5 comments about Standing Tall: A Memoir of Tragedy and Triumph.

1. This woman is completely amazing!! Being from Iowa, I fondly remember the Vivian Stringer era. I was part of the 22,000+ that atttended the game against Ohio State, setting the attendance record at the time as part of C. Vivian Stringer's vision. I am in awe of her and hearing her own story in her own words has had a profound impact on me. She mentions in the book her decision to fight for her spot on the cheerleading squad at her high school not only to cheer the team on, but to pave the way for future generations She talks about how later on, she realized that those "future generations" were her own neices.
   
   In thinking about that story and others in the book, I realized the impact that Vivian Stringer has had on my own daughter - a basketball and volleyball player, both directly and indirectly through other generations of Stringer girls with Stringer values.
   
   Amazing story!! Amazing Woman!!



2. Nothing gives inspiration better than a life-lived story. Vivian Stringer and Lauren Tucker presented a view of the life of a woman who knows how to to get above flooding waters of trouble and tragedy in life. I can not tell you how many times in reading the chapters, I was brought to tears. So many things that she has gone through in life just hits home where your heart is. Things that many of us bury in minds just to move on are stirred and brought to the surface when Vivian tells her story. You can understand the hurt and bewilderment that she feels. She makes it plain. You can remember going through racial inequality in life and learning how to cope, but the feelings of the pain momentarily come back when this story is told. Best of all you remember how you got over it. Best of all to you Viv and love to your family.



3. Great book! Great to inspire young adults. Service was speedy and the book arrived on time.



4. I am a big college basketball fan,I never really liked Vivian Stringer until I read this book. She is a proud and strong women who has been through many tragedies and victories. This book explains the women behind the women. I thought it was excellent. A must read.



5. An absolutely outstanding book about a remarkable woman. A must read for anyone who follows Rutgers' womens basketball and/or coaches ANY sport!

3 comments about Don't Let The Lipstick Fool You: The Making of a Champion.

1. You don't have to be a sports fan to be inspired by Lisa Leslie's incredible story. This book takes you far beyond Lisa's athletic achievements -- which are substantial. It gives you a tremendous insight into the real person behind the extraordinary athlete, an extremlely compelling lady and a true role model.
   
   Kudos to Lisa and collaborator Larry Burnett. Five Star PLUS!!!



2. Even as a non-fan of the WNBA, this story really hit home! LL's different, sometimes heartbreaking stories were really an eye-opener into the life of someone who is constantly facing opposition-- LL is a true inspiration!
   
   I was appalled but utterly intrigued when she recollected the story about her own SISTER trying to steal Lisa's identity!
   
   From an athletic role-model to a stunning fashionista, LL has been through it all and I'm glad that she joined forces with Larry Burnett to create a great read!



3. "Don't Let The Lipstick Fool You" is a must-read. Lisa Leslie is an amazingly interesting person and her many roles as a model, pro-athlete, Olympian, and the plethora of others makes this book impossible to put down.

5 comments about Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich.

1. I admire the fact that Mark Kriegal had the guts to devote about a third of the book to Press Maravich, Pete's father. But it got tedious to hear the endless details about who scored what during which game, and so on. Perhaps that's common to most sports books, I don't know. I understand why the author wrote this book: Pete Maravich's life is a fascinating story. Unfortunately, I had mixed feelings about Pistol overall. Yes, I got bored with the first third of the book about Press Maravich, although it did give you a nice overview of the origins of pro basketball, if you can call it that. I also felt that the last 30 pages devoted to Pete's sons was overkill. Just my opinion. The middle part of the book about Pete was superb, though. There were so many touchstones that were handled exceptionally well----on race, the marketing and growing popularity of basketball (college and professional), the complexity of Pete's relationship to Press, Pete's various obsessions with UFOs, vegetarianism, martial arts, etc., plus his alcohol abuse. Pistol, for all its stylistic virtuosity, was a little too sentimental sometimes. Nonetheless, I'm glad I read it.



2. As others have stated, this is an extremely well-written book. But it is also the first book I ever remember reading that had a dark cloud hang over every page. The quotation by Magic Johnson to Pete's children at the All-Star game naming the Pistol as one of the top 50 in NBA history is memorable. "Your father was Showtime before there was a showtime." You always hope sports heroes have happy endings. I wish Pete could have experienced more of it.
   
