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The Heart of a Superfan: A memoir of grit, love, family and basketball
The Raptors' story is an underdog story—and the same is true for their greatest superfan. This memoir offers a courtside view into the extraordinary life of Nav Bhatia.
You know him as the Raptors Superfan, but Nav Bhatia's story is bigger than basketball.
Nav immigrated to Canada from India after experiencing many hardships—only to face a host of new challenges. Life as an immigrant was gruelling and grey . . . and then, a new basketball team came to town. As Nav cheered on the Toronto Raptors at game after game, as they lost, as they won, on the good days and the bad, he discovered inspiration and community in the greatest game on Earth, formed life-long bonds with many of the best players the sport has ever known, and solidified his own place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
In this memoir, Nav shares his incredible personal story of triumphing over adversity, as well as the lessons that propelled him to success in all facets of life: as an entrepreneur, movie producer, humanitarian, son, father and husband, and the Raptors' most dedicated supporter. And woven throughout the book are intimate, colourful behind-the-scenes stories about the Raptors—from their very first game in 1995 to their 2019 Championship win, and beyond—that only the Superfan could know.
This is a book about loyalty, perseverance and the power of sports to unite us across differences—and, most of all, about how following your passions can lead you to the most extraordinary places.
You know him as the Raptors Superfan, but Nav Bhatia's story is bigger than basketball.
Nav immigrated to Canada from India after experiencing many hardships—only to face a host of new challenges. Life as an immigrant was gruelling and grey . . . and then, a new basketball team came to town. As Nav cheered on the Toronto Raptors at game after game, as they lost, as they won, on the good days and the bad, he discovered inspiration and community in the greatest game on Earth, formed life-long bonds with many of the best players the sport has ever known, and solidified his own place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
In this memoir, Nav shares his incredible personal story of triumphing over adversity, as well as the lessons that propelled him to success in all facets of life: as an entrepreneur, movie producer, humanitarian, son, father and husband, and the Raptors' most dedicated supporter. And woven throughout the book are intimate, colourful behind-the-scenes stories about the Raptors—from their very first game in 1995 to their 2019 Championship win, and beyond—that only the Superfan could know.
This is a book about loyalty, perseverance and the power of sports to unite us across differences—and, most of all, about how following your passions can lead you to the most extraordinary places.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 27, 2024
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June 1, 2024This is the memoir of the Toronto Raptors team's Number 1 Superfan, Nav Bhatia. Nav Bhatia shows the value of sport from the unique perspective of courtside. For non-players, sport still has value as the essential connective tissue that builds community. Sport was also valuable for Nav as a release valve from the pressures of his intense job. Nav also shares the values he learned from his mother and the tenets of Sikhism. As Nav shares, Sikhism prizes service to humanity and equity for all. He found applications of this in his daily life, in everything from conducting janitorial jobs with honor, to making deep friendships with people from other countries such as Pakistan with whom his own country India had a hard history with. It has enabled him to do the hard work of running a car dealership, to raise his daughter and empower her to pursue her dreams in life. Nav left India when the situation for Sikhs became highly charged. According to him, civil unrest, persecution and retaliations led him to seek haven in Canada and build a new life from the ground up. Nav has used his influence for good, such as helping World Vision build and advocate for toilets for women in India, and promoting sports for women, and advocacy for womens' rights in general. Nav shares how he tries to live by his core principles of honesty, hard work, constant learning, and striving to find common ground with others that transcend rivalries or politics.This is a highly recommended feel-good memoir from an admirable person.
May 13, 2024
My extremely specific favourite type of non-fiction books have to do with my heart’s favourite team, the Toronto Raptors 🏀 And if you know the Raptors, you know Nav Bhatia. This is an autobiographical look at his life before and after becoming the Superfan.
I enjoyed the down to earth writing style of this book - it was like having a conversation with a friend. Nav tells stories of his upbringing, his family, and the racism and persecution he faced as an immigrant to Canada. And of course, there’s lots about the history of the Raptors team and franchise as well as the work he does as a “Superfan”.
There was a strong theme of using kindness and compassion to resolve conflict, and I liked reading about how Nav goes from teasing and yelling at the opposing team to inviting them to dinner and forming personal connections. Having gone to the Raptors parade in 2019 and watching him lead the procession down the streets of Toronto, I always love reading about this event from a different perspective. This is a recommended read fors any Raptors fan, and I can’t wait for DeMar DeRozen’s book coming out this September to continue my Raptors reads!
I enjoyed the down to earth writing style of this book - it was like having a conversation with a friend. Nav tells stories of his upbringing, his family, and the racism and persecution he faced as an immigrant to Canada. And of course, there’s lots about the history of the Raptors team and franchise as well as the work he does as a “Superfan”.
There was a strong theme of using kindness and compassion to resolve conflict, and I liked reading about how Nav goes from teasing and yelling at the opposing team to inviting them to dinner and forming personal connections. Having gone to the Raptors parade in 2019 and watching him lead the procession down the streets of Toronto, I always love reading about this event from a different perspective. This is a recommended read fors any Raptors fan, and I can’t wait for DeMar DeRozen’s book coming out this September to continue my Raptors reads!
February 21, 2025
I'm not generally one for biographies - especially autobiographies. I struggle with feeling like the author is bragging about their accomplishments even if they may just be describing them for the novel's sake, and this book is unfortunately not an exception.
That said, I really admire the author's ability to take his good fortunes and turn them into a quantifiable force for positive development around the world. Seeing how he was able to draw connections between personal struggles and wider social movements was moving and inspiring. I really appreciated the multitude of times that he took someone's ridicule or dislike of him and turned it on its head by offering a kind and open hand rather than an angry defense. This is a man who is well-versed in prejudice and how to morph it into acceptance, one person at a time - and that was uniquely moving for me to read about.
I'm not sure I agree with the decision to tell his story in a non-chronological order: the story jumped from the 80s and 90s to the moderm day and back on numerous occasions. This made it a little hard to follow, but I appreciated that the short chapter lengths and similar topics despite the chronological differences lent it an air of connectedness all the same. Overall, I was impressed despite my reservations, and Nav was even able to make me feel positively about a sport, which anyone who knows me would understand is an impossible feat.
That said, I really admire the author's ability to take his good fortunes and turn them into a quantifiable force for positive development around the world. Seeing how he was able to draw connections between personal struggles and wider social movements was moving and inspiring. I really appreciated the multitude of times that he took someone's ridicule or dislike of him and turned it on its head by offering a kind and open hand rather than an angry defense. This is a man who is well-versed in prejudice and how to morph it into acceptance, one person at a time - and that was uniquely moving for me to read about.
I'm not sure I agree with the decision to tell his story in a non-chronological order: the story jumped from the 80s and 90s to the moderm day and back on numerous occasions. This made it a little hard to follow, but I appreciated that the short chapter lengths and similar topics despite the chronological differences lent it an air of connectedness all the same. Overall, I was impressed despite my reservations, and Nav was even able to make me feel positively about a sport, which anyone who knows me would understand is an impossible feat.
April 2, 2024
This was a feel good story of the Raptor's Superman who not only came to Canada with nothing but worked hard, supported a family and became the owner of multiple car dealerships while he supported the Raptors and didn't miss a game! I had heard of him but had no idea of the goodness and others that he has helped along with way.
Nav Bhatia shares powerful lessons in leadership, kindness and the importance of family (whether your home family, work family or sports family) and I would recommend learning more!
Nav Bhatia shares powerful lessons in leadership, kindness and the importance of family (whether your home family, work family or sports family) and I would recommend learning more!
June 12, 2024
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Listened to audiobook
Listened to audiobook
March 3, 2025
2.5 stars ⭐️. I’m reading this for a book club I read, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have finished it. While I enjoyed learning about Nav’s amazing life, I wish I would have just watched the documentary about him.
July 2, 2024
A wonderful immigrant story....staying positive, giving back and finding something that brings you joy and sharing it with others.
Great read!
Great read!
March 26, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. I also want to preface that I am a fan of Nav and his inspiring qualities in general which I imagine helped a lot.
I found this book to be a different kind of memoir than those like Educated by Tara Westover or The Glass Castle (both of which I love). Rather than having a chronological story that may read like a movie, this memoir felt very conversational. As I read the book, it felt as if Nav himself were reading out the words and it felt like he was telling you the story live. It was also a very light/easy read while being incredibly touching. Each chapter felt like its own lesson, with bigger themes threaded throughout the book.
Would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the Raptors' Superfan and being inspired by his life principles that have impacted so many :)
I found this book to be a different kind of memoir than those like Educated by Tara Westover or The Glass Castle (both of which I love). Rather than having a chronological story that may read like a movie, this memoir felt very conversational. As I read the book, it felt as if Nav himself were reading out the words and it felt like he was telling you the story live. It was also a very light/easy read while being incredibly touching. Each chapter felt like its own lesson, with bigger themes threaded throughout the book.
Would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the Raptors' Superfan and being inspired by his life principles that have impacted so many :)
April 8, 2024
Nav Bhatia was named the Toronto Raptors' Superfan a few years (can't remember exactly, but is in the book) after he began attending Raptors games when the team was created in 1995. Since then, he decided to take the title seriously and has officially attended every single home game they've played. Technically, he missed his first game in 2021 during the pandemic, but as was due to health restrictions, the league doesn't count that. He has taken his Superfan title so seriously that it has earned him a player's NBA Championship ring and a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame, though he himself says he could barely dribble a ball.
This book tells not only that story, but that of his immigration to Canada, seeking asylum from India where Sikhs were being persecuted, his struggles with discrimination, and his determination to not only succeed as a successful businessman, but do so with integrity while combatting rasicm.
The book is well told, and Sukhman Gill does a fantastic job at narrating the audiobook. Even non-sportsfans should find this interesting, as more of a storyline of someone choosing to do something they love and use it to advance other important initiatives. Nav has done so, such as funding school washrooms in India to promote girls' education, which otherwise is compromised especially once they begin menstruation and may miss weeks of school or even drop out.
A memoir definitely worth a read.
This book tells not only that story, but that of his immigration to Canada, seeking asylum from India where Sikhs were being persecuted, his struggles with discrimination, and his determination to not only succeed as a successful businessman, but do so with integrity while combatting rasicm.
The book is well told, and Sukhman Gill does a fantastic job at narrating the audiobook. Even non-sportsfans should find this interesting, as more of a storyline of someone choosing to do something they love and use it to advance other important initiatives. Nav has done so, such as funding school washrooms in India to promote girls' education, which otherwise is compromised especially once they begin menstruation and may miss weeks of school or even drop out.
A memoir definitely worth a read.
February 7, 2024
One shot can change everything.
Toronto Raptor Fans know of the man, the myth, the legend...The Superfan, Nav Bhatia. Heart of the Superfan gives readers an inside look into Nav's journey to Canada, the obstacles he had to endure and the relationships he has nurtured over time. The book seamlessly weaves through Nav's life alternating stories between his family and his unwavering support of his beloved Toronto Raptors. Nav's stories of his intial hardships after immigrating to Canada mirror those of my own family's stories and were easy to relate to. Like many who have been in his position, his journey required him to demonstrate grit, resilience and a strong desire to succeed.
Raptor and basketball fans are also treated to an inside look into his friendships and encounters with some of the NBA's top stars with chapters dedicated to Vince Carter, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
What I found truly inspiring was learning about how much Nav has given back to the community both here in Canada and around the world. His drive to unite communities and people through sport was a highlight for me!
*I received an advanced digital copy of The Heart of a Superfan by Nav Bhatia from Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada and Netgalley. All opinions are my own*
Toronto Raptor Fans know of the man, the myth, the legend...The Superfan, Nav Bhatia. Heart of the Superfan gives readers an inside look into Nav's journey to Canada, the obstacles he had to endure and the relationships he has nurtured over time. The book seamlessly weaves through Nav's life alternating stories between his family and his unwavering support of his beloved Toronto Raptors. Nav's stories of his intial hardships after immigrating to Canada mirror those of my own family's stories and were easy to relate to. Like many who have been in his position, his journey required him to demonstrate grit, resilience and a strong desire to succeed.
Raptor and basketball fans are also treated to an inside look into his friendships and encounters with some of the NBA's top stars with chapters dedicated to Vince Carter, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
What I found truly inspiring was learning about how much Nav has given back to the community both here in Canada and around the world. His drive to unite communities and people through sport was a highlight for me!
*I received an advanced digital copy of The Heart of a Superfan by Nav Bhatia from Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada and Netgalley. All opinions are my own*
May 21, 2024
The Heart of a Superfan: A memoir of grit, love, family and basketball was a book that I won on Goodreads. I had heard of the Superfan however was not overly familiar with Nav Bhatia until I commenced reading his memoir. I enjoyed this book as it was straightforward and easy to read. Not being knowledgeable about basketball terms and stats, Mr. Bhatia did a wonderful job in guiding the reader through this area. I was impressed on how the author was able to come to Canada and develop a love for basketball (The Raports being his team) and how he was able to become self-sufficient . I gained an appreciation on Sikhism learning about kirat karo which describes there being dignity in all types of labour. I enjoyed the humour throughout this novel and marveled at the love Mr. Bhatia has for his family.
April 5, 2024
Nav Bhatia, the super fan is a staple in Toronto. if he’s not seen celebrating the raptors at the games or on tv he can be easily found in Mississauga at his dealership or sometimes at Square one. His book was an amazing read he allowed readers and the public to see his life and how he grew up in India and escaped Delhi during the 1984 Sikh Genocide. His love for basketball is amazing and re living key raptors moments in his book made it a thrilling read. I def recommend reading this memoir
May 4, 2024
As a Raptors fan, and an admirer of what Nav has done for the team, the city, and for girls in India, I just loved this book. I found myself pausing to go look up clips on YouTube or the web to see for myself different moments he was talking about. Nav’s approach to unifying people across cultural and religious divides is inspiring. I hope to see his movie in the future! I read the ebook from my hometown library.
July 22, 2024
Bhatia does an excellent job merging life lessons with discussions of his Raptors fandom in this book. From his immigrant story to his car dealership to his love of basketball, Bhatia explores how his heritage and cultural experiences guide him throughout life. It is a must-read for any Raptors fan and person curious about engaging with a uniquely humorous and insightful story that prompts self-reflection.
January 7, 2025
I don’t know why I didn’t write a review of this book when I read it but here I am, 6 months later and still occasionally thinking Nav.
I just finished DeMar DeRozan’s book and I feel like I spent half of it waiting for him to mention Nav and he did eventually…. Once.
This is such a great unexpected story of truly good man. It was so full of enjoy. His enthusiasm for life is infectious. So worth the read. There is so much more to his story than basketball.
I just finished DeMar DeRozan’s book and I feel like I spent half of it waiting for him to mention Nav and he did eventually…. Once.
This is such a great unexpected story of truly good man. It was so full of enjoy. His enthusiasm for life is infectious. So worth the read. There is so much more to his story than basketball.
April 13, 2024
As a big Raptors’ fan, I couldn’t help but enjoy listening to basketball stories told from the Superfan’s perspective. While his words sounded very self indulgent at times, this man has clearly done a lot for the Sikh community and basketball in Canada. The narration wasn’t performed very well so I’d recommend reading the printed version.
April 16, 2024
"There isa superfan in each and every one of us, and what makes us unique is our superpower" (277)
I thought this was an okay book, but it was a bit all over the place. I thought it had great insights and I learned quite a bit. Navis such a great guy!
This book was a medium read as I read it in about 3 days!
I would recommend this book to any NBA fan!
I thought this was an okay book, but it was a bit all over the place. I thought it had great insights and I learned quite a bit. Navis such a great guy!
This book was a medium read as I read it in about 3 days!
I would recommend this book to any NBA fan!
May 6, 2024
5 stars is not enough for this book.
Nav’s book of memoirs is so positive, so uplifting, and filled with so many great stories of love (for family and basketball… not sure in which order!) that you can’t help but feel like you want to become buddy’s with Nav. I’ve read 7 biographies this year already and this is by far and away the most compelling read of them all.
You do NOT need to be a basketball fan to enjoy this. You just need to be a human being to relate to his stories.
Nav’s book of memoirs is so positive, so uplifting, and filled with so many great stories of love (for family and basketball… not sure in which order!) that you can’t help but feel like you want to become buddy’s with Nav. I’ve read 7 biographies this year already and this is by far and away the most compelling read of them all.
You do NOT need to be a basketball fan to enjoy this. You just need to be a human being to relate to his stories.
July 29, 2024
If I followed basketball or was a fan of the Raptors, I would probably have enjoyed this book more. Instead, I was more interested in his story as an immigrant who worked hard and became successful. And then decided to give back to his community.
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November 22, 2024All Raptors fans know who Nav Bhatia is. He's a fixture at Raptor home games and he is, of course, the Superfan. But I had no idea of everything that he has done off the court for the team, for the sport and for the Sikh community in Canada. A great read!
March 29, 2024
As a Canadian and basketball fan, I really enjoyed reading this.
April 20, 2024
An amazing charismatic story of Nav’s life and his journey as Superfan. Grateful he shared his story with us
April 27, 2024
Such a heart warming memoir from an exceptional human being. We have a lot to learn from his story.
May 14, 2024
A feel good story of a super fan ☺️
June 6, 2024
4.5 stars
July 18, 2024
I don't care for basketball, but I love all the bits and pieces of his life
October 1, 2024
A simple story of hard work and relentless positivity.
November 20, 2024
So great! Inspiring! Nav Bhatia is the definition of a superfan.
March 12, 2025
This felt like sitting down and having a conversation with Nav himself. I love his message of unity and kindness. The Raptors are lucky to have him.
July 9, 2025
Such a good book! The perspective he has as a fan of basketball and the passion he has for not just his team but life in general is apparent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews