Book Description

Reviews (28)

Insightful, But Sophomoric
I love the Lakers and I love Shaq, and the truth is that I would have bought and read this book no matter how badly it was written, simply because I am intrigued by the inner workings of an NBA team and the private life of such a huge superstar athlete. For that purpose, this book was exactly what I wanted.

With that said, my objective opinion of the book is that it was half intrigue, and half boredom. I liked Shaq describe his childhood in New Jersey and all the hardships he and his family endured. I also enjoyed learning about all the drama that unfolded within the Laker organization when Del Harris was coaching the team. Shaq proves to be a daring author, not hesitating to tell the reader what he really feels about certain players, coaches, and members of management. I didn't really care for the play-by-play narration of the games that the Lakers played against the Indiana Pacers during the NBA Finals. It was long and unnecessary. Shaq also tends to repeat the same information over and over again. In fact, I can recall one instance where he said the same thing twice on the same page.

If you're a Shaq fan you'll enjoy this book. However, in strict literary terms, this book seems like the rough draft of something that should have been revised and drastically shortened. However, Shaq isn't really an author, so the reader has to keep this in mind and give him some leeway. Nevertheless, I still recommend this book.

Everything you wanted to know about the NBA
I never knew what a pro athlete's life was like till I read this book. Everything from the conflicts in the locker room to the thrill of winning a championship to the benefits of strip clubs - this book has it all.

What touched me the most was Shaq's relationship with his family. When you watch him on the court, you see him as this unstoppable force and not as a father or son. He really opens up and talks about personal issues and situations that are both honest and touching.

But I think the thing that really impressed me was he sense of humor. Didn't know the big guy had it in him. I've never been a Laker fan, or even a Shaq fan, but I do respect him more and understand the life that has chosen him. I wish him the best in his carrer and hope he keeps practicing those free throws.

what a big joke!!!!!!!!!!!
this book is complete garbage....it has no moral or purpose just a bunch of bragging(ALTHOUGH IM A BIG LAKER FAN!)

Shaq Talks Tough
'Shaq Talks Back: The Uncensored Word on My Life and Winning in the NBA' is a giant of a book written by a sporting superstar. Shaquille O'Neal shoots clean baskets from every part of the literary court, delighting and dazzling the reader with his unique writing style. He has as much facility with language as he does with the ball, and his words bounce off the page with effortless grace.

There are many memorable encounters played and replayed throughout the text, but for me, the one that best epitomizes Shaq's sporting philosophy is seen on pages 68-81. It relates to the famous 'International Incident of 1996', and O'Neal is candid about his pivotal role:

'I first saw him in Europe and I'll never forget his name; Teodor Dobrowski. He played center for the Warsaw Warriors and he was a giant. Great skills. Hands the size of frisbees. By all reports a standup guy. So when he told me he wanted to settle in America, I arranged for him to try out for the Lakers. Even let him stay at my place. Eat my food. Drink my beer. Date my girl. He wanted to show his gratitude so he offered to sell me his family castle in Krakow for only $7000. I gave him cash. Big mistake. There was no castle. Not even a family. The bum scammed me. So I stuck him on an ageing Aeroflot and wished him luck. All of it bad. End of story. And he got those cuts and bruises when he fell out of the cab on the way to the airport. Honest. If I'd known that diplomats would later be recalled, two embassies closed, the Secretary of State ordered back to Washington and the UN General Assembly reconvened, I might have actually paid the cabfare before running away at the terminal. Do I regret sending the grifter back to Warsaw? Never. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's being touched by a 10-foot Pole.'

When 'Shaq Talks Back', you'd better listen. Better still, read this wonderful book.

Shaq's life Uncensored
Shaq takes you through his earlydays growing up in Newark, New Jersey and talks about his familyand friends. Then later on in the book, he talks about how he started playing basketball, beingbigger than most kids his age. He holds nothing back, always speaking what's on his mind. Towards the end of the book, he describes how the 2000 L.A. LAKERS got it all together and beat the Indiana Pacers in the finals. If you're a fan of Shaq or the Lakers, this book is for you. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A school library book
This book about the big man still has him in an Orlando jersey on the cover. It is okay for a school library, but otherwise isn't. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good read
Before Shaq became the truly unstoppable Force He is now&has been for the past few years He was New on the NBA Scene&dealing with the Highest level of play&going through changes as a Player&whatnot.this book is a friendly reminder of How far He has truly come&He is One of the Greatest Players Ever&still has a chance to Be Proclaimed the Greatest Ever if He keeps Winning titles&stays Healthy.Shaq is a One of a Kind Dynamic Force in the NBA Today. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This is a gem
I first read this book when I was eleven years old. I read it twice that year, and I'd sometimes read passages from it to pump myself up before a basketball game. Living in Australia, and without the Internet, I didn't know much about the NBA, but this book taught me a great deal.
I'm re-reading it now, and I'm surprised at how much I am enjoying it. Shaq has come a long way since then, and reading his comments on how he saw things when he first came in is interesting and illumining. The tone is relaxed and chatty, and there are plenty of funny and insightful anecdotes. This book is a gem, and at less than a dollar (second-hand), it's a must read for any basketball fan. ... Read more