Red & Me: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
I really connected with this book on many levels. For one many of the times Russell describes I can relate to as a young athlete myself. Throughout my athletic career I have gotten to know many coaches; some that I have gotten along with and others that I didn't. Out of reading this book I have learned to pull out what different things I ended up learning from each one of them. I now notice how my coach perceives our body language, how we work with each other , and so many other aspects that he puts into who plays where and when. This book really made me open my eyes about sports,relationships, friendship, and respect. Bill Russell was the greatest team basketball player ever; his Boston Celtics won championships in 11 of his 13 years. Arnold Jacob “Red” Auerbach was the Celtics coach for the first 10 years of Russell’s career and later, as the general manager, assembled five more championship teams after Russell retired. Russell retraces the path of their lifelong friendship as it evolved from player-coach to professional equals to good friends. The relationship was always grounded in respect. Auerbach never tried to alter Russell’s then-revolutionary basketball style, nor did he ever interfere with or critique Russell’s involvement in the civil-rights movement. Auerbach’s Jewish heritage exposed him to some of the same prejudices Russell experienced in segregated Boston, though they never compared notes. Auerbach cultivated a public persona associated with words like gruff or curmudgeon that are partially accurate but woefully incomplete. He was extraordinarily intelligent, fearless, and sensitive to what would bring out the best in those around him. Russell understands these characteristics and has produced a moving tribute to his friend and, in a larger sense, to friendship.
What do You think about Red & Me: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend (2009)?
A very enjoyable book for anyone interested in basketball, race relations, friendship or leadership.
—bun69ny
I enjoyed this book so much. Its focus was on respect, dignity, integrity and friendship.
—denny
A subtle reminder on how to be a friend and a lesson on how to be a better man.
—Julaka
