The Book Of Basketball Review
"This book is my bible." That's what a friend told me when describing this book. That's an interesting thought. The friend has numerous sports books, and insisted that I read this one. Being somewhat of a bookworm, I figured it would be at least worth the read. Holy crap am I glad that I did.
The author of the book is Bill Simmons, a writer for ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/simmons/index You can tell he is passionate to say the least. Need proof? The book is 700 pages long. (More on that later.) Anyone familiar with Simmons should know that the book is in the same style of writing as his columns (more on that later too) just extended times about 3,456.
I plowed through this epic in 13 days. So pretty much 54 pages of very small type and footnotes (he's the king of footnotes) a day. "So you want me to read a 700 page book? Are you freakin' crazy?!?" I know that's what you're saying. So here's my rebuttal:
As anyone who knows me would know, I'm an NBA fanatic. So that's one thing the book has going for it. Anyone wanting college ball is out of luck. (Another plus for me.) This is all NBA, all the freakin' time. He may mention a player's college career for a moment, but then moves on to their pro career.
If you like statistics, what-if theories, conspiracy theories, lists, rants, or historical narratives, it's all in here. Here's a cool example. Simmons is convinced that Jordan didn't retire voluntarily. Instead he was going to be suspended by the league for all his gambling debts, so as to not tarnish his image and brand, he "retired" until the suspension was lifted. Even if you are a fair weather sports fan, that is interesting to think about.
The number one reason why I love this book though, is simply that the guy is hilarious. He has so much charisma through his writing I was laughing out loud, and not only that, he is a Boston guy. So what you ask? He hates the Lakers. He takes potshots at Kareem and Magic throughout the whole book, and I don't even care. (Lakers are my favorite team.) He pulls no punches, makes pop culture references, and ridiculous jokes and analogies that will keep you laughing until the book is done. Here's one of my favorite examples: "For Jazz fans, watching Stockton was like being trapped in the missionary position for two decades. Yeah, you were having regular sex (or in this case, winning games), but you weren't exactly bragging to your friends or anything." Yeah, he's rude and crude, and I love it.
"I'm a casual fan, will I enjoy it?" Yeah I believe you would. You may find the Russell vs. Chamberlain chapter a tad boring, but if you randomly opened to any chapter and started reading it, I highly doubt you would throw the book down and say, "Man that book sucks!" Like I said before, his humorous writing style keeps the book going, and he makes enough obscure references to anything pop culture, that someone, somewhere would find one that they like. So if you're an NBA fan at all, I would recommend it highly. If you're not an NBA fan, then no definitely not, you would be lost after page three. Unless you want to use if for a really big coaster or something.
I plan on reading this book many times, and I'm sure I'll get something new out of it every time. I recommend it, and there is a paperback version that is a tad shorter than the hardbound copy, for anyone not wanting to go on that long of roundball odyssey.
5 stars all the way!
The author of the book is Bill Simmons, a writer for ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/simmons/index You can tell he is passionate to say the least. Need proof? The book is 700 pages long. (More on that later.) Anyone familiar with Simmons should know that the book is in the same style of writing as his columns (more on that later too) just extended times about 3,456.
I plowed through this epic in 13 days. So pretty much 54 pages of very small type and footnotes (he's the king of footnotes) a day. "So you want me to read a 700 page book? Are you freakin' crazy?!?" I know that's what you're saying. So here's my rebuttal:
As anyone who knows me would know, I'm an NBA fanatic. So that's one thing the book has going for it. Anyone wanting college ball is out of luck. (Another plus for me.) This is all NBA, all the freakin' time. He may mention a player's college career for a moment, but then moves on to their pro career.
If you like statistics, what-if theories, conspiracy theories, lists, rants, or historical narratives, it's all in here. Here's a cool example. Simmons is convinced that Jordan didn't retire voluntarily. Instead he was going to be suspended by the league for all his gambling debts, so as to not tarnish his image and brand, he "retired" until the suspension was lifted. Even if you are a fair weather sports fan, that is interesting to think about.
The number one reason why I love this book though, is simply that the guy is hilarious. He has so much charisma through his writing I was laughing out loud, and not only that, he is a Boston guy. So what you ask? He hates the Lakers. He takes potshots at Kareem and Magic throughout the whole book, and I don't even care. (Lakers are my favorite team.) He pulls no punches, makes pop culture references, and ridiculous jokes and analogies that will keep you laughing until the book is done. Here's one of my favorite examples: "For Jazz fans, watching Stockton was like being trapped in the missionary position for two decades. Yeah, you were having regular sex (or in this case, winning games), but you weren't exactly bragging to your friends or anything." Yeah, he's rude and crude, and I love it.
"I'm a casual fan, will I enjoy it?" Yeah I believe you would. You may find the Russell vs. Chamberlain chapter a tad boring, but if you randomly opened to any chapter and started reading it, I highly doubt you would throw the book down and say, "Man that book sucks!" Like I said before, his humorous writing style keeps the book going, and he makes enough obscure references to anything pop culture, that someone, somewhere would find one that they like. So if you're an NBA fan at all, I would recommend it highly. If you're not an NBA fan, then no definitely not, you would be lost after page three. Unless you want to use if for a really big coaster or something.
I plan on reading this book many times, and I'm sure I'll get something new out of it every time. I recommend it, and there is a paperback version that is a tad shorter than the hardbound copy, for anyone not wanting to go on that long of roundball odyssey.
5 stars all the way!
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