From School Library Journal
Adult/High School-This motivational book uses Michael Jordan as a prime example of how to achieve one's dream career goals whether they are in the sports arena or in other fields. Each chapter focuses on one ingredient in the recipe for success. The elements are identified as effective concentration, a joyful love for one's work, unrelenting practice of one's skills, persistent determination to achieve, acceptance of personal responsibility for one's own actions, treating others with warmth and respect, etc. There are copious anecdotes about how the basketball star has smoothly blended them all into his life, but there are also quotes from a variety of people, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Síren Kierkegaard, James Baldwin, Miles Davis, and Anthony Quinn. Jordan is portrayed as the most hardworking man in his field, and his persistence rather than his natural athletic talent is credited for his legendary achievements. MJ's fans will naturally enjoy reading about him, but even those who aren't basketball fanatics will be inspired by the principles promoted here.Joyce Fay Fletcher, Rippon Middle School, Prince William County, VACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
By interviewing more than 1,400 friends, coaches, teammates, rivals, and just about anyone else whose life was touched by Michael Jordan, Williams, a motivational speaker and the owner of the Orlando Magic, has amassed enough anecdotes to . . . well, write a book. The text covers what makes M. J. great--as a person, a role model, a leader, and, yes, a basketball player. What's refreshing here is that Jordan is portrayed as human like the rest of us, which means that if we were to apply our skills to our lives as Jordan has to his, we, too, could "be like Mike." Motivational quotes from such diverse figures as Rose Kennedy and Bertolt Brecht are scattered among the inspiring, often funny Jordan quips. Each chapter elaborates on aspects of Michael's success ("Focus, Passion & Energy") and includes introductory comments by Michael himself. What will allow this book to stand out among the myriad motivational titles out there? It's simple, entertaining, and commonsensical. And it's about Michael Jordan. Mary Frances Wilkens
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description

Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. But his pre-eminence is more than just extraordinary athletic ability: the lessons of his life-such as focus, passion, hard work, perseverance and accountability-have shaped him into one of the most revered celebrities of the 20th century.

In this inspiring book Pat Williams, motivational speaker and senior vice president of the NBA's Orlando Magic, reveals Jordan's method for living a life of greatness that we can all incorporate into our lives. Fascinating anecdotes and quotes from those who know Michael best provide a glimpse into a persona as sweeping and immense as any generation has ever witnessed. Peppered with examples from Williams's life and those of other star athletes and celebrities, this uplifting book shows that we are, indeed, all capable of fulfilling our full potential. Readers from all walks of life can appreciate and aspire to living life like a champion.


About the Author
Pat Williams, one of the country's top motivational and inspirational speakers, is Senior Vice President of the Orlando Magic and has more than 39 years of professional sports experience. Before joining the Central Florida pro basketball effort in 1986, Williams spent 12 seasons as General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, taking them from a 34-48 record in 1974-75 to a World Championship title in 1983. Pat has written 19 books, including his version of the birth of the Orlando Magic, entitled Making Magic, and his autobiography, Ahead of the Game and A Lifetime of Success. Michael Weinreb is former sports feature writer for the Akron Beacon Journal. He has won numerous state and national writing awards from the Associated Press sports editors.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. But his pre-eminence is more than just extraordinary athletic ability: the lessons of his life-such as focus, passion, hard work, perseverance and accountability-have shaped him into one of the most revered celebrities of the 20th century.

In this inspiring book Pat Williams, motivational speaker and senior vice president of the NBA's Orlando Magic, reveals Jordan's method for living a life of greatness that we can all incorporate into our lives. Fascinating anecdotes and quotes from those who know Michael best provide a glimpse into a persona as sweeping and immense as any generation has ever witnessed. Peppered with examples from Williams's life and those of other star athletes and celebrities, this uplifting book shows that we are, indeed, all capable of fulfilling our full potential. Readers from all walks of life can appreciate and aspire to living life like a champion.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal