Wilt

Larger than Life

By: Robert Cherry

Narrated by: DeMario Clarke

Length: 15 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

The author, a native of Philadelphia and an alumnus, as was Wilt Chamberlain, of Overbrook High School, spent four years researching and interviewing the most important people in Wilt's life. The result is a capturing of Wilt's personality and thoughts that relatively few people other than family and closest friends ever knew.

©2004 Robert Allen Cherry (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Disappointing

I had hopes that this Chamberlain biography would offer some new information about a legend; and a fascinating man. My first memories of the NBA were the Chamberlain/ Russell matchups that were seemingly played out every Sunday afternoon from January to May. Though Wilt usually had superior numbers the Celtics always almost invariably came out on top; victories that were invariably credited to Russell. I'd read both of Wilt's autobiographies and though he appeared to be quite open and opinionated it was only his point of view presented; I expected something different from a third person view of his life. What I got were repackaged versions of the same stories I'd already heard or read previously presented in a less than professional way by a narrator who seemed unsure and uncomfortable. Eventually I gave up; if you're a new fan of the NBA's old school stars you might enjoy this one but I found it repetitive and unprofessional.

Awesome!

I absolutely loved this book. Every true basketball fan should read this book. Great job!

Great research, fair writing, horrible narration

If you're looking for lots of facts about Wilt the NBA legend you'll find plenty of information. You'll find material from his growing up in Philly and going to Overbrook H.S. till the end of Wilt's life.

Mr. Cherry has no other writing credits from what I've been able to find, and his main qualification seems to be that he attended the same high school, albeit at a differnt time. His writing is like a research project or the entries of a young news reporter. Not a great literary gem.

But DeMario Clarke, the narrator, makes Mr. Cherry's abilities look advanced in comparison to the reading of this book. It's clear that neither Triumph Books, original publisher, nor Audible books exercised much quality control in the recording. Clarke mispronounces a several names throughout the book. Most noteably and repeatedly was Philadelphia coach Alex Hannum. (it is NOT pronounced "HAY-num"! Good grief. Mr. Clarke voice has a resonance that could make for a great result but needs some guidance in rhythm and flow.

Ok but not exceptional

Wilt was an interesting character and the book is a good read, but I didn't get the depth I'd hoped for about his playing days, insights from his competitors and such that I'd hoped for. I learned a lot about Wilt though and if your fascinated by him it's a good choice.

The Story of a Giant of A Man... Larger than Life

I very much enjoyed this well told story of "The Dipper". As a kid I saw Wilt play Russell one time and that night, Wilt and the 76ers were better than the Celtics. And while this author told the story so magnificently as Wilt the athlete, the parts I enjoyed the most were those of Wilt's humanitarism, his support of women's sports and his caring for the common man. Wilt was a Goliath of a Man... but one whose entire story was so much more than just the one on basketball courts. If you are interested in the total picture of really WHO Wilt was... this well told book is for you. Highly recommended...

This book seems very complete.

If you're interested in NBA history, this book has a lot of good interesting information.

wilt, worth the read

Any additional comments?

A reasonable book, not much new information or analysis. But the narration is achingly bad, distracting from the text.