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I first heard "Just One of Those Days" from a bootleg tape when I was in college, and loved it. I've somewhat followed Smith's career through the years, from the rap albums through TV and then the movies. Same as you. I loved the insight this book gave to his journey. Just as I was with Larry Bird's book "Drive," I was a little shocked at how close this fairy tale journey came to never happening, or to derailing prematurely. That which seems inevitable is rarely so.

I did feel at times the performative nature of the book, that Smith was opening himself up and being vulnerable to demonstrate himself as vulnerable. I guess that's what life is, though -- a series of performances that paint who we are, as Smith himself alludes to in the book. Still, he told on himself in a way not many do, revealing things that can't have been comfortable to say.

It's also interesting to me to read the memoirs of someone my age, with a closing chapter that sums up what they've learned in life and what they've figured out, as if by ending the book they've completed their story. I have decades left to live, most likely, as does Smith. The lessons we've each learned may persevere, or they may be cast aside as misleading or incomplete. I wonder what the next 30 years will bring for Smith, and how different the tone will be in that memoir.

Mostly, though, I now want to go rewatch Ali. And listen to "Summertime" again.

More than any other author, Grisham's words get out of the way and allow the story to shine. Another great thriller that's effortless to read and enjoy.

Easily the least-believable part of this book is that people would work together to solve a global crisis, no matter how grave. As we've seen with both climate change and pandemic, countries will fight among themselves to even acknowledge that the problem exists. Or maybe that's just the view in the United States....

Once you get past that, though, what a delightful read! So interesting to see such a "what if" scenario and how it could play out with the science. A little campy in parts, sure, but a great story line, plenty of twists, fascinating science, and heart-stopping adventure.

Another page-turning, can't-put-it-down story from Grisham. You'll probably enjoy it more if you like basketball, but this isn't just a basketball story.

A murder mystery based on eight classic murder mysteries? What's not to like?!? I really enjoyed this. Lots of twists. Very readable and engrossing.

Iconic basketball coach who made trmendous contributions to college basketball, race relations, and culture. I was never a Georgetown fan, but held a healthy respect for their program. I remember the games he talks about in this book well, reliving those clashes from back in the day. Just learning where Patrick Ewing's t-shirt habit came from, and what happened with Michael Graham, were worth the price of the book. It was also gratifying to read that, just as I remembered it, Michael Graham was really the first basketball player to shave his head. He looked fearsome.

Thompson was unapologetically Black during a time when White America thought racism had been eradicated. Racism was a problem of the past, we thought, and couldn't understand why Thompson and others "kept playing the race card." How our eyes have opened over the past 40 years (and if yours haven't opened yet, pay better attention). Racism continues to be a problem in America, and people like Thompson have helped us take significant strides forward, while helping us realize we have significant more to take. I couldn't understand his anger then; reading this book, combined with current events, put so much in perspective.

This was one of of those books that made you want to hang out with the author -- just sit back and listen to the author's tales and experiences. I'm happy Thompson got this project done before his passing. It's a shame people have to die.

One inconsequential thing that occurred to me while reading this book: I knew that Thompson recruited someone I played against in high school, back in the late '80s. While reading, I suddenly realized that Thompson has possibly seen video of me playing basketball. If he did, though, it was of me getting jumped over by someone too big, too strong, and too athletic for me to guard. I hope he didn't watch that tape too many times.

Beautiful and masterful. Essential reading to understand Dr. King's nonviolence, that it awakens the humanity in others and leads to kindness, understanding, and unity. The social media age, I fear, has led us in the other direction, with more anger and name-calling and unkindness as we distance ourselves from humanity.

One phrase from this book keeps ringing in my head: "Half a loaf is no bread" (p. 18). Every time you hear someone telling LeBron James to "shut up and dribble," think, "half a loaf is no bread." We can't be content until all have equal treatment under the law, have equal access and opportunities, equal pay for equal work. All must be offered the the full loaf.

King's work is not done. We all must take it upon ourselves to understand King's ideas, appreciate his sacrifice, internalize his compassion, and make the world kinder.