The Book of James: The Power, Politics, and Passion of LeBron

by Valerie Babb

The unique social, cultural, and political life of the incomparable LeBron James
 
LeBron James is the hero in two very American one, a success story the nation loves; the other, the latest installment in an ongoing chronicle of American antiblackness. He’s the poor boy from a “broken” home who makes good. He’s also the poor Black boy from a “broken” home who makes good, then at the apex of his career finds “n*****” spray-painted across the gate to his home.
 
James has lived in the public eye ever since high school when his extraordinary athletic skills subjected his every action, every statement, every fashion choice to intense public scrutiny that tells us less about James himself and more about a nation still wrestling with many social inequities. He uses his celebrity not to transcend Blackness, but to give it a place of cultural prominence, and the backlash he receives exposes the frictions between Blackness and a country not fully comfortable with its presence. As a result, James’s story is a revelatory narrative of how much Blackness is loved, hated, misunderstood, and just plain cool in an America that has changed and yet not changed at all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

304 pages, Hardcover

Published November 28, 2023

Reviews

[Tara Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I received an advanced reader copy of this book. After all, I'm not at all a sports person and I knew very little of LeBron James beyond his work in public education and his obvious basketball genius. But WOW.

This is an exceptional book. The biography of James is a brilliantly woven through line in a work that takes the events of his life and expands them to examine broader social issues: sports and power; politics and media; Black excellence and Black community; insidious antiblackness in the face of challenges to the racial status quo. Babb's exceptional skills as a historian are on full display, in perfect concert with her mastery as a storyteller. James’ early life, his brilliance on and off the court, his unwavering commitment to his community — it is simply an awe-inspiring window into the life of a legend.

If you aren't a LeBron fan before reading this book, it feels impossible not to be afterwards.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for this fantastic book.

[Bridget Vasquez Guevara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not what I expected. The author pushed a lot of social movements and cultural issues. I was hoping for more of a biography.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since day one, I’ve been a HUGE a LeBron James’ fan. It is not too often you see an athlete transcend a sport, pop culture & just about everything quite like James has. At 17, Sports Illustrated crowned him “The Chosen One’. A heavy title to bear for such a young person. Many have criticized him over the years but I doubt they even really know his story.

In the Book of James, author Valerie Babb gives readers a closer look into the life of LeBron Raymone James, Sr. From his early years being born to a teenage mother and losing his maternal grandmother at the age of 3 to navigating the NBA all before he was even of legal age, James has taken charge & owns his legacy. Like everyone, he has experienced some bumps all the way like the Hummer H2 fiasco, the botched Vogue cover & The Decision to just name a few. In fact, James seems to be a better person because of these type of bumps along the way. It is amazing to watch James own his power & use it in such a positive manner. He has made impacts that will extend far beyond the basketball court.

f you want look inside James’ world, please check out this book!!!

[Chad Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, thoughtful, complex, analytical, and compelling. Great writing, greater thinking, and unapologetic truth-telling.

[Molly Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great audiobook to listen to. Lebron is a true inspiration and I so admire his character. I loved learning more about his I Promise school and all of his efforts (both large and small on a daily basis) in advocating for equality and education. I highly recommend this read.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I've read three books on Michael Jordan, not to mention watched documentaries, and it feels like high time to point out that there's no there there, or at least very little there. To quote his dad again: "Michael doesn't have a gambling problem. He has a competitiveness problem." Which leaves you, at the end, with the titles and the appetite, and not much else; we need one of those Gay Talese-type pieces where someone hangs out with Jordan now to see what he's up to; can he ever turn it off? As a cultural figure, all of this suggests that his significance pretty much was what Halberstam argued 25 years ago: someone who showed that a pretty much raceless Black man could also sell products. (If there were some way to detach all the baggage that comes with the comparison, holding his presence side-b(u)y-side next to OJ's would be fascinating.)

