My Life [Mass Market Paperback]

Earvin 'Magic' Johnson (Author), William Novack (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1993

In this remarkable autobiography, Earvin "Magic" Johnson writes of his life - of his family and friends, his astonishing basketball career, and his brave fight against the virus that causes AIDS - with the candor, charm and spirit that have made him one of the most beloved sports figures of our time. Magic Hohnson has always been more than just another basketball star. Since 1979 he has been the game's premier point guard, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles - a player who made everyone around him loos as dazzling as he did. Off the court, his exuberant smile and lack of pretension made his a favorite of fans all over the world. My Life gives fresh and revealing insights about Magic Johnson's legendary basketball career. He takes us inside his championship season at Michigan State, the 'Showtime' years with the Lakers, and his most recent triumphs in the 1992 All-Star Game and with the 'Dream Team' at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Magic writes candidly of his teammates, coaches, friends, and rivals, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pat Riley, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Fawcett (September 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449222543
• ISBN-13: 978-0449222546
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.8 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #209,940 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Sports > Miscellaneous > Reference

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 

A customer "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

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.

2 of 2 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.