Customer Reviews

Forever Showtime: The Checkered Life of Pistol Pete Maravich

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As a basketball junkie growing up in Indiana, Pete was my hero. I think I have read every article , and book on Pete that has been written. So naturally I ordered this book as soon as it came out. It is the best written story of Pete and his dad, Press that has been written to date. Many of the stories are familiar, but Berger takes the reader behind the scenes with interviews of teammates, coaches, opponents, sportswriters and other people who were there, press clippings and articles that have been long forgotten, and gives a fresh look at the legend of Pistol Pete. It was bittersweet to read the descriptions of the games. The memories of the games and seeing or listening to Pete play were great. However, reading in more detail how troubled Pete was in his life was very sad. While he was providing me and so many others with countless thrills on the basketball court, he was a tortured soul. How could someone who brought so much happiness to others be so miserable himself? I loved the accounts in the book of some of Pete's biggest games that haven't been publicized too much until now. Games like the time the Jazz suited up only 7 players at Phoenix and Pete went for 51 points and the Jazz won. I remember reading a brief summary of the game when it happenned 23 years ago. Bringing it back and going in to detail was great. Pete's life does have a happy ending. After he retired he found peace in Christianity and worked tirelessly for souls, just like he worked tirelessly for basketball. His sudden death... no warning... he just dropped dead of a heart attack.. is a reminder to us all that life is precious and that God can call us to judgment at any time. Fortunately for Pete... he was ready. Anyway, a great book!. Since I got this book from Amazon, NBA.com has shown 2 complete pro games of Pete, his 67 point game against the Knicks in 1977 and a Christmas game in 1970, his rookie year, against Phoenix. What a great Christmas present!

This book is a wonderful story of a father's only gift to his son. The Maraviches weren't wealthy, by any means, but the father continually gave to his son. He gave him his knowledge of basketball, the sport that took him away from the steel mill. In the process he created exactly what he wanted. Pete Maravich was the first Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. Today, their parents are lauded for what they did with their children. If the Maraviches weren't ahead of their time and were alive today, Press would be writing all types of books, from basketball to sports psychology. Berger's book, puts a perspective not only on history, but the complicatied father/son relationship that Pete and Press had. Pete Maravich did more with a basketball than most people thought was possible. When you saw Maravich play, you couldn't take your eyes off of him. Today, modern basketball plays Pete's game, but professional basketball lacks the intensity and skill level of Pete Maravich. This is a great Christmas gift! I'm glad this book is part of my library.

I just read "forever showtime" and think it is a great read. I have always admired the basketball ability of Pete Maravich, and feel he has been much maligned by the current media. It irritates me when they call Jason Williams the "new" Pete Maravich. After most media types did nothing but criticize Pete when he played. I disagree with the reader from Atlanta. Your home is what shapes you in life, Pete did not have a "Perfect Life". I would like to meet the person that has had one. This is a guide, for anyone that has admired someone like Pete. This lets them know that its O.K., to have problems in your life and deal with them. Discoveries and awakenings come in all forms, religious or otherwise. It is obvious from the authors acknowledgements and contents that Phil Berger did a lot more than rehash old news clips. I counted more than sixty sources that Berger talked to, ranging from relatives and neighbors of Press Maravich to high school, college and NBA team mates and coaches of "The Pistol, including Elgin Baylor, Bill van Bredakoff, Ritchie Guerin, Herb White, Rich Kelly, Jim Washington, Walt Bellamy, Neil Walk, and Paul Griffen. Did this reader miss the fact that the author interviewed Press Maravich? We would all like to think that someone as "The Pistol", led a charmed life but that would be ficticious. I am very happy that the genius of Press Maravich was exposed,because a "Pistol Pete" just cannot happen. If the reader from Atlanta wants a fairytale version rather than real life account of how things were, i suggest "MOTHER GOOSE".

A good story of the basketball player's career.
I learned a lot about a player who I only knew
from the movie "The Pistol".

I really enjoyed this book about such a legendary player...a man who was truly ahead of his time. The story of his life and his relationship with his father adds such richness to our understanding of such a unique and innovative basketball phenomenon. His story (and his Dad's) takes us through the history of basketball up to the Jordan era. And while today's game may be bringing in more money and creating more millionaires I feel fortunate to be one of those who misses and cherishes the previous era. Pete Maravich was and still is the most fascinating ballhandler of all-time. He had to create all this without any role models which is mindboggling in itself. I hope that more people get a chance to read and enjoy this book. The author did a fabulous job of writing and the title is so appropriate.....Pete Maravich will be forever showtime.

This is a fantastic recollection of the greatest scorer and ball-handler in the history of the game. Phil Berger captivates his readers with new insights and stories about Pete and his father, Press, since Pete's ill-fated death in 1988. I have every book written on Pete Maravich that to my knowledge has been published. Great book Mr. Berger! ....

"Forever Showtime" is the best basketball biography I've had the pleasure to read. Phil Berger captures in vivid detail the life of Pistol Pete Maravich-- the basketball player and, until he found religion, the tormented soul. Pistol Pete was special, and so is this book.

Phil Berger is an extraordinary writer,and I really admire him. His enthusiasm for his subject is apparent and infectious.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Basketball writers and commentators don't understand the greatness of a Pistol Pete Maravich. Even today, he is criticized by modern sports writers who never had his ability, and never will. This is the first book that appreciates the skills, mind, and talent of such an athlete. For years, I've been telling my sons about Pete, now I can show them! I didn't know that his father was a former pro-athlete, and was so brilliant. All of those drills, just for Pete! Fundamentals are not part of today's game, and the importance is overlooked. THANK YOU PHIL BERGER! I heard about the book in the LA Times.

Is Pistol Pete Maravich the greatest showman ever? Some may disagree, saying that Bob Cousy and Magic Johnson were better. But then again, they both were on some of the best teams in the NBA history, surrounded by players like Bill Russel and Kareem Abdual-Jabar, and Pete? On the Atlanta Hawks with virtually no supporting cast! But that's besides the point. In this book, you see the life of a man who truely loved the game of basketball. Being in the 10th grade and practicing 6-10 hours a day. Finally making it to the NBA, after breaking all college scoring records, and then signed the first million dollar contract. And wasn't happy! What? It wasn't until he retired that he found the true satisfaction, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Pistol's life was changed, and changed those around him. But after dying of a sudden heart attack left this world with nothing but memories. Pete lives on today! The book is great! If you are remotely interested in basketball, read this book and you'll love the sport. READ IT!