9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
On and Off the Court, Mr. Jordan is a Winner., July 31, 2002
This review is from: Hang Time: Days And Dreams With Michael Jordan (Mass Market Paperback)
It took a tragedy for their paths to cross, but once it did, something changed in both men. Bob Greene is an excellent writer, published author, and a syndicated columnist. He covered a tragic story about a young boy in Chicago named Cornelius Abraham. Someone in the Bulls' management read the story, contacted Mr. Greene, and sent a few tickets to an upcoming basketball game. Along with something to make the child's day even more memorable: A personal meeting before the game with Michael Jordan. But what Mr. Greene didn't know was that Michael Jordan would make the day as memorable as his legendary performances on the hardwood.
During the game, young Cornelius sat next to Mr. Jordan on the bench. When the game was over, Bob Greene went into the locker room to personally thank Michael Jordan for his kind gesture. Mr. Jordan appeared surprised that someone would actually thank him. He invited Mr. Greene, who was not a sportswriter, to attend future games. The allure was addicting, and Mr. Greene became a regular in the press area at Chicago Stadium.
This story is compelling, honest, candid, and without any pretenses. It demonstrates an unlikely, but thoroughly understandable, friendship that developed between two men from very different worlds. Bob Greene paints a picture of Michael Jordan that clearly defines the inner man, and not the icon that the public sees during 48 minutes on the basketball court. Or during countless television appearances.
Mr. Greene chronicles two years in the life of Mr. Jordan. He describes the lack of privacy that permeates his life, along with how few of us can properly appreciate or understand what Mr. Jordan does on the court. But this story has more depth than merely describing basketball feats or mega celebrity status. There are many poignant tales in this beautifully written book that will surprise the reader. Michael Jordan is a man of integrity, honor, and vast compassion. It is a shame that it took a chance meeting by a non-sports writing journalist to tell us the true story.
I came away feeling that despite all of his fame, fortune, and incredible athletic prowess, Mr. Jordan never lost sight of his roots in small town North Carolina. Nor did his fame blind him to the plights and struggles of those much less fortunate then he. Whether it was taking a pair of his shoes to a dying young man who would never walk again, inviting a crippled young woman to a celebrity dinner as his personal guest, or meeting four young men in a dangerous Chicago neighborhood after every game, he never advertised these incredibly unselfish random acts of kindness. For me, that demonstrated his true character. Very few people, knowing they have the power to do so much good, ever take the time that Mr. Jordan did to impact so many lives.
For me, one story sums up the whole book and character of the protagonist. Mr. Jordan described in vivid detail how he felt after being cut by his high school basketball coach. It wasn't the detail that impressed me, nor the depth of his feelings about the incident. He never named the coach. Obviously, those who knew the full story could determine the name of the coach. But Mr. Jordan did not humiliate the man, when for most of us, the temptation would have been overwhelming. Especially if you were the best basketball player in the world.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hang Time: Days and Dreams With Michael Jordan, December 2, 1999
This review is from: Hang Time: Days And Dreams With Michael Jordan (Mass Market Paperback)
I am an avid reader, especially books on Michael Jordan. From the first time I read this book I was moved by the portrait of Michael Mr. Greene portrays: not as Michael "Air" Jordan, but simply as Mike the person. Never has an auhthor captured the humaness of an athlete such as Mr. Greene was able to do in his book. It is a MUST read for all Michael Jordan fanatics. Even if you are not a Jordan fan or even a basketball fan, I would still encourage you to read this book. You will not only learn intimate things about the life of Michael Jordan, you will learn a lot about life itself.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
what a dream it was, January 30, 2006
This review is from: Hang Time: Days And Dreams With Michael Jordan (Mass Market Paperback)
Wow, this seems like so long ago. Just thinking about where each man (Jordan and Greene) have gone since makes my head spin. This is the story of the greatest player during one of his greatest periods in basketball.
Greene is not a sports writer and perhaps that helps make this book even better. He does appreciate sports. He certainly appreciates Michael Jordan, especially after getting to know him, while working on this book.
Michael is not perfect and this book reveals that, but does not concentrate on that for sensationalism. The book relies on facts (or at least facts as seen by Greene).
Greene is a wonderful writer and Jordan a magnificent player. Their union for this book comes off smoothly. Perhaps each developed enough respect for the skills of the other that something special occurred. Whatever the case, this book is special.
Even 10 plus years later, after everything that has happened to both men, it still comes off as an enjoyable, insightful book.
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