Release Date: February 20, 2007
In this candid sports memoir, NBA star John Amaechi, who grew up in England, tells of his collegiate and professional career in basketball, sharing many colorful anecdotes of life on and off the court, including the revelation that he was a gay man in a profession that was not ready to accept him. John Amaechi also writes of life after basketball, sharing his life as a broadcaster and businessman back in his home country.
Price Range: $3 - $25
Amazon Rating: 
(27 Reviews)
Man in the Middle chronicles John Amaechi's extraordinary journey from awkward,overweight English lad to jet-setting NBA star. Along the way, he endured endless obstacles to his hoop dreams#151;being abandoned by his father, being cut from his first college team, recovering from a life-threatening injury, playing for abusive coaches, and losing his mother -- while also protecting a vital secret that could have ended his career: John Amaechi was gay. Now in this poignant and intimate memoir, Amaechi takes us into the hypermasculine world of professional sports and into the very center of his soul.
As tender as it is brutally frank, Man in the Middle follows him from the rough streets of Manchester to Penn State (where he first achieved basketball stardom and began to recognize his sexuality) to the cities (Orlando, Houston, Salt Lake City) and countries (Greece, France) in which he played. A moving story of adversity and diversity, Man in the Middle is a testament to the power of one man's convictions and to the universal desire to make the world a better place..
Authors: Chris Bull
Nonfiction Category: Biography&Autobiography, Social Science, Sports&Recreation
Nonfiction Subcategory: , ,
Book Editions: Hardcover290February 20, 2007Hyperion Books9.25"(h) x 6.75"(w) x 1"(d), 1.15 lbs.9781933060194
autobiography
Author's Rating:
a great book. shows what happens when a person can't be their real authenic selves.
Nov 02, 2007
Amaechi Quite the Humanitarian
Author's Rating:
I purchased this book prior to attending a presentation that Mr. Amaechi made to a large group of educators (I didn't get to read the book until after hearing him speak). He is an outstanding orator and not quite as good a writer. I enjoyed his book, but was disappointed that he didn't spend more time discussing his struggle with his sexuality. The book spent too much time talking about his b-ball career and his time with the NBA. I found his work and efforts to help kids to be of note. I also appreciated his openess to speak of his relationship with his mother. Additionally, I enjoyed where he writes of not having the natural talent to play b-ball and yet how hard he worked to achieve the success that he found on the court as a pro player. Not my favorite read but one I appreciated nonetheless.
Oct 29, 2007
Fine, cliche is the new black; But, what about the bigotry within?
Author's Rating:
This book is very predictable and doesn't really challenge the reader to think. Mr. Amaechi must not have had a very motivated (or creative) ghostwriter. Anyway, this is the memoir of an NBA star that comes out of the closet, John Amaechi. Mr Amaechi tells his life story of a child growing up overseas. He also discusses his NBA career and his eventual (and very predictable) acceptance of his own sexuality. Of course, he also describes the [...] he faced on a daily basis. But in 2007 this story is somewhat of a cliche, isn't it? Think about it. Macho man decides to come out of the closet and tell everyone that he is a [...]. He expects America to welcome him with open arms because we are all created equally. Right? Do you want to know what type of book I would like to read. I'd like to read a book that candidly discusses all of the b-i-g-o-t-r-y within the g-a-y community. All of the self-hatred, all of the socioeconomic division and all of the blatant ageism and fascism and elitism. Just like most of America, the g-a-y community is not different in this regard. If you're not a rich, w-h-i-t-e person with a nice home and a nice car then you're nothing. And there's the real rub, because the same people that are screaming about equality are the same ones that will back-stab their own. Maybe one day someone will have the courage to write a real book about g-a-y issues, because this a real problem that is plaguing the [...] community. Until then, there's still always books about millionaire basketball players.
Sep 09, 2007
Fine, cliche is the new black; But, what about the bigotry within?
Author's Rating:
This book is very predictable and doesn't really challenge the reader to think. Mr. Amaechi must not have had a very motivated (or creative) ghostwriter. Anyway, this is the memoir of an NBA star that comes out of the closet, John Amaechi. Mr Amaechi tells his life story of a child growing up overseas. He also discusses his NBA career and his eventual (and very predictable) acceptance of his own sexuality. Of course, he also describes the [...] he faced on a daily basis. But in 2007 this story is somewhat of a cliche, isn't it? Think about it. Macho man decides to come out of the closet and tell everyone that he is a [...]. He expects America to welcome him with open arms because we are all created equally. Right? Do you want to know what type of book I would like to read. I'd like to read a book that candidly discusses all of the b-i-g-o-t-r-y within the g-a-y community. All of the self-hatred, all of the socioeconomic division and all of the blatant ageism and fascism and elitism. Just like most of America, the g-a-y community is not different in this regard. If you're not a rich, w-h-i-t-e person with a nice home and a nice car then you're nothing. And there's the real rub, because the same people that are screaming about equality are the same ones that will back-stab their own. Maybe one day someone will have the courage to write a real book about g-a-y issues, because this a real problem that is plaguing the [...] community. Until then, there's still always books about millionaire basketball players. More …
"So What..."
Author's Rating:
From reading this book, it was not clear as to why Mr. Amaechi took the time to write it. He appears guarded about most of his life experiences except those involving his mother. A positive aspect about this book was that he spared the reader salient details about most of his personal sexual activities. Amaechi being an interacial mixture was of far more interests to me.
Jul 23, 2007
Better than I expected
Author's Rating:
I originally thought this was another tell-all book on the secret lives of downlow basketball players. But it wasn't and this is a good thing. John goes into great detail explaining his distraught childhood in Manchester to becoming one of the best players in the NBA. It is quite inspiring reading his life experiences. This is a great book for someone who may think they don't amount to anything great. Pick up this book and begin a new outlook on life.
Jul 02, 2007
good book about making the most out of hardship
Author's Rating:
I thought the book was inspiring. John Amaechi comes though as romantic compasionate, level headed, and resilient. I could identify with the hardship, the agony of repression, the confusion, and the bigotry that comes with being gay. I could also identify with achieving confidence through sport. Reading the book helped me feel I am not alone - like I just made a new friend.
May 07, 2007
Well Done. A Great Story from A Great Man
Author's Rating:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was a fan of Meech and even had a little crush on him when I watched him play with the Magic. I was impressed with how he behaved on and off the court as a person. When this book came out, I was surprised and disappointed to learn that he was gay (he was on my "list" of dream men that I would love to meet someday - shoot). I was surprised when he shared his views on his body image and desirability, he didn't know how others viewed him. I'm sure he will make someone a wonderful partner. John's life's journey is certainly no accident, it appears that his struggles prepared him to illustrate to the world how determination conquers all. I believe that John is the right person to show that gay men can be great basketball players, mentors and role models for us all.
I found John's story to be both heartbreaking and inspiring. I felt so sad for him because of the struggles he had with being accepted growing up and dealing with the whole akwardness of school life. I find his willingness to share his story inspiring because of the relationship he had with his mother and the goal he had for "The Plan". John's writing took me to every place he went in an effort to fulfill "The Plan". What stood out to me the most was when he described his experience with the Utah Jazz. I'm a sports fan, and I must admit that I never cared for Utah's coach - I was appalled by what John described. John's description about the lockeroom behavior with so called "straight" players in the league was classic comedy, I never laughed so hard. John has a knack for incorporating humor at the right times throughout the book.
I really hope that the NBA keeps recognizing John Amaechi - he is an outstanding individual. I'm glad he shared his story and hopefully he will inspire others to be more tolerant and respectful toward all individuals, especially the thought of gay athletes in professional sports.
I bought this book and I plan on sharing it as a gifts for other sports fans who are fans of John and admire his courage to show the world who he really is as a man. I'm still bummed that women aren't his thing, but I can respect him and give him his propers. Well done.
May 05, 2007
Well Done. A Great Story from A Great Man
Author's Rating:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was a fan of Meech and even had a little crush on him when I watched him play with the Magic. I was impressed with how he behaved on and off the court as a person. When this book came out, I was surprised and disappointed to learn that he was gay (he was on my "list" of dream men that I would love to meet someday - shoot). I was surprised when he shared his views on his body image and desirability, he didn't know how others viewed him. I'm sure he will make someone a wonderful partner. John's life's journey is certainly no accident, it appears that his struggles prepared him to illustrate to the world how determination conquers all. I believe that John is the right person to show that gay men can be great basketball players, mentors and role models for us all.
I found John's story to be both heartbreaking and inspiring. I felt so sad for him because of the struggles he had with being accepted growing up and dealing with the whole akwardness of school life. I find his willingness to share his story inspiring because of the relationship he had with his mother and the goal he had for "The Plan". John's writing took me to every place he went in an effort to fulfill "The Plan". What stood out to me the most was when he described his experience with the Utah Jazz. I'm a sports fan, and I must admit that I never cared for Utah's coach - I was appalled by what John described. John's description about the lockeroom behavior with so called "straight" players in the league was classic comedy, I never laughed so hard. John has a knack for incorporating humor at the right times throughout the book.
More …
A big man with a big heart
Author's Rating:
When I first bought this book, I thought it was a book of coming out, from that I could gain some solace and strength. However it turned out more than a record of how a gay celebirty struggled and survived in a straight-dominant professional sports world. It is also about how a passionate man sees this world and makes a difference to it.
To be honest, I know nothing about basketball and therefore the words on points and games in the book just have literal meaning to me. Yet, it does not interfere with my enjoying the book as the author spends not many words on the technical aspect of basketball playing but focuses on how his sport career relates to his childhood, beloved mom's advice and expectation, struggle over sexual orientation as well as his belief and commitment to the social cause.
If you are or ever closeted but coming out, you may feel the same way what the author said in chapter 23: "In the end, I asked myself why I'd bothered to hide at all. I'm not sure why I felt the need to stay away from those darkly alluring American nightclubs, where my friends celebrated their youth and their gayness. I suppose I feared the club's aggressive sexuality, their love of the glitter of celebrity and gossip. Perhaps I feared I would enjoy them a little too much, see what I'd been missing out on these basketball years, and never want to leave."
I revere the author, not only for his being a gay rights advocate but also his contributions to helping the underprivileged young people.
Apr 15, 2007
A big man with a big heart
Author's Rating:
When I first bought this book, I thought it was a book of coming out, from that I could gain some solace and strength. However it turned out more than a record of how a gay celebirty struggled and survived in a straight-dominant professional sports world. It is also about how a passionate man sees this world and makes a difference to it.
To be honest, I know nothing about basketball and therefore the words on points and games in the book just have literal meaning to me. Yet, it does not interfere with my enjoying the book as the author spends not many words on the technical aspect of basketball playing but focuses on how his sport career relates to his childhood, beloved mom's advice and expectation, struggle over sexual orientation as well as his belief and commitment to the social cause.
If you are or ever closeted but coming out, you may feel the same way what the author said in chapter 23: "In the end, I asked myself why I'd bothered to hide at all. I'm not sure why I felt the need to stay away from those darkly alluring American nightclubs, where my friends celebrated their youth and their gayness. I suppose I feared the club's aggressive sexuality, their love of the glitter of celebrity and gossip. Perhaps I feared I would enjoy them a little too much, see what I'd been missing out on these basketball years, and never want to leave."
More …
Fascinating biography or a reluctant athlete.
Author's Rating:
No sex please, we're British. No really steamy details, just an interesting story of another athlete dealing with the straight world. Amaechi leads you to believe he is giving something back to help youth. I hope so because his story a rather inspiring.
Apr 11, 2007
Man In The Middle
Author's Rating:
Very well written. John is very educated, interesting, informative. Also a great humanitarian for his work with young children. His Mum is very proud! Enjoyed following his story.
Apr 02, 2007
