Ways of Grace

June 1, 2017

In September 2015, retired tennis player Blake was tackled and detained by a New York police officer in a case of mistaken identity. The incident left him shaken but also a vocal advocate for preventing police violence, particularly against people of color. His activism led him to reflect on the role that sports, and celebrity athletes, have in working toward certain causes. Blake recounts dozens of stories of athletes who have used their star status and national (or international) audience to champion action, from early pioneers who broke racial barriers simply by playing their sport, such as Jackie Robinson, to modern athletes such as Colin Kaepernick and Serena and Venus Williams. He acknowledges that while being an activist is not a role for every sports star, they are in a position to give a national voice to those who may not have one, though sometimes at great personal or financial risk to their brand. VERDICT This book will appeal not only to sports fans who want to learn more about their heroes, but also for those seeking a better understanding of why sports matter in making the world a better place.--Michael C. Miller, Austin P.L. & Austin History Ctr., TX

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2017
At one time ranked fourth in the world, professional tennis star James Blake overcame tremendous obstacles (fractured neck, rare virus, the death of his father), all of which were chronicled in his 2007 memoir, Breaking Back. Then, in a 2015 case of mistaken identity, African American Blake was tackled by an abusive police officer, making headlines and national news. Blake's new book offers examples of the power of sports to unify as well as providing a playbook on sports activism for athletes who want to use their brand to effect change. The text includes interviews with tennis icon Billie Jean King, football's Colin Kaepernick, and Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi. One especially noteworthy section provides historical context for the controversial 2002 Wimbledon doubles team of Aisam Ul-Haq Qureshi (Pakistani Muslim) and Amir Hadad (Israeli Jew). In the spirit of the late tennis star and social activist Arthur Ashe, Blake is using his platform to educate, inspire positive change, and support athletes who are committed to acting on their views and attempting to make a difference.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)