Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099200112 ISBN 13: 9780099200116

Publisher: Arrow Books, 1993

In an inspirational autobiography, the basketball superstar reflects on his boyhood in Michigan, college career, NBA success, teammates, friends and family, the tragedy of HIV infection, and his new status as a role model. 300,000 first printing. $300,000 ad/promo. Tour.

From the Inside Flap:

"A true emotional phenomenon...Entertaining...Of particular interest to fans will be the evolution of Johnson's relationship with Bird, his great karmic partner in the game."
NEW YORK NEWSDAY
He's faced challenges all of his life, but now Magic Johnson faces the biggest challenge of all, his own brave battle with HIV. In this dramatic, exciting, and inspirational autobiography, Magic Johnson allows readers into his life, into his tirumphs and tragedies on and off the court. In his own exuberant style, he tells readers of the friends and family who've been constant supporters and the basketball greats he's worked with. It's all here, the glory and the pain the character, charisma, and courage of the hero called Magic.
AN ALTERNATE SELECTION OF THE BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB
From the Paperback edition.

From Publishers Weekly:

Basketball superstar Johnson's straight talk on AIDS gives his autobiography its thrust and power. Born in Lansing, Mich., son of an hardworking auto assembly-line worker and a pious Seventh-Day Adventist, Johnson comes across as a modest, straightforward, upbeat guy in this high-spirited if sanitized self-portrait. Fans will enjoy his replays of key games and seasons, as well as his frank impressions of his former Los Angeles Lakers teammates, coach Pat Riley, the Boston Celtics' Larry Bird and other players. Johnson discusses his on-again, off-again relationship with his wife, Cookie, whom he married just a month before he tested positive for the HIV virus. The strongest sections describe his retirement, his coming to terms with his condition and return to play, his role as an AIDS activist and the birth of his second son earlier this year. An epilogue contains the rousing speech "A Message for Black Teenagers." Coauthor Novak has collaborated on "autobiographies" with Lee Iacocca and Nancy Reagan. Photos. Author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.