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Book reviews... one passage at a time

Currently reading

Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits
Debbie Millman
American Coup: Martial Life and the Invisible Sabotage of the Constitution
William M. Arkin
The Breaks of the Game - David Halberstam I have never read a more compelling piece of sports journalism. After writing The Powers that Be (an excellent read), David Halberstam decided to take a shot at sports journalism. The Breaks of the Game did not disappoint. The story details the 1979-1980 NBA season with the Portland Trailblazers. Highlighted by successes, failures,damaged reputations, eccentric personalities, and failing knees, the storylines for this team were endless. Halberstam does an excellent job of putting this team and its stories into perspective. One of the many things I admire about Halberstam was his ability to get the most out of his characters. Major and minor characters are both meticulously researched and masterfully illustrated. While his portrayal of the enigmatic Bill Walton was interesting, I found myself more immersed in the stories of role players like Kermit Washington, Kevin Kunnert and Larry Steele. The personal struggles these players and more faced throughout the season are incredible and, at times, heart-wrenching. A must read for any basketball fan!