Which brings us to LeBron. Watching Starting Five, with some discount for the understanding that it's celeb self-maintenance (assuming that Domantas Sabonis fits the word "celebrity"), you see LeBron as family man, with a wife he's been with since HS, kids who seem to adore and admire him and also be decent people, and a general sense that this is a full human being who has other aspirations than just dominating anyone who ever has the temerity to beat him at anything, or even suggest that they could do so. Babb's book has enough material for maybe 150 pages on this--talks about his mom as that damaging archetype of "singleblackmother," explores LeBron's enormous financial impact going all the way back to his HS and his own loyalties to doing business in consciously culturally Black ways, and his broader commitment to giving back, including chartering a school for at-risk kids that pays their tuition if they make it to college. My favorite part, which maybe I'd teach, compares the two stars' versions of Space Jam (neither of which, disgracefully and somewhat unbelievably, I've seen), highlighting their very different cultural grounding of each.

But Babb acts as LeBron's defense lawyer as much as a cultural analyst, and so we spend more time tracing the stories of kids at his school (honest and painful as they are, they feel like they fit in a different book) than we need, and while at times she fairly weighs the benefits and activist opportunities truly afforded by Black capitalism historically as well as LeBron's version, at others she seems to be saying that more or less everything he does is moral, justifiable, culturally true, even when he's dodging China's human-rights record or benefiting from Nike's child labor. Sometimes she inflates extremely general assertions by LeBron or someone in his camp into poised, fully intentional political claims, when they mostly strike me as the kind of vague assurances you make when you don't want to commit yourself to any precise position but do want to seem generally in favor of good stuff. And the last bits feel like they're just repeating assertions she's already made. That said, the first 2/3 of the book feel valuable and valid as a study of how someone can truly compete at top levels but not be limited to or by that context.

[Nathaniel B]

The book “The Book of James: The Power, Politics, and Passion of LeBron” is a great book because of the incentive that Lebron brings not only in his play in the NBA, but also his kindness off the court as well. I would give this book 5/5 stars. Firstly, as I said in the introduction, Lebron has inspired millions of young kids from all countries trying to be just like him. In this quote “LeBron James doesn’t just play basketball. He builds businesses. He shapes public opinion. He changes the world” (Babb 54); The author is specifying his contributions to his community which he has Esteemed to this day. The theme of Lebron's greatness not only ending on the court has Eclipse thousands of kids who now have education and health all because of him. Furthermore, Lebron was one of the most beloved players in the NBA playing for his hometown team, taking them to the NBA finals and thriving through it. Until Lebron got fed up with the front office for not surrounding him with talent and only providing him with one all star teammate (Mo Williams, 2009). "In 2010, LeBron James made the decision that would forever change his career, and arguably the entire NBA landscape: The Decision” (Babb 127). He made the shocking decision to leave Cleveland, and form a super team in Miami with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. The book highlights the decision as a negative since every fan in the NBA was distrusted by Lebron and any player in the league. Moreover, After 4 years in Miami, making 4 straight finals appearances while winning 2 of them, he needed to think about his future. The author said "LeBron knew that his legacy wasn’t just about winning championships—it was about how he would be remembered” (Babb 137). After how we treated Cleveland from his departure, He made the move to go back to the Cavs titled “I’m Home”. He wanted to bring a championship to his hometown team that has loved him for so long. He eventually conveyed on his promise making his legacy far above everyone else. Nevertheless, Lebron was always the “poor kid” from the hood and didn’t have a father growing up making it tougher than it should be. The author quoted "He was no longer the arrogant, brash kid from Akron. He was a father, a businessman, a voice for social justice” (Babb 11). Lebron transformed from nobody believing in him other than his mom, to dominating high school basketball as a freshmen, and eventually becoming one of the goats of basketball and one of the most influential people in the world. Lastly, Lebron has immense athleticism that we have almost never seen before. Even at 40 years old, when players should be retired, Lebron is still averaging 25-7-7 in year 22 while still posturizing people. The author quoted LeBron's Strenuosity as "When he stepped onto the court, LeBron seemed to defy gravity, as if the very laws of nature bent to his will” (Babb 203). I loved reading this book and gave it 5/5 stars.
Catalogue of words: Incentive, Esteemed, Eclipse, Conveyed, Strenuosity

[Kasia Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lebron James is a force to be reckoned with. Either you love him, or you hate him, but either way, you know of him. What you don't know, and I certainly didn't, was his whole story, the decisions he makes that effects his on court status as well as his off court actions, and how the decisions he makes isn't all about himself, but with a wider and loftier goal in sight. Lebron James has taken control of his narrative, and uses his voice to change the landscape around him, not only for himself, but also for others around him, and for future generations. A very in depth look into his upbrining, high school career decisions, and how he has made a name for himself.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

[Alexis✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are all witnesses...

to the greatness of LeBron James both on and off the court. As a long time fan of James and someone with ties to Akron, I've always admired him for his advocacy work and celebrated him for breaking Cleveland's championship drought.

