Magic Johnson: My Life (Hardcover)

~ Earvin Magic Johnson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Basketball superstar Johnson's straight talk on AIDS gives his autobiography its thrust and power. Born in Lansing, Mich., son of an hardworking auto assembly-line worker and a pious Seventh-Day Adventist, Johnson comes across as a modest, straightforward, upbeat guy in this high-spirited if sanitized self-portrait. Fans will enjoy his replays of key games and seasons, as well as his frank impressions of his former Los Angeles Lakers teammates, coach Pat Riley, the Boston Celtics' Larry Bird and other players. Johnson discusses his on-again, off-again relationship with his wife, Cookie, whom he married just a month before he tested positive for the HIV virus. The strongest sections describe his retirement, his coming to terms with his condition and return to play, his role as an AIDS activist and the birth of his second son earlier this year. An epilogue contains the rousing speech "A Message for Black Teenagers." Coauthor Novak has collaborated on "autobiographies" with Lee Iacocca and Nancy Reagan. Photos. Author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This is the latest of several books about Johnson, the Los Angeles Laker star who stunned the entire country last year when he revealed that he had tested positive for HIV. Johnson here recounts his life, culminating with his now well-known participation as a member of the "Dream Team" at the Barcelona Olympics. Since this book was written, Johnson has announced that he will rejoin the Lakers for the 1992-93 season. Not the typical ghetto athlete made good, Johnson comes from comfortable--albeit not luxurious--surroundings and did not have to deal with much tragedy until his HIV diagnosis. Of note in this autobiography is a relatively candid (no names) description of Johnson's involvement with women, which may have led to his infection. This is not a "no holds barred" biography, but it will nevertheless be of interest to public and school library patrons. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/92.
- William O. Scheeren, Hempfield Area H.S. Lib., Greensburg, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 329 pages
• Publisher: Random House; 1st edition (November 3, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679415696
• ISBN-13: 978-0679415695
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,418,729 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Class Act, July 24, 2000

By	[e-mail] "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This review is from: My Life (Mass Market Paperback)

Magic without a doubt is Something Special.He was The Last Complete Player in the Game.He Could Play Position.but he Proved Himself even Bigger after He Found out he had HIV.He became an Even Bigger Winner Giving Back&Building a Bigger Foundation.this Book Deals with His Days at Michigan State,The L.A.Lakers&His Views around the League.The Man is a Champion on&off The COurt.His Smile is TImeless.A Class Act.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great story, November 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: My Life (Mass Market Paperback)

I read this book for a report that I had to do for 9th grade english. I am not a big basketball fan, I only picked the book because it was the only one about a black man on the list. I found the book very intresting, and finished reading it in a matter of days. If you want to read a good comming of age book, this is the one to choose.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE NAME THAT GOT THE GAME, July 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: My Life (Mass Market Paperback)

Magic is unlike any other. Some thing special, filled with twists and turns. It is amazing considering what he went threw. He goes threw the ups and downs sum how he seem to keep his head up. This book tells about the old-school player that helped pave the way for the basketball players of today. Great book for the ages.