Playing for Keeps: Michael Jordan and the World He Made by David Halberstam Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Playing for Keeps: Michael Jordan and the World He Made
Book Review: Great Book!
Summary: 5 Stars
As someone very familiar with Michael Jordan's career I was startled by all the new bits of information crammed in this book. Its clear Halbertstam did his homework. He employed an exhaustive interview process that yields so many new anecdotes and perspectives of Michael Jordans career. I particulary enjoyed all the stories of Jordan showing flashes of greatness early on while being recruited by North Carolina. The book makes it clear that even at those early stages while no one could predict what was to come, those around Michael had never seen anything like him.
Halbertstam also reveals the background story for many of those surrounding Jordan during his run with the Bulls. Namely Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Jerry Krause, Jerry Reinsdorf, and others. He delves into their lives, paints a picture of their character, and allows you to understand what motivated all these contrasting personalities along the way.
It must be noted that the writing of David Halbertstam is just incredible. If you're a fan of Michael Jordan or just basketball this book is a must read. The subject could not be approached by a more accomplished author.
Book Review: Halberstam Hoopla
Summary: 3 Stars
I'm not a big Halberstam fan, and this book didn't change that opinion.
The subtitular "world that he [Jordan] made" is never really explored in any depth, and this is a surface-skimming bio of Jordan with the addition of some mini-bios on major figures in his life (David Falk, Dean Smith, Phil Jackson, etc.).
The research is limited and insight is scant as Halberstam leans heavily on material already published, pulling entire sections of the book (e.g., his thumbnail bio of Jackson) from the subject's own earlier book. He returns to quote the same two or three sports writers time and again (Sam Smith - Chicago Trib and Jordan biographer - OK, but Bob Ryan - Boston Globe - a dozen quotes???).
"Playing for Keeps" is a fast-reading Jordan sketch, a 400 page magazine article, during which Halberstam defers to Jordan too frequently: no real examination of the gambling, glossed over recount of James Jordan's murder, no meaningful exploration of Jordan the global commercial icon.
For my taste, this book is another disppointment from Halberstam.
Book Review: Keeps you reading
Summary: 4 Stars
"Playing for Keeps" is definitely worth reading. It goes into detail about how good Michael Jordan actually was, and verifies with no argument that he was the best that ever played the game. David Halberstan's insight and analysis of Michael Jordan's life is spectacular and unbelievably insightful.
Most of the reviews I read stated that the book paid a lot of attention to detail and did not only focus on his greatness, like most would have expected, but talked a lot about the behind-the-scenes events that took place. One reviewer said "This is not merely a book which focuses on the greatness of Jordan; although it does that, What Halberstan does even better...captured the events and influence that assisted him to become the figure he became." When reading the book, I made these same observations, and agreed with them 100 percent.
Obviously this book would be very biased, because it's about an amazing basketball player written by a person who must have favored him because otherwise he would not have written a whole book about him. Over and over throughout the book Halberstan says how superior Jordan was to his era, and how Jordan was almost a godly figure. This is definitely an obvious bias toward Jordan. There were also a lot of overgeneralizations; for example "Every man wished they were in his shoes, and every kid looked up to him as an idol." A stereotype I saw was when Halberstan said "the idea of Jordan going to the hated and snobby East Coast city." There was also overgeneralization in the fact that Halberstan said "Michael Jordan was the best basketball player in the universe." As I read this book I began to associate the Bulls general manager with an evil character in a comic book, because that is how the author portrayed him. Halberstan refers to Reinborg as having ice in his veins and being cold hearted. Reinborg , according to the book , could care less for the players or relationships as long as he made his money."
David Halberstan was able to balance how good he thought Michael Jordan was with how good he actually was. This book was able to correspond with everything that I know about Michael Jordan and was able to verify things that I have heard. For instance I have heard a lot of people say that Michael Jordan did not make his varsity basketball team his sophomore year and that his brother was a much better player, and in the book it was verified. Halberstan also mentions in his book facts such as Michael Jordan won six champion rings which I know from prior knowledge. David Halberstan is a well known author, is very trustable and knows what he is talking about.
David Halberstan did a great job at verifying the facts he put in his book with quotes and references to actual meetings that took place. He was very knowledgeable and gave you the feeling he knew what he was talking about. The reviews I read were very well depicted what I read in "playing for keeps." It was exactly what I expected out of this book and I appreciated how well written the reviews were in helping me pick this book.
Nate Debebe, TJHS student
Book Review: Lukewarm, disappointing
Summary: 3 Stars
This is better than most sports books, but worse than most Halberstam books. His reseach is clearly top-notch, but the writing is somewhat uneven. Insight into how teams are built and how the get along is great. On the whole, I'd recommend readers skim this book for the good stuff. Many parts just aren't that well done.Book Review: Michael Jordan and his competitive nature.
Summary: 4 Stars
I never thought I would be interested in a sports story. Since I live in Chicago, the Bulls championship season was huge news here. In addition, Michael Jordan was such a roll model that few people did not admire his athletic ability or his decency. This books details Michael's rise to greatness from a skinny kid in North Carolina to his superstardom in Chicago. Along the way, people get to see why basketball became such a huge sensation not only here in the United States but worldwide. Other stars are also discussed, but Jordan led the rise of basketball and the Chicago Bulls to their heights. Along with these aspects, Jerry Krause and the murder of Jordan's father are also discussed.
This is a nice read for those interested in sports and for those interested in Jordan's greatness as a player. The author keeps the focus on Jordan and how it relates to basketball. A nice read.