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Shaq Uncut: My Story
Superman. Diesel. The Big Aristotle. Shaq Fu. The Big Daddy. The Big Shaqtus. Wilt Chamberneezy. The Real Deal. The Big Shamrock. Shaq.
You know him by any number of names, and chances are you know all about his legendary basketball Shaquille "Shaq" O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and a three-time NBA Finals MVP. After being an All-American at Louisiana State University, he was the overall number one draft pick in the NBA in 1992. In his 19-year career, Shaq racked up 28,596 career points (including 5,935 free throws!), 13,099 rebounds, 3,026 assists, 2,732 blocks, and 15 All-Star appearances.
These are statistics that are almost as massive as the man himself. His presence-both physically and psychologically-made him a dominant force in the game for two decades.
But if you follow the game, you also know that there's a lot more to Shaquille O'Neal than just basketball.
Shaq is famous for his playful, and at times, provocative personality. He is, literally, outsize in both scale and persona. Whether rapping on any of his five albums, challenging celebrities on his hit television show "Shaq Vs.," studying for his PhD or serving as a reserve police officer, there's no question that Shaq has led a unique and multi-dimensional life. And in this rollicking new autobiography, Shaq discusses his remarkable journey, including his candid thoughts on teammates and coaches like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Phil Jackson, and Pat Riley.
From growing up in difficult circumstances and getting cut from his high school basketball team to his larger-than-life basketball career, Shaq lays it all out in Shaq My Story.
You know him by any number of names, and chances are you know all about his legendary basketball Shaquille "Shaq" O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and a three-time NBA Finals MVP. After being an All-American at Louisiana State University, he was the overall number one draft pick in the NBA in 1992. In his 19-year career, Shaq racked up 28,596 career points (including 5,935 free throws!), 13,099 rebounds, 3,026 assists, 2,732 blocks, and 15 All-Star appearances.
These are statistics that are almost as massive as the man himself. His presence-both physically and psychologically-made him a dominant force in the game for two decades.
But if you follow the game, you also know that there's a lot more to Shaquille O'Neal than just basketball.
Shaq is famous for his playful, and at times, provocative personality. He is, literally, outsize in both scale and persona. Whether rapping on any of his five albums, challenging celebrities on his hit television show "Shaq Vs.," studying for his PhD or serving as a reserve police officer, there's no question that Shaq has led a unique and multi-dimensional life. And in this rollicking new autobiography, Shaq discusses his remarkable journey, including his candid thoughts on teammates and coaches like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Phil Jackson, and Pat Riley.
From growing up in difficult circumstances and getting cut from his high school basketball team to his larger-than-life basketball career, Shaq lays it all out in Shaq My Story.
290 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2011
121 people are currently reading
2141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
December 6, 2011
Shaq was like, "Here's my book." I was like, "This is awful."
April 21, 2020
Sooo good. If I can’t watch sports listening and learning about the greats will be my season 🙌🏽🙌🏽 I highly recommend this title!!!
March 23, 2018
This is a really GoodRead! Funny!
October 20, 2014
If you like reading about motivational and inspirational books, this is a book for you. Shaq came from nothing at the beginning of his life and turned that around and became a professional basketball star. He provided for his family who didn't have much, and gave back to the community. I wouldn't have ages 10 or lower read this book because there was some mature content and some words they may not understand. But if you like basketball and like motivational and inspirational books his a book for you!
May 22, 2024
Funny and simple read. It’s Shaq telling his story. It’s all over the place but it’s an easy read. If you like basketball or just Shaq, give it a read.
November 23, 2024
First half was awesome about his life before the NBA. Second half about took me forever to finish. Incredible story of where he came from and the success he has had on and off the court. Just wasn’t a page turner for some reason.
January 28, 2018
Shaq Uncut written by Shaq O’Neal himself is a non fiction biography that talks primarily about Shaq’s rough life before he made it to the NBA and a little bit during his life in the NBA. This book was great as I got to read how hilarious Shaq was during his child hood just like he is now, how it keeps your mind latched as it is a true story, and how you get that one of a kind reading sense as it’s a biography. One thing I didn’t like about this book is how you are able to realize that the book isn’t well set up or written as it’s written by Shaq who has no previous experience in writing a book. I recommend this book for any aged men above 15 as Shaq May have played in your life time or close to.
March 1, 2024
First off as a huge fan of Shaq, it was a nice change to read a book from his own perspective as he is usually outlined to be the villain or too greedy.
Shaq uncut stands out to me for a multitude of reasons, as a young boy and up until high school he found little to no success playing ball, but he was able to persevere and become what we know today, one of the most dominant big men of all time.
Sadly the fact the Orlando magic wouldn’t pay Shaq what he was due, for what he brought to the franchise in the height of other greats, but not as great centers making their 100 million, that will go down as one of the largest turnovers in basketball history.
Shaq uncut stands out to me for a multitude of reasons, as a young boy and up until high school he found little to no success playing ball, but he was able to persevere and become what we know today, one of the most dominant big men of all time.
Sadly the fact the Orlando magic wouldn’t pay Shaq what he was due, for what he brought to the franchise in the height of other greats, but not as great centers making their 100 million, that will go down as one of the largest turnovers in basketball history.
October 24, 2015
I liked him a lot more before this book. Too much ego - nothing is ever his fault.
March 14, 2019
Shaq Uncut: No brakes on the brags.
June 22, 2024
I think it’s hard to do an autobiography this well. Makes Shaq more awesome
September 25, 2020
I highly recommend this book. I felt like I was sitting by the fire and listening to Shaquille tell his story. No doubt one of my all time favorite players to watch, so enjoyed reading about his career but what I loved most was seeing what a caring, generous human being he was/is. Thank you.
December 12, 2012
Shaq UNCUT is about a NB player named shaquille O'neal. Shaq was a bully in his young years, shaq always seemed to be taller and clumsy. Shaq felt superior to everyone else. When shaq came to his teenage years he began to be interested in sports, mostly basketball, but shaq always was the player he was in the NBA he had to learn like everyone else.
I really liked the book it was everything sad, funny, action packed. The book had a lot more into it than i had thought. Most biographies i can barely get through because it is just plain! If you like comedies and sports such as basketball, you really need to read this book
I really liked the book it was everything sad, funny, action packed. The book had a lot more into it than i had thought. Most biographies i can barely get through because it is just plain! If you like comedies and sports such as basketball, you really need to read this book
November 8, 2012
This book is a cut above most sports autobiography because it is not solely about basketball. Shaq writes about his upbringing, his life as a policeman, in college, as a rapper, as a movie and a reality television star etc. Shaq does have an ego but that is just Shaq being Shaq. He also tells about the people in his life that he admires and those that he has had trouble with and why. This book will be liked by a niche audience of Shaq fans, LSU fans, NBA fans and sports fans in general. He also has a great sense of humor which comes out in his writing.
June 13, 2014
Most people know Shaq from the basketball court with the amazing career he has had playing basketball. But this book doesn't only talk about that it talks about Shaq's life and most of the things that people don't know about Shaq, how he is just a big fun loving guy. Shaw is hilarious and so are some things i this book. if you are a fan of Shaq or basketball and want to read about a pretty tremendous person's life then Shaq uncut is the book for you.
October 28, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. It changed mine perspective through life, and on the basketball court. It taught me how hard work can lead me to my dreams in life. Also this book is great for people who are hopeless in life, and want to make something out of themselves. Shaq came from a poor childhood, but made now he is famous. Not only that, but this book is good for professional athletes. Professional athletes should give back to the community, because many young kids look up to them.
April 24, 2017
Rating - 8.2
Big guy seems to have blue chips on his shoulder & does a fair amount of finger-pointing; In one sense, my TMZ-side likes the drama but the more mature me thinks less of Shaq (who shirks accountability)
Satisfying amount of insider information (there can always be more) & though it is a bit over-played, you can see that Shaq is generous to his own detriment - appreciate that he owns up to his misgivings
Big guy seems to have blue chips on his shoulder & does a fair amount of finger-pointing; In one sense, my TMZ-side likes the drama but the more mature me thinks less of Shaq (who shirks accountability)
Satisfying amount of insider information (there can always be more) & though it is a bit over-played, you can see that Shaq is generous to his own detriment - appreciate that he owns up to his misgivings
March 1, 2012
Not a bad read. Like many biographies it reads like the liner notes of a good CD with all the thank yous and I couldn't have done it with yous. But, there is a lot to learn about this guy; he's interesting, and it's in ways you wouldn't expect. Plus, I love Jackie Mac, so I had to give it a go. You won't be disappointed.
May 9, 2012
Shaq is one of the biggest guys in the NBA. He's also been injury prone. But he has been a fighting force on some of the best teams out there. He shares details from his days with the Magic, Lakers, Celtics, Suns, Cavs and Heat. He's played with the greats, been coached by some of the best and is telling all in this book.
June 13, 2014
Shaq Uncut: Tall Tales and Untold Stories takes you inside the life of one of the world's most recognizable athletes, Shaquille O'neal. Shaq talks about his many hardships growing up, his untouchable NBA career, and more. Anyone would enjoy this book, because it's full of humor and great stories from a living legend.
November 28, 2011
Shaq is funny. And frank. If you have interest in the basketball scene during the years he played, it gives a lot of first hand info. The book isn't terribly well written, but I definitely liked it.
February 24, 2012
While not much of a Shaq fan during most of his career I've kind of come around on him and found this book about his life pretty interesting. Listened to the audio version which was performed by Dion Graham who really had Shaq's cadence and tone down perfectly.
May 21, 2015
I thoought that it was a great story and that shaq went through a lot to get to where he is today. it was very inspiring book.(2)
March 10, 2019
I am a huge fan of Shaq, so this was a must read for me. Not written fantastically but the stories more than make up for that.
November 22, 2021
Easy read, funny anecdotes. Provides a little background on the human behind "Shaq".
December 26, 2023
Szórakoztató könyv, jó stílusban - sosem unalmas, Shaq jó arányban mesél a kosárlabdáról és a kosárpályán túli életéről is.
