Basketball Junkie

A Memoir

De: Chris Herren, Bill Reynolds

Narrado por: Peter Berkrot

At basketball-crazy Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts, junior guard Chris Herren carried his family’s and the city’s dreams on his skinny frame. His grandfather, father, and older brother had created their own sports legends in a declining city; he was the last, best hope for a career beyond the shuttered mills and factories. Herren was heavily recruited by major universities, chosen as a McDonald’s All-American, featured in a Sports Illustrated cover story, and at just seventeen years old became the central figure in Fall River Dreams, an acclaimed book about the 1994 Durfee team’s quest for the state championship. Leaving Fall River for college, Herren starred on Jerry Tarkanian’s Fresno State Bulldogs team of talented misfits, which included future NBA players as well as future convicted felons. His gritty, tattooed, hip-hop persona drew the ire of rival fans and more national attention: Rolling Stone profiled him, 60 Minutes interviewed him, and the Denver Nuggets drafted him. When the Boston Celtics acquired his contract, he lived the dream of every Massachusetts kid - but off the court Herren was secretly crumbling, as his alcohol and drug use escalated and his life spiraled out of control.

Twenty years later, Chris Herren was married to his high-school sweetheart, the father of three young children, and a heroin junkie. His basketball career was over, consumed by addictions; he had no job, no skills, and was a sadly familiar figure to those in Fall River who remembered him as a boy, now prowling the streets he once ruled, looking for a fix. One day, for a time he cannot remember, he would die.

In his own words, Chris Herren tells how he nearly lost everything and everyone he loved, and how he found a way back to life. Powerful, honest, and dramatic, Basketball Junkie is a remarkable memoir, harrowing in its descent, and heartening in its return.

©2011 Chris Herren (P)2012 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A sobering, cautionary tale for star-athletes-to-be." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great Book!!

If you are a fan of Chris Herren, basketball, or any of the teams he played for. This boom is a MUST!! Great behind the scenes look at the struggles he went through and the NBA lifestyle. Easy 5 stars!!

inspirational

Inspirational accounts for anyone, especially if you're in need of help or know someone struggling

Brutality Honest

Chris allow the reader to help understand the mind of an addict..Addiction trumps fame, money, and power.. it’s a terrifying story of how not addressing underline issues in life can potentially get out of control!

Incredible story of the power to change

This story really got me. I’ve seen the six. I remember him as a player. I remember hating him, and now my admiration for him is overwhelming.

Great , sad, powerful journey of an addict, turned good and living a life of giving back.

Keep up the great work, Chris and all the best too you and your family.

Fantastic Memoir, Well written narrative, great pacing, Excellent story!

I’ve seen the 30 for 30 on Chris Herren, and thought I knew the story. I love how well this is written and the narration. Fantastic story.!

Thanks

This and the documentary changed my life. Made me think about everything I was doing and made me find sobriety plus find happiness in everything I have.

Great story of beating addiction and redemption.

Chris Herren is a hero for the generation of young people who watch rappers etc.. talk about lean and xanax. I hope they listen closely and realize how slippery the slope of addiction truly is. There is nothing cool or glamorous about dope sickness or the pain it causes your loved ones when drugs take over. Chris pulls no punches and really bares his soul. Great book and such a powerful message. God bless Chris and his loved ones. Keep up the great work. We are pulling for you big guy!

Everything

Unreal! It was inspirational and has helped me in my day to day life! Highly recommended for anyone to read and learn about the importance of moving forward!

most powerful recovery story I've ever heard

check out the documentary "Unguarded". I am truly inspired and encouraged. The book is great as well

Amazing book

Easy 5 star review, inspirational and chilling story of life and addiction. One of the best books every written.