Title/Author:
“Among the Giants: How One Underdog Pursued His
Dream and You Can Too” by Jesse LeBeau
Tags:
Basketball,
young adult, goals
Publish date:
October 23,
2014
Length:
254 pages
Rating:
4 of 5
stars (very good)
Review:
Jesse
LeBeau did not grow up in an area where basketball was an important part of the
culture. As an undersized kid in Alaska,
he realized that if he was going to be able to pursue his dreams for success in
the sport, he had to work hard and make sacrifices. While he didn’t become a star in the NBA,
LeBeau has had success with the game by playing charitable games and shooting
commercials with professional stars like Allen Iverson and Kevin Durant. He doesn’t take his success for granted and
wanted to share the message of what it takes to succeed in this book.
The format
of the book is like a basketball game, divided into four quarters, two overtime
periods, the locker room and “post-game training.” A total of 28 lessons, on everything from the
right attitude to setting goals and always giving your best effort, are told in
short chapters that are easy to read and follow. LeBeau tells them in a manner that the reader
will be able to feel his emotions, which are mostly joy, and will want to apply
them to his or her endeavors.
There are
also plenty of stories of Jesse’s interactions with famous people. These are not just with basketball players,
but other celebrities such as Heidi Klum and Dr. Dre. Just like with the chapters on which LeBeau
is advising the readers of life’s lessons, Jesse tells these stories with
enthusiasm and joy. Here the reader can
feel the little kid in LeBeau as he shares these anecdotes – which have
valuable lessons as well.
While this book is geared for young people, older adults will enjoy it as well. Many of the traits and lessons can be applied in a grown-up world as well. It was fun and entertaining to read as well and there are even some good basketball stories thrown in, especially the charity game that Jesse played with Iverson.
Whether
the reader wants to get some advice on what to do for a successful future, a
parent wants to find out how to talk to his or her children about it or even
just for a fun read, this book will do the trick.
I wish to
thank Mr. LeBeau and Familius for providing a copy of the book in exchange for
an honest review.
Did I skim?
No
Do I recommend?
Absolutely
– great message for teenagers and young adults presented in a way that they
will enjoy reading.
Book Format Read:
Ebook
(Nook using the Google Play Books app)
Book site (for more information)
Other Buying links:
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