February 17, 2025
Let me start by saying - I am not a fan of basketball by any means. But this book was definitely one of my favorite autobiographies that I have read in a while.
I did not watch basketball growing up. I knew Shaq was a basketball player just off of general knowledge but I had really just seen him in movies (that’s how I grew up with him - 98’ baby here). But what I had learned about Shaq in this book has given me such great respect for him as a player but also for basketball as whole.
There were moments where I felt that his ego was way too big. But those moments are understandable considering how he grew up, how different teams treated him, publicity, etc.. But it’s the fact that he went through all of that and still has a lot of love to give for his community that makes me respect him so much more than just as a great basketball player.
I did not watch basketball growing up. I knew Shaq was a basketball player just off of general knowledge but I had really just seen him in movies (that’s how I grew up with him - 98’ baby here). But what I had learned about Shaq in this book has given me such great respect for him as a player but also for basketball as whole.
There were moments where I felt that his ego was way too big. But those moments are understandable considering how he grew up, how different teams treated him, publicity, etc.. But it’s the fact that he went through all of that and still has a lot of love to give for his community that makes me respect him so much more than just as a great basketball player.
November 28, 2020
I listened to the audio book and it's great and Shaq is a great person (except when it comes to free throws :-).
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
December 22, 2018
This book was great.I would say this book is for people that want to know how the NBA is from the inside.As a basketball fan we don't see much or hear much. We only hear what they want us to hear.I really loved how this book didn't hold anything back. Shaq talked about his drama with Kobe and even how didn't like how Dwight Howard isn't original. I would also recommend this book to be that have work hard all their life and feel like they want to give up because it seems impossible to reach their goal. Shaq talks about his long road to the NBA and I see it as motivation.
November 8, 2018
A few pages into this book and there was no doubt Shaq was fully involved in writing his story. The pages brim with boyish humor that has been characteristic of Shaq.
The chronology was kept well structured and still allowed short detours every now and then that kept me fully engaged with the book.
Like with most successful people, Shaq attributes most of his success from his parents. His stepfather being an army man forced them to move every now and then for extended periods of time. In exchange, Shaq developed the ability to engage and learn from diverse groups of people. The lessons on discipline from his father were monumental in shaping who he has become. He portrays his mother as his biggest fan, constantly showering him with moral support and self belief. His mother offers a reason for Shaq's terrible free throw shooting, you'll have to read it to believe it :)
Shaq tells vivid accounts of many people who in one way or another influenced his journey to (in) the NBA. I particularly enjoyed stories on Chris Jackson (Mahmoud Al Rauf), Phil Jackson, Jerry West, Tim Duncan, Kobe (for obvious reasons), Pat Riley, Dale Brown, Doc Rivers and Dwayne Wade. It's always enlightening to hear first hand accounts of what goes on behind the scenes in championship races.
Shaq displays humility in this book by crediting various role players who helped him get his championships. Most notably: Derek Fisher, Brian Shaw, Udonis Haslem, James Posey and Robert Horry. Regarding Brian Shaw, he also credits him for mediating their feud with Kobe back at LAL. Something which, in his opinion, the Lakers never truly credited Shaw for.
There were also surprising revelations in between the book. I was surprised to learn that Shaq doesn't drink or ever taken drugs. I also wasn't aware of his close relationship with Biggie, even during the days leading up to Biggie's death.
Overall, this book has been everything I expected of it and more. A riveting tale of one of the best centers to ever play the game.
The chronology was kept well structured and still allowed short detours every now and then that kept me fully engaged with the book.
Like with most successful people, Shaq attributes most of his success from his parents. His stepfather being an army man forced them to move every now and then for extended periods of time. In exchange, Shaq developed the ability to engage and learn from diverse groups of people. The lessons on discipline from his father were monumental in shaping who he has become. He portrays his mother as his biggest fan, constantly showering him with moral support and self belief. His mother offers a reason for Shaq's terrible free throw shooting, you'll have to read it to believe it :)
Shaq tells vivid accounts of many people who in one way or another influenced his journey to (in) the NBA. I particularly enjoyed stories on Chris Jackson (Mahmoud Al Rauf), Phil Jackson, Jerry West, Tim Duncan, Kobe (for obvious reasons), Pat Riley, Dale Brown, Doc Rivers and Dwayne Wade. It's always enlightening to hear first hand accounts of what goes on behind the scenes in championship races.
Shaq displays humility in this book by crediting various role players who helped him get his championships. Most notably: Derek Fisher, Brian Shaw, Udonis Haslem, James Posey and Robert Horry. Regarding Brian Shaw, he also credits him for mediating their feud with Kobe back at LAL. Something which, in his opinion, the Lakers never truly credited Shaw for.
There were also surprising revelations in between the book. I was surprised to learn that Shaq doesn't drink or ever taken drugs. I also wasn't aware of his close relationship with Biggie, even during the days leading up to Biggie's death.
Overall, this book has been everything I expected of it and more. A riveting tale of one of the best centers to ever play the game.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews