Only the Strong Survive: The Odyssey of Allen Iverson

Book Description

Part sports star, part antihero, part hip-hop icon, Allen Iverson has managed to cross over into the mainstream of American culture -- without compromise. Defiantly tattooed, with his hair in cornrows, the six-foot Philadelphia 76ers point guard is one of the most recognizable and controversial stars of the sports world. His meteoric rise from a troubled childhood in the ghetto to NBA superstardom has been marked by five straight playoff appearances, including a finals berth in 2001 and an MVP award. From his rap sheet to his rap album, fans and journalists alike hound his every move. But never before has a biographer presented a full portrait of this complicated and intensely private star -- a man whose loyalty to his family, the streets, and his friends trumps any other concern. Filled with exclusive interview material and unprecedented access to many of Iverson's inner circle, Only the Strong Survive is the first in-depth look at the truth behind this newly minted legend.

Customer Reviews:

only this book survives .......2007-02-05

This book is about allen iverson and his life growing up in newport, virgina. It talks about his hardships and his life. Larry Platt describes him as 4 people: a raper, basketball player, a hero, and a father. It also talks about his accomplishments and goals in life. This book surpases any other sports biography I've ever read.

About Allen Iverson.......2006-05-17

This book is about Allen Iverson and his life and how it was like to grow up where he lived. Iverson lived in NYC where people that he hated would try to start a fight with him. His friends would have to keep an eye on him. Allen Iverson then tried out for a team to keep him out of trouble. Then he started to play basketball and that worked because they weren't able to mess with him. Then Iverson grew up to be a professional basketball player. Iverson then played for the Sixers and became MVP. His life was really hard because his mom would stay on top of him but his mom was nice. Iverson then met a girl and she became his girlfriend and then they had a baby. Iverson just kept playing basketball and his wife was proud of him because he played so well and that's all about Allen Iverson.

Not a bad read, BUT ..........2006-03-18

This book on Allen Iverson just came far too soon.

Allen Iverson is my favorite current NBA player partially b/c he shakes up the status quo -- not necessarily because he wants to make that his objective, but quite poetically, he's doing it just by being true to who he is.

This book is a tale about a kid from the wrong side of the tracks, that basically struck it rich but admirably remains "the same" as opposed to "assimilating" just to make his economic & financial counterparts feel comfortable around him.

No true criticism of Larry Platt's writing style. If he wanted to go deep into Allen Iverson's undocumented youth and youth exploits, that's fine too.

Bottom line is this book, while it has several defining moments, just isn't a compelling enough read because it was written still TOO SOON.

A.I., love him or hate him, totally revolutionized the NBA and the image it projected to Middle America.

I'd love to read a book about his life when he's 50, 60 or 85.

I'm sure he'll be on "60 Minutes" doing a "My Life & times" segment.

Whoever writes the book about his life just before that interview will surely have a No. #1 best-seller.

The Answer.......2006-01-15

This book delivers the confidence needed to endure any obstacle set before you. Larry Platt digs deep into Iverson's history to give you the experience no else has. Excellent read on the life of Allen Iverson.

Solid biography, but has a few shortcomings.......2005-12-31

One of the things I look for in a basketball biography is a person with an interesting story. Allen Iverson certainly qualifies.

This biography is written by Larry Platt, the unofficial hip-hop hoops biographer and author of Keepin' It Real. Platt tells Iverson's story, starting with his mother's upbringing through Iverson's - starting with his life in the rough Newport News, Virginia ghetto, through his 2-year college stint at Georgetown and through first six seasons in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The best part about the book is that it goes into detail on many of the controversial events of Iverson's life: the bowling alley incident in high school, his "practice" rant to the media, his arrest for allegedly throwing his naked wife out of his house, his rap album, his "disrespect" of Michael Jordan, and his relationship with Larry Brown. The media worked overtime to paint him as a 1-dimensional thug, but it never seemed to add up when you saw him dote over his children in interviews: this doesn't jibe for a guy who wants to be a thug at all costs. I mean, seriously, a warm spot for kids? Platt paints a more complete picture of Iverson, adding depth to the media characture. He exposes where the media screwed up by not correcting their own mistakes, and on occasion why they would hold a grudge. He explains Iverson's problems with Larry Brown (as well as Brown's with Iverson, which was mentioned numerously by the press). He also explains Iverson's close relationships with his friends and mentors.

Platt is one of the best authors at explaining the hip hop generation. His writing is quick, easy, and entertaining. He goes into detail about the problems white middle class America has with embracing a hip hop superstar. However, his weakness is, just as it was with Keepin' it Real , is that he goes overboard in rationalizing his subject material. He adds depth to their character, but never paints a complete 3-dimensional picture. It appears he is too attached to his subjects to be objective. Once again, true to form, you find him reaching for straws at points - working a little too hard at canonizing Iverson. He mentions, but doesn't dwell on Iverson's unreliability to meet commitments, such as the aforementioned practice, or his skipping school, tutoring sessions, or even Magic Johnson's charity game. One of the worst sidestepping jobs dealt with Iverson's rap album. One of the excerpts from the song 40 Bars was "Come to me with faggot tendencies, you be sleeping where the maggots be." Platt does explain that rappers tell stories about life in the hood as 3rd person accounts as fictionalized characters and shouldn't be taken any more seriously than an author telling a story. Platt goes on to explain that Iverson was upset to think he offended people by his use of the word "faggot" which he says was a hip-hop synonym for "weak" without regard to sex, and he leaves it at that. I told this to a gay friend I know who likes hip hop and basketball and she said it is offense and if she used the "N" word and told Iverson, "Don't be offended by it. I use it to mean a stupid person, without regard to race" it would be equally as absurd, as Iverson's stereotype-based slurs supposedly surprised him. I believe Platt should have looked at the the gripes people had with the record, rather than just telling Iverson's rationalization and leaving it at that. This type of one-sided reporting pops up on more than one occasion.

The strength of book is Platt explaining how Iverson's rough and hard background shaped him into the player that he became in the NBA. The other strength is his explanation of Iverson's marketing appeal. Since Jordan had broke into the league, the sponsors had been looking for the next Jordan: polite, non-threatening, and photogenic - the kind of African-American athlete who transcends race and makes middle class white America feel comfortable. The search had turned up empty, as Anfernee Hardaway, Grant Hill, and Shaquille O'Neal were unable to completely fill the Jordan mold. Iverson refused to go along with this. He viewed the Nike-type opinion-less and harmless character like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods to be phony people who read what was handed to them and pretended to be somebody else in order to make money. Iverson insisted on "keeping it real." He was who he was and if you didn't like him, he didn't care, because making you happy isn't his priority. Reebok (his shoe sponsor) respected his wishes, and rather than find the next Jordan/Dr. J who would bridge the middle-class white America gap, they burned the bridge, but created a bigger bridge: to the youth of America, who liked the Anti-hero and could relate to Iverson, as their parents and authority figures didn't approve of their friends and their haircuts and/or tattoos. Reebok had done the unthinkable: they threw out the conventional wisdom of sports marketing and re-wrote the laws, and created the next big thing.

If you are a fan of Iverson, definitely read it. If you aren't a big fan of his, but find him interesting or intriguing, and would like to learn more about him - because believe me, everything you thought you knew was wrong - then read it. If you have made up your mind that he is a hooligan and represents all that is wrong in basketball and nothing is going to change your mind, then don't waste your time. I'm not saying you have to think the guy is a pure saint, because he isn't, but there is more to him than meets the eye.

Average customer rating:

Allen Iverson: Fear No One
Allen Iverson Fears No One
Allen Iverson: The Feared One
Allen Iverson Fear no One
GREAT BOOK!!!!

Allen Iverson: Fear no One
John Smallwood
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0743445902

Book Description

HE HAS TAKEN HIS GAME -- AND THE GAME -- TO A NEW LEVEL

He grew up in Virginia with nothing but his talent and his heart. But he had The Plan: his never-say-die dream to become an NBA superstar. So he began his journey down a road full of obstacles. But the world underestimated Allen Iverson....

Fear No One

From his first days playing college hoops...to his turbulent early years in the pros...to his leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals and being named league MVP, here is the real story of controversial superstar Allen Iverson. Acclaimed sports journalist John Smallwood -- who has covered Iverson extensively -- shows readers the Iverson they never knew: the boy, the man, the rapper, the player, the role model, and the icon.

Get to know ALLEN IVERSON...the man behind the legend.

Customer Reviews:

Allen Iverson: Fear No One.......2007-02-19

If you like biographies about famous sports people then should read Allen Iverson:Fear No One by John Smallwood.Allen Iverson doesn't have to be your favorite basketball player but if you like basketball you should read it.Read about how he grew up and the challenges he faced.It tells you how he maDe it 2 the NBA. i really like this book and if you like basketballmor A.I.(Allen Iverson)your will definetly like this book.

Allen Iverson Fears No One.......2005-11-01

This is a book a bout a young man who is born into poverty but overcomes all challenges he is faced with. Allen practices all his life and is able to make it to the NBA.This book is great because it tells you about alot of basketball games that Allen played in. The author really gets you into the game it feels like you are in the fans watching the game. There was nothing about this book that I didnt like. A part that I really liked was when Allen said "This was a perfect ending to a day" I liked it because i could get excactly what he was saying. If you love basketball you should get this book as soon as possible!

