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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
I’ve always loved when Grisham deviates from courtroom dramas and writes about sports. This book is no exception. Samuel Sooleymon gets the chance to represent Sudan in a basketball exhibition. Although he’s growing and has skills, he’s not the greatest. Or even one of the greatest. In fact, he struggles to make baskets. Yet, his coach sees something in his drive and grit and secures him a scholarship playing basketball at a HBC. On the other side of the world, though, his village is attacked and the whereabouts or well-being of his family initially unknown. As Sooley’s star rises and it becomes evidence he was worth the chance taken on him, he never loses focus on bringing his family to safety.
The author weaves the blatant materialism of the US alongside the vast refugee crisis in parts of Africa in a really powerful way. I took off a star because the ending seemed a little rushed or just not quite right, but overall, I enjoyed the story.
The author weaves the blatant materialism of the US alongside the vast refugee crisis in parts of Africa in a really powerful way. I took off a star because the ending seemed a little rushed or just not quite right, but overall, I enjoyed the story.
Uplifting, sad, fabulous read
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed this tale of opportunity, loss and possibilities. The story of refugees and turmoil but when fate decides to change your path, grab it with both hands.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed this tale of opportunity, loss and possibilities. The story of refugees and turmoil but when fate decides to change your path, grab it with both hands.
It's been a while since I've read any of Grisham's works, but back when I did, I enjoyed them. I'm a basketball fan (my boys play) so I figured this would be a good fit. I didn't love it though. Partially, because it just was sad, didn't really go how I would have wanted. It also sounded SO much like a true story at the start (read very much like [b:The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics|16158542|The Boys in the Boat Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics|Daniel James Brown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1354683116l/16158542._SY75_.jpg|21998925], which WAS based on real events and people). While the character is loosely based on a real player (the backstory anyway) and some of the information about the Sudanese people and their struggles is based on reality, it was just hard to have the fiction mixed with fact when it's so contemporary. I wouldn't have minded an "author's note" at the end telling us what was factual (as many others have done, always appreciated by me).
The play by play in the game just doesn't have the same breathless feeling that a live-action movie has. Ironically, I was listening to the description of one of the games, while watching my son play in a basketball game ;)
This just left me feeling ... blah, off, sad. Nothing to give that "I'm really glad I read that" feel.
The play by play in the game just doesn't have the same breathless feeling that a live-action movie has. Ironically, I was listening to the description of one of the games, while watching my son play in a basketball game ;)
This just left me feeling ... blah, off, sad. Nothing to give that "I'm really glad I read that" feel.
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Spoilers...so I was really liking this book...and then Grisham killed off the main character. That did it for me. I did not expect it at all nor was I happy how it happened. The ending was ok but seemed rushed. I thought with all the time he put in to creating the story that the ending was only ok.
Sooley was great, but had a very unexpected ending for me! It fell in the 4 star category for me because I have read other books that gripped me more, however, it was a wonderful story! If you love sports, it’s definitely a must read!
I had to skim through most of the second section, waaaaaay too much detail on the basketball games
Wonderful story. If you love basketball and can take a little dose of sad reality then this is a good book for you.
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Maybe like a 2.5. You can’t help but love Sooley as a character, but that’s about it. I get why Grisham was popular years ago, but imo he’s the perfect example of the mediocre white man succeeding when there are so many better authors out there. Dazzling? Amazing story-teller? LOL, please. This is about as basic as it gets.