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Shaq Talks Back
The Los Angeles Laker's center and media celebrity tells all, from his early days as the "knucklehead in Orlando" to his rivalries with Alonzo Mourning and Patrick Ewing, as he describes his larger-than-life career in the NBA, in a memoir that has updated to include the 2000-2001 championship season. Reprint.
276 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 13, 2018
This is an autobiography by basketball star Shaquille O'Neal. Living the NBA lifestyle is something regular people can't properly imagine and Shaq tries to bring us that life here in these pages. He is kind of a clown, a comedian, already since childhood. I think this way of being is motivated by his need to hide his insecurities about being so big when he was a child. Though I also think he has a great personality and a real humor.
It has always amazed me his self-control on the court when he get fouled frequently so intensely, so hard. He himself says it is because his father prepared him for anything. This father (stepfather, in fact) was a little abusive, I think, but Shaq repeatedly stands up for him. Besides, Shaq talks about his biological father, who he was, how they didn't keep in touch and he only met him a couple of times.
To know better his private and family life, in the book there are several letters from his mother, stepfather, sister and personal chef. They bring us closer to the most intimate Shaq. A quote I particularly liked of his way of seeing life was «you take advantage of the opportunities while they are there».
One sentence that has surprised me is when he claims he was a juvenile delinquent, something I didn't know. For sure, later he assures that he left that world quickly and in fact he tried to stay away from problems. In this way he says that he doesn't do drugs and even doesn't drink alcohol... both frequent in the world surrounding the NBA.
What I liked the least in this book is that it's clearly write to glorify his ego. Shaq is here (and always, I'd say) very arrogant, and he makes use of these pages to criticize rivals and media. However, written in 2001 when he played in LA, almost everything is good works for Kobe, and knowing how things were later...
Another aspect I didn't like in the book is his problem with free throws. Recurrent and a key in his game, he is disdainful and comes to say «Hey, if I made them all, it wouldn't be free?» Seriously, Shaq? The way he deals with this subject is a clear sign of his arrogance, unable to admit his weaknesses in a natural way.
Shaq is not precisely a writer, and he didn't have the best of educations (he describes in the book his early struggles with his grades). I must admit that, under these circumstances, he does not write more or less well. Too much slang for me, though.
It has always amazed me his self-control on the court when he get fouled frequently so intensely, so hard. He himself says it is because his father prepared him for anything. This father (stepfather, in fact) was a little abusive, I think, but Shaq repeatedly stands up for him. Besides, Shaq talks about his biological father, who he was, how they didn't keep in touch and he only met him a couple of times.
To know better his private and family life, in the book there are several letters from his mother, stepfather, sister and personal chef. They bring us closer to the most intimate Shaq. A quote I particularly liked of his way of seeing life was «you take advantage of the opportunities while they are there».
One sentence that has surprised me is when he claims he was a juvenile delinquent, something I didn't know. For sure, later he assures that he left that world quickly and in fact he tried to stay away from problems. In this way he says that he doesn't do drugs and even doesn't drink alcohol... both frequent in the world surrounding the NBA.
What I liked the least in this book is that it's clearly write to glorify his ego. Shaq is here (and always, I'd say) very arrogant, and he makes use of these pages to criticize rivals and media. However, written in 2001 when he played in LA, almost everything is good works for Kobe, and knowing how things were later...
Another aspect I didn't like in the book is his problem with free throws. Recurrent and a key in his game, he is disdainful and comes to say «Hey, if I made them all, it wouldn't be free?» Seriously, Shaq? The way he deals with this subject is a clear sign of his arrogance, unable to admit his weaknesses in a natural way.
Shaq is not precisely a writer, and he didn't have the best of educations (he describes in the book his early struggles with his grades). I must admit that, under these circumstances, he does not write more or less well. Too much slang for me, though.
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March 23, 2017The book shaq talks was about the stuggles a man named shaq went through to become the he person he is today. In the book it talks about how he had an abussive dad and lived in poor cirumstances. He then talks about how It was hard for him to suceed in life but he prevailed. The book tells us about how went he got to the college he was making a statement and doing his best to get to the leauges wich later happened. When he got to the leauge his family looked at him differently causing changes with his abussive dad and him later taking care of his family changi the way they lived in there circumstances.
February 14, 2019
I think this is a very good book and it has great detail for Shaquille at the time.
December 3, 2015
Shaq Talks Back is a book about Shaquille O’Neal ,a 7’1” and about 330 pound big man who played at LSU and in the NBA, and how he struggled growing up. Growing up he was bigger than everybody else, lived in a poor household and his biological dad was never there. He was teases for being too big and was called things like Shaquilla the Gorilla and Shaqsquatch, so he did what he knew how to do and beat them up. Once his stepdad came into his life that all changed he taught him to not let them bother him and how to think for himself and not listen to others. Not listening to others is something that Shaq really struggled with. He was always a leader not a follower. He said that his turning point was when he was with some friends and they wanted to break into and steal a car. He backed out and later found out that they got in big trouble. Shaq was first seen by a college coach when he was at a basketball clinic on army base. The coach was from LSU and thought Shaq was in the army because he was so big. Once he found out he was only in High School he immediately started talking scholarships. Shaq’s stepdad said he wants to focus on Shaq getting an education. That coach was Dale Brown and he said he would be in touch and he did come back later giving Shaq a college scholarship. He said the most difficult part of his college career was the Hack-a-Shaq everything else was fine. And he talks about how in the NBA the hardest part was the media.
