We live in a world that all too often operates under the overriding template of self-promotion, embracing a “hooray for me” attitude, and which measures success in increasingly
small time frames dotted with markers of temporal value.
Millions of viewers know James Brown as a sports commentator and former athlete. With ROLE OF A LIFETIME, James reveals a different side of his character. Brown rose from a middle-class home to earn a scholarship to Harvard and a chance at a professional sports career before moving on to broadcast journalism. Part memoir and part self-help, this book draws on James’s lessons from his faith and life experiences to guide readers to find fulfillment and significance. He offers values and encouragement to others of all generations, assisting them in their search for meaning in navigating a world that increasingly promotes transient values, if any at all. His message that shortcuts and gimmicks are counterproductive to a person’s success provides hope that there is a
God who cares about them and their futures.
About the Author:
James Brown graduated from Harvard in 1973 with a degree in American Government. He resides in Bethesda, MD with his wife, Dorothy. His daughter, Katrina, and husband, John Walker,
reside in New Jersey with their daughter Kaela.
My Review:
I’m not a sports fan by any way, shape, or form. I don’t watch sports
and I don’t play sports. My kids aren’t particularly into sports either,
as they concentrated most of their time in the arts.
So, what am I doing reviewing a book about a athelete?
Well – it’s a BOOK!
In Role Of A Lifetime – Reflections On Faith, Family And Significant Living,
James Brown writes openly and honestly about his faith in God,
his love for his family, and of course…sports.
This big ‘ole strapping hulk of a guy
(six feet five inches) is just a gentle giant.
The book is filled with praise, love, and adoration for his family…
wife, daughter, parent’s sibling, and other relatives,
and about the road from childhood to present day.
Catholic High School in Jonhstown, Pennsylvania, to Harvard,
to training camp and on to the NBA.
Having a degree in American government,
being a 3 time All Ivy League basketball player,
and 3 time Emmy winner as Outstanding Studio Host,
have not gone to JB’s head.
Brown’s humility, shines through, as he tells of his parent’s dedication
in raising him, and his 5 siblings. Responsibility was a major issue.
He says, that his parents ran their house like a military base,
but clairifies that, and I quote,
“Our home was a place of joy and togetherness,
a sanctuary for the Browns where we knew that we were always loved.”
Brown’s father held numerous multiple jobs,
but was always there for his children.
His mother’s cooking, most notably her desserts, was “legendary”.
There is enough “sports talk” to keep the men happy,
but not so much, as to make this a book about sports.
Rich, warm, insightful, and inspiring!
James Brown’s Role Of A Liftime is a slam dunk:-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to Anna, and Hachette Book Group USA
for giving me the opportunity to review this book.
*
DISCLAIMER:
I was given a copy of James Brown Role Of A Lifetime
free of charge, in exchange for my HONEST review.
*
We aren't sports fans either…love this review!
I'm not a sports fan either – but thanks to your review I believe this a book that both my husband (a big sports fan) and I would both enjoy. Thanks for the great review.
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
I'm in a family of BIG sports fans. We all like to watch James Brown. Just watching him on TV he seems like an honest person that you would want for a friend.
This book would definitly be a good read for my whole family – or any sports fan.
what an inspirational man.
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)man
Thanks for showing us the balance of this book in your review. Seems like there's something in here for both genders.