Living the Dream: My Life and Basketball [Hardcover]

Hakeem Olajuwon (Author), Peter Knobler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1995

Born in Nigeria, Olajuwon didn't step onto a basketball court until the age of 17. Within a year he was a Nigerian international. Here he recounts his journey to America and university in Houston, his success in the NBA since turning professional in 1984, and his return to the Muslim faith. In a sport known for producing arrogant professional athletes, Olajuwon is regarded as a rare phenomenon - a sporting gentleman. Aware of his position as a role model, he wants to pass on his story of success as an inspiration to others.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

He grew up in Nigeria and didn't even pick up a basketball until he was seventeen. Two years later, Hakeem Olajuwon powered his American college team, the University of Houston, to the NCAA Final Four -- and that was only the beginning. One of the most remarkable basketball stories of our time.

From Library Journal

From Nigeria to Houston with the National Basketball Association's most valuable player of 1994.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Little Brown & Co (T); 1st edition (December 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316094277
• ISBN-13: 978-0316094276
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,402,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book That I Have Ever Read, May 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Living the Dream: My Life and Basketball (Hardcover)

When I was reading this book it felt like I was sitting next to Hakeem and hearing him tell it. I have read it four times and it got better each time. I learned so much about Hakeem. When I was done it felt as if we were best friends. When I say that this is the best book that I have ever read, I am telling the truth.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Biography of the most humble star in the NBA, October 19, 2001

By 

J. Hammad (Over Yonder) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Living the Dream: My Life and Basketball (Hardcover)

Hakeem is indeed a "Dream Role Model", and takes that responsibility very seriously. This is really a page turner, that keeps you from putting the book down, which is unusual for an autobiography.

Hakeem details some rather amusing parts of his rise to NBA star-dom, and provides some rare insight into what goes on behind the closed doors of the NBA (often very negative, and cash is king mentatlity).

I must admit that I did read this book hoping to gain some insight into his devotion to Islam, and I was not dissapointed. I admire Hakeem for his devotion to Islam first, and as a basketball player second.

Contrary to a previous post, Hakeem is not Proselytizing (trying to convert others) he describes his re-discovery of Islam very matter-of-factly. And anybody that follows Hakeem in sports knows that Islam is the main driver in his life.

Great book, its too bad it is out-of-print, but at least pick up a used copy while you can.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hakeem is one heck of a guy!, April 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Living the Dream: My Life and Basketball (Hardcover)

Hakeem's book was extremely good. After reading it cover to cover, he is now my favorite player in the NBA. While it spent a lot of time talking about his religion and Allah, it also went into some interesting pieces of information like how many dixie cups of ice cream he would store in his fridge. After reading the book, I know what a caring guy Hakeem really is, and that he is a fine team leader. I definitely got my money's worth.