Allen Iverson: The Feared One.......2005-10-31

If you like sports books then this is the book for you.The book about Allen Iverson tells about a young man who grew up in the flums.He became a great basketball player,and retires and has a great life and family.This book attracted me because there was tons of basketball, and it's always interesting to find out about someone's life from when they grew up in a tough neighborhood. One thing that i didnt like about this book was that it talked to much about his college carrier instead of his more interesting pro carrier. Allen Iverson was obviously my favorite character because of what he had to go through in his though neighborhood with all that violence and drugs and how he stayed away from it and became one of the NBA's greatest players.My favorite line was when Iverson said "This is a great ending to a day!" He said that after he hit the winning buzzer beating shot on page 132. It just made me feel good inside because you know that anything could happen.If you like basketball then you will love this book!One question i have is that why did he do some of those foolish things as a child?I recomend this book to everyone because it teaches that if you try your hardest you can suceed.

Allen Iverson Fear no One.......2004-02-24

This story is about a famous basketball player named Allen Iverson. He was born in Virginia Hampton. He lived in a bad neighborhood where people sold drugs and killed people for no reason.Iverson had two sisters.He was the oldest one. he went to Georgetown when he was in college and was a point guard. In college he was the mvp on his team and is the mvp on his team right now in the NBA.Allen Iverson plays for the Philidelphia Sixers.In the 2001-2002 Allstar game Iverson was the mvp.He led his team to the playoffs and then to the championship to play against the L.a. Lakers who was number one on the western cenference.Although the Sixers lost the championship Allen Iverson and the other players on the Sixers Played a heck of a game.The Lakers were impressed to see how good Allen Iverson was and how a little man like Iverson played with sush a big heart. Even though the Sixers had a chance to win the championship in a long time they still kept there head up and waited until next year.I recomend this book people who like Allen Iverson.

GREAT BOOK!!!!.......2004-01-05

I picked this book up to learn more on "The Answer".
This book is good for kids ages 9-12 years of age.
It is a great book to pick up if you want to know some more of what when on in his younger years.
I think the author could have went into the younger years of Iverson. He mostly focused his writing on his current actions and a couple run ins with th Law.
But other wise I think it is a great book if you are looking to read more about his NBA career and College Career.
But if are looking for more a book where it tells about his childhood I would not tell you to pick this one up.
It is great for kids that want to learn about there favorite Basketball player!!

Allen Iverson: Star Guard (Sports Reports)

Average customer rating:

IM LOVIN ALLEN IVERSON STYLE

Allen Iverson: Star Guard (Sports Reports)
Stew Thornley
Manufacturer: Enslow Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

IM LOVIN ALLEN IVERSON STYLE.......2001-07-24

YEA I READ THIZ BOOK AND I THINK ALLEN IZ THE BOMB.HE LETTIN PPL KNO U CAN PLAY B-BALL JUST WORK HARD AND DO YO BEST YO KNO.ITS NUTHIN MUCH 2 TELL GOT2 READ THA BOOK YA SELF. WELL A BIG SHOUT TO ALLEN DOIN HIZ THANG 2!

Average customer rating:

All-Star Allen Iverson
John Hareas
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439443016

Book Description

This Level 3 reader gets up front and personal about Philadelphia 76er Allen Iverson. The book opens with a chapter on Iverson's childhood and tracks his rise to superstardom.

Average customer rating:

Hes a true star in my books (a true inspiration)
book review
TO ONE OF THE BEST NBA STARS IN HISTORY. I LOVE YOU
tells you all the things you wanna know about allens life
Allen Iverson is the best.

Allen Iverson (Basketball Legends)
Charles E. Schmidt
Manufacturer: Chelsea House Publications
ProductGroup: Book
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Customer Reviews:

Hes a true star in my books (a true inspiration).......2001-06-08

I LOVE IVERSON he is an true role model. He went through alot as a child and teen and still going through pure hell as an adult. He shows me that you should never give up and forget where you come from. If you have an goal and dont understand Iverson and you only know him as an ball player and dont know why he has so many fans you should read this book. It made me think and rewind my thoughts on the game of basketball and look at him as a total different person. Hes a true role model and thats why true fans like me dont look at him and just see cornrows and tattoos we see an awesome gift from god and a pro at the game of life as well

book review.......2000-06-20

I thought the book was very entertaining, mainly because of my love for the man the book was based on. I think he is great basketball player and I have never known a point guard to score like him. Although we live two different lifestyles, I admire you because you shine regardless! I love that about you. My personal advice to Allen Iverson is to keep your head up and continue ballin'. The next Director of Public Relations for a team in the league, Miss La'Keisha

TO ONE OF THE BEST NBA STARS IN HISTORY. I LOVE YOU.......2000-04-29

WHATZ UP TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I JUST HAVE A COUPLE OF THINGSTO SAY TO/ABOUT ALLEN IVERSON. I LOVE YOU AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

tells you all the things you wanna know about allens life.......1999-09-20

buy this book.It is the best

Allen Iverson is the best........1999-06-20

Hi my name is Skyler Williams and Allen Iverson is my favorite basketball player. I've liked him ever since the first time I saw him play. He plays like he's been playing all of his life every day, but he didn't start until he was ten years old. I like his cross-over alot, but my favorite move is his comercial move, the answer shoe commercial. I am hoping that he does more commercials. I like his cornrows. Someday I hope to meet him. If I ever met him I would probably faint. I think it is awsome how he is so good and yet he started playing at the age of 10. I like the way he is shorter than everybody and he is still better than everybody. I think that he is the next Michael Jordan. Every move he does, I try to do and it takes me an hour to get it good and he is the one that makes them up. That is awsome. And he is good at making poems and rap songs. He might come out with a record. He is also good at football and won the AAA MVP award in high school. I wish I could meet him. I have collected 50 of his basketball cards so far and I am hoping to collect some more. Allen Iverson is the best.

Book Description

At 6 feet tall and 165 pounds (maybe), Allen Iverson was the smallest first-overall draft pick in the history of the National Basketball Association. Everyone wanted to know if he could survive in the NBA's land of big men. By the end of his debut season, he had set records and earned awards such as NBA Rookie of the Year. Allen proved that not only could he survive in the NBA, but that he could come out on top as well.

Customer Reviews:

Weak.......2004-07-19

The best thing about this book is the pictures. This was definitely written by an outsider with limited insight into the real Allen Iverson. The book appears to be written from news accounts with little insight into Allen Iverson and the important players in his life. If you want to get a look at who Allen really is, look elsewhere.

Average customer rating:

allen iverson
Emphasis on the "Needs of the Spectators"

Allen Iverson (Sports Great Books)
Glen MacNow
Manufacturer: Enslow Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0766020630

Customer Reviews:

allen iverson.......2007-03-29

I thought the book was an ok book. It wasn't suspenseful but it did not make me want to abandon it. It did interest me when it showed how much commpassion Allen had for his family. I always wanted to turn the page quicker and quicker because as I have already mentioned he was trying to support his family and I wanted to see how he would make out trying to support his family. This was an ok book but, somebody who is interested in a compassionate boo, they should consider this book to pick.

Emphasis on the "Needs of the Spectators".......2004-03-25

3/24/04 author Glen Macnow's bio on Allen Iverson in a profile of Iverson via the "Sports Great"series is an applaude to the author as well as the talents of Iverson (sans his outfits and tatoos). His determination to "enjoy the sport" spills over to the spectators and obviously helps his skills in a sport where "height" had always been one of the criteria in being one of the "favorite draft picks". Playing in a town like Philadelphia (the Quaker City) who consider "the Arts" as no more important than their sports leagues ,his attitudes which are discribed even initially by MacNow ("basebasket ball's most fascinating player"; "ray energy"; "loyal"to fans,friends,family; mentored by Georgetown coach John Thompson and coach 76'ers Larry Brown and 76'ers team President Pat Croce ,)the emphasis is on the fact :the "game" is not the only place to focus on being a winner.

Allen Iverson: A Real-Life Reader Biography

Average customer rating:

"IT'S THE BEST 4GET THE REST"

Allen Iverson: A Real-Life Reader Biography
Wayne Wilson
Manufacturer: Mitchell Lane Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Book Description

At 6 feet tall and 165 pounds (maybe), Allen Iverson was the smallest first-overall draft pick in the history of the National Basketball Association. Everyone wanted to know if he could survive in NBA's land of big men. By the end of his debut season, he had set records and earned awards such as NBA Rookie of the Year. Allen proved that not only could he survive in the NBA, but that he could come out on top as well.

Customer Reviews:

"IT'S THE BEST 4GET THE REST".......2002-11-29

I THINK THE BOOK IS WONDERFUL. I HAVE READ I A MILLION TIMES AND I STILL CAN STOP READING IT,WELL WHAT CAN U SAY IF IT'S ABOUT ALLEN IVERSON. THE STORY REALLY INSPIRED ME AND MY SUGGESTION IS ---IF U HAVEN'T READ IT ALREADY ,GET IT AND READ IT NOW AND IF YOU HAVE READ IT, READ IT AGAIN!!!

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