Back from the Dead

By: Bill Walton

Narrated by: Bill Walton

Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

This inspiring memoir from sports and cultural icon Bill Walton recounts his devastating injuries and amazing recoveries, set in the context of his UCLA triumphs under John Wooden, his storied NBA career, and his affinity for music and the Grateful Dead.

In February 2007, Bill Walton suffered a catastrophic spinal collapse - the culmination of a lifetime of injuries - that left him unable to move. He spent three years on the floor of his house, eating his meals there and crawling to the bathroom, where he could barely hoist himself up onto the toilet. The excruciating pain and slow recovery tested Walton to the fullest. But with extraordinary patience, fortitude, determination, and sacrifice - and pioneering surgery - he recovered and now shares his life story in this remarkable and unique memoir.

Walton grew up in San Diego in the 1950s and 1960s and was deeply influenced by the political and cultural upheavals of that period. Although he strongly identified with the cool people, particularly in music and politics, his greatest role model outside his family was super-straight UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, a thoughtful, rigorous mentor who seemed immune to the turmoil of the times. Although there was always tension and conflict between them, the two men would speak nearly every day for 43 years, until Wooden's death at age 99.

Despite a lifelong stuttering affliction, Walton chose a career in broadcasting after his playing days ended. He eventually won an Emmy Award and other accolades for broadcasting and was recognized as a leading media pundit.

John Wooden once said that no greatness ever came without sacrifice. Nothing better illustrates this saying than the real story of Walton's life. In his own words, Back from the Dead shares this dramatic story, including his basketball and broadcasting careers, his many setbacks and rebounds, and his ultimate triumph as the toughest of champions.

©2016 Bill Walton (P)2016 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Bill Walton is my Favorite Person Ever

What an unbelievable storyteller. Incredibly inspiring and for me, life-changing. A must read for any fans of basketball, the Grateful Dead and life.

So Fun, So Entertaining

Bill Walton is a GREAT story teller, with lots of great stories. Loved the book.

Awesome!

If you could sum up Back from the Dead in three words, what would they be?

What a life!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Back from the Dead?

The best part of the story is actually listening to Walton tell it!

UNBELIEVEABLE

A book for anyone who loves basketball and life. Commands multiple listens! THROW IT DOWN

Exceptional

Bill has done the exceptional job at telling this story. He has shed light on the
underground life of being in professional sports, it's players and coaches.
He reads with such enthusiasm that keeps you interested from page to page
as we feel his pain and together pull for his recovery time and time again.
very good!

I love Bill Walton

His life story is incredible. His enthusiasm is infectious. Thank you for sharing your life Bill

Entertaining and Informative

Bill Walton confirmed why he was a 3-Time All-American and a 3-Time Academic All-American back in the 1970s and is still a very large presence today. He is passionate, honest (to a point), and writes as beautifully as he played the game of basketball (when he was healthy). His hyperbole can be overbearing, but it becomes humorous because it is exactly who he is! Being the same age as Bill and a long-time fan of his play and his politics, his mixing of basketball in college and the pros, with his love of music, and then his revelation of his many surgeries, recoveries, and more surgeries weaves an amazing personal story of grit, persistence, and cooperative friendships. It was a wonderful listen!

Bill Walton had a unique place in American history.

This book is a terrific insight into the unique and positive attitude that is Bill Walton. Basketball, while used as the vehicle to tell his story is a small part of his life. This free thinker, athletic BB talent talks about preparation, execution, pain, endurance, philosophy and overcoming the obstacles of life in a positive manner. Walton seems to be the epitome of what all the self help and motivational books speak of. I'd love to have a conversation with Bill knowing that basketball would be a small portion of it. He is a national treasure in many ways. His reading of the book was excellent and I came away thinking "life is wonderful."

My favorite

This is one of my all-time favorite audiobooks. I love hyperbole and enthusiasm and this book qualifies as both. I found myself delighted through the whole book. I happened to be at many of the games referenced so the memories were great.

Great Listen

Very enjoyable. I love listening to Bill on the television, his story telling and passion for the game come through on every broadcast. His love of live, sportsmanship, family and friends are infectious and having Bill tell his story was moving and made me both happy and sad at the same time. I'm only old enough to remember him as a shell of his former glory after his body started to break down due to his feet and the misdiagnosis by team doctors when he was on the Celtics. I knew he was a good player but I didn't realize he was that good. Great person, great story, and a very enjoyable listen. A+