"Kareem" by Arnold Hano is a captivating and insightful biography that takes readers on a remarkable journey through the life and accomplishments of the legendary basketball player, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Hano skillfully weaves together various aspects of Abdul-Jabbar's life, providing a comprehensive portrait of the man and the athlete.
The book explores Abdul-Jabbar's childhood, delving into the formative years that shaped him into the person he would become. Hano also delves into his college basketball career at UCLA, highlighting the achievements and challenges that Abdul-Jabbar faced during his time there. The book further explores Abdul-Jabbar's remarkable NBA career, chronicling his various accomplishments and contributions to the sport. Hano's writing style is engaging and draws readers into Abdul-Jabbar's story, making it difficult to put the book down.
One of the highlights of "Kareem" is the way Hano examines Abdul-Jabbar's personal struggles. From dealing with racial discrimination to navigating the pressures of fame, Hano provides readers with a deeper understanding of the obstacles Abdul-Jabbar faced both on and off the court. This humanizes the basketball superstar and allows readers to connect with him on a more profound level.
Available on Audible
Hano also offers a detailed analysis of Abdul-Jabbar's playing style and impact on the game. By exploring his technique, skills, and influence, readers gain a greater appreciation for his mastery of the sport. Furthermore, the book portrays Abdul-Jabbar as an influential figure and advocate for social justice issues, shedding light on his efforts beyond basketball.
In addition to his basketball career, "Kareem" gives readers a glimpse into Abdul-Jabbar's personal life. Hano shares intimate anecdotes and stories that reveal Abdul-Jabbar's personality, passions, and growth as an individual. This well-rounded portrayal allows readers to see Abdul-Jabbar beyond the public persona and form a deeper connection with him.
What are readers saying?
"Kareem" by Arnold Hano has received a mixture of reviews from readers, with some praising the book for its insightful depiction of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's life and career, while others feel it lacks depth and engaging storytelling.
Some reviewers applaud Hano's thorough research and presentation of Abdul-Jabbar's journey from childhood to basketball stardom. They appreciate the inclusion of lesser-known anecdotes and details about his personal life, which offers a well-rounded perspective on the iconic player. Readers find Hano's writing style to be clear and concise, making it an enjoyable read for basketball fans and Abdul-Jabbar enthusiasts.
However, some reviewers express disappointment with the book's overall structure and writing. They feel that the narrative lacks a cohesive flow, making it difficult to become fully immersed in Abdul-Jabbar's story. Others mention that the book focuses too heavily on statistics and game recaps, failing to delve deeper into the emotions and motivations of its subject.
In addition, a few readers criticize Hano for sporadically and inconsistently covering certain periods in Abdul-Jabbar's life. They note that some important events or aspects of his career are either overlooked or given insufficient attention, leaving them wanting more depth and analysis.
Despite these critiques, many reviewers appreciate the historical context provided in "Kareem." Hano effectively captures the societal and cultural influences that shaped Abdul-Jabbar's career and his impact on the game of basketball. This aspect of the book, along with the author's admiration and respect for Abdul-Jabbar, resonates with readers and adds value to their reading experience.
KareemBook TrueInspiration AthleteLegend