Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised

By: Carmelo Anthony

Narrated by: Carmelo Anthony

Length: 4 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

From iconic NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony comes a New York Times best-selling memoir about growing up in the housing projects of Red Hook and Baltimore - a brutal world Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised.

For a long time, Carmelo Anthony’s world wasn’t any larger than the view of the hoopers and hustlers he watched from the side window of his family’s first-floor project apartment in Red Hook, Brooklyn. He couldn’t dream any bigger than emulating his older brothers and cousin, much less going on to become a basketball champion on the world stage.

He faced palpable dangers growing up in the housing projects of Red Hook and West Baltimore’s Murphy Homes (a.k.a. Murder Homes, subject of HBO’s The Wire). He navigated an education system that ignored, exploited, or ostracized him. He suffered the untimely deaths of his closely held loved ones. He struggled to survive physically and emotionally. But with the strength of family and the guidance of key mentors on the streets and on the court, he pushed past lethal odds to endure and thrive.

By the time Carmelo found himself at the NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden in 2003 preparing to embark on his legendary career, he wondered: How did a kid who’d had so many hopes, dreams, and expectations beaten out of him by a world of violence, poverty, and racism make it here at all?

Carmelo’s story is one of strength and determination; of dribbling past players bigger and tougher than him, while also weaving around vial caps and needles strewn across the court; where dealers and junkies lined one side of the asphalt and kids playing jacks and Double Dutch lined the other; where rims had no nets, and you better not call a foul - a place Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised.

©2021 Carmelo Anthony. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

When "Curly" Becomes Carmelo Anthony

This is a memoir about a young boy who grows up in Red Hook Brooklyn projects. Despite his impoverished surroundings, he grows up in a big family of survivors. A single mother who works two jobs, believes in God and becomes a Deaconess, does everything for everybody including her son whom everyone calls Curly. Curly's father dies when he is just a toddler, but he is raised by the father figures of older brothers and cousins. Young Curly then moves to West Baltimore, only to face more challenges in school and in the neighborhood. Despite it all, his mom and others offer a shadow of protection for the young Curly who they see has basketball talent. Thus, his journey begins on the asphalt as he makes his way to Towson, a very strict Catholic high school that conflicts with Curly's upbringings, culture, and his religious beliefs. He leaves Towson for Oakhill where he meets the young talented, LeBron James from St. James High School in Ohio. The two become great high school basketball players and the best of friends. Curly's future looks even brighter, despite his personal losses. In a world where promises are not guaranteed, the young Curly who has become Carmelo Anthony, must decide if he will opt for the NBA. Knowing life has no guarantees, he takes a chance and rely on the faith that his mother taught him.

This is a story of beating the odds despite the hand you're dealt. A story of struggle and personal losses, but one of triumph. It's Carmelo's basketball story from high to college to getting drafted in the NBA. I enjoyed it. It left me wanting more. I hope he will write another one, and tell us about his journey in the NBA. I also liked that he narrated his memoir in the audio version, and did a great job!

Who knew ?

Melo has a beautiful delicate story that needs to be heard !!! We all need to stop judging people if we don’t know their stories— read this.

A Good Coming of Age Memoir

This is a good book, a must read, its more than basketball, I highly reccommend.

Amazing!

I just finished listening to this new book by Carmelo Anthony, and from the minute I began listening until the final chapter, I was completely bought into his story. Carmelo shares a different side that many often overlook, given his apparent sudden rise to fame in the NBA. A powerful story of survival, Carmelo does a great job putting us in his shoes as he recounts all of the critical moments in his life that led to his ability to beat the odds and become one of just 450 players in the NBA. What is most inspiring about this story is the vulnerability that Carmelo offers, from discussing issues like poverty, depression, as well as being surrounded by shootings and violence all around him while living in NYC and later Baltimore. A highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about what it takes to overcome odds and stay resilient on the road to success in life. Wonderful job, Carmelo. Best of luck this season teaming up with LeBron and the LA Lakers!

Amazing

This book is amazing Carmelo you did your thing Que viva la rasa boricua for life.

Loved it!!

Very Captivating!! Held my Interest!! Couldn't stop listening until I was finished !!! Gonna Listen again!!

kgerard3

I love d the book. I could not stop listening until the end. Awesome

Not a basketball fan yet I enjoyed Carmelo's story

Carmelo reads it himself which helps the flavor of the story. I read it because a friend (who " loves Carmelo's game") told me what an inspirational person he is. I wanted to know why. Now I get it. Carmelo's story about family and loyalty, dealing with depression and losses and wins, provides lessons everyone can learn from. Now I Even want to watch him play basketball.

Solid story & delivery!

I remember that draft day, thinking to myself....Detroit is making a huge mistake. Melo's career has been a success. I do wish this book included the behind the scenes regarding his decision to sign with the Knicks over the Heat with Lebron and DWade.

Great Story

Love the narration by a legend in this game while still writing his own story. The media is gone stop playing with your name.