DRIVE: The Story of My Life

by Larry with Bob Ryan Bird ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 22, 1989

Is Larry Bird the greatest basketball player of all time? The man himself doesn't think so--his vote goes to Chicago jumping-machine Michael Jordan--but this enjoyable autobiography, written with the aid of veteran Boston Globe sports reporter Ryan, establishes him as someone born to throw balls through hoops. It began on a summer day in Hobart, Indiana, when the 13-year-old Bird first played a game of pick-up b-ball. The intoxication was instant, total, and lifelong (""basketball was all I thought about, all I wanted to do""). After a difficult childhood--his family was poor, and his father committed suicide--Bird tore his way through Indiana State, carrying them to the NCAA championships. Tire Celtics followed, along with a number of championship rings and three MVP seasons. Anyone who follows the sport knows Bird's meteoric history; the pleasures here lie in casual chat about his bad back, big play-off games, being rich. and other Birdiana, along with the invariably generous comments about other players (typically: ""I love playing with Robert Parish because he is probably the most unselfish basketball player I've ever played with in my life""). Only former Celtic coach Bill Fitch gets a failing grade, coming off as a total control freak. Nothing stunning--Bird and Ryan have opted for a run-of-the-mill style that has the feel of spruced-up tape recordings--but the man's intensity and character come through. Swish!

Pub Date: Nov. 22, 1989

ISBN: 0553287583

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1989

Categories: NONFICTION