   It is a must read.



3. I BOUGHT THIS BOOK TO INCLUDE IN MY GRANDSON'S PACKAGE THAT WAS HEADED FOR IRAQ. HE LOVED THE BOOK BECAUSE HE GREW UP IN THE PITTSBURG AREA AND PLAYED SPORTS AT SOME OF THE SCHOOLS THAT WERE MENTIONED IN THE BOOK.
   
   NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE ENJOYED IT FROM COVER TO COVER AND I AM A HAPPY GRANDMA. ACTUALLY, I'LL BE HAPPIER WHEN HE GETS BACK TO THE USA.



4. I read PISTOL during the last week when my brain was in gear, my emotions high and my persona not cracked. Good thing, too. If I had been depressed, I might have eaten more junk food than my diet allows.
   
   Yes, PISTOL deserves five stars. The lives of Press Maravich and his son, Peter Press Maravich, are, however, Pittsburgh bleak, covered with soot and anchored by the angst of control and chaos.
   
   Basketball should a fine, fun game, but this book proves it doesn't have to be any fun at all. It can merely be twisted.
   
   The sun is shining now, and the temperature is crisp. I think I can forget all Pete's "showtime" moves, the suicide of his mom, the manic control of his dad and the up-all-night drinking bouts.
   
   What I can't forget, yet, are all the tortures his sons went through when they tried to honor their dad by playing basketball, too. One coach in particular at LSU needs to be put down for his cruelty.



5. As with the classic pick-and-roll - where it takes the solid work of two players to make the offensive play successful - Pete Maravich would not have been the "Pistol" without the guidance of his father, Press (Peter).
   
   And in this dual biography, author Mark Kriegel brings the legend of Pete and Press to life, on and off the court.
   
   Press - who had a cup of coffee in the pro game, with Youngstown and Pittsburgh - used basketball as a means to have an escape from a tough childhood. Though he set out early in Pete's life to develop his basketball skills, this is not a classic case of an overbearing father forcing his will on a son.
   
   As Pete emerged as this larger-than-life figure - whose shooting, ball-handling and passing brought a wonderful brilliance to the hardwood floor - he became Showtime, Inc. He took a struggling Louisiana State University program - with Press as the head coach - and turned it into a SEC power, going 20-8 overall in his senior year, while averaging an amazing 44.2 points per game in his varsity collegiate career.
   
   A new, state-of-the-art, arena came into being at LSU, based on Pete popularizing the program, which had been playing home games in a facility designed for livestock shows.
   
   But with these triumphs, both found later that the breaks in the game of life can find the ball rolling out-of-bounds, never to be the same when retrieved and put back into play. And that may be the biggest lesson of all.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5 comments about Can I Keep My Jersey?: 11 Teams, 5 Countries, and 4 Years in My Life as a Basketball Vagabond.

1. I was sick and looking for something to take my mind off it when I picked up Can I keep My Jersey. It's the story of Paul Shirley, a basketball player who's really, really good. He's never gonna be a NBA star but he keeps trying and between NBA stints and his experiences with the CBA, the ABA and the European leagues this is a funny book. It has a few flaws of course, Shirley is a horrible snob and there were times when I found myself wishing that somebody when give him a good smack in the mouth but then all would be forgiven when he'd tell another story about the ridiculous aspects of life on the edge of the NBA.
   
   The chapter on his nightmare trip to Russia--horrible place--- is worth the price of the book alone. It's not the greatest sports memoir ever written but it's amusing and I found myself hoping that eventually Shirley gives up chasing the impossible dream and either starts a writing career or falls back on that engineering degree of his.



2. Paul Shirley is one funny guy. He's got that dry sense of humor that I love. This book is about his first few years playing pro basketball...in the NBA and over sea. I loved the book and I would recommend it to any basketball fan.



3. 
   Unfortunately, the book doesnt live up to a great title.
   
   In 50 years of reading pretty much anything that I can lay hands on, for the first time I looked for the editor's name. This is for you, Chris Schluep: you need a refresher in Editing 101. The parenthetical asides needed to go. They are distracting, unnecessary, and so not funny. We get that he doesnt like religion or tuna-no need to go on about them forever. It is also obvious that he doesnt much care for the world outside of Kansas, or the people in it. Much is made of his 'cynical, dry' sense of humor, that one needs to be of the right demographic to appreciate it. Sorry, that wont fly. Sour carping and egregious insults does not make for 'humor.'
   
   The author comes across as pretty much what he is: an immature, arrogant young man who isnt quite as smart as he thinks he is. He could be a pretty decent writer-there were flashes here and there-and if he does someday grow up, I suspect he'll look back on this book and be embarrassed by its immaturity and callowness.



4. While Paul's writing may not appeal to all readers, but he certainly appealed to me. His style is witty and honest (seems honest; heck he's from Kansas, must be honest). Loved the book; pay no head to any reviewer from Hawkeye land; they can't stand Cyclones. Paul Shirley is an Iowa State, engineering grad.



5. What can I say, I expected more. The only other book I read of this genre is Pat Conroy's "My Losing Season" (which I really enjoyed). After reading this book I walk away with very little that will stick with me. At times it was amusing, at times sad, at times I wished Paul had given some more details.
   
   I guess it is typical of today's media... entertaining but not much substance. Perhaps it is perfect for our AD/HD society.

5 comments about The Game of My Life: A True Story Of Challenge, Triumph, and Growing Up Autistic.

1. This book was awesome, I could not put it down. You can really tell that he wrote it. It makes you understand what goes on in his head.



2. Jason McElwain's autobiography is well written and informative.
   It describes the essential details of his life. The book presents
   interviews with the most important people who have interacted with
   Jason. It is highly recommended reading.
   Jason's coping with his autism is relieved by his pleasure of
   playing basketball. Jason in one basketball game colossally surmounts
   being autistic by being artistic with his incredible three point shooting
   accuracy. He sinks a total of twenty points with six three point shots and a two point field goal( where he mistakenly was standing on the three point line ) within the last three minutes and nine seconds of
   his team's game. This performance was so incredibly phenomenal Jason's
   life story is currently being developed into a national movie release.
   One facet of Jason ( "J-Mac's" ) personal basketball practice
   ( "shootarounds" ) was never revealed in his autobiography that might
   potentially be interesting to the public is his personal "best" basketball
   shooting statistics and records. What percentage of three point shots
   and free throws did Jason sink in practice? What were the most consecutive
   three point shots or most consecutive free throws Jason ever sank in practice? What was the longest practice session shot Jason ever sank? Did Jason ever sink or perfect any practice "trick shots" or any other trick basketball handling or dribbling skills such as spinning the basketball upon his finger? I am an internationally famous basketball trick shooter and inspirational and motivational speaker named JIM "TRICK SHOT" LISTER.
   I sink many of the most unusual and most difficult basketball trick
   shots in basketball history with an astonishingly high degree of accuracy
   despite shooting the basketball with a crippled right shooting hand.
   My own personal basketball triumph over adversity is considered
   by some basketball experts to be one of the greatest true basketball stories of all time.
   I personally rate Jason McElwain's heart-wrenchingly and tear-jerkingly basketball triumph-over-an-obstacle accomplishment as the
   single greatest true basketball story of all time!!!



3. RECEIVED THIS BOOK VERY QUICKLY. GREAT CONDITION. REAL BARGAIN. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SELLER!



4. Many people probably remember hearing about Jason McElwain on the news back in 2006. He scored a record six three-point shots for his high school basketball team. That might not have been outstanding for a superior high school player, but Jason was the team manager, not a first string player. And, in addition to that, he was a young man diagnosed as autistic.
   
   In THE GAME OF MY LIFE, Jason McElwain tells his story. He shares what he recalls from family stories about his early childhood years, unable to communicate or even tolerate his mother's loving touch. Extensive medical testing resulted in a diagnosis of severe autism. With the help of dedicated parents, Jason was able to learn coping skills and manage many of his autistic outbursts. Sports provided a focus point and an outlet for his energy, and ultimately earned Jason his moments of fame.
   
