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shannon_reidwheat's review against another edition
1.0
Wow, what a waste of my time. If I were to run into Paul Shirley I don't think I would have anything pleasant to say to him. He seems self centered and arrogant. And his book sucks. Me, me,me. That's what I got out of it. Oh, and that he is a judgmental homophobic jerk.
anemone42's review against another edition
4.0
This is an irreverent look at one man's life on the margins of the NBA. Shirley, a decidedly grumpy commentator, can't stand the Jesusification of pro sports, the limited range of conversational topics, and being away from home for the holidays. Even so, he can't seem to tear himself away from the NBA dream. This is a great read which makes me fairly jealous of the author--he majored in mechanical engineering at Iowa State (not a slouch school), played pro basketball, and is a good writer. What next, Top Chef?
matthewwester's review against another edition
4.0
Good read. In this book Paul Shirley writes about the nomadic, insecure lifestyle of trying to secure a position on an NBA team. In pursuing that dream he plays overseas and throughout the USA in 'minor leagues'. Very interesting. And Shirley's writing is filled with humor so the book feels like a quick read.
My parents possibly had Suns tickets during a season Shirley played. I'll have to loan the book to them and see what they think.
I'm counting this as "a book about sports" for 2016 #vtReadingChallenge
My parents possibly had Suns tickets during a season Shirley played. I'll have to loan the book to them and see what they think.
I'm counting this as "a book about sports" for 2016 #vtReadingChallenge
mcurling14's review against another edition
2.0
It's a good story and pretty decently described but it is just difficult to stay focused.
akross's review against another edition
4.0
My boyfriend is a basketball fanatic and, after devouring this book in a few short hours, passed it on to me.
Here's the extent of my knowledge about basketball:
-There's a hoop, an offense and a defense, and the goal is to score as many baskets as possible
-Michael Jordan is really fucking good at it
That being said, I loved this book. I appreciate when a book can make me laugh out loud, especially one about something I don't particularly care about. It's written in a way that reminds me of cleverly written newspaper editorials.
Shirley gets a little too self-deprecating at times and I did just want to tell him to shut up, but in general, he does a good job mocking himself, the industry, and life in general.
Here's the extent of my knowledge about basketball:
-There's a hoop, an offense and a defense, and the goal is to score as many baskets as possible
-Michael Jordan is really fucking good at it
That being said, I loved this book. I appreciate when a book can make me laugh out loud, especially one about something I don't particularly care about. It's written in a way that reminds me of cleverly written newspaper editorials.
Shirley gets a little too self-deprecating at times and I did just want to tell him to shut up, but in general, he does a good job mocking himself, the industry, and life in general.
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