Larry Platt

"In this erudite and captivating book, author Larry Platt takes us on his own unique tour through American sports. Culled from a decade of writing about our games and the people who play them, Platt offers exclusive profiles of the athletes we love--and love to hate ... In these and other profiles, Platt shows that sport, more than any other nationwide pastime, is the way that we come to understand--and alter--race relations, gender, and, most profoundly, how we communicate with each other in ways often ignored by social commentators"--Inside front jacket cover.

Part sports star, part antihero, part hip-hop icon, Allen Iverson has managed to cross over into the mainstream of American culture -- without compromise. Defiantly tattooed, with his hair in cornrows, the six-foot Philadelphia 76ers point guard is one of the most recognizable and controversial stars of the sports world. His meteoric rise from a troubled childhood in the ghetto to NBA superstardom has been marked by five straight playoff appearances, including a finals berth in 2001 and an MVP award. From his rap sheet to his rap album, fans and journalists alike hound his every move. But never before has a biographer presented a full portrait of this complicated and intensely private star -- a man whose loyalty to his family, the streets, and his friends trumps any other concern. Filled with exclusive interview material and unprecedented access to many of Iverson's inner circle, Only the Strong Survive is the first in-depth look at the truth behind this newly minted legend.

"In the tradition of inspirational bestsellers by Glennon Doyle Melton and Brene Brown, Life Is Magic is Jon Dorenbos's extraordinary and empowering true story of resilience, forgiveness, and living a life of purpose in the face of unfathomable obstacles" -- Publisher annotation.

A memoir from the long-time baseball player, who, at age 49, became the oldest pitcher in major league history to win a game.