The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 19, 2018

Review

Accompanied by stunning black & white photographs by Thai Neave, Alexander weaves his personal narrative of the power of sport in his life with wisdom from phenomenal coaches, athletes, and activists. The book centers around the concept of giving your best and never giving up. Much like a game, the book starts with a Warm-Up (a story from Alexander's life) and moves into the four quarters of the game, with a pause for half-time and, of course, like a truly exciting game of well-matched competitors, ends with Overtime. Each quarter features a personal story from a well-known athlete (Wilma Rudolph, LeBron James, Pele, the Williams sisters) as well as a heading: Grit, Motivation, Passion, Teamwork, and Tenacity. This book can be appreciated by many types of reader, but it will particularly resonate with readers across the ages who have played and loved sport. It is a beautiful companion to Alexander's other books The Crossover, Booked, and Rebound. There are many books that offer inspiration and quotations, but the organization of this book along with the personal narratives and obvious sincerity and passion of the author make this one stand out.

Overall Book Score: excellent