Dribbling a Basketball on the Road to Damascus
A coming-of-age novel that takes us from a very tall boy's discovery of his love of basketball to a young man who engages in point-shaving while a college player on his way to NBA brilliance with a shadow hanging over him--a book that sheds light on both the sheer beauty and some of the ugliness in the game. A bildungsroman and the most autobiographical yet of Charley Rosen's many works of fiction, nonfiction and reportage on the subject of basketball, Dribbling a Basketball on the Road to Damascus tells the story of the life of Chazz Klein, a power forward and elite scorer who starts at Metropolitan College and ends up on the Knicks by way of the Detroit Pistons. Klein loves the game that helped him survive his childhood and find meaning. But his awkwardness early in life also stays with him, as both love and long-lasting meaning elude him except in small doses. And yet he does achieve, across the journey represented in these pages, that rarest of gifts, a kind of humility, an acceptance of himself, and the peace that goes with that.
Underspin
"E. Y. Zhao's Underspin is an eruption of a debut. This novel displays a wondrous ability that renders both the central sport and lives that weave around it with meticulous precision and tremendous heart. The beauty of sport, the spirit of desire and the sacrifice required for greatness are all captured here in this stunner." --Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, author of Chain-Gang All-Stars Stay True meets Headshot in this intimate, bruising coming-of-age novel about the short and tumultuous life of a charismatic and enigmatic table tennis prodigy, as seen through the eyes of those pulled into his orbit. Ryan Lo begins playing table tennis at age eight, under the tutelage of his brilliant but ruthless coach Kristian, who sees talent in him that might be nurtured into greatness. Throughout an adolescence circumscribed by Kristian's demanding behavior, Ryan forms jealousy-fueled and mutually adoring friendships with his teammates and competitors, falls in love with fellow table tennis star Anabel Yu, and above all, wins championships. By twenty-one, Ryan ascends all the way to the German Bundesliga, the highest echelon of international table tennis, just as he was supposed to, but he doesn't stay there. It is clear to all that Ryan Lo was meant to be the greatest in the world. Instead, he abandons competition and is dead before his twenty-fifth birthday. What happened? In crisp, evocative prose, Underspin masterfully delves beneath the relentless pressure that forges a champion, considering adolescence, estrangement, and the great injustices committed within our closest relationships. A love letter to an underdog sports circuit and a tender exploration of love, loss and abuse, Underspin is a bildungsroman and literary puzzle for readers of Rita Bullwinkel, Hua Hsu, Susan Choi, and Brandon Taylor.
The Royal Box
Jack Emery is an NCAA champion struggling to make the Association of Tennis Professionals tour and fulfill his dream of playing at Wimbledon. Little does he know that a reporter, Rachel Baxter, who's taken an interest in his career, is actually a Mossad agent working undercover to stop a deadly attack on Wimbledon's Royal Box. Jack's temper and insecurities have made him a pariah with the sport's elitist establishment, while Rachel is still dealing with the guilt of a previous partner's death. The two must come together to take down a deadly terror cell committed to murdering 77 of the world's most prominent leaders and thousands of fans at tennis's most prestigious event. From the war-torn streets of Gaza to Wimbledon's refined center court, Jack's ascendancy in the game becomes integral to Rachel's formidable assignment. As they grow from acquaintances, to friends, to fighters; the two embark on a global journey, where life and death hangs in the balance at every turn. Together they will uncover what being a champion really means.
Shouting The Odds
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND, March 1995: When twenty-three year old postman Andy Cooper and his dad Ron return home from watching their beloved Notts County win at Wembley, they discover to their horror that Andy's mum Marie has died. Unable to process the death of his wife, Ron wrongly blames his son for forcing him into going to the game and becomes a drunken recluse, leaving Andy to mourn the death of his mum alone.On his way home from work a few months later, Andy is forced to take shelter from a rainstorm in what turns out to be his local betting shop where he has a life changing experience; and after almost coming to blows with his dad on the way home from the cemetery a few days later, decides he's had enough. In an effort to regain control over his life, he sets himself a one year target to win enough money on the horses to escape Nottingham and his dad for good. However, it isn't long before he discovers that even the best laid plans rarely work out the way you would expect ...
A Scarlet Knight
Heather Prince never wanted to make history, she just wanted to wrestle.In A Scarlet Knight, Mickey Copp delivers a raw and inspiring coming-of-age sports drama about Heather Prince, a fierce and determined high school girl who dares to break into the last male-dominated sport: wrestling. Facing relentless sexism, physical intimidation, and emotional isolation, Heather pushes past every barrier with strength, wit, and courage. This gripping novel is more than a sports story, it's a powerful narrative about resilience, gender equity, and pursuing your true passion against all odds. Readers will root for Heather as she pins down prejudices and fights for her rightful place on the mat. Perfect for fans of sports fiction, strong female leads, and motivational stories that challenge social norms.
What Has Triathlon Ever Done for Me? Life Lessons From An Amateur Triathlete
What Has Triathlon Ever Done for Me? Life Lessons From An Amateur Triathlete
Cross Check!
Barney Holden was one tough character, like most of the hockey players in the 1900's. He played every game as if it was his last. Motivated by the chance to escape the Manitoba lumber mills for three months out of the year, he played in the United States for fun and money. He played at a time when there was little protective gear; "slashing" below the knees was still acceptable; and on-ice fist fights were expected and encouraged. When the first professional hockey league dissolved in 1907, Holden and other hockey pioneers returned to Canada demanding huge salaries. Hockey was never the same again.
Forward Pass A Story Of The "New Football"
Forward pass: A story of the "New Football" enhances the exploration of youth, ambition, and personal growth as the protagonist navigates new environments and challenges. Set against the backdrop of a prestigious school, the narrative examines the excitement and trepidation that come with stepping into unfamiliar territories, driven by dreams of academic and athletic success. The story delves into the complexities of friendship, emphasizing how bonds form and evolve in response to different personalities and social dynamics. It also highlights the tensions between the desire to fit in and the pursuit of individual aspirations, especially in the context of team sports and competition. As the protagonist faces the trials of adaptation, the novel reflects on resilience, the importance of perseverance, and the way youth are shaped by their experiences outside the comfort of home. Ultimately, the narrative offers insights into the broader lessons of teamwork, competition, and self-discovery that accompany the transition from a close-knit hometown to the expansive world of boarding school life.
The Junior Trophy
The junior trophy is a coming-of-age novel that explores the challenges of adjusting to a new school environment and the complexities of social dynamics. The protagonist arrives at an academy with a sense of both excitement and anxiety, soon finding himself facing the reality of class hierarchies and the struggle for independence. Initially met with resistance from peers, particularly a roommate, the protagonist must navigate the delicate balance between asserting himself and learning to coexist in a competitive and often hostile environment. As he becomes more integrated into the academy, he encounters opportunities to form meaningful friendships while also grappling with rivalries and the pressures of school life. The narrative captures the tension between personal growth and the need for acceptance, highlighting the spirit of competition and the ways in which social standing influences relationships. Ultimately, the protagonist s journey is one of self-discovery, where the lessons learned from navigating school life shape his understanding of camaraderie, personal integrity, and the pursuit of individual goals in a competitive setting.
The Big League
Step up to the plate with 璽€œThe Big League, 璽€ a humorous and engaging baseball novel by Charles Emmett Van Loan. First published in the early 20th century, this classic tale captures the spirit of America's favorite pastime with wit and charm. Follow the antics of a colorful cast of characters as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of professional baseball. Van Loan's storytelling brings the early days of the sport to life, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Experience the camaraderie, rivalries, and unexpected twists that define the game. 璽€œThe Big League璽€ is a delightful read for baseball fans and anyone who enjoys a lighthearted, nostalgic journey.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The Big League
Step up to the plate with 璽€œThe Big League, 璽€ a humorous and engaging baseball novel by Charles Emmett Van Loan. First published in the early 20th century, this classic tale captures the spirit of America's favorite pastime with wit and charm. Follow the antics of a colorful cast of characters as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of professional baseball. Van Loan's storytelling brings the early days of the sport to life, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Experience the camaraderie, rivalries, and unexpected twists that define the game. 璽€œThe Big League璽€ is a delightful read for baseball fans and anyone who enjoys a lighthearted, nostalgic journey.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The System 6x6 Framework
The System(TM) 6x6 Framework is not just another training book-it's a comprehensive, precision-based performance system engineered to help cyclists, endurance athletes, and driven individuals break through plateaus, train with purpose, and achieve mastery in every area of performance.Developed by David Lipscomb, a veteran performance coach with over 30 years of experience, this groundbreaking framework blends science, strategy, and structure. Drawing from elite coaching methods, Six Sigma discipline, and martial arts philosophy, it delivers a clear path from raw potential to high-level execution.Inside this book, you'll learn how to: - Train smarter using targeted endurance and power strategies- Master energy systems and neuromuscular execution for sustainable gains- Build mental resilience and leadership skills that drive long-term success- Apply 36 core elements across physical training, emotional intelligence, and performance coaching- Leverage the meaning of 102 in numerology as a symbol of structured transformationThis 66-page blueprint is concise, powerful, and built for action. Whether you're aiming to improve your cycling, compete at a higher level, or lead with clarity and confidence, The System(TM) 6x6 delivers the tools, structure, and mindset to help you get there.If you're ready to go beyond guesswork and unlock true performance, this book is your starting line.
Cleveland Curse Volume One
Grandpa, why do the Browns always lose?On December 27, 1964, the Cleveland Browns football team embarrassed the Baltimore Colts in the 32nd Championship Game, shutting them out 27-0. Little did fans know that it would mark the last time the Browns would win the big game. In fact, the closest they have come since then was losing three times to the Denver Broncos in 1986, 1987, and 1989, due to a combination of player mishaps and bad luck. The team's misfortune bottomed out in 2017 when they finished the season with an abysmal 0-16 record.Cleveland Curse, volume one in a series, is an entertaining allegory that offers an intriguing explanation why the team and their fans have suffered such devastating pain and suffering all these years: They are cursed. The journey begins on December 26, 1964, when team owner Art Modell meets a mysterious stranger smartly dressed in a suit and long, dark gray cashmere overcoat who presents some papers for him to sign that he says will ensure a Championship win for the Browns the following day. Is Modell making a deal with the Devil that would forever seal their fate?
Gods of Willow
Twenty-one-year-old Kabir Menon loves living in Hyderabad, has no idea what he wants to do with his life and believes that his fate is inexorably linked to the fortunes of the Indian cricket team. In the land of super-powered deities, the only ones that matter to him are gods made on the cricket pitch. But when divisive forces unspool the peace in his multi-cultural community, Kabir unwittingly finds himself embroiled in the conflict. Forced to move to Mumbai, he navigates love, purpose and a sense of belonging amongst a colourful cast of characters. The ensuing coming-of-age story is an unforgettably hilarious and pacy rendering of what it means to find your place in the world and the choices you make to get there. Set at the turn of the millennium when India was shifting gears, Amrish Kumar's sparkling debut is a story of many firsts, in equal parts charming and convincing.
Hilde & Tommy
Hilde & Tommy - this is the authentic love story between Hilde, the youngest daughter of Fritz Gehr, director of the world-famous German NSU vehicle factory, and the legendary English motorcycle racer Tom "Tommy" Bullus. The book provides a unique insight into the eventful history of the company up to the end of the Weimar Republic as well as the incredible story of the exceptional talent Bullus. The author Susanne Schartel, great-granddaughter of the NSU director's family, skilfully interweaves the stories and personal notes of her ancestors with meticulously researched historical facts. She describes in a captivating way how fateful and momentous the first visit of the likeable chap from Yorkshire to Neckarsulm in December 1929 was for both sides. She also allows the reader to participate in the eventful life of the Swabian entrepreneurial family as well as the most important motorcycle racing events and other current affairs of the time. The richly illustrated biographical novel contains over 400 never-before-published documents and photographs from the family estate, the archives of various motoring organisations as well as from private collections and many other sources. Neckarsulm 1924: Hilde, the pretty youngest daughter of the NSU director, lives a carefree life full of comforts with her family at "Villa Gehr" on the edge of the factory grounds. Her father has been with the company for 20 years, which has developed from a knitting machine factory into one of the world's leading bicycle, motorbike and car manufacturers and is celebrating its 50th anniversary today. Hilde's light-hearted life is clouded in the late 1920s by the economic problems in the country and in her father's company. In addition, her two older sisters marry and move out of the family home. Hilde wonders whether she too will find her personal happiness one day. Will there be a dashing go-getter with heart and humour out there for her? Isle of Man 1925: a dream comes true for 18-year-old
