More Than an Athlete: Poems by Etan Thomas [Paperback]

Etan Thomas (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0965830896 | ISBN-13: 978-0965830898 | Publication Date: February 2005

Poetry. African American Studies. CD Included. Poet, basketball player, and outspoken anti-war activists, Etan Thomas is MORE THAN AN ATHLETE. In this, his first collection of poems, the center for the NBA's Washington Wizards defies the stereotype of the a-political athlete, and plants his roots in his budding literary career. With the conviction of a Bill Russell, and the poetic finesse of Muhammad Ali, Thomas takes on controversial topics such as The Death Penalty, the GOP, racism and abortion. This young, fiery poet approaches his work fearlessly, writing in the strong, historical lineage of his literary elders Amiri Baraka and Sonia Sanchez, and in the tradition of contemporary poets Ras Baraka, Tony Medina and asha bandele. MORE THAN AN ATHLETE is more than a book of poetry; it's a statement about our generation not being confined to a box, a definition or a label. Some of us play ball, and some of us write poems. Etan Thomas has mastered the art of both.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Etan Thomas is this generation's athlete with a moral conscience and a voice." -- Kevin Powell, author of Who's Gonna Take The Weight?

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Moore Black Press (February 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965830896
• ISBN-13: 978-0965830898
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #958,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Etan Serves Up The Truth( Straight, no chaser), February 25, 2005

By 

Nikeya N. Green "Chi-Town Diva" (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: More Than an Athlete: Poems by Etan Thomas (Paperback)

This book is so awesome!!! If you are one of those people who are afraid of hearing the truth, then you probably won't like it. However, if you enjoy poetry that truthfully discusses the real issues of the world today, then this is the book for you! The Wizards forward/center discusses everything from abuse, the war, and abortion, to the death penalty, bullying, and religion. But then there are also some very heartfelt poems such as "My Heritage" (with guest poet/actor Julian Thomas) that talks about his West Indian roots. You will not be disappointed by this collection. It is something that teens and adults will be discussing for years to come.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speaking truth to power, September 28, 2005

By 

Wes (World Citizen, Earth) - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Than an Athlete: Poems by Etan Thomas (Paperback)

I was totally shocked to see him speak at the anti-war protest in DC over the weekend - and totally amazed at what he had to say. Look for a transcript of it, it is a great piece (it's currently posted at AlterNet). Definitely going to check his book out. Bush should be impeached and CONVICTED for CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING!!!!!!! Thank You Etan!!!, June 6, 2005

By 

curtis jeffries (Round Rock, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: More Than an Athlete: Poems by Etan Thomas (Paperback)

This book is truly amazing! I happened to see this book mentioned in Sports Illustrated and decided to take a chance on reading what Etan had to say. I was so impressed that I plan on buying several copies and giving them out to friends and family. I think it should be required reading! Its an eye opener & then some!! Etan is no gimmick! He raises your level of conscious awareness, he educates & feeds food to your mind as well. I am very proud to have this book, I can't begin to tell you how inspired this book makes me feel. Etan clearly has tremendous talent outside of his basketball abilities. His poems are thought provoking and readily hits home with our society and current affairs. He is on point with so many issues, I wish more athletes took a stand like Etan does. I am very proud of the messages that are in his poems. He has unlimited potential as a poet, please read this book, he truly is more than an athlete. All I can say is give me more!! I will be watching & following this man's career. He is destined for a higher calling. It needs to be said, Thank You Etan!!