Review by Booklist Review
Until testing HIV positive, Magic had truly led a charmed life. Hard work and an almost obsessive dedication helped him become a basketball star in high school, win the NCAA championship in college, five NBA championships, three MVPs, as well as, recently, a gold medal in the Olympics. With the help of free-lancer Novak, Magic competently recounts his career not as someone coming to the end of life, but as a man still in the midst of things, engaging in such new experiences as marriage (finally marrying Cookie, his patient and understanding college sweetheart) and fatherhood (his second child was born recently, without HIV). Readers won't find many revelations here; the question of Magic's future in the NBA is left unanswered. He addresses his promiscuity in a chapter entitled "Women and Me," discreetly refusing to name names (this is no Wilt Chamberlain catalog of amours), but making no apologies for his former life-style. Like a typical jock autobiography, this book is filled with recollections of many of the big games in his career and profiles of his famous friends Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, and, of course, Larry Bird. Magic concludes with several poignant chapters discussing his involvement as an AIDS activist (including a few well-placed jabs at President Bush for lack of leadership in the fight against the deadly virus). Still, an air of optimism keeps this book from becoming morose or tragic. Magic concludes with "A Message for Black Teenagers," a lecture espousing self-help. Expect big demand. (Reviewed Oct. 1, 1992)0679415696Benjamin Segedin
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Basketball superstar Johnson's straight talk on AIDS gives his autobiography its thrust and power. Born in Lansing, Mich., son of an hardworking auto assembly-line worker and a pious Seventh-Day Adventist, Johnson comes across as a modest, straightforward, upbeat guy in this high-spirited if sanitized self-portrait. Fans will enjoy his replays of key games and seasons, as well as his frank impressions of his former Los Angeles Lakers teammates, coach Pat Riley, the Boston Celtics' Larry Bird and other players. Johnson discusses his on-again, off-again relationship with his wife, Cookie, whom he married just a month before he tested positive for the HIV virus. The strongest sections describe his retirement, his coming to terms with his condition and return to play, his role as an AIDS activist and the birth of his second son earlier this year. An epilogue contains the rousing speech ``A Message for Black Teenagers.'' Coauthor Novak has collaborated on ``autobiographies'' with Lee Iacocca and Nancy Reagan. Photos. Author tour. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
This is the latest of several books about Johnson, the Los Angeles Laker star who stunned the entire country last year when he revealed that he had tested positive for HIV. Johnson here recounts his life, culminating with his now well-known participation as a member of the ``Dream Team'' at the Barcelona Olympics. Since this book was written, Johnson has announced that he will rejoin the Lakers for the 1992-93 season. Not the typical ghetto athlete made good, Johnson comes from comfortable--albeit not luxurious--surroundings and did not have to deal with much tragedy until his HIV diagnosis. Of note in this autobiography is a relatively candid (no names) description of Johnson's involvement with women, which may have led to his infection. This is not a ``no holds barred'' biography, but it will nevertheless be of interest to public and school library patrons. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/92.-- William O. Scheeren, Hempfield Area H.S. Lib., Greensburg, Pa. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Magic's second autobiography, far richer than his first (Magic, 1983), for this one (written with Novak, coauthor of autobiographies of Nancy Reagan, Lee Iacocca, etc.) details not only the prestidigitation of the NBA's greatest point guard but also the stunning 1991 revelation of HIV infection that turned Johnson into a world celebrity. To get right to what everyone is waiting for, Magic talks candidly about his sexual promiscuity and his disease. Squelching rumors that he's gay, he declares that ``my pleasure was being with women''--droves of them. ``I was stupid not to take precautions,'' he says. The terrible weeks surrounding his November 7th retirement from basketball get day-by-day coverage, as he reels upon learning of his infection; is buoyed by the love of family, fellow athletes, and fans; and makes his dramatic appearance on Arsenio Hall. Magic raps George Bush for waffling on AIDS policy, and he pledges that ``I'm going all out to fight'' the disease. The poignancy of his new role is underscored by the amazing years that preceded it. Strict, loving parents and a childhood of nonstop basketball blossom into a decade of NBA greatness. The epiphanies tumble out: rise of the Laker dynasty, war with the Celtics, MVP award. The Magic carpet ride goes on after retirement: the 1992 All-Star Game, where Magic proved that HIV-positive and athletic brilliance can go together; the Olympic Dream Team. Even as the book goes to press, he ponders rejoining the NBA, but knows that his work is on a different court now: ``I started working for God's agenda. I believe He's got a mission for me--to help make society more aware, and to get people to care.'' Filled with energy and good will: a small miracle, given the circumstances, but just what one expects from Magic. A lock for a fast-break to the bestseller lists. (Sixteen pages of b&w photographs--not seen.)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Review by Library Journal Review
Review by Kirkus Book Review