But the best part of this book is the thoughtful, sharp, and incisive analysis of anti-Blackness and how LeBron has faced it down to lead an unapologetically Black life and career. Babb's exploration of the social and cultural context surrounding Lebron's career and leadership illuminates exactly why he is, in fact, the GOAT.

[Serene Ferjani · Rating 1 out of 5]

not even written by lebron and it’s literally focused on creating this repetitive narrative of the player as a black hero who went from a poor black kid to a political hero… i feel like lebron doesn’t really have a strong opinion or public voice when it comes to larger political issues and that’s fine. id much rather hear the true or authentic story than a pushed narrative that’s already played out.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book! My husband and I grew up in Akron, Ohio and had the privilege of following LeBron through his days as a high school phenom. He was truly amazing to watch play. While many adored him and cheered him on, there were also many who expected him to crash an burn, even finding delight in waiting for this. We are so proud that he has become the man he is and does so much good. We both enjoyed the perspectives presented in this book. Thanks #NetGalley

[Ethan Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is a perfect book it talks about how LeBron overcomes not like getting up in the morning to go work or how he stays motivated in the gym to keep on going to get better it also talks about how he sets goals for himself and that that's a perfect way to find where you actually want to be and work towards those goals

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely learned a lot about LeBron from this book and especially about his mom, Gloria. I think I would have preferred a more straight-ahead biography in the end, though. The author tried to weave many bigger social movements and cultural issues into the book, but sometimes in a way that drifted from LeBron's story. The writing was a little dry at points.

[Ethan Rosenblum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love LeBron just about as much as anyone. I got this as a gift, but probably would never read this again or buy something like this. Just don’t think I was the intended audience. Similarly to the Stephen A book, I’m good with reading about social issues, etc, but when it’s jammed down your throat for 300 pages it gets a bit tiresome.

[Joshua Hubbard · Rating 3 out of 5]

7.2/10 I was not fully aware of what to expect as far as a political biography of Lebron James. There are definite political agendas at play in this book but I enjoyed learning about them in the way the author described the events. I think learning information from different perspectives is invaluable to understanding the world and all you can do to make an impact like those before you.

[Brian Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I red this with the expectation of it being a biography. I like LeBron. He wants the ball. He thrives in the spotlight. He’s a family man. Instead the book was telling the reader how to interpret everything from fashion, tv, movies, commercials and food even. Was hoping to find out way more about the man himself not an agenda that the author was pushing onto the reader.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I began reading this book, I could not put it down. Babb presents insights not only to the life of LeBron but also into the culture surrounding him. James is a most impressive person, on and off the court

[Martin Crouchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lebron has kept his focus and dignity despite all the pressure and criticism from sections of American culture that want to see him fail. He does it his way with no apologies. He’s a winner in all aspects of his life. Courage not seen since Ali.

[Joe J · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting listen even if Goodreads didn't give me that option. The author tells why Lebron james is great for society and culture. I didn't agree with everything stated but the case was well written and kept my attention throughout.

[Joshua · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a Hard read

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I learn about him, the more I admire him and the more I want to be more like him.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - as I hoped, not specifically/only about LeBron but dealing with his experiences as a Black superstar athlete in America. Pretty interesting if you like basketball.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of James is a biography of LeBron James. It details how his career began and his philanthropic endeavors, revealing LeBron's heart and initiative in the game.

[Madlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read.

[Susan Carini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Babb is an Emory University faculty member. You can read the review that I wrote during my career at Emory here: https://news.emory.edu/stories/2024/0...