People who like sports might like this book because it is about one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA. He won 3 consecutive NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also won another with the Miami Heat. Lakers fan especially might like this book because Shaq is one of the greatest Lakers of all time holding the record for the most career dunk ever. Also people don’t realize the struggle that he went through growing up and that is over looked in every major athlete. Fans of big basketball plays and basketball teams or just basketball fans in general would most definitely like this book. Shaq is seen as comedic, laid back and a generally nice person and likes like to keep things real even if somebodies feelings gets hurt in the process. That’s something we all can relate to.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is by far the best book I have read. Shaq uses his personality to make his life story seem humorous but also gets the point across that he struggled a lot growing up. He had some difficulties that we all can relate to like growing up in a poor household, being teased and following the wrong crowd. He struggled growing up and those struggles helped him become the man he is today to point where he can relax and be him without having to about what other say about him. That’s something we all look to accomplish and be in the near future. That’s what everybody wants to end up. Shaq just worked hard and used his natural ability, talent, and height to become who he is today.
People who like sports might like this book because it is about one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA. He won 3 consecutive NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also won another with the Miami Heat. Lakers fan especially might like this book because Shaq is one of the greatest Lakers of all time holding the record for the most career dunk ever. Also people don’t realize the struggle that he went through growing up and that is over looked in every major athlete. Fans of big basketball plays and basketball teams or just basketball fans in general would most definitely like this book. Shaq is seen as comedic, laid back and a generally nice person and likes like to keep things real even if somebodies feelings gets hurt in the process. That’s something we all can relate to.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is by far the best book I have read. Shaq uses his personality to make his life story seem humorous but also gets the point across that he struggled a lot growing up. He had some difficulties that we all can relate to like growing up in a poor household, being teased and following the wrong crowd. He struggled growing up and those struggles helped him become the man he is today to point where he can relax and be him without having to about what other say about him. That’s something we all look to accomplish and be in the near future. That’s what everybody wants to end up. Shaq just worked hard and used his natural ability, talent, and height to become who he is today.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2015
Shaq Talks Back By Shaquille O'Neal
This book covers about 20 years of Shaq's life. The main character of this book is Shaquille O'Neal. Someone who influences him is his mother and step father. Something significant about his life that made him write a memoir is when he was drafted to the NBA in the 1992 NBA Draft. some events that you might find interesting is that he grew up with a bad father and was poor. Another was he was drafted to the NBA. Also he was rewarded the MVP and also won a couple of NBA championship games with the Lakers. He was also named of the best NBA players to live. Some weaknesses about "Shaq Talks Back" and Shaquille O'Neals life is that when he was born his father left Shaq and his family. His mother eventually meet someone, but it wasn't for awhile so Shaq and his siblings grew up for a big chunk of their lives without a father. My opinion on the book is only my opinion and you could have your own, but not having someone can effect you.
This book covers about 20 years of Shaq's life. The main character of this book is Shaquille O'Neal. Someone who influences him is his mother and step father. Something significant about his life that made him write a memoir is when he was drafted to the NBA in the 1992 NBA Draft. some events that you might find interesting is that he grew up with a bad father and was poor. Another was he was drafted to the NBA. Also he was rewarded the MVP and also won a couple of NBA championship games with the Lakers. He was also named of the best NBA players to live. Some weaknesses about "Shaq Talks Back" and Shaquille O'Neals life is that when he was born his father left Shaq and his family. His mother eventually meet someone, but it wasn't for awhile so Shaq and his siblings grew up for a big chunk of their lives without a father. My opinion on the book is only my opinion and you could have your own, but not having someone can effect you.
January 14, 2015
This book was great! By far my favorite book that I have ever read. Shaq is so funny in this book. It's awesome to read this out of the perspective of Shaq. The hard times in his life and how basketball got him through it. I love hearing how he did it and seeing if I can do the same thing. My favorite part of the book was his rookie year in Orlando. He absolutely killed it. He was the most dominant player to play in the NBA. It's crazy insane how big he is and how athletic and powerful he is.
November 5, 2013
My book is about Shaquille O'Neal and his story about him from his early days to the year 2000. The book is basically about his struggles and triumphs.
The protagonist is Shaquille O'Neal: an African-American NBA center that is 7'1" 330 pounds.
I might recommend this book to people who like sports books or Shaq.
The protagonist is Shaquille O'Neal: an African-American NBA center that is 7'1" 330 pounds.
I might recommend this book to people who like sports books or Shaq.
September 26, 2010
I will admit that I have been a fan of his for years... It was an interesting read. I learned things I didn't know about him and his family. Intelligent, down to earth... even though he is really a big kid! This book did nothing but reinforce my like/respect for him...
April 9, 2008
Have just read some pages but already amazed by Shaq talks
August 27, 2012
Shaquille O'Neal jokes about his basketball career and weird stuff that's happened to him. It's non-fiction so everything is true and it's hilarious.
Brennan M.
8-1 Martin 1-2 Block
Brennan M.
8-1 Martin 1-2 Block
Want to read
April 8, 2013Bought: April 7, 2013
Location: Booksale (Robinson's Place - Manila)
Price: P80
Location: Booksale (Robinson's Place - Manila)
Price: P80
April 20, 2014
This is why I shouldn't read autobiographies by sports stars.
March 22, 2018
Amazing book would love to read it again.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews