Bryant. I was surprised to learn about Kobe's upbringing and background because it was totally different than what I had expected.

I liked this book because it tells all about Kobe Bryant's love for basketball, and his determination and drive to improve his skills. Kobe's basketball career begins when his family moves back to his hometown in America. The book also contains a lot of really cool pictures.

Learn about how this young star athlete developed into an all star basketball player. Joe Layden does a terrific job in revealing what makes Kobe a superstar. I recommend this book to anyone interested in basketball. It is very inspirational!

I chose the book, Kobe, because I was interested in knowing more about the life of Kobe Bryant. I was surprised to learn about Kobe's upbringing and background because it was totally different than what I had expected.

I liked this book because it tells all about Kobe Bryant's love for basketball, and his determination and drive to improve his skills. Kobe's basketball career begins when his family moves back to his hometown in America. The book also contains a lot of really cool pictures.

Learn about how this young star athlete developed into an all star basketball player. Joe Layden does a terrific job in revealing what makes Kobe a superstar. I recommend this book to anyone interested in basketball. It is very inspirational!

i don't care if you like this review or not, but kobe should realize now what he had w/ shaq: the best player in the game, and now that it's his team they are not even going to make the playoffs- and kobe cares too much what the media says about him- blaming everyone else and telling on shaq and his "hush money" and karl malone "harassing" his wife- shut up kobe and just play your selfish game

The book Kobe is one of my all time favorites. It talks about the life of Kobe Bryant. Kobe is my all time favorite basketball player along with Michael Jordan. I see a lot in Kobe like in mj. This book talks about the life of the young rising star Kobe Bryant and how he got to where he is now. It is a great book.

a perfect book,about a controversial personality who has offered a lot to nba..The drawings at the end of the book of the triangle offence is all the money..

I read "Secred Hoops" and was really blown away. Jackson is a very enlightened writer, and it's fascinating to see how a zen approach to teamwork is really proven by reality and experience. I'm not much of a basketball fan, but now after reading "More Than a Game" I know a whole lot more about it's philosophy and strategy.

This book is basketball junkie paradise. As for me, whenever Charlie or Phil went into detail about the triangle, I had no idea what they were talking about. And hey, dig them squiggly-line charts in the back of the book!

But otherwise the book is a relaxed, informal "conversation" between two old, very good buddies, sharing their beautiful obsession. It was sweet to gradually become aware of and then vicariously revel in the deep bond the two guys have, all from their passionate love of hoops and its people.

Let the technicalities wash over you and enjoy.

More than a Game is one of those books that is entertaining and interesting, but only applies to a certain type of people. Coaches and basketball enthusiasts will enjoy this book, but you should pass if you don't particularly like the sport of basketball. Phil Jackson, former coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, gives insight into the strategic world of basketball, from the past to the present. Charlie Rosen, a former college player, coauthors the book. However, More than a Game is focused more on Phil Jackson. The book shows the background of two talented, intelligent basketball players from different regions-- Charlie from the city, and Phil from the country. They mesh perfectly as a dynamic duo. This book also gives insight to the formation of the Triangle offense, something that has perplexed the basketball audience for years. This is a great read for anyone who followed the Chicago Bulls and/or Los Angeles Lakers championship years. The glossary and play diagrams at the end of the book are helpful and descriptive. A minor basketball fan could understand the book, but only a coach or basketball intellectual could truly enjoy it. More than a Game is a good book if you enjoy basketball and admire the genius of Phil Jackson, but like I said, it's not for everyone.

I really enjoyed this book,it goes into Phils career as a player, both in college and the NBA, then it talks about his coaching days in the CBA and in the NBA with the Nets, Bulls, and Lakers. The last part of the book is my favorite it talks about his first season with the Lakers, the problems they had learning the triangle, and the conflicts between Kobe & Shaq. Charley also has a nice interview with Tex in one of the chapters. The book goes more into Phils time with the Lakers than the Bulls, but all basketball fans should enjoy this book. You also get a good idea of what kind of person Phil is.

Salt In His Shoes

The book Salt In His Shoes about Michael Jordan is about his pursuit of a dream. His dream was to become a star. And, this book is how he became determined to accomplish his dream.

You should read this book because it tells you to follow your dreams. You can succeed anything if you believe. It shows that even the best had to start from the bottom and work their way up.

Salt In His Shoes is an inspiring book. Whatever shape or size you are, you are capable of full filling your dreams. This book is hard to put down and fun for the whole.

I brought this book into my junior high classroom and had it available for free-reading time. The students had me read it with them, and then would read it with partners during the reading time because it was so popular. I would recommend this for any teacher who is trying to get their students to start really enjoying reading up through the 8th grade. I was able to my students reading even more books and magazines on athletes and sports once they read this book.

Michael blows the game for his brothers one afternoon. When he gets home he is really mad and wants to get taller so his mom uses a family tradition of getting taller, his mom puts salt in his shoes that night. Does the "get tall fast"tradition work?Read Salt in his Shoes to find out.

Michael Jordan has made many leaps and bounds in his career. He's gone from a huge basketball player to a successful baseball player. "Salt in his Shoes" is a great book because it explains how Michael never gave up. The lesson is great and the illustrations are amazing.
In the book, Michael never gave up, and he was determined. This helped him win the game. He also believed in himself. Even though he wasn't that tall, his passion for the game meant more. Michael has also been very successful. He was on a famous basketball and baseball team.
We think this story is wonderful because it teaches a great lesson, to never give up. Also, to believe in yourself. It shows that if you keep trying, you can become anything you want. Also, the pictures are vivid and colorful.

It was about a boy named micheal almost gave up his dream of playing basketball.because he thouth he was to short to play. his mother told him if you put salt in your shoes he would get
taller than he TO PRAY every day. he did not go back to the park for

This book has a great deal of information about John Wooden, UCLA basketball, and many of the people who were involved with Coach Wooden during the "Wooden Era". However, this book is also FULL of typographical errors, grammar problems, and such. While it does not severly impact the content, it is frustrating and irritating for such a product that has so much potential.

Basketball fan or not, this is a good read. Even better if you are. John Wooden's Pyramid is a pattern for successful living with tools that provide the means & inspiration to guide you to a more worthwhile and fulfilling life. Teamwork is the foundation for success in any team effort, on or off the court. This would be a great gift for teenagers invloved in sports. Coach Wooden's teams proved you don't have to be a "glory hound" to gain recognition.

I am a licensed psychotherapist practicing in San Francisco for the past twenty years. I am always looking for books that give people a healthy and motivational structure for living life.
John Wooden's Pyramid of Success is one of those books that I recommend to my clients. This book was recommended to me and although I did not know much about John Wooden, I was very inspired by his life and his work. His ability to educate, and help others build character, gain wisdom and expand their capacity to live a life of integrity, service and love is remarkable.
Most people come into therapy because there is some area of their life that they are dissatisfied with. Therapy is about bringing into consciousness deeper emotional truths that can keep us from achieving a truly satisfying and meaningful life.
The Pyramid clearly defines the actions we are taking and the decisions we are making when we are living life to the fullest. John Wooden is an important role model and teacher for us all. This book is an excellent resource for living on purpose and for reaching the upper limits of what is available to us all in life.

This is by far the most comprehensive book on Wooden yet. About half the book is interviews with former Wooden players, with Wooden's family, his friends, and even his former teachers. These interviews prove Wooden truly walks what he talks. The biography section is as in-depth as anything I've seen on Wooden and the amount of new information revealed is daunting. If you are a Wooden fan, or want to learn more about the former UCLA coach, this is the book for you.

I think Mr. Willingham is reviewing the first edition of this book. I have seen a copy of that and there are many typos in that edition. I should know as I am a professional proofreader. But I have a copy of the second edition, the one that has the cover shown on this page, and I have found very, very few typos, and most of those small grammar things that you might find in any book. Considering this book is well over 400 pages I think it is presented very well. I do agree with Mr. Willingham that this book gives a lot of new information about the people around Coach during the Wooden Era. All in all, I find it an excellent read and a must for any Wooden follower.

This book is a very interesting one. The book describes how a young basketball star goes through his career from 8th grade to senior year in high school. The book shows Lebron's stuggles and accomplishments. It explains major deals with shoe companies. The book gives highlights from his most hyped high school games. The book shows all aspects of how Lebron made everyone believe the hype. Overall it was a good book and it is for anyone who loves reading about sports and athletes accomplishments.

Ryan Jones is a great basketball writer. In King James: The LeBron James Story he does a great job of trying to show the reader how amazingly good LeBron James is at basketball. Coach Bob Gibbons said about LeBron's performance in the Olympic trials, "I don't want to blow too much smoke and distort the kid's thinking, but I saw Kobe Bryant in tenth and eleventh grades, and I think this kid is more advanced than Kobe was." Like LeBron, Kobe Bryant was drafted out of high school and has led the Los Angeles Lakers to multiple NBA Championships.
Ryan Jones is editor-in-chief at SLAM, the monthly basketball magazine that combined the sport with hip hop culture at a time when the genre was becoming increasingly popular. The magazine carries advertising for basketball-related products, street-wear clothing and hip hop music, and it has been credited with helping to market hip hop culture and basketball as one. It is only fitting that Ryan Jones wrote his first national magazine feature on LeBron James. He thoroughly explains LeBron's involvement with SLAM magazine throughout the book. He lives in New York with his wife and son.
Although Jones seems a bit repetitive at times, his knowledge of basketball and great style shines though and creates an easy to read biography. In Chaper Four, he talks about the potential LeBron possessed in football as well as basketball: even though "there wasn't much national buzz on LeBron the football player, area football coaches knew better." Jones even compares him to the New England Patriots Pro-Bowl wideout, Randy Moss. While he mainly focuses on LeBron's basketball ability, his information about LeBron's high school football career is refreshing.
With all the hype about LeBron and his constant coverage on ESPN, this book reveals the truth about LeBron and his journey from moving in with his friend's family to his 90 million dollar sneaker deal with Nike. While the vocabulary can be a bit easy at times, the book a joy to read, especially if you are a total sports nut like myself. A stong strength of Jones is to tell the complete story of every little event in Lebron's life. His very descriptive writing explains aspects of basketball that makes this book a good pick for sports lovers and non sports lovers alike. I give this book an eight out of ten and recommend it highly.

This was quite an enjoyable read. I was fascinated by the rise and rise of this basketball prodigy due to all the hype surrounding him. There is no doubt that Lebron James is one hell of a talent after seeing many of his highlight plays on T.V, and on the net. This book details his performances in school for ST Vincent-ST Mary and other events, the frenzied interest from fans and media wanting to see him perform, sport commentators and coaches raving about him being the best thing in the sport of basketball, hummergate, speculation about his future career plans, and the fight for his feet between Adidas and Nike in which the latter won because the former could not offer huge amounts of money in the bidding war with its major rival. Great stuff.

King James: Believe the Hype, The LeBron James Story by Ryan Jones was a great book
to read it tells you about LeBron James early life and about his high school games and
when he goes into the NBA . He was born in Akron, Ohio on December 30, 1984.
He was mostly raised by his mother, LeBron went to school at St. Vincent-St. Mary
High School . He was the starting point guard . James averaged 18.2 points and 6
rebounds per game.Lebron James was also a star football player in addition to
basketball, LeBron was also First-Team All-Stateas a wide receiver for his high school
team. But, he didn't want to get hurt so he quit football and concentrated on playing
Basketball . In his junior year, he appeared on the cover of SLAM Magazine which
show everybody in the world who he was.In the NBA LeBron join the Cleveland
Cavaliers they made many changes to there lineup , adding Larry Hughes ,
Damon Jones and Donyell Marshall and many more . Now LeBrons James is Standing at
6 feet,8 inches and is 21 years old. That some information about what the book tells you
about. This was a great book and if you love basketball you should get this book.

This was a AWESOME book. It really looks into the real life of LEBRON JAMES and shows you his trip into stardom. This book is great if you like watching basketball careers grow because is probably the most popular young basketball players in the world today and this book did a really good job of showing how LEBRON is always improving his game. I have read a ton of sports autiobiographies and this one was probably the most inspiring because it took an indept look at the personal and also basketball part of LEBRON JAMES life.

THE AUTHOR OF THIS BOOK HAS NO EXPERIENCE COVERING SPORTS. IN HER FIRST ATTEMPT I THINK SHE DOES A VERY GOOD JOB DESCRIBING THE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON OF THE 2000 LAKERS. THE DETAILED RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE PLAYERS IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS BOOK. NOT ONLY KOBE AND SHAQ BUT ALL THE OTHER PLAYERS ARE OF INTEREST IN THIS STORY. FROM ROBERY HORRY TO RICK FOX TO PHIL JACKSON, YOU FIND OUT SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT EACH ONE OF THEM. BUT THE MAIN STORY IS THE COMING OF AGE OF KOBE FROM A BALL HOG TO A COMPLETE PLAYMAKER AND PASSER. I RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL BASKETBALL FANS.

I don't care if anybody rates this review as helpful, because all I want to convey about this book is the lack of understanding the author posesses. I have read Phil Jackson's new book, Shaq's latest, and several others about the lakers, but this book basically says that Shaq is a big baby who needs to grow up, and Kobe doesn't care about the media--he doesn't care about reputation. Wrong, and wayyyyyy wrong. Kobe makes me sick because of all the publicity stunts he does, and all the attempts he makes at getting the fan's love back. Shaq has matured in his 13 seasons, and Elizabeth Kaye seems like she just wants to meet Kobe in some colorado resort. A good read if you want to see how dense an unexperienced author can be.

Ain't No Tomorrow offers a unique perspective on the 2000-2001 World Champion L.A.Lakers in that Ms. Kaye is an outsider with very little - if any - previous basketball experience. She develops close relationships with many of the players, coaches, and members of the travelling media. The best aspect of this book is it's commentary on the individual relationships between the players and coaches. From a basketball standpoint, however, it is found wanting. Kaye's basketball terms and descriptions leave much to be desired as she continually uses improper terms and awkward phrases that detract from the flow of the book. A good read for a die-hard Laker fan - but if you're only going to read one Laker book - I'd pick a different one. Lyle Spencer's perhaps.

this Book takes on the inside on what got the Lakers to there Championship Level.SHAQ&KOBE are Unstoppable Period as a Duo.this Team really is something else because they have done what no other Teams that have had Championship Runs have done&that is Turn it On&Off whenever they feel like it.in the Words of Blake Carrington this is a Dynasty.and Phil Jackson has Spreaded the Zen&Brought this Team together as One.Mad Props to SHAQ You are The Baddest,Kobe 5 Years from now who is gonna stop you? Rick Fox,D-Fish,Brian Shaw Robert (Big Bucket)Horry&the whole Crew. time for Number 3.then another Chapter continues next Year&so On.

This is a good book for part-time Laker fans. They get to learn a lot about locker room stories.
But if you're someone who regularly follow the Lakers'exploits during the season, on the internet or otherwise, you're not getting any wiser by reading this book. The author was just repeating articles form the LA Times, OCR and other sources. Reading passages in the book you get the feeling that you've already read that somewhere else.
This ain't a David Halberstram book.

To many fans of college basketball, the ACC can be defined most seasons by what happens within the confines of the state of North Carolina. With four teams growing up within 50 miles of each other, and each one featuring a host of truly unique and competitive individuals as their coaches, the North Carolina teams have continually dominated the scene in college basketball for the past 50 years.

The book follows the story of Duke, North Carolina, NC State, and Wake Forest from their days in the Southern Conference to the formation of the ACC, right up until today. Each era is defined by the men who coached and played for each of these teams throughout the years. The book provides an excellent history lesson on what has become the center of power in the most competitive conference in college basketball.

I have been a fan of ACC basketball for the last ten years and this book helped me to learn the history of the most storied teams within the league. If you are a fan of NCAA basketball, this is an excellent book and should be highly recommended.

Four Corners is a thorough history of basketball in North Carolina--a very interesting subject for basketball fans everywhere (it is home to more dominant programs than any other state in the country)--but unfortunately Menzer's book is like the four corners defense in that it really slows things down. He is not a particularly good writer and his anecdotes often fall flat because he does a poor job of explaining the story. Another problem is that he relies on very few sources, so his book is terribly biased and its stories are limited. For instance, Menzer relies on Billy Packer to essentially tell Wake Forest's story. While Packer is amusing, he is arrogant and is only one person so Wake's history is not three dimensional at all and really doesn't seem particularly interesting. Despite these flaws, which would prevent me from recommending this book to anyone who doesn't love college basketball and particularly the Carolina schools, this book is a good companion for a fan and will give them some interesting historical context that will allow them to appreciate their team that much more. Also, it will provide some nice trivia for those who like to bring up obscure facts during arguments about who is the best player, team, coach, etc. in the history of these programs.

Borrowed this from the library and brought it back late because I read it twice. I am planning to get it again and read it again. I have grown up with ACC basketball, but I never had the whole historical context laid out for me. This book does that. It is well written (thank you, but I understand "Duke continued their run" just fine) informative, chatty, and obviously written by someone who loves, lives, and breathes his subject matter.

Four Corners by Joe Menzer is an outstanding review of the modern era of college basketball in North Carolina. It is a must-read for the Carolina hoops fan and a good selection for any college basketball aficionado.

The wit and insight of Four Corners puts Menzer on a path trod by the likes of Frank DeFord and other greats of sports journalism. His style is well-structured and clean, without dips into slang and minutia that too often mar sports writing.

Four Corners is definitely Five Stars. Joe Menzer wins this year's "Sixth Man Award" for North Carolina college basketball.

I have started my summer reading and so thoroughly enjoyed Menzer's Four Corners. I played womens's basketball and have always enjoyed the game. I never really understood the ACC rivalry. Thanks to Menzer's book, I do now. I so enjoyed this. A must read!