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.
Danforth Plays The Game Stories For Boys Little And Big
Danforth plays the game or stories for boys little and big centers on the journey of personal growth and resilience through the lens of adolescence and sports. The narrative follows a young boy s efforts to fit in and prove himself within a new and challenging environment, particularly on the football field. The story highlights the universal experience of navigating the difficult transition from a novice to a more experienced individual, focusing on overcoming insecurity and embracing perseverance. It explores the challenges of competition, friendship, and rivalry, illustrating how these elements shape one s character. At the core, the tale emphasizes the value of sportsmanship and the importance of staying true to oneself amid peer pressure and external expectations. As the protagonist progresses from facing teasing to gaining recognition, the story reveals how moments of failure and struggle can lead to personal victories and growth. Ultimately, it portrays a young person s journey toward self-confidence and belonging, offering readers an inspiring reflection on how hard work and resilience can lead to success, both on and off the field.
Winning His Game
Winning his game explores the pursuit of personal achievement through the lens of athletic ambition and self discovery. The story highlights the internal struggle of overcoming self doubt and the challenge of stepping beyond one s comfort zone to embrace potential. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of uncertainty and the transformative power of encouragement from supportive friendships. Through the character s journey, the narrative underscores the value of resilience and the quiet strength required to persist despite insecurities. The setting within a school environment reinforces the pressures of social acceptance and competition while portraying sports as a vehicle for character development. By navigating the complexities of confidence and fear of failure, the protagonist s experience illustrates how growth is achieved through both triumphs and setbacks. The story ultimately celebrates the process of striving toward a goal, depicting victory not solely in winning games but in gaining self belief and inner strength. It offers a portrait of adolescence marked by determination, camaraderie, and the quest for identity through effort and commitment.
Making The Nine
Making the Nine is a novel set in an American school environment, focusing on the lives of boys navigating their athletic pursuits, particularly baseball. The central character, a student determined to make the baseball team, faces challenges in school life and friendships. The story begins by introducing the boys and their camaraderie, highlighting their competitive spirit, especially during athletic events like football and baseball. Their playful banter after a football victory sets a tone for their rivalry. The relationships between the boys are emphasized as they discuss sports and personal goals, with one senior encouraging the protagonist to pursue a spot on the baseball team, despite initial hesitations. The narrative explores ambition, peer influence, and moral challenges within their close-knit community, illustrating character growth through sportsmanship and friendship. Themes of determination, teamwork, and personal development unfold as the boys work towards achieving their goals. The story captures the energy of youthful competition and the personal evolution that comes with striving to be part of a team.
The New Boy At Hilltop And Other Stories
The new boy at Hilltop and other stories is a collection of short stories about the experiences of young boys at a boarding school. The main narrative follows a new student who arrives early and forms a negative opinion of his assigned roommate and the strict instructor. As other students return, his initial judgments begin to shift, especially after an intense physical altercation with his roommate, which unexpectedly leads to a new friendship. The stories reflect the boy s journey of self-discovery as he navigates school culture, the challenges of fitting in, and the dynamics of friendships and rivalries. The narrative is set in an energetic and lively school environment where sports and mischief play a central role. Through the experiences of the boys at Hilltop, the stories offer a glimpse into the trials and growth of youth, emphasizing personal development, teamwork, and the importance of overcoming initial biases. With an atmosphere filled with excitement and youthful camaraderie, the collection captures the spirit of school life and the process of adjusting to a new community.
