Life Is Not an Accident

Memoir/cautionary tale by former basketball star Williams, whose fortunes were utterly changed a decade ago following a motorcycle accident.The author, the second overall pick of the 2002 NBA draft, grew up in wonderfully loving circumstances that any child might long for, his parents champions of stability and strong advocates of education, affectionate and supportive though not without frailties. Moving South to go to college at Duke University as a highly recruited point guard, he experienced racism; though his personal view is that "all that matters is being a good person and putting in the work," it's clear that others who are less evolved are going to pose impediments. The Blue Devil champion wasn't even bent on self-destruction but instead did something dumb, taking to the streets on a high-performance motorcycle and hitting a light pole at speed, leading to a host of medical difficulties that it would take years to reckon with. Williams is even-tempered and pleasant throughout the book; he accepts responsibility for his fate without beating himself up too much. The reasonableness and niceness are fine in life but perhaps less effective in literature; without much conflict, in other words, there's not much tension to give this memoir any snap. Readers will feel for Williams, and the tone is earnest, the content entirely reasonable--and predictable to a note: thanks are due to God, Mom, Coach ("when Mike Krzyzewski talks, you listen. He is intimidating and comforting at the same time"), and, of course, the doctors ("as physically imposing as [the doctor] was, he was the dictionary definition of a gentle giant"). The best parts of the book are the author's later reflections on the role of sport in the lives of young men and women, especially those who have no other advantages. Of a piece with other inspirational and aspirational memoirs by athletes who have overcome adversity. COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2016

A former All-American at Duke University, Williams had just finished his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls and was contracted to earn a multimillion dollar salary when a motorcycle accident ended his NBA (National Basketball Association) career and nearly took his life. Here, the current ESPN college basketball analyst recounts his arduous journey as he comes to terms with not only his physical injuries but also the mental torment of losing his dream. Requiring nine surgeries over 18 months, Williams overcame depression, unraveling relationships, an addiction to pain killers, and years of physical therapy in an effort to return to professional basketball. Ultimately, he was forced to forge a new path for himself. Chronicled are his recruitment and playing days at Duke, including the team's 2001 championship season. As an NBA player, the author describes gambling, partying, and philandering off the court, while highlighting how players compete for playing time and stats on the court. VERDICT Interwoven into this engaging memoir are firsthand accounts of the lives of young college and professional athletes. Williams's depiction of how money flows under the table to high school coaches and players is especially illuminating. Recommended for anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of college basketball and NBA players.--Chris Wilkes, Tazewell Cty. P.L., VA

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.