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Tuff Juice: My Journey from the Streets to the NBA
Two-time All-Star and thirteen-year NBA veteran Caron Butler has an impressive basketball record. He was Big East Co-Player of the Year at UConn, the 10th overall pick of the 2002 NBA Draft and a key player for the Dallas Mavericks in their championship-winning season in 2011.
But before Butler had a chance to prove himself on the court, he spent his time trying to prove himself on the streets, as a gang member and drug dealer in his hometown of Racine, Wisconsin. He saw friends gunned down in the bloody street wars near his home, was arrested nearly 15 times and wound up behind bars and in solitary confinement before his 15th birthday.
Tuff Juice shares Caron Butler’s extraordinary journey from his delinquent youth in the streets of Racine to his role as an accomplished pro basketball player, dedicated husband and father, active philanthropist and burgeoning businessman. Along the way, the book explores the incredible impact his single mother’s unconditional love and his college coach’s unwavering support had on him, and what drives him to be so successful in basketball and in life.
Like The Blind Side, it’s a gripping narrative filled with hubris, dangerous obstacles and heartwarming moments that transcend sports and speak to perseverance, hope and the triumph of the human spirit.
But before Butler had a chance to prove himself on the court, he spent his time trying to prove himself on the streets, as a gang member and drug dealer in his hometown of Racine, Wisconsin. He saw friends gunned down in the bloody street wars near his home, was arrested nearly 15 times and wound up behind bars and in solitary confinement before his 15th birthday.
Tuff Juice shares Caron Butler’s extraordinary journey from his delinquent youth in the streets of Racine to his role as an accomplished pro basketball player, dedicated husband and father, active philanthropist and burgeoning businessman. Along the way, the book explores the incredible impact his single mother’s unconditional love and his college coach’s unwavering support had on him, and what drives him to be so successful in basketball and in life.
Like The Blind Side, it’s a gripping narrative filled with hubris, dangerous obstacles and heartwarming moments that transcend sports and speak to perseverance, hope and the triumph of the human spirit.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2015
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589 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 14, 2018
Caron Butlerin "Tuff Juice: Katujen kasvatista NBA-tähdeksi" (Minerva, 2016) kertoo ihan komean uran koripalloammattilaisena tehneen laitahyökkääjän tarinan. Elämäkerran pääpaino on kuitenkin jossakin muualla kuin NBA-kentillä, vaikka Butler voitti kaudella 2010-2011 mestaruudenkin Dallas Mavericksien riveissä.
Caron Butlerin kotikaupunki, Wisconsinissa sijaitseva Racine, oli 1990-luvulla osavaltion murhapääkaupunki ja muutenkin melko levoton paikka, jossa kilpailevat jengit selvittelivät välejään tuliasein ja kaduilla kaupattiin huumeita. Työttömyydestä kärsivässä kaupungissa huumekauppa oli harvoja mahdollisuuksia nousta ryysyistä rikkauksiin. Caron aloitti jo yksitoistavuotiaana huumeiden diilaamisen, ja hankki samoihin aikoihin myös ensimmäisen aseensa. Väkivallan uhka leijui koko ajan ilmassa:
Kun olin kuudennella luokalla, naapurini Kiki Turnerin äiti joutui joidenkin tien toisella puolella asuvien murhaamaksi. Näin hänen ruumiinsa kadulla, kun olin menossa kouluun. Siinä hän makasi, eikä ketään ollut lähettyvillä. (s. 71)
Näistä kuvioista on melkoinen matka ponnistaa Kobe Bryantin kaveriksi NBA-parketille, ja eräässä vaiheessa se vaatikin yhdentoista kuukauden linnareissua. Se saattoi kuitenkin koitua onneksi onnettomuudessa, ja melko merkittävää roolia näytteli myös ymmärtäväinen huumerikospoliisi, joka antoi armon käydä oikeudesta - puhumattakaan äidistä, joka menetti melkein hiuksensa huolesta murehtiessaan poikansa kohtaloa.
Caron Butler kertoo koruttomasti ja turhia kaunistelematta tai jeesustelematta tiestään, joka ei ole ollut ihan helpoin mahdollinen. Yläkouluvinkkauksiin tämä on aivan omiaan.
Caron Butlerin kotikaupunki, Wisconsinissa sijaitseva Racine, oli 1990-luvulla osavaltion murhapääkaupunki ja muutenkin melko levoton paikka, jossa kilpailevat jengit selvittelivät välejään tuliasein ja kaduilla kaupattiin huumeita. Työttömyydestä kärsivässä kaupungissa huumekauppa oli harvoja mahdollisuuksia nousta ryysyistä rikkauksiin. Caron aloitti jo yksitoistavuotiaana huumeiden diilaamisen, ja hankki samoihin aikoihin myös ensimmäisen aseensa. Väkivallan uhka leijui koko ajan ilmassa:
Kun olin kuudennella luokalla, naapurini Kiki Turnerin äiti joutui joidenkin tien toisella puolella asuvien murhaamaksi. Näin hänen ruumiinsa kadulla, kun olin menossa kouluun. Siinä hän makasi, eikä ketään ollut lähettyvillä. (s. 71)
Näistä kuvioista on melkoinen matka ponnistaa Kobe Bryantin kaveriksi NBA-parketille, ja eräässä vaiheessa se vaatikin yhdentoista kuukauden linnareissua. Se saattoi kuitenkin koitua onneksi onnettomuudessa, ja melko merkittävää roolia näytteli myös ymmärtäväinen huumerikospoliisi, joka antoi armon käydä oikeudesta - puhumattakaan äidistä, joka menetti melkein hiuksensa huolesta murehtiessaan poikansa kohtaloa.
Caron Butler kertoo koruttomasti ja turhia kaunistelematta tai jeesustelematta tiestään, joka ei ole ollut ihan helpoin mahdollinen. Yläkouluvinkkauksiin tämä on aivan omiaan.
May 3, 2017
It was a pretty good book. It was really descriptive about how Caron and how he battled his struggles in his child to becoming a high draft pick in the NBA Draft
March 22, 2024
A surprising fine book. He tells his story of rising from the mean streets to the NBA.
It was an honest and crisp narrative that was very hard to put down.
It was an honest and crisp narrative that was very hard to put down.
September 14, 2017
Elämäni ensimmäinen urheilijaelämäkerta, ja oikein hyvä olikin! Kasivinkkausta varten luin, ja uskoisin menevän siihen yleisöön oikein hyvin. Kirja on sopivan ohut ja teksti riittävän simppeliä, mutta ennen kaikkea Butlerin tarina on todella kiinnostava.
Tuff Juice taiteilijanimen NBA-pelaajana ottanut Caron kasvoi väkivaltaisessa ja huumekaupan pilaamassa kaupunginosassa. Isää ei ole ja enot ovat vankilassa (huumekaupasta, tietenkin..). Onneksi äiti ja isoäiti ovat sitäkin tiukempia kasvattajia, jotka tekevät kaikkensa jälkikasvunsa eteen. Aluksi vain näytti, ettei se riitä.
Caron aloittaa huumekauppiaana kypsässä 11 vuoden iässä, ja kohta hänellä onkin oma pieni diileriporukka ympärillään sekä tukuittain rahaa - ja ase - taskussaan. Asetta todella tarvitaan, sillä sekä asiakkaat että naapuruston kilpailevat jengit ovat hengenvaarallisia (ei niin että hän oman henkensä puolesta ymmärtäisi pelätä..). Ensimmäinen vankilatuomionsa Caron saa 15-vuotiaana, ja syntilista syyttäjän edessä on pitkä. Vaikka äidin edessä hävettääkin, ei Caron vielä näe syytä luopua huumekauppiaan urastaan. Mitä muitakaan mahdollisuuksia gettonuorella elämässä olisi, jos ei halua raataa pennien takia kolmea työtä kerralla, kuten äiti ja isoäiti?
Toisin kuitenkin käy. Vankila-aika avaa silmät ja Caron saa puhtia alkaa panostaa koulunkäyntiin, ja koripalloon, jota hän on muutenkin pelannut intohimoisesti nappulasta asti. Ura ammattilaispelaajana käydään kirjassa läpi melko lyhyesti, mikä sopi minulle, jota koripallo sinänsä ei kiinnosta enkä siitä mitään ymmärrä. Uskoisin kirjan sopivan jokaiselle urheilusta kiinnostuneelle tai vaikeita elämänvaiheita läpikäyneelle nuorelle.
Tuff Juice taiteilijanimen NBA-pelaajana ottanut Caron kasvoi väkivaltaisessa ja huumekaupan pilaamassa kaupunginosassa. Isää ei ole ja enot ovat vankilassa (huumekaupasta, tietenkin..). Onneksi äiti ja isoäiti ovat sitäkin tiukempia kasvattajia, jotka tekevät kaikkensa jälkikasvunsa eteen. Aluksi vain näytti, ettei se riitä.
Caron aloittaa huumekauppiaana kypsässä 11 vuoden iässä, ja kohta hänellä onkin oma pieni diileriporukka ympärillään sekä tukuittain rahaa - ja ase - taskussaan. Asetta todella tarvitaan, sillä sekä asiakkaat että naapuruston kilpailevat jengit ovat hengenvaarallisia (ei niin että hän oman henkensä puolesta ymmärtäisi pelätä..). Ensimmäinen vankilatuomionsa Caron saa 15-vuotiaana, ja syntilista syyttäjän edessä on pitkä. Vaikka äidin edessä hävettääkin, ei Caron vielä näe syytä luopua huumekauppiaan urastaan. Mitä muitakaan mahdollisuuksia gettonuorella elämässä olisi, jos ei halua raataa pennien takia kolmea työtä kerralla, kuten äiti ja isoäiti?
Toisin kuitenkin käy. Vankila-aika avaa silmät ja Caron saa puhtia alkaa panostaa koulunkäyntiin, ja koripalloon, jota hän on muutenkin pelannut intohimoisesti nappulasta asti. Ura ammattilaispelaajana käydään kirjassa läpi melko lyhyesti, mikä sopi minulle, jota koripallo sinänsä ei kiinnosta enkä siitä mitään ymmärrä. Uskoisin kirjan sopivan jokaiselle urheilusta kiinnostuneelle tai vaikeita elämänvaiheita läpikäyneelle nuorelle.
March 15, 2016
Tuff Juice by Caron Butler is a very well written book that informed me on a large amount of struggles in the life of Caron Butler. There are many reoccurring topics and themes this book goes over, things that are very important to understand in our day in age. Since there was so many interesting and on edge situations being introduced it kept me reading for a long time without stopping because of being tired. The most shocking part of the book is the fact that Caron was a young child when he had to deal with the hardships of poverty and gangs. When he's growing up in the Racine, Michigan area he goes through events that even experienced adults would have a hard time getting through. This would make Caron a much more street smart and mature kid and he would have to grow up much quicker.
Tuff Juice is an autobiography novel that describes the story of the coming of age and the hardships of Caron Butler growing up, who is currently and NBA player and has been an all star. As the book delves into the hardships of Caron's upbringing and his experiences in gangs, drug dealing, and prison. I had a great time reading this book. One of my favorite lines in the book was "I didn’t panic because I’d been through far worse, heard gunshots more times than I could count, and seen it all before. This would have been just another day on the south side." (202)
Of course, like any other book there was a singular climax. But in this book I think it's when he get charged with drug possession with intent to distribute. His future was at stake of thