Straight Shooter

A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes

By: Stephen A. Smith

Narrated by: Stephen A. Smith

AN NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE

America’s most popular sports media figure tells it like it is in this “raw, deeply authentic, and immensely entertaining” (Bob Iger, #1 New York Times bestselling author and CEO of The Walt Disney Company) book, not only dishing out his signature, uninhibited opinions but also revealing the challenges he overcame in childhood as well as at ESPN.

Stephen A. Smith has never been handed anything, nor was he an overnight success. Growing up poor in Queens, the son of Caribbean immigrants and the youngest of six children, he was a sports-obsessed kid who faced struggles, from undiagnosed dyslexia to getting enough cereal to fill his bowl. As a basketball player at Winston-Salem State University, he got a glimmer of his true calling when he wrote a newspaper column arguing for the retirement of his own Hall of Fame coach, Clarence Gaines.

Smith hustled and rose up from a reporter on the high school beat at Daily News (New York) to a general sports columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer before getting his own show at ESPN in 2005. After he was unceremoniously fired from the network in 2009, he became even more determined to fight for success. He got himself rehired two years later and, with his razor-sharp intelligence and fearless debate style, found the show he was destined to star in: First Take, the network’s flagship morning program.

In Straight Shooter, Smith writes about the greatest highs and deepest lows of his life and career. He gives his thoughts on Skip Bayless, Ray Rice, Colin Kaepernick, the New York Knicks, the Dallas Cowboys, and former President Donald Trump. But he also pulls back the curtain and talks about life beyond the set, sharing authentic stories about his negligent father, his loving mother, being a father himself, his battle with life-threatening COVID-19, and what he really thinks about politics and social issues. He does it all with the same intelligence, humor, and charm that has made him a household name.

A provocative and moving “blueprint of tenacity” (Fat Joe), this book is the perfect gift for lovers of sports, television, and anyone who likes their stories delivered straight to the heart.

One of the best books I have listen too.

This has to be one of the best audiobooks I have heard in a long time. The author, Mr. Stephen A., reads a beautiful compelling story of struggle and success. It hits home at times with loved ones and family, while other times builds the beauty of how working hard pays off. I laughed, (while he spoke of the Cowboys, lol) , took note at how to achieve success and cried along the way when he spoke of his mother. I hope he writes another book. I am a fan for life. Thank you for writing this book.

A Book Club Hit

This was a stretch as a selection for our small book club but we have all enjoyed this book, his story and his energy. I saw Steven A’s interview with Mark Levin and immediately purchased it. Thank you for a great read, great discussion and hope you continue to write about your next chapter in life.

Empowering and Inspirational

I never had the same struggles as Stephen A and his struggles were tougher than mine but his story has inspired new ideas that I am going to implement in conducting business and advancing my career.

A new fan

Before reading this book I did not like Stephen A. Smith. I now understand him better and can appreciate his no nonsense approach of journalism and broadcasting.

Great Read

Stephen A put it all out there! You have no choice but to respect this man. I love and respect him, but for those who don’t like him you have no choice but to respect him!