Product Description
Uses Michael Jordan as a vehicle for viewing the broader social, economic, political, and technological concerns that frame contemporary culture. ... Read more

Product Description
Fans and collectors will score big with this comprehensive guide, which lists nearly 5,000 items, verified by "Sports Collectors Digest". As Jordan's amazing career nears its end, these items will soar in value. 1,000 color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very comprehensive, everything you always wanted to know
A comprehensive guide to collecting Michael Jordan memorabilia. Very well documented with hundreds of pictures to help identify the various items.

An indispensable guide for MJ collectors. ... Read more

Product Description
Beginning with the day Jordan's father was murdered, & stretching through a 2-year odyssey across the American landscape, Rebound is the story of the world s most famous athlete's personal journey in search of himself. This is the story of a man who seemingly had everything the world could offer, & then, in pain, left it behind in an effort to rediscover who he once was, & who he wanted to be. Moving & evocative, poignant & inspiring, Rebound is a sports book unlike any other, capturing the man behind the myth, the sorrow behind the smile -- the life behind the legend. Color photos.Amazon.com Review
Greene, author of Hang Time,gives us the remarkable second chapter in the Michael Jordan story, beginningwith the day Jordan's father was murdered and following him for two yearsthrough basketball arenas and minor-league baseball dugouts.Rebound is the story of a man who seemingly had everything the world could offer, and then, in pain, left it behind in an effort to rediscover who he once was, and whohe wanted to be. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

MJ Book Review
Any book or anything with Michael Jordan is great because he is the best of ALL time!And all his books like Rebound are great books to read.And they have great pictures.

Soso book
It explored some issues, like is Jordan a ballhog, but not in depth. It is average quality. I wouldn't recommend it, but I wouldn't disparage it either.

not "hang tine"
don't get me wrong...it's a good one. boby greene really writes well.... but it's just not the magic of "hang time"

ick!
This book mainly talks about Jordan's father. Sure he was a main part of his life and all, but... come on. I was looking for a biography, tell more about his life. How did he get to the Bulls?Where's the rest of hisfamily through this book?The author mainly talks about conversationswith Jordan...Which i found quite boring.Its just my opinion, maybesomeone else shares it too...

odyssey
I have mixed feelings about Michael Jordan.On the one hand, he is a great athlete.I respect his work ethic.He has turned in a number of great performances and is no doubt one of the greatest to have ever played the game of basketball.

There is a flipside.Michael Jordan got allkinds of special treatment while he was in the NBA.He was the firstplayer I noticed who was granted all kinds of trips to the charity stripebecause of unbelievably, ticky tack calls.He scored at least ten points agame at the free throw line from bogus calls.It was great when there wasa picture session for 'greats of the game' with Larry Bird, Magic Johnson,and Michael Jordan.Magic told Larry not to stand too close to Michael orthey might call a foul.In front of reporters and television viewers, thatwas a classic comment by Magic.I believe Mike got 99% of all calls in hisfavor because he was such a cash cow for the NBA.Dominique Wilkins wasrobbed of a slam dunk championship when Mike scored a perfect 50 doing thesame dunk Dr. J did years before.I doubt Dr. J ever received a perfect 50for it.Dominique's dunk was much more impressive, and he received a 49.5. Please.Mike got in a fight with Reggie Miller, and only Miller gotsuspended at first.Only after there was an outcry did Mike get suspended. How are Mike's punches different?Mike elbowed Kevin Johnson to theground for all to see, and Kevin was called for blocking!

I am not tooimpressed that the bulls beat the lakers in the NBA finals.Magic wasdouble teamed every game every minute he was in.On top of that, JamesWorthy and Byron Scott were injured.Magic and Larry never won threechampionships in a row because the competition, teams, and players in the80s were much better than the nineties.Luc Longley, Will Perdue, BillCartwright, or Bill Wennington stopping Kareem?Ha!

Sport Magazinerecently had a piece on the ten greatest moments and ten greatest playersever in the NBA.Mike was ranked number one all time player.Kudos toMike for mentioning in 'For the love of the game' that to pick a"greatest ever" is impossible because of all the different erasand evolutions of basketball.The nineties bulls were given three of theten greatest moments in NBA history.This is just more Mike bias.Give mea break.There are hundreds of classic and amazing moments in NBA history. One of the moments picked was Mike beating the Jazz in the final minutesof his last game.He put his hand on Bryon Russel's backside and shovedhim out of the way.Then Mike made the game winnig shot.All eyes were onMike, but the ref did not make the obvious call.

There is also Mike'sarrogance.According to him, Wilt Chamberlain was a fluke eventhough Wiltwas a great all around player.He made a comment about Magic and Larryreaching a 'certain level of greatness' and that the two were not good ondefense.What?Are we talking about the same Larry Bird?Shaquille Onealis also much better and much improved than Mike gives him credit for.Shaqhas turned into a solid defender, passer, and he works hard at both ends ofthe floor.

Mike's corporate poster boy behavior is laughable.He didads for AT&T and then MCI.The Wayans family is also split between thetwo companies.Mike talked about the enviroment in Rayovac ads and thenpitches hot dogs?Mike is not the only athlete who will pitch anything andeverything to make millions.I wonder if Mike has checked into Nike'slabor practices.

Players like Mike and Charles Barkley soured me ontheNBA.Charles played like a thug and got away with it because he was astar.Plus, Charles insisted on wearing number 34 at Philadelphiaeventhough it was retired for NBA great Billy Cunningham.The startreatment and inflated egos has grown old, and that has turned a lot ofpeople off to sports.I miss the Lakers and Celtics match ups of the1980s. ... Read more

Product Description

Michael Jordan.

As his mother and his sister, Deloris Jordan and Rosalyn Jordan are in a pretty good position to tell us all about what made Michael a star. They create an image of a cozy, loving family life any child would be happy to come home to. Award-winning illustrator Kadir Nelson's oil pictures of the gangly little Michael with hyperlong arms and oversized hands capture the preteen potential as well as his gawky grace. This warm, uplifting story will encourage young readers to chase their dreams with hard work and faith. (Ages 5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Great Child Story of Jordan
I read this book to my son in the summer of 2008 and he loved it. His 7th Birthday is in Aug and will receive this item as a special surprise. Jordan is one of his favorites (in more than just sport and books!). The story is great and I love that my son can relate to him. The book, although big, is thin but was received in great condition.

Probably one of the cutest books I've ever read!
If you have a Michael Jordan fan in your house, or if you're looking to boost your child's confidence, be SURE to grab this book!The boys in our school fight over this book come checkout time in the library. It's just adorable - how Michael lacked both the size and confidence of being tall enough to play basketball.So, his mother came up with one of the neatest solutions I've ever heard for patience - salt in his shoes and prayer.Great, great book, teaches about confidence and pursuing your goals. Can't say enough good about it - highly, highly recommend!

Grandson Books
Bought the book for my grandson and he loves the books, this one is his favorite. The books came sooner than expected and in the condition it stated.

Fun book with good message
I 1st checked this book out at the library and my son (a big fan of MJ) loved it. The pictures are really fun, and I think it teaches kids a good lesson.

A Tall Shot
I liked it when Micheal ran home after he made the shot he'd always wanted to make ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the star player for the Chicago Bulls who led the team to their first ever NBA championship in 1991, quit the game in 1993, and returned after eighteen months. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Book
This book was a good book i liked his book because it talcked about his life like when michael jordan did not like to paly basketball he liked to play baseball whwn he was a little kid.he likesd baseball but his older brother larry always chalemged him to basketball games and michael jordan would always loose. Thay practiced 2 hours daily and almost all day on the weekends. It also talck about that michael jordan got cut of the basketball team in his sophmore year. It also talcked about How jordan did on his games on some games he would do ggod and on others. It also said that michael jordan gave the ball away in one of the champinship games. It talcks about almost his champinship games. That is why i graded this book a 4. ... Read more

Product Description
Perhaps one of the most famous basketball players ever, Michael Jordan played for 13 years with the Chicago Bulls. He is rich, famous and a hero to all his fans. When he plays basketball he flies!Winner of six NBA championships, Michael Jordan lives basketball. ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the multi-talented basketball star for the Chicago Bulls, who has won nine NBA scoring titles and been named NBA's Defensive Player of the Year. ... Read more

Product Description
Examines the life and career of the high-scoring Chicago Bulls player, who made a brief attempt to play minor league baseball in 1994 and returned to play basketball with the Washington Wizards in 2001. ... Read more

Product Description
Michael Jordan is without a doubt the greatest athlete ever to play the game of basketball. And BECKETT GREAT SPORTS HEROES: MICHAEL JORDAN is the ultimate tribute to the man with the legendary hangtime, trademark tongue, and dazzling smile....

Lavishly illustrated in full color and featuring insightful articles by professional sports writers and reporters from across the nation, this stunning volume covers Jordan's entire career in basketball.

--From the 1982 NCAA national championship to the unforgettable career with the Chicago Bulls that catapulted him to super-stardom.

--From the tragedy that contributed to his retirement from the game at thirty to his year and a half learning to tame the baseball diamond.

--From the dramatic announcement of his return to his meteoric rise back to NBA dominance.

Michaelmania is once again sweeping the country. Beckett Great Sports Heroes: Michael Jordan is a piece of history and commemoration of one of the country's--and the world's--finest athletes.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

mj
I have mixed feelings about Michael Jordan.On the one hand, he is a great athlete.I respect his work ethic.He has turned in a number of great performances and is no doubt one of the greatest to have ever played the game of basketball.

There is a flipside.Michael Jordan got allkinds of special treatment while he was in the NBA.He was the firstplayer I noticed who was granted all kinds of trips to the charity stripebecause of unbelievably, ticky tack calls.He scored at least ten points agame at the free throw line from bogus calls.It was great when there wasa picture session for 'greats of the game' with Larry Bird, Magic Johnson,and Michael Jordan.Magic told Larry not to stand too close to Michael orthey might call a foul.In front of reporters and television viewers, thatwas a classic comment by Magic.I believe Mike got 99% of all calls in hisfavor because he was such a cash cow for the NBA.Dominique Wilkins wasrobbed of a slam dunk championship when Mike scored a perfect 50 doing thesame dunk Dr. J did years before.I doubt Dr. J ever received a perfect 50for it.Dominique's dunk was much more impressive, and he received a 49.5. Please.Mike got in a fight with Reggie Miller, and only Miller gotsuspended at first.Only after there was an outcry did Mike get suspended. How are Mike's punches different?Mike elbowed Kevin Johnson to theground for all to see, and Kevin was called for blocking!

I am not tooimpressed that the bulls beat the lakers in the NBA finals.Magic wasdouble teamed every game every minute he was in.On top of that, JamesWorthy and Byron Scott were injured.Magic and Larry never won threechampionships in a row because the competition, teams, and players in the80s were much better than the nineties.Luc Longley, Will Perdue, BillCartwright, or Bill Wennington stopping Kareem?Ha!

Sport Magazinerecently had a piece on the ten greatest moments and ten greatest playersever in the NBA.Mike was ranked number one all time player.Kudos toMike for mentioning in 'For the love of the game' that to pick a"greatest ever" is impossible because of all the different erasand evolutions of basketball.The nineties bulls were given three of theten greatest moments in NBA history.This is just more Mike bias.Give mea break.There are hundreds of classic and amazing moments in NBA history. One of the moments picked was Mike beating the Jazz in the final minutesof his last game.He put his hand on Bryon Russel's backside and shovedhim out of the way.Then Mike made the game winnig shot.All eyes were onMike, but the ref did not make the obvious call.

There is also Mike'sarrogance.According to him, Wilt Chamberlain was a fluke eventhough Wiltwas a great all around player.He made a comment about Magic and Larryreaching a 'certain level of greatness' and that the two were not good ondefense.What?Are we talking about the same Larry Bird?Shaquille Onealis also much better and much improved than Mike gives him credit for.Shaqhas turned into a solid defender, passer, and he works hard at both ends ofthe floor.

Mike's corporate poster boy behavior is laughable.He didads for AT&T and then MCI.The Wayans family is also split between thetwo companies.Mike talked about the enviroment in Rayovac ads and thenpitches hot dogs?Mike is not the only athlete who will pitch anything andeverything to make millions.I wonder if Mike has checked into Nike'slabor practices.

Players like Mike and Charles Barkley soured me ontheNBA.Charles played like a thug and got away with it because he was astar.Plus, Charles insisted on wearing number 34 at Philadelphiaeventhough it was retired for NBA great Billy Cunningham.The startreatment and inflated egos has grown old, and that has turned a lot ofpeople off to sports.I miss the Lakers and Celtics match ups of the1980s.

You'll learn more about MJ then you ever knew!
This book shows the amazing career of a great basketball player on and off the court, it has great pictures and fabulous quotes. ... Read more

Product Description
The world listens when Michael Jordan speaks

Here is just a sample of what you’ll find inside:

"People can fly. Some fly higher than others, that’s all."

"You can practice shooting eight hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you become is very good at shooting the wrong way. Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise."

"My heroes were my parents.I can’t see having anyone else as my heroes."

"Confidence allows you to progress in something you’re attempting to accomplish, whether it’s playing basketball or baseball, or whether it’s trying to succeed in business."

"This is going to sound wild–but my ultimate dream is to get a potbelly."

(This book has not been prepared, approved, licensed, or endorsed by Michael Jordan.) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

excellent competitor
Michael Jordan Speaks is a very good book because Michael lets you know what he went through as he looks back at it all.As I read it I kept on thinking to myself whoa!. Mike had that God- given talent that comes naturally and he was determined to become a better player. He started to put a lot of work in and had that ability to make it. Micheal said "It's not how you start, it's how you finish." "It's not what's on you, it's what's in you."The stuff that he went through I didn't think that he would be able to conquer it. Mikes words made me think positive and how things in life will work out.His sophomore year he faced a bad thing that he felt like not playing anymore. He got cut from the basketball team. Micheal's coach felt like he wasn't ready, so he worked at it. As time went by money started to come and people were amazed on how this boy turned out to blossom.

Michael Jordan Speaks
Many people know Michael Jordan as a legend, but did you know that even this legend has failed.As a sophomore in high school, Michael was cut from the varsity basketball team.Though he may have had thoughts of giving up, it inspired him to work even harder.Michael Jordan Speaks by Janet Lowey tells the story of Michael's life, and what obstacles he has overcome.Throughout the book, Michael faces many struggles, not just physically but emotionally.This sports superstar had to deal with the murder of his father, his business (Jordan), and entertaining the fans of the Chicago Bulls.No matter how bad the problem looked, he never gave up.
Follow Michael Jordan through the ups and downs of being the worlds most known person.See what it's like from growing up in a small town in North Carolina to packing NBA stadiums in almost every city he goes to.Michael has a storybook of a life, from what the general public knows.Find out what conflicts Michael came upon on his journey to the top.
Michael faces many challenges throughout his life.The most difficult challenge brought upon the superstar was the murder of his father.Though Michael did retire from the NBA after his fathers' murder, he didn't just give up.He needed a break from the spotlight while he got his emotions in sorts.Later he did return to the NBA, but in my mind that isn't even close to giving up, because he returned to the Bulls to win three Championships in a row.Michael also faced some trouble with his gambling problems.Michael denies that he has ever had a gambling problem, though many NBA officials beg to differ.Reporters have tried to get him in trouble with the contract he signed with the NBA in reference to gambling.In the end the NBA couldn't try Michael for anything because he would make bets on legal things, such as a private golf game, or a card game.Throughout the whole conflict, Michael never lost his cool to any reporter, though many reports goal in life was to try to get Michael to explode at them just to get a good story.Michael hasn't once lost his cool in the public eye, because he believes that he is someone who kids look up to.He wants to give out a positive image, so that kids will follow his lead of being a polite and respected person.
Janet Lowe took a different type of approach to writing this book.She based the book on quotes that Michael has said, and then went off on a tangent to tell his life story.It is a different type of read, but it is interesting to see what Michael is feeling in his quotes, compared to what is happening in his life.It took me a couple pages to get used to the style, but it is an interesting way to look at his life.
Through all the ups and downs in his life, Michael never once gave up or lost his cool.He kept his eyes on his goal, and remembered his role in society as a role model.Kids look up to him, and he realized it, so he wanted to set a good example for the kids to follow.Nothing was handed to Michael on a silver platter, he had to work hard and never give up to achieve the level he was at.

muwhahahaaaahaa (just started readin)
I just started reading the book, spenbt about 20 minutes on it, im on page like 60 something .But its aight, gives facts and true stories about his life.Pretty tight, you find out soem interesting stuff, like he NEVER has had a job his entire life.

Give Me More!
A quick and easy read about one of our true sports phenomonons.This bookleaves us wanting more, infact when I finished my reaction was that now, Iwanted to read a book about Michael Jordan.

What more can be said about the great one
Being a fan of the game but a Knicks fan, I can say this was a decent read about Jordans career. I always had great respect for the man and think he is the best basketball player of all time. This book will let you see inwriting what he did over the years. Well put together by the author andworthwhile for anyone even those who are not fans. ... Read more

Product Description
From The Breaks of the Game to Summer of '49, David Halberstam has brought the perspective of a great historian, the inside knowledge of a dogged sportswriter, and the love of a fan to bear on some of the most mythic players and teams in the annals of American sport. With Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls he has given himself his greatest challenge and produced his greatest triumph. In Playing for Keeps, David Halberstam takes the first full measure of Michael Jordan's epic career, one of the great American stories of our time. A narrative of astonishing power and human drama, brimming with revealing anecdotes and penetrating insights, the book chronicles the forces in Jordan's life that have shaped him into history's greatest basketball player and the larger forces that have converged to make him the most famous living human being in the world.Amazon.com Review
One of the finest nonfiction writers in any lineup, Halberstamlikes to alternate what he's deemed his serious work--books like The Best and theBrightest, TheFifties, and The Children--withhis sporting interludes, though in his hands, sports are much, muchmore than fun and games. Books like The Breaks of theGame and October 1964 usesports as a prism. Culture, race, society, and history are allfiltered through it, and Halberstam refocuses--and interprets--whatcomes out the other side.

That he would now turn his considerableabilities to exploring Michael Jordan is not surprising. Halberstamloves hoops, and Jordan not only defines the game, he defines anera. His fame crosses international borders as easily as he dribblespast half-court lines. In focusing on Jordan--as athlete and force ofnature--and his osmosis from a young hoop dreamer to product pitchmanto the world, Halberstam is really examining intangibles like myth andlegend, celebrity and fame, wealth and image, excellence and genius,race and style, the qualities of heroism and the pursuit ofperfection. "That there had been even one Michael Jordan seemed inretrospect something of a genetic fluke," he writes, "and the ideathat anyone would arrive in so short a span of time and do what he didboth on and off the court seemed highly unlikely." But the phenomenonthat is Jordan did just that.

Understanding, even admiring, whathe did, how he did it, and what it means in a basketball context and alarger one is Halberstam's goal, and, despite Jordan's lack ofcooperation--or maybe because of it--Halberstam's muscular prose andthinking scores powerfully. Yet, there is a wistfulness, in the end,to Playing for Keeps; the game doesn't seem as much fun andcollegial as it used to for Halberstam, and Jordan, great as he maybe, emerges with less of the historic grace exhibited by JackieRobinson, Ali, and Arthur Ashe than with a quality that Halberstamdeems the athlete-explorer "in terms of going beyond previouslyaccepted limits of what was humanly possible, and somehow by dint ofphysical excellence and unmatched willpower, pushing those limitsforward that much more." Dazzling, certainly, but not necessarilyheroic. Playing for Keeps is also available on audiocassette. --JeffSilverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (67)

Keeps you reading
"Playing for Keeps" is definitely worth reading. It goes into detail about how good Michael Jordan actually was, and verifies with no argument that he was the best that ever played the game. David Halberstan's insight and analysis of Michael Jordan's life is spectacular and unbelievably insightful.

Most of the reviews I read stated that the book paid a lot of attention to detail and did not only focus on his greatness, like most would have expected, but talked a lot about the behind-the-scenes events that took place. One reviewer said "This is not merely a book which focuses on the greatness of Jordan; although it does that, What Halberstan does even better...captured the events and influence that assisted him to become the figure he became." When reading the book, I made these same observations, and agreed with them 100 percent.

Obviously this book would be very biased, because it's about an amazing basketball player written by a person who must have favoredhim because otherwise he would not have written a whole book about him. Over and over throughout the book Halberstan says how superior Jordan was to his era, and how Jordan was almost a godly figure. This is definitely an obvious bias toward Jordan. There were also a lot of overgeneralizations; for example "Every man wished they were in his shoes, and every kid looked up to him as an idol." A stereotype I saw was when Halberstan said "the idea of Jordan going to the hated and snobby East Coast city." There was also overgeneralization in the fact that Halberstan said "Michael Jordan was the best basketball player in the universe." As I read this book I began to associate the Bulls general manager with an evil character in a comic book, because that is how the author portrayed him. Halberstan refers to Reinborg as having ice in his veins and being cold hearted. Reinborg , according to the book , could care less for the players or relationships as long as he made his money."

David Halberstan was able to balance how good he thought Michael Jordan was with how good he actually was. This book was able to correspond with everything that I know about Michael Jordan and was able to verify things that I have heard. For instance I have heard a lot of people say that Michael Jordan did not make his varsity basketball team his sophomore year and that his brotherwas a much better player, and in the book it was verified. Halberstan also mentions in his book factssuch as Michael Jordan won six champion rings which I know from prior knowledge. David Halberstan is a well known author, is very trustable and knows what he is talking about.

David Halberstan did a great job at verifying the facts he put in his book with quotes and references to actual meetings that took place. He was very knowledgeable and gave you the feeling he knew what he was talking about. The reviews I read were very well depicted what I read in "playing for keeps." It was exactly what I expected out of this book and I appreciated how well written the reviews were in helping me pick this book.

Nate Debebe, TJHS student

Best Jordan/Bulls book ever by a legendary writer
This book not only offers the most incisive portrait of Jordan, the Bulls championship years, and the NBA of that era, but is also wonderful Halberstam, who tells the story with an epic sweep. Simply a beautiful work from cover to cover.

Playing for keeps; nice but less immediate and moving
Nike turned Michael Jordan into a dream. Nike funneled in 1984 all of Nike's advertising resources in one player instead of in several teams. Nike made Michal Jordan a cultural icon and featured him as a star amidst other entertainment stars. And in the beginning Jordan didn't even like Nike sneakers. He preferred Adidas. Ultimately Nike paid Jordan in roughly 1 milliondollars a year for five years. In 1984 no one realized that Nike was getting one of the great bargains of the time. Nikewas a shoe company in great trouble. Michael Jordan saved Nike by his appeal to the youth. In the mean time basketball benefited from satellite reception that was just opening the world of cable television. Satellite reception facilitated cheap broadcasting. Bill Rasmussen obtained channel space on a communications satellite. His ESPN opened new broadcasting opportunities for basketball. In Playing for Keeps David Halberstam tells the tale of Michael Jordan in the broader cultural context. In this book Halberstam displays his usual journalistic skills. But somehow I missed the emotional involvement of his other books. The Summer of 49 and The Breaks of the Game learned me more about the relevance of sports.

Luuk Oost

Great Book!
As someone very familiar with Michael Jordan's career I was startled by all the new bits of information crammed in this book. Its clear Halbertstam did his homework. He employed an exhaustive interview process that yields so many new anecdotes and perspectives of Michael Jordans career. I particulary enjoyed all the stories of Jordan showing flashes of greatness early on while being recruited by North Carolina. The book makes it clear that even at those early stages while no one could predict what was to come, those around Michael had never seen anything like him.

Halbertstam also reveals the background story for many of those surrounding Jordan during his run with the Bulls. Namely Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Jerry Krause, Jerry Reinsdorf, and others. He delves into their lives, paints a picture of their character, and allows you to understand what motivated all these contrasting personalities along the way.

It must be noted that the writing of David Halbertstam is just incredible. If you're a fan of Michael Jordan or just basketball this book is a must read. The subject could not be approached by a more accomplished author.

Halberstam Hoopla

I'm not a big Halberstam fan, and this book didn't change that opinion.

The subtitular "world that he [Jordan] made" is never really explored in any depth, and this is a surface-skimming bio of Jordan with the addition of some mini-bios on major figures in his life (David Falk, Dean Smith, Phil Jackson, etc.).

The research is limited and insight is scant as Halberstam leans heavily on material already published, pulling entire sections of the book (e.g., his thumbnail bio of Jackson) from the subject's own earlier book. He returns to quote the same two or three sports writers time and again (Sam Smith - Chicago Trib and Jordan biographer - OK, but Bob Ryan - Boston Globe - a dozen quotes???).

"Playing for Keeps" is a fast-reading Jordan sketch, a 400 page magazine article, during which Halberstam defers to Jordan too frequently: no real examination of the gambling, glossed over recount of James Jordan's murder, no meaningful exploration of Jordan the global commercial icon.

For my taste, this book is another disppointment from Halberstam. ... Read more

Product Description
Michael Jordan was a late bloomer.Cut from the Varsity basketball team in high school when he first tried out, Michael nonetheless became the best basketball player that ever lived—Rare Air Jordan.The true story of how Michael Jordan achieved this amazing level of success as a basketball player—and as the high king of commercial endorsements—underscores one of the new roles of athletes in our society today.Here's a fascinating look at both the evolution of basketball and Michael Jordan's stunning climb to the peak of his sport, and his season in minor league baseball.

Young Adult Choices for 1996 (IRA) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

He's jealous, but not in the way you think
If the game's fixed, then how is Charles Barkley any better than Micheal Jordan by getting money, power and fame from it-- or at least, how does he have any room to talk, just because Jordan profits MORE?He should be suing the NBA for running a crooked game, not blaming one of its pawns. I think that he just doesn't want to bite the hand that feeds him, so he instead acts like a jealous dog and bites a pampered pet.

one more word
I have mixed feelings about Michael Jordan.On the one hand, he is a great athlete.I respect his work ethic.He has turned in a number of great performances and is no doubt one of the greatest to have ever played the game of basketball.

There is a flipside.Michael Jordan got allkinds of special treatment while he was in the NBA.He was the firstplayer I noticed who was granted all kinds of trips to the charity stripebecause of unbelievably, ticky tack calls.He scored at least ten points agame at the free throw line from bogus calls.It was great when there wasa picture session for 'greats of the game' with Larry Bird, Magic Johnson,and Michael Jordan.Magic told Larry not to stand too close to Michael orthey might call a foul.In front of reporters and television viewers, thatwas a classic comment by Magic.I believe Mike got 99% of all calls in hisfavor because he was such a cash cow for the NBA.Dominique Wilkins wasrobbed of a slam dunk championship when Mike scored a perfect 50 doing thesame dunk Dr. J did years before.I doubt Dr. J ever received a perfect 50for it.Dominique's dunk was much more impressive, and he received a 49.5. Please.Mike got in a fight with Reggie Miller, and only Miller gotsuspended at first.Only after there was an outcry did Mike get suspended. How are Mike's punches different?Mike elbowed Kevin Johnson to theground for all to see, and Kevin was called for blocking!

I am not tooimpressed that the bulls beat the lakers in the NBA finals.Magic wasdouble teamed every game every minute he was in.On top of that, JamesWorthy and Byron Scott were injured.Magic and Larry never won threechampionships in a row because the competition, teams, and players in the80s were much better than the nineties.Luc Longley, Will Perdue, BillCartwright, or Bill Wennington stopping Kareem?Ha!

Sport Magazinerecently had a piece on the ten greatest moments and ten greatest playersever in the NBA.Mike was ranked number one all time player.Kudos toMike for mentioning in 'For the love of the game' that to pick a"greatest ever" is impossible because of all the different erasand evolutions of basketball.The nineties bulls were given three of theten greatest moments in NBA history.This is just more Mike bias.Give mea break.There are hundreds of classic and amazing moments in NBA history. One of the moments picked was Mike beating the Jazz in the final minutesof his last game.He put his hand on Bryon Russel's backside and shovedhim out of the way.Then Mike made the game winnig shot.All eyes were onMike, but the ref did not make the obvious call.

There is also Mike'sarrogance.According to him, Wilt Chamberlain was a fluke eventhough Wiltwas a great all around player.He made a comment about Magic and Larryreaching a 'certain level of greatness' and that the two were not good ondefense.What?Are we talking about the same Larry Bird?Shaquille Onealis also much better and much improved than Mike gives him credit for.Shaqhas turned into a solid defender, passer, and he works hard at both ends ofthe floor.

Mike's corporate poster boy behavior is laughable.He didads for AT&T and then MCI.The Wayans family is also split between thetwo companies.Mike talked about the enviroment in Rayovac ads and thenpitches hot dogs?Mike is not the only athlete who will pitch anything andeverything to make millions.I wonder if Mike has checked into Nike'slabor practices.

Players like Mike and Charles Barkley soured me ontheNBA.Charles played like a thug and got away with it because he was astar.Plus, Charles insisted on wearing number 34 at Philadelphiaeventhough it was retired for NBA great Billy Cunningham.The startreatment and inflated egos has grown old, and that has turned a lot ofpeople off to sports.I miss the Lakers and Celtics match ups of the1980s.

JEALOUS
AFTER READING THIS BOOK I CONCLUDED THAT SIR CHARLES IS JEALOUS OF MICHAEL JORDAN!

Great book
This book is exacatly what I wanted. It showed evert thing I expected and wanted. I not only shows the life and work of his lustrous but on his life before he was the most fundimenally sound basketball player. It showed thatnot only does he play basketball but it showed that he played 3 othersports. When I read this book I thought it would be like every other bookon him saying how great he is and all his great feats. It did but at thesame time it showed how he achieved it. It shows you how many times it tookand what it takes to be the greatest ball player in the world.

Great for MJ fans, not bad for non-fan either
A book filled with comments from MJ's peers and celebrity admirers. Would've liked more, but a good one to add to your collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

excellent
A sure winner for young adult readers! MJ is a icon that represents the best in sportmanship, life teacher and skill! ... Read more

Product Description
A look at the remarkable career of Michael Jordan discusses the star's childhood, his early training in basketball, his professional career, and his role as a corporate spokesman. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Take it to the Air, Michael !
Taking to the Air by Jim Naughton was a great inspiration for a young boy who loves basketball and dreams of making it big in the NBA someday. Michael Jordan is a good role model to young athletes who need someone honest and hardworking to look up to.
Zack Larsen ... Read more

Product Description
A fascinating inside look at the Bulls.Amazon.com Review
Unless you slept through the 1990s, you probably know thatMichael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls ran roughshod over the NBA forthe better part of a decade. Like the Lakers before them and theCeltics before that, the Bulls have sustained a level of play that issimply unmatched by their contemporaries. But there's a dark cloud tothis red and black lining. In writing Blood on the Horns,author Roland Lazenby followed the team through the '97-'98 campaignas they struggled to attain their sixth NBA title in the past sevenyears. While it was no secret that a rift had for years existedbetween the Bulls' management and players, by season's end Lazenbyfound that bad blood, bruised egos, and harsh words had created anuntenable and openly hostile atmosphere. "Where there's money andsuccess and vast public attention, there are usually immenselycomplicated personality conflicts." And that goes double for theChicago Bulls. To decipher the mixed messages surrounding thisinternecine power struggle, Lazenby conducted extensive interviewswith superstars and role players, determining who said what to whom,when it happened, and why. The story he uncovers is an intriguingmelodrama, equal parts fascination and despair. Men may very well beboys, but it's shocking to find one of the greatest dynasties in thehistory of basketball tearing itself apart over what amounts to apissing match. --George Laney ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Blood on the Horns scores, and scores big!
Ever wonder how and why the internal conflict of the multi-World Champion Chicago Bulls began? Well, this book explains that, and much more. From the origin of Jerry Krause's nickname, 'Crumbs', to Dennis Rodman's shaky start in life to blossoming into one of the NBA's best rebounders, Lazenby covers every detail painstakingly. I live in Chicago, so I found this very informative, because Lazenby allows each side to speak their mind, for the Chicago press always made Jerry Krause look like the bad guy. If you think Krause WAS the bad guy, your opinion may or may not change after reading this book. Personally, it just solidified my opinion that Krause caused the breakup of the greatest dynasty in sports. My final opinion: If you were ever curious about the Bulls conflict and followed it throughout the 90s, or even if you're a casual Bulls fan, you will not be able to put this book down. Pick it up, and enjoy "The Long Strange Ride of Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls."

Not enough material to fill a book without repeating
The author writes well.The subject is interesting.But, it's the same thing over and over.If you read 1/3 of the book, you've read it all.Any third will do.Just too much of the same stuff over and over.(Repetition is boring, isn't it.)

Much Better Than Mindgames....
The author followed this book up with Mindgames...about Phil Jackson. It is obvious that much of the authors research was used in both books, this book does a better job of conveying inside information.The sources are similiar in both books (Winters, Schaefer, Kerr) but this seems to stay consistent with the title.As mentioned earlier, Mindgames, has similiar information, but you are expecting to read about Jackson, not the Bulls in general.Read this and skip Mindgames if you are Bulls fan or looking for information about Jackson.

A MUST BUY!
I loved this book.It is all about the break up of the Bulls.It gives an in-depth look at the 1998 season and provides interesting interviews with all the parties involved.My thought, both the owner and the GM ofthe Bulls caused the break up of one of the best sports franchises inhistory.If you like basketball or the Bulls, BUY THIS BOOK!

errors made it difficult to read
Contents were interesting enough but constant insertion/omission of words and sometimes grammatical errors made it very hard to concentrate on contents.Don't publishers proof read anymore? ... Read more

Product Description
A compelling collection of his insightful views. Hear Michael speak on a wide variety of subjects including his modest roots, his love of all sports, his unequalled tenure as the NBA's star attraction, and what drives him on to greater heights.--This text refers to the audio cassette edition of this title ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Buy this tape and destroy it.
I accidentally bought this tape instead of an excellent book of Jordan quotes by Janet Lowe. The book was so good I'd pass copies out to kids that I thought could use some mentoring or role modeling. This tape, however, is hardly worth the time to listen to it, and absolutely not worth the price. A verbal 'People' magazine piece at best. In disgust, I am throwing away the 3 copies I bought so that no one else should be victimized. Please do the same.

greatest book
I like a lot this book,please,please,please... I dont know what to say,I just like this greate book. ... Read more

Product Description
Bob Greene shows us a side of Michael Jordan that doesn't make the sports page...the inside.

Journalist and bestselling author Bob Greene stepped into Michael Jordan's world just as Jordan was reaching the apex of his talent and his fame. With Greene, Jordan let down his guard.

In an extraordinary book that transcends sports biography, Greene takes the reader along with Jordan over two seasons with the Chicago Bulls, during glorious championship surges and trying personal moments. With rare insight, Greene reveals the person inside the icon: a man who makes millions but cannot go for a quiet walk around the block without getting mobbed, a man who competes ferociously on the court, but who performs some of his most remarkable and unexpected feats away from the limelight.

Drawn from inside Michael Jordan's daily life, rich with the sound of Jordan's own voice, Hang Time is a startlingly candid and intimate story of time spent with a champion, and of the growing friendship between two men.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

what a dream it was
Wow, this seems like so long ago.Just thinking about where each man (Jordan and Greene) have gone since makes my head spin.This is the story of the greatest player during one of his greatest periods in basketball.
Greene is not a sports writer and perhaps that helps make this book even better.He does appreciate sports.He certainly appreciates Michael Jordan, especially after getting to know him, while working on this book.
Michael is not perfect and this book reveals that, but does not concentrate on that for sensationalism.The book relies on facts (or at least facts as seen by Greene).
Greene is a wonderful writer and Jordan a magnificent player.Their union for this book comes off smoothly.Perhaps each developed enough respect for the skills of the other that something special occurred.Whatever the case, this book is special.
Even 10 plus years later, after everything that has happened to both men, it still comes off as an enjoyable, insightful book.

hang time
hang Time is a biography on Michael Jordans life and how he got the place in his life today. The author of the book was Al Green and he got the privalge to meet Michael him self, listen to his stories and write the book on his life.

The book explains Micheal's deepest secrets and his hartship. I enjoyed this bookbecause Micheal Jordan is my favorite basketball player and I can look up to him, plus basketball is my favorite sport and I enjoy reading about it. I would defenetly reccomend this book to my freinds because all of my friends like basketball.

This section is for reviewing the book...not for attacking MJ
A lot of people have written here attacking MJ...if you don't want to buy the book then don't buy it! This section is for critizing the BOOK, NOT MICHAEL! Besides, MJ, great as he is is also a human being who is not perfect but did his job well. How many players can you find in the NBA who has a lot of potential but never lived up to it because of drugs, women, etc.? Although no one will waste their time writing a book about you, if someone will, whose story and character will the readers' prefer? Yours or Michael's?

On and Off the Court, Mr. Jordan is a Winner.
It took a tragedy for their paths to cross, but once it did, something changed in both men. Bob Greene is an excellent writer, published author, and a syndicated columnist. He covered a tragic story about a young boy in Chicago named Cornelius Abraham. Someone in the Bulls' management read the story, contacted Mr. Greene, and sent a few tickets to an upcoming basketball game. Along with something to make the child's day even more memorable: A personal meeting before the game with Michael Jordan. But what Mr. Greene didn't know was that Michael Jordan would make the day as memorable as his legendary performances on the hardwood.

During the game, young Cornelius sat next to Mr. Jordan on the bench. When the game was over, Bob Greene went into the locker room to personally thank Michael Jordan for his kind gesture. Mr. Jordan appeared surprised that someone would actually thank him. He invited Mr. Greene, who was not a sportswriter, to attend future games. The allure was addicting, and Mr. Greene became a regular in the press area at Chicago Stadium.

This story is compelling, honest, candid, and without any pretenses. It demonstrates an unlikely, but thoroughly understandable, friendship that developed between two men from very different worlds. Bob Greene paints a picture of Michael Jordan that clearly defines the inner man, and not the icon that the public sees during 48 minutes on the basketball court. Or during countless television appearances.

Mr. Greene chronicles two years in the life of Mr. Jordan. He describes the lack of privacy that permeates his life, along with how few of us can properly appreciate or understand what Mr. Jordan does on the court. But this story has more depth than merely describing basketball feats or mega celebrity status. There are many poignant tales in this beautifully written book that will surprise the reader. Michael Jordan is a man of integrity, honor, and vast compassion. It is a shame that it took a chance meeting by a non-sports writing journalist to tell us the true story.

I came away feeling that despite all of his fame, fortune, and incredible athletic prowess, Mr. Jordan never lost sight of his roots in small town North Carolina. Nor did his fame blind him to the plights and struggles of those much less fortunate then he. Whether it was taking a pair of his shoes to a dying young man who would never walk again, inviting a crippled young woman to a celebrity dinner as his personal guest, or meeting four young men in a dangerous Chicago neighborhood after every game, he never advertised these incredibly unselfish random acts of kindness. For me, that demonstrated his true character. Very few people, knowing they have the power to do so much good, ever take the time that Mr. Jordan did to impact so many lives.

For me, one story sums up the whole book and character of the protagonist. Mr. Jordan described in vivid detail how he felt after being cut by his high school basketball coach. It wasn't the detail that impressed me, nor the depth of his feelings about the incident. He never named the coach. Obviously, those who knew the full story could determine the name of the coach. But Mr. Jordan did not humiliate the man, when for most of us, the temptation would have been overwhelming. Especially if you were the best basketball player in the world.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

This book gives rare insight to The Indisputable Greatest
I am writing this review in response to "A reader from usa"'s very biased view of Michael Jordan.

The author Bob Greene writes this book in the perspective of a story teller instead of just vague praise of Jordan. You read this book you'll get the whole story of who Jordan is instead of how many points he can score.

"Michael Jordan got all kinds of special treatment while he was in the NBA...bogus calls" To that bias comment, Bob Costas of the NBA on NBC commentator said it best, "when you're a great player, you deserve the benefit of the doubt", he said that in response to Kareem Abdul Jubbar's critical free throw that won the championship when Bill Lambier made just a little bit of contact that doesn't warrant a foul call. The laker then went on to win the series & championship.

"Magic told Larry not to stand too close to Michael or they might call a foul. In front of reporters and television viewer..." That's a lighthearted moment when Bird, Magic & Jordan are taking a picture for the DreamTeam, and Magic Johnson meant for it to be a joke, and I think that you interpreted wrong. I'm sure as a great player, Bird & Magic get away with lots of foul too when Jordan response to Magic's Joke, "when are you ever foul out of a game, how can you talk?".

For all that think that Jordan don't deserve that much free throw, go get the tapes of jordan's game & play it in slow motion. You will see that he's simply unstoppable, most of the time people either get out of the way or have to bear-hugged him in order to stop him from scoring.

As for the Reggie Miller & Michael Jordan fight, because Reggie Miller started the fight, and I think there's a rule in NBA that punish the player instigated a fight with more harsh punishment.

"I am not too impressed that the bulls beat the lakers in the NBA finals... Bill Wennington stopping Kareem? Ha!" Well, like it or not, the Bulls are a great team with Jordan, when you're a winner you are a winner, it doesn't matter your opponents are injure or healthy. Even with all healthy lakers, there just isn't anyway to stop Jordan, the bulls would win anyway. You should compare the teams by overall strength & weakness. Even though the Bulls has so-so center, and the lakers have great center in Kareem, that doesn't mean the lakers can beat the Bulls. Jordan & Pippen's talent alone are far more superior than many of the lakers combined. Michael Jordan never has as much talented teammates as Magic and Bird has. Bird practically has a whole teams of hall of famers, Magic has Worthy, Jubbar, Scott,etc. In a sense, Jordan works much harder for his rings than either of these two great players.

"One of the moments picked was Mike beating the Jazz in the final minutes of his last game... obvious call", like it or not, Mike deserves to win that championship. Tell me who else could have done what he's done in that game, carrying his team throughout 48 minutes in his age, make all the right plays and makes no mistakes when the game's on the line. Before this last shot, whatever the bulls need, he gives, no matter how tired he is, he's the guy that gives his all. At the waning moment, he puts in a quick layup over several Jazz players, then he stole the ball from Karl Malone so he would have a chance to win the game by one point. And he made the shot. Whatever the Referee does, it's Referee's job, not Mike's fault.

I don't think Michael ever said Larry & Magic not good on defense. Personally, I think Magic & Larry is not as good a defensive player as Jordan is. Jordan has been defensive player of the year while leading the league in scoring too. (In the same year, he has very good steal & shot blocking stat). Larry & magic are never as quick as Jordan when he want to steals the ball. As for Shaq, he's no doubt a really dominate player with lots of skills, it's obvious he will never be as good as even Wilt Chamberlain. No other players can be as focus & mentally tough as Michael Jordan.

"Mike's corporate poster boy behavior is laughable...", we all know that superstars make commercials, as way of earning a living. Just like everybody else, that doesn't mean Mike has to be any different. Lately, he has been more selective in what commercial he does. Michael did use his influence to do charity commercial like the Anti-Drug ad & Aids awareness for Magic Johnson. Nike's labor practices are Nike's problem, people should not blame the stars that make the commercial, instead do something more usefull like pressuring Nike to change his practice.

"Players like Mike & Barkley soured me on the NBA..." That's most outrageous comment I read so far in Amazon's generally good review on books. It's player like Mike that allows people to dream, brings basketball to new height & make basketball popular globally. It's sad that we will never have someone as great an athlete ever again. Barkley is a great player that really deserve to wear a ring, he's just unlucky player that never get as great teammates magic & bird has, and he's in the same era that known as the Bulls dynasty, like many other hardworking great players, they just simply can not do anything about Mike & the bulls.

People should find something better to do than attacking Jordan for no apparent reason, when they expects Michael Jordan to be perfect yet he wants to find every little things to attack him however naive & laughable they are. ... Read more

Product Description
Examines the career of the Chicago Bulls basketball player who has been described as unstoppable on the court. ... Read more