God and Starbucks

An NBA Superstar's Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

By: Vin Baker

Narrated by: Arnell Powell

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

An astonishing memoir of redemption - the moving story of a former top NBA player who miraculously rebounded from a monumental fall thanks to hard work and his deep, transformative faith.

Sixteen years ago Vin Baker was an NBA All-Star, an Olympic Gold medalist, and a multimillionaire. While he excelled on the court, Vin harbored a dark secret: a dependency on drugs and alcohol that began after the clean-cut preacher's son turned pro. Eventually becoming a full-blown yet functional alcoholic, Vin convinced himself he played better under the influence - until his addiction cost him his basketball career, his fortune, and his health.

But Vin's story isn't a tragic fall from grace. It is a joyous tale of salvation. For Vin, hitting rock bottom was a difficult yet transformative experience that led him to renew his relationship with God and embrace life in a rich and fulfilling new way. Today the manager of a Starbucks and a youth minister, Vin has found more security and happiness in his ordinary working life than in all his years in the glamorous world of professional basketball.

God and Starbucks is a wise and unflinching look at the real dangers of addiction and the importance of taking charge of your life with meaning and purpose. It's a powerful memoir about reaching the top and beginning again from the bottom - an inspiring personal tale of humility and grace that reminds us what is truly important in our lives.

©2017 Vin Baker (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

A story that doesn't quite make sense

I am happy that Vin has turned a corner but this book wasn't the best.

It tells his story but it's not a tell all, and he doesn't talk enough about his journey out other than thanking God but doing it in a Bible Belt sort of platitude way.

I wish he aimed more directly at a topic than just spraying all over.

It's good, not great, and it's not bad if you enjoy sports. Otherwise it's just "meh"

Fascinating Story

An incredible story. Definitely not a professional writer. But a great perspective into a world the general public doesn’t know much about.

Powerful

This is captivating story of deep despair and a powerful recovery effort. So appreciative of the honesty and accountability and hopeful it continues to serve as a source of value and inspiration for many people in the future.

Familiar Story with Inspiring Ending

Where does God and Starbucks rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is not the best audiobook I have listened to but the narrator's great storytelling made this a great listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Vin Bakers father was my favorite character because he plays such a big part in his life and he always remained a pillar of support for him.

Which character – as performed by Arnell Powell – was your favorite?

Arnell Powell is so talented he made every character a favorite.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The part where Vin describes his lowest point living alone and drinking all day. This part was just depressing and painful, at times it made me want to stop listening. Arnell Powell can make the listener feel like he or she is the one in that situation.

Any additional comments?

Great book.

Great story of fall and rise

Brilliant honest autobiography of one of the failed Dream Team's members who ended up broke and drunk before turning his life around.

Wow!

This was a 📽!!! What a story of overcoming struggle. I laughed a lot too.

excellent

one of the best hit bottom recover inspiring stories I've listened to. great narration. would recommend it highly.