12 Books for the Olympics

NONFICTION

Released: Nov. 1, 1992

MY LIFE

by Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, William Novak

"A lock for a fast-break to the bestseller lists. (Sixteen pages of b&w photographs—not seen.)"

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. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: Nov. 12, 2001

GOLD IN THE WATER: THE EXTRAORDINARY PURSUIT OF THE OLYMPIC DREAM

by P.H. Mullen

"Merits a spot on the top step of the podium. (8 pp. b&w photos, not seen)"

Tension builds along with skills as two American swimmers prepare for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: June 15, 2004

THE NAKED OLYMPICS: THE TRUE STORY OF THE ANCIENT GAMES

by Tony Perrottet

"A timely re-creation and recreation: wonderful history for sports fans, great sportswriting for classicists, and fun for all. (30 illustrations, not seen)"

A trip back 2,500 years to the original Olympic Games: though lacking sponsorship from mighty auto manufacturers, they still reveal many congruencies with current Olympic practices. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: Aug. 1, 2004

THE ANCIENT OLYMPICS: A HISTORY

by Nigel Spivey

"An essential resource: always reliable and instructive, often entertaining. (20 b&w illustrations)"

Just in time for the Summer Olympics, a fresh new history of the games that begot all of today's quadrennial pomp, circumstance, competition, and urine-testing. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: Jan. 11, 2005

THE BOYS OF WINTER: THE UNTOLD STORY OF A COACH, A DREAM, AND THE 1980 U.S. OLYMPIC HOCKEY TEAM

by Wayne Coffey

"Makes pure hockey of a much-manipulated moment. (8 pp. b&w photos, not seen)"

An exciting replay of the American hockey team's defeat of the Soviets at the 1980 Olympics from Daily News sportswriter Coffey, who provides generous background on both teams. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: Feb. 1, 2007

TRIUMPH: THE UNTOLD STORY OF JESSE OWENS AND HITLER’S OLYMPICS

by Jeremy Schaap

"Explodes off the blocks and proceeds with grace and fluidity."

From the author of Cinderella Man (2005), another true-life tale of an underdog asserting his worth with a sports triumph. Read full book review >

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12 Books for the Olympics