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ensara's review
5.0
great for young readers! buddy read with the bro, and we had a lot to talk about. such a heartwarming and inspirational story.
jwinchell's review
5.0
This is an outstanding autobiography for young people of an impressive human being. Accessible, short chapters. Descriptive but succinct writing. Abdul-Jabbar paints his portrait of a young man coming of age amidst the changes and bravery of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Highly recommended.
brinysea's review
4.0
Weaves Kareem’s early and college sports career with his involvement in the Civil Rights movement. Adding this to our options for summer reading.
maryehavens's review
4.0
I really enjoyed getting to learn more about Abdul-Jabbar’s personal journey. Prior to this book, I knew him only as a basketball player and his brief appearance in Airplane!. Even more interesting was his spiritual and cultural journey to discover who he is/was as a Black man in America during the 1960s.
I downloaded this book as part of Sync’s free audiobook program for Teens (starting this year on April 30th) and I believe Abdul-Jabbar’s message is especially appropriate for teens. I love the way that he ended the book about constantly striving to be the best person in all facets of his life and accepting the mistakes he makes along the way.
Good read for those on their own journey of self-discovery, basketball fans, and fans of Abdul-Jabber (I think my dad would like this book if he stumbled upon it).
I downloaded this book as part of Sync’s free audiobook program for Teens (starting this year on April 30th) and I believe Abdul-Jabbar’s message is especially appropriate for teens. I love the way that he ended the book about constantly striving to be the best person in all facets of his life and accepting the mistakes he makes along the way.
Good read for those on their own journey of self-discovery, basketball fans, and fans of Abdul-Jabber (I think my dad would like this book if he stumbled upon it).
kristi_starr35's review
Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court is much more than a basketball book. Sure, the basketball is there as Abdul-Jabbar chronicles his development as a player from elementary through college ball at UCLA, and beyond to touch on his pro career. And let's face it - most of us familiar with him know him through his years with the Lakers and maybe even the Bucks. Fewer of us know him as a writer, a global cultural ambassador, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.
Starting life as Lewis Alcindor, raised in Harlem attending Mass and Catholic school, Adbul-Jabbar struggled in his role as a person who wanted to please his parents and show respect but who longed for personal freedom and the opportunity to explore the world beyond boundaries set for him. He struggled as a black man coming of age in a time of civil and cultural strife. Finding his identity as an African American was a lengthy process.
In this memoir, Abdul-Jabbar recounts the events and the people who influenced him, both positively and negatively. Written for a youth audience, the book recounts many of the stories also related in his recent book Coach Wooden and Me: Our 50-Year Friendship On and Off the Court.
Starting life as Lewis Alcindor, raised in Harlem attending Mass and Catholic school, Adbul-Jabbar struggled in his role as a person who wanted to please his parents and show respect but who longed for personal freedom and the opportunity to explore the world beyond boundaries set for him. He struggled as a black man coming of age in a time of civil and cultural strife. Finding his identity as an African American was a lengthy process.
In this memoir, Abdul-Jabbar recounts the events and the people who influenced him, both positively and negatively. Written for a youth audience, the book recounts many of the stories also related in his recent book Coach Wooden and Me: Our 50-Year Friendship On and Off the Court.