MY LIFE

In an inspirational autobiography, the basketball superstar reflects on his boyhood in Michigan, college career, NBA success, teammates, friends and family, the tragedy of HIV infection, and his new status as a role model. 300,000 first printing. $300,000 ad/promo. Tour.

Basketball superstar Johnson's straight talk on AIDS gives his autobiography its thrust and power. Born in Lansing, Mich., son of an hardworking auto assembly-line worker and a pious Seventh-Day Adventist, Johnson comes across as a modest, straightforward, upbeat guy in this high-spirited if sanitized self-portrait. Fans will enjoy his replays of key games and seasons, as well as his frank impressions of his former Los Angeles Lakers teammates, coach Pat Riley, the Boston Celtics' Larry Bird and other players. Johnson discusses his on-again, off-again relationship with his wife, Cookie, whom he married just a month before he tested positive for the HIV virus. The strongest sections describe his retirement, his coming to terms with his condition and return to play, his role as an AIDS activist and the birth of his second son earlier this year. An epilogue contains the rousing speech "A Message for Black Teenagers." Coauthor Novak has collaborated on "autobiographies" with Lee Iacocca and Nancy Reagan. Photos. Author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This is the latest of several books about Johnson, the Los Angeles Laker star who stunned the entire country last year when he revealed that he had tested positive for HIV. Johnson here recounts his life, culminating with his now well-known participation as a member of the "Dream Team" at the Barcelona Olympics. Since this book was written, Johnson has announced that he will rejoin the Lakers for the 1992-93 season. Not the typical ghetto athlete made good, Johnson comes from comfortable--albeit not luxurious--surroundings and did not have to deal with much tragedy until his HIV diagnosis. Of note in this autobiography is a relatively candid (no names) description of Johnson's involvement with women, which may have led to his infection. This is not a "no holds barred" biography, but it will nevertheless be of interest to public and school library patrons. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/92.
- William O. Scheeren, Hempfield Area H.S. Lib., Greensburg, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.