True Fans: A Basketball Odyssey

by Dan Austin

Brothers Dan and Jared Austin, along with best friend Clint Ewell, were looking for adventure. What started as a simple pickup basketball game on a Venice Beach court turned into an amazing cross-country bike ride all the way to the NBA Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. True Fans details this basketball shooting hoops on courts across the country and making new friends and memories along the way. The ball they played with across America is now included in the Hall of Fame’s permanent collection. A mandatory read for sports, travel, and adventure fans.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Travel, Memoir

214 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin's incredible journey across America is a must read. While the theme of basketball binding everyone together is doubtlessly present, reading about the kindness of everyday Americans proves to be a kind and heartwarming note. All those curious about the odd and obscure in middle America should give it a read.

[David Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big basketball fan. I have played the game, read much about the game, the players that made the game it is today, and have watched my fair share of basketball. When reading this book I thought I would read about three guys experiences playing basketball across America. It didn't have anything to do about playing basketball. This book was wonderful to read. The stories about the people the three men met as they crossed the country were uplifting and restored feelings of how great America is and the the goodness of this country. I highly recommend this book, even if you are not a basketball fan. Fun book to read and inspiring. Good job Dan, Jared and Clint.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another memoir detailing a trip across America, this time by bicycle. This is the story of three friends as they make their way from Venice Beach California to Springfield, Massachusetts, the interesting situations they find themselves in, and the unique people who they meet on the way.

The writing style is a bit sparse, with little depth in developing the background of the people they meet. Peter Jenkins books are much better.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended to me by a friend who knows the author. Very unique story about finding true heroes in a trip across the country. I almost wanted to go on a pilgramage myself. Wonderful to meet such great heroes with the author and friends. Great book.

[Unigami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the documentary first and really enjoyed it so I thought I would read the book too. I was not disappointed, in fact the book has more detail and is pleasant to read. Highly recommended especially for cyclists.

[Mike Pallozzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a easy to read, compelling story. the humor made it enjoyable and also the message got up and my friends out and riding our bikes!

[Jessedubin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book and thoroughly entertaining, but I felt it just skimmed the details. It could have been three times as long and would have been been more engrossing.