   Jason's unique voice can be clearly heard as he tells his memories of early treatments thought to reduce the symptoms of autism. He explains the frustration of moving from one school to the next as school administrators searched for the best programs to help him. As Jason became interested and involved in a variety of sports, he found not only friends, but also a way to achieve success. Always in touch with reality, Jason knew his skills were adequate but not exceptional, and his success came as a chance to just be part of a team. But with the care and concern of his coach and teammates, his part on the team gave him the chance of his life and memories that have changed him forever.
   
   THE GAME OF MY LIFE is an inspiring story about living with an increasingly common condition. It is an excellent book for teens suffering with autism or connected to someone with the condition. Jason's positive, up-beat personality is refreshing, as well as direct and realistic.
   
   Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"



5. After seeing the tail end of Jason's recent appearance on "Larry King Live", I immediately went on line to buy "The Game of My Life". Jason's compelling story kept me up past 2:00 a.m. last night because I couldn't get enough of his unique ponderings on the importance of "focus" and his astonishing feat [20 points in just over 4 minutes of playing time!] on the basketball court.
   
   Many parts of his narrative made me smile while others moved me to tears. I was even reminded of the brilliant screenplay penned by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for their 1997 breakout film, "Good Will Hunting".
   
   I can't wait to see the movie based on Jason "J-Mac" McElwain's life and to see who plays the lead role. If I were directing, I would cast J-Mac to star as himself!

5 comments about Sacred Hoops: SPIRITUAL LESSONS OF A HARDWOOD WARRIOR.

1. Phil Jackson's philosophy on teamwork and leadership is based upon Native American and Buddhist principles. From his book these principles and spiritual lessons are brought to life and explained in a manner only a man like himself could do. He is trying to let people know lessons are taken from the lessons he has learned throughout his life as a basketball player and coach, but these lessons not only pertain to basketball, they can be used for anyone in order to increase the potential of the human spirit. Phil Jackson is a world-renowned player and coach of the NBA. He is now the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and has won three NBA championships with them; however, he is most famous for leading the Chicago Bulls to 6 NBA championships with legendary players, such as, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, John Paxson, and many others. He has adopted the teachings of Eastern philosophies, like Buddhism, and received the nickname the "Zen Master" because of it. Phil Jackson has not only written Sacred Hoops, but several other virtuous books. Other books include Maverick, Take It All, More Than a Game, and The Last Season: a Team in Search for Its Soul. Jackson's inspirational messages are powerful and thought provoking and make the reader experience a sense that they are able to incorporate these teachings into their everyday lives, even if they do not play or watch the game of basketball. The methods he uses, for example, meditation, mindfulness, and visualization, and also quotes used from Zen Buddhism to Native American teachings help provide a new or improved outlook on their lives and help make them, as well as other people around them, better people. As Phil Jackson says, "Being aware is more important than being smart." Whether or not you are an athlete, student or just someone looking for inspirational insight this book is a terrific read.



2. Phil Jackson's depiction of his journey from childhood to professional basketball will be a delight even to the casual sports fan. Centered on his philosophy of unselfishness, Jackson successfully offers insight into the mindset of high stakes coaching enabling one to understand the progression of thought behind many of the tough decisions he made while winning Championships. Sacred Hoops will offer as a special bonus some insight into Michael Jordan's world from a perspective not offered by mainstream media.
   
   I recommend this book to any casual sports fan and in particular to all basketball fans.



3. Is this book a slam-dunk? It could be. I'm having a hard time rating this book 4 stars when it should have had 4.5 stars. This book could be rated more like Scottie Pippen than Michael Jordan to keep up with this book's terms.
   
   The story about Phil Jackson and the Chicago Bulls is amazing. Any story written about it has the potential to reach Jordan heights. The story described by Phil Jackson makes it even more compelling.
   
   Getting to know the insights about Jackson's training also gives insight about the man and his beliefs as Zen is unmistakenly connected to him. This is the only flaw within the book. Although he used it on his pupils and it worked on them, it does not always guarantee succes outside sports. Business is a different league.
   
   If you're a sports lover just grab a copy of the book and read it. If you like to step up your own game DO try this at home, although success cannot be guaranteed.



4. I am a big fan of Phil Jackson and his approach to the game of basketball. Sports for kids, is an introduction to life, and I really appreciate what Phil has to say. I have read this book numerous times and just now bought the audio book. If you are a coach of any sport, do yourself a favor and read this book!



5. This is one of the best books I have ever read! If you are competitive and like the bulls and have a strong sense of teamwork, this is the best book to read! All I wanted to do was watch the greatest seasons of the Bulls and those amazing playoffs and championships they won!

5 comments about Maravich.

1. My boyfriend bought me this book for Christmas and I loved it! I love my biographies chock full of details, and MARAVICH doesn't disappoint. For serious fans, it even has game stats. I especially loved that Pistol Pete's widow and sons collaborated with the authors, which gives the writing a personal touch. Better yet, the book has personal letters and diary entries from Pete. What more could you want?
   
   The guy had an amazing life and died way too tragically, and I really enjoyed reading everything and more in MARAVICH.



2. I bought this book for my dad (at his request). He read it in only a few days. I have never seen my dad read anything that quickly. So, it must have been really good. If you know a basketball fan that was born in the 40s or the 50s - this is a great book for them.



3. Pete Maravich would have been my age had he lived. It was one of the worst days in my life when he died. The man could do things with a basketball and to his opponents that no other player could do during his time...and he did things that were not even imagined by those with whom he played with or against. Were there better shooters? Yes, but only one...Jerry West. Were there better ball-handlers? No! Was there anyone more fun to watch play this wonderful game of basketball? No! Think about it. He averaged 44 points per game in a 4-quarter college basketball game with no time clock and no 3 point line. This is the only significant sports record that will NEVER be broken...at least not during this century.
   
   It is frankly boring to watch the NBA now since Bird, Jordan and Johnson have left the game. I don't care to see the countless tatoos with gang-related symbols on most every body. Maravich put out 100% every time he played. So did Jordan, West, Bird and Johnson. Now we have the prima-donnas demanding higher and higher salaries and then complain about earning only 14 million per year. The NBA is in trouble and will only make a "come-back" when someone like Maravich comes along again. So what is the new "new" thing that will bring the fans back to the NBA? My guess is that it will be someone who can inspire us again...just like Pete Maravich did. Read the book. If you know anything about basketball, you will thoroughly enjoy it.



4. I can summarize by saying that MARAVICH is a very
   quick read. Each chapter's end makes you eager to
   start the next. Once you pick it up, it is very hard to put it down.
   
   "True" Pistol Pete fans and readers
   who approach the book with some background
   knowledge and genuine interest in Pete Maravich will
   like this book. In MARAVICH,
   readers get depth, meaty research and relevant
   detail. I've read other accounts of Pete's life and compared to MARAVICH, they only scratch the surface. MARAVICH has all
   the basic ingredients you'd expect....plus a lot more.
   
   The highest compliment I could give MARAVICH (the book) is this....
   I believe that Pete himself would have wholeheartedly endorsed it.
   He would appreciate and be able to relate
   to the extra-effort and attention-to-detail that was
   over-and-above the basic minimum research that all
   good authors must do. That's because Pete approached life
   the same way. If he was committed to something
   (basketball, Press, family, Christianity, fitness,
   diet, etc.) he wasn't satisfied with cutting corners. Instead, Pistol Pete gave it his all,
   dove into every aspect of it, got into the details,
   and went the extra mile.
   
   It only makes sense that an author who is writing about Pete's life would need to do the same. Wayne Federman did.
   
   I give it an A+. Great subject, well-written book and a very smooth read. I highly recommend it.



5. This is the first Maravich biography that I have read, and I was impressed by the thoroughness of research. From the story of Pete's grandparents in Pennsylvania to his untimely death on a church basketball court to the current status of his wife and children, this book tells it all. Though he failed to achieve his ultimate dream--winning a championship--he ended up with something much better during the last five years of his life--inner peace as a gift from God. I witnessed Pete's final freshman game in Knoxville, Tennesse in 1967, and it was the most stunning sports event that I have ever seen. I had not seen such magic on the court before, and was immediately awed by his unforgettable performance. His freshman game-by-game statistics are not given in the book, and neither is the date of that game. I do know that he scored 741 points his freshman year, and those are not included in his college records. This is a wonderful book.

5 comments about They Call Me Coach.

1. Coach Wooden is the Monet of coaching. His philosophy and work ethic, both as a player and a coach, are unparalled. This book will instruct anyone on how to deal with adversity both on the court and in the game of life.



2. Excellent book examining the life , philosophy and thoughts behind a great coach. Not just about basketball but good for anyone coaching any sport or anyone wanting insight to a great life.



3. John Wooden is perhaps America's greatest coach. His UCLA basketball team won ten national championships, including seven in a row. Concomitant with winning was his insistence on character and virtue rather than getting caught up with results.
   
   This autobiography is a fascinating glimpse into Wooden's extraordinary life. It chronicles his life as a player (many forget that Wooden was elected to the basketball hall-of-fame as a player and coach), his coaching days (mostly at UCLA), and a little bit about his activities after his retirement. Interspersed in all of this are Wooden's coaching philosophy, pictures, box scores of the national championship games, and Wooden's opinion on how to improve the quality of NCAA basketball.
   
   They Call Me Coach is tremendous for any sports fan, especially basketball. It can also be enjoyed by those who enjoy reading about what it takes to achieve success. Wooden was not a dictator, but imparted his insistence on doing one's best to his players with meticulous detail.
   
   TCMC is not a complete autobiography, and it omits many aspects of Wooden's life. It is certainly not a "tell-all" account, nor is it perhaps the best book on articulating Wooden's coaching philosophy. For that I would recommend another of Wooden's books, appropriately titled Wooden. There are also others out there.
   
   They Call Me Coach is a wonderful account of a man who as achieved true life success, and you will enjoy this read regardless of your previous knowledge on Wooden or college basketball.



4. You can't miss with Wooden's thoughts, words and advice. If you're coaching yong people, he hits home lessons that every player and coach should know and understand. Even if you're just a parent or someone's business supervisor, read this book to learn how to better deal with and motivate those who rely on you for leadership. Don't let the coach down and pass these wonerful skills on to the next generation. Wooden's vision will live long past his coaching days. Find out all about it right here.



5. I purchased this book as part of a Ph.D. level class as a lesson in leadership. Coach Wooden shows his ability to lead and educate through his expertise in the fundamentals and the basics. He demonstrates his ability to change tactics and styles with different individuals, which is essential in good,effective leaders. I would recommend this book on several levels. At face value, it is an exceptional story about an exceptional coach and man. At a deeper level, I think it portrays a good example of how to lead and and how to set an example for those you are trying to lead.

5 comments about MAN IN THE MIDDLE.

1. a great book. shows what happens when a person can't be their real authenic selves.



2. I purchased this book prior to attending a presentation that Mr. Amaechi made to a large group of educators (I didn't get to read the book until after hearing him speak). He is an outstanding orator and not quite as good a writer. I enjoyed his book, but was disappointed that he didn't spend more time discussing his struggle with his sexuality. The book spent too much time talking about his b-ball career and his time with the NBA. I found his work and efforts to help kids to be of note. I also appreciated his openess to speak of his relationship with his mother. Additionally, I enjoyed where he writes of not having the natural talent to play b-ball and yet how hard he worked to achieve the success that he found on the court as a pro player. Not my favorite read but one I appreciated nonetheless.



3. This book is very predictable and doesn't really challenge the reader to think. Mr. Amaechi must not have had a very motivated (or creative) ghostwriter. Anyway, this is the memoir of an NBA star that comes out of the closet, John Amaechi. Mr Amaechi tells his life story of a child growing up overseas. He also discusses his NBA career and his eventual (and very predictable) acceptance of his own sexuality. Of course, he also describes the [...] he faced on a daily basis. But in 2007 this story is somewhat of a cliche, isn't it? Think about it. Macho man decides to come out of the closet and tell everyone that he is a [...]. He expects America to welcome him with open arms because we are all created equally. Right? Do you want to know what type of book I would like to read. I'd like to read a book that candidly discusses all of the b-i-g-o-t-r-y within the g-a-y community. All of the self-hatred, all of the socioeconomic division and all of the blatant ageism and fascism and elitism. Just like most of America, the g-a-y community is not different in this regard. If you're not a rich, w-h-i-t-e person with a nice home and a nice car then you're nothing. And there's the real rub, because the same people that are screaming about equality are the same ones that will back-stab their own. Maybe one day someone will have the courage to write a real book about g-a-y issues, because this a real problem that is plaguing the [...] community. Until then, there's still always books about millionaire basketball players.



4. From reading this book, it was not clear as to why Mr. Amaechi took the time to write it. He appears guarded about most of his life experiences except those involving his mother. A positive aspect about this book was that he spared the reader salient details about most of his personal sexual activities. Amaechi being an interacial mixture was of far more interests to me.



5. I originally thought this was another tell-all book on the secret lives of downlow basketball players. But it wasn't and this is a good thing. John goes into great detail explaining his distraught childhood in Manchester to becoming one of the best players in the NBA. It is quite inspiring reading his life experiences. This is a great book for someone who may think they don't amount to anything great. Pick up this book and begin a new outlook on life.

5 comments about My Losing Season.

1. Amazon.com Book Review
   My Losing Season by Pat Conroy
   
   The difficulty and pain that military basketball players go through are shown in My Losing Season by Pat Conroy. Pat Conroy writes about his life as a Southern college student at The Citadel during the 19676 basketball season.
   Pat Conroy's father grew up in the South. His father is in the military and is constantly being sent to work at different places. This causes the author to attend many different high schools during his teenage years. These years are filled with the beatings from his father to his entire family. Pat Conroy is able to put everything he was into the basketball he plays at high school and college. These games and practices help keep Pat from killing his father during one of the many depressing times Pat has. After high school, Pat accepts a basketball scholarship at The Citadel, a military college. His first years at The Citadel are filled with the harsh practices from his coach, the sweat parties during plebe week, and the constant reminder of his father. When the author is a senior he doesn't start the first basketball games and isn't picked as a captain. Instead, he rides the bench with the Green Weenies. Pat battles with his coach, his father, and his college throughout his time at The Citadel.
   As time progresses, Pat goes through numerous challenges. The author is faced with the conflict of depression, and does whatever he can to survive the painful time it brings. Conroy is forced to deal with his father and his basketball coach. He is constantly beaten by his father. Pat is also benched by his basketball coach and yelled at for doing nothing. Pat has to somehow go through the challenge of living his own life happily. The author shows the pain his father caused him when he says, "The game kept me from facing the ruined boy who played basketball instead of killing his father" (6). Along with Pat's father, Conroy has to deal with his basketball coach, Mel Thompson. Mel forbids dates, laughing, or any fun a basketball player could have. This causes pat to go through most of life unhappy and causes him to do whatever it takes to become happy. The basketball that he played was one of the few things that solved his conflict.
   Pat Conroy is able to write in a way that makes one feel that they are attending the events that Pat Conroy is talking about. He is able to write in a way that shows what his life was as a child, but still make it interesting and exciting for the reader. He is able to show the things that he is feeling and the suffering he has as his college. Pat Conroy shows his writing when he describes his team when he says, "I felt my team coming together at last, the way teams are supposed to feel, the ones who you would go to the wall for, dive on the floor for, and shed your blood for" (331). Pat Conroy has the writing style that is very descriptive. The way he writes makes me feel I am watching a movie, instead of reading a book. I am able to see and feel the pain, depression, and rare happiness during the story.
   I felt that this is one of the best written books that I have ever read. This book made me keep reading and kept me from putting the book down. I felt that Pat Conroy did a very good job of writing about his college basketball career in a way that anyone would like it. I liked how he made his own life interesting and true. Also, I liked how nothing was hidden, and he told the truth like a clear jump shot from the corner.



2. Growing up Catholic in the 1960's and 1970's and playing basketball every day because we didn't have the money to go on vacation, are two of many drivers that singles out Pat Conroy's "A Losing Season" as the most talked about book among my friends in our New York suburb.
   
   Mr. Conroy's ability to balance brutal honesty with a sensitivity toward young men of our era, dwarfs my favorite writers such as Tom Wolfe in nailing the complexities of being innocent in a period that was conflicted with our feelings of supporting the beliefs of our fathers who were from WWII and the realities of the 60's and 70's.
   
   When a writer as strong as Pat Conroy takes on young men growing up in the 60's and 70's trying to figure out their catholic up-bringing, clashing with their generation's challenge to conventional beliefs - the result is explosive. Don't miss the best read of your life.



3. A rough life is an understatement for young Pat Conroy. His abusive father and enabling mother help make it an enduring test of character for Pat. He walks away a strong person and also a wise one. Mel Thomason awaits Conroy as yet another test of will power for Pat. Mel is a stubborn man looking to rule a team of basketball players. His ways of braking down a player only to rebuild them and smash them down again, is a test of just how much a man can take. Pat endures a very painful character building period.
   
   Pat Conroy tells a story like a god. Throughout the book Pat is inquisitive about what he will be after basketball is over for him. He lets us know that he has always known he was a great writer but was unsure of himself. He was at a loss for what it was he was meant to do. This book is not only about basketball, but also of self-inquiry. It is a journey of Pat's search for his life road.
   
   Along with Pat's struggles came reward. Pat felt as though he was coming into himself. He discovered life lessons and set life goals. He believes he learn more about himself his senior year at the Citadel then any other single year he as lived. Life is full of self-discovery, especially for Pat.



4. What a great coming-of-age book, whether you like basketball or not! I thought that this, I guess, non-fiction work was far superior to Conroy's fictional "Beach Music."



5. During his senior season at The Citadel, a tough-nosed, all-male military academy, Pat Conroy's squad stumbled its way to an 8-17 record, falling two points short in the first round of the Southeastern Conference tournament due to John DeBrosse's blown fast break layup. In true Conroy form, the self-depreciating point guard blames the loss on his own lack of hustle in pursuing the missed shot. Regardless of who was at fault there, it was this miscue that brought about the writing of My Losing Season: "When DeBrosse found me in Dayton, it was the first indication I had that the 1966-67 basketball season could cause perpetual hurt to any other person besides myself." In this masterfully written memoir, Pat Conroy reconnects with memories of his dysfunctional basketball team from a season impossible to forget, one that shaped his view of the world and his direction as a writer.
   
   I was sold on Conroy after his first line in the book: "I was born to be a point guard, just not a very good one." A sentence beautiful in its witty simplicity, I could instantly relate to Conroy as a mediocre athlete myself; more importantly, this one line sums up Conroy's character as a whole. He portrays his passion and reverence for the game of basketball, a humble ethos and skill at his craft of writing.
   
   The truth is he was a very strong player, finishing his senior season as captain and MVP of the Bulldogs. However, in his eyes, he was always an unrelenting member of the Green Weenies, the scrubs of The Citadel team, overcoming obstacles including his lack of height and talent, his manic father, who suffered severely from a superiority complex, and his unappreciative, old-school coach. His proudest moment came when his coach noted, "that kid gets more mileage out of his talent than any other player I have ever coached." Conroy took those words to heart and applied them to his future as a novelist: "I soared upon them, gathered strength from them as I stormed out to my life as a writer who wanted to create winged and roaring sentences, the kind that would set language free."
   
   While his team was hitting its lowest lows, Conroy began to appreciate the power of his experiences. He finally detached from the bond that latched him to authoritative figures, learning to trust himself and disregard outside influence. This liberating realization led to the conclusion that "loss is a fiercer, more uncompromising teacher, coldhearted but clear-eyed in its understanding that life is more dilemma than game, and more trial than free pass." Culminating in his career as a writer, this season gave him ample stories and lessons to fuel his passion for literature. Ultimately, we learn that Conroy's writing salvaged his relationship with his father before it was too late, a man who led the typically docile Pat to once "dream of spitting on his body in the mortuary...again and again, until my mouth was dry." Conroy's basketball experiences provided him a voice and courage as a writer; if this contributed at all to mending his relationship with his father, than the losing season was surely worthwhile. Pat Conroy serves as an inspiration to me as a gritty athlete, a crafty writer, and model human being.