annebennett1957's review against another edition
5.0
I wish I had this book when I was still working as a librarian. It is not just about Kareem, but about Civil Rights, and how everyone needs a coach to help them become their better self. I like this book a lot.
the_fabric_of_words's review against another edition
5.0
I think I've mentioned before that my son is a basketball fan and he loves non-fiction reading.
This is the perfect memoir for anyone with "baller" stars in their eyes, or even just readers who want to read a smart, intelligent memoir of a scholar-athlete and what it took to get to the NBA.
My son had no idea Kareem was known by altogether a different name, one he gave up for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, nor did he know about Kareem's journey to name himself.
The story starts with Lewis Alcindor and at least while he's in school, it's heart-breaking. His parents don't really understand him, nor what he needs to succeed. They don't understand how he's mercilessly bullied at school, but they do emphasize school and learning. They don't understand that sending him to a private Catholic school is setting their already-very-tall son up for even more bullying than he experienced at public school.
It follows his experience with his high school coach, and that tale is heart-wrenching. He recounts how his coach used the n-word to "motivate" him to win a game, and what a betrayal it is to him. It makes him question many things about himself, like his sense of trust in the coach, which he never regains, although he does forgive the man, many years later. It throws a lot of things into question for him and by the time Wilt Chamberlain shows him what life could be like as a basketball star, he's willing to grab for the brass ring -- but he wants it on his terms, not those set by others.
He talks about playing basketball in college, at UCLA, and how he learns to trust a coach again. The lesson on putting on your shoes and socks was eye-opening to my son. The fact that a coach at that "level" would still focus on the basics, the very basics, was mind-boggling. But he also highlights the unequal juxtaposition of how much money colleges make off student-athletes while the athletes themselves are forced to live in near-poverty conditions by NCAA rules (something the state of California is trying to change; read about that here).
He writes of studying Islam and his conversion while he was in college, although that is only a small fraction of the book. It's characterized by his determination, by this point, to be the architect of his own life, on his terms and God's.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
This is the perfect memoir for anyone with "baller" stars in their eyes, or even just readers who want to read a smart, intelligent memoir of a scholar-athlete and what it took to get to the NBA.
My son had no idea Kareem was known by altogether a different name, one he gave up for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, nor did he know about Kareem's journey to name himself.
The story starts with Lewis Alcindor and at least while he's in school, it's heart-breaking. His parents don't really understand him, nor what he needs to succeed. They don't understand how he's mercilessly bullied at school, but they do emphasize school and learning. They don't understand that sending him to a private Catholic school is setting their already-very-tall son up for even more bullying than he experienced at public school.
It follows his experience with his high school coach, and that tale is heart-wrenching. He recounts how his coach used the n-word to "motivate" him to win a game, and what a betrayal it is to him. It makes him question many things about himself, like his sense of trust in the coach, which he never regains, although he does forgive the man, many years later. It throws a lot of things into question for him and by the time Wilt Chamberlain shows him what life could be like as a basketball star, he's willing to grab for the brass ring -- but he wants it on his terms, not those set by others.
He talks about playing basketball in college, at UCLA, and how he learns to trust a coach again. The lesson on putting on your shoes and socks was eye-opening to my son. The fact that a coach at that "level" would still focus on the basics, the very basics, was mind-boggling. But he also highlights the unequal juxtaposition of how much money colleges make off student-athletes while the athletes themselves are forced to live in near-poverty conditions by NCAA rules (something the state of California is trying to change; read about that here).
He writes of studying Islam and his conversion while he was in college, although that is only a small fraction of the book. It's characterized by his determination, by this point, to be the architect of his own life, on his terms and God's.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
mslibrarynerd's review against another edition
5.0
I don't even like sports, really, but this book was an inspiration. I have a ton of respect for this human.
sario's review against another edition
5.0
After reading the first chapter I already knew I would love and enjoy this book very much. The way he talks about his role models including Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, Malcom X and his coach(es) was so interesting for me to read since you didn't only learn a lot about Kareem himself but also about other peoples wisdoms. After reading about Kareems mentors from his perspective I feel like they are my own role models now as well.
Kareem just has such a clean, simple and modest way of living... it makes the book so enjoyable.
This book also gives insight into historical events. I always think the best way to actually learn about history is to read from peoples experience and that is definitely included in this book.
This book is not only for Basketball fans.. this book is for people who like to read about meaningful characters, about wisdom and life lessons, about history, about success stories, about life and its injustices... this book has it all and I would recommend this to anyone.
Kareem just has such a clean, simple and modest way of living... it makes the book so enjoyable.
This book also gives insight into historical events. I always think the best way to actually learn about history is to read from peoples experience and that is definitely included in this book.
This book is not only for Basketball fans.. this book is for people who like to read about meaningful characters, about wisdom and life lessons, about history, about success stories, about life and its injustices... this book has it all and I would recommend this to anyone.
lmcbride's review against another edition
5.0
Kareem’s book is so much more than a book about basketball although I loved hearing about his journey on that road too. It’s about identity, race, growth, education, and finding your place in the world. I loved his humility, candor, and introspective writing. Kareem has been so idolized in the basketball world but this book humanized him.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
5.0
Really stellar autobiography, one that illustrates Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's thoughtfulness, and the deep impact that the Civil Rights movement in America had on his personal development. It's extremely depressing to realize that all of the things he talks about from the 1960s -- race riots over the police killing Black children, casual racism and microaggressions, institutionalized racism, attacks on celebrities of color -- none of those have changed at all. He does an amazing job relating his personal story to the context of the history he's lived through, while talking about the hard work and dedication required to achieve extraordinary athleticism. His journey to Islam and to changing his name was particularly moving. It is a fairly slow paced book, but the work is worth the time.
bookfreak28's review against another edition
5.0
Such an interesting life. A very quick listen and read by the author.