Matt Miller let me borrow this book back in 2014 while in Okinawa. Matt grew up very near the same location as Jerry West in West Virginia. Somewhat of a sad story to see how deeply competitive Jerry West is and the torment he went through with all the losses to the Boston Celtics. Also learned how much he hates being the logo. Great read. Incredible personality and athlete to read about.

Read this in Oki after Matt Miller let me borrow it. Really enjoyed reading about the "logo" and the challenges he went through growing up in small town W Va (not far from where Matt is from) and then the challenges he faced in the NBA (like the many losses in the finals) and after the NBA and how he does not like being the logo. Recommend to others. Really enjoyed discussing with Matt while I was reading to get a little bit of an extra "insider's" perspective from the local area.

I liked this book a lot. It seemed disjointed at times but I felt a certain kinship with West's weirdness. I regret I didn't get to see him play but I feel blessed that he stayed in the game and helped create the great basketball I grew up with (Lakers vs. Celtics of the 80's). I am happy he has found peace but I know it must be something he struggles with everyday. A very courageous and sad memoir of a very unique individual. ( )

Convoluted....He just kept going all over the place. Not well done which was disappointing since I was looking forward to reading it. ( )

I've probably read at least 100 sports biographies (if not more) and this autobiography of legendary NBA player, coach, and general manager, Jerry West, is among the best. Be forewarned: It starts out slowly and tends to bounce around, topically and chronologically somewhat but, overall, it's excellent.

His insights to his teammates and opponents, during his playing career with the Lakers and with his coaching and GM duties, were to be expected. If West didn't comment on someone NBA-related during the past 60 years, they're probably not worth commenting on. If you're a basketball fan, you'll probably love this book.

Almost more interesting to me, however, is that West is a man with hidden depths, one who seems to have it all, yet one who battles his demons. Physically abused by his father while growing up in West Virginia, West had no love in his life. Normal human interactions were tough for him. He's suffered through depression.

This is a book I'd highly recommend to any sports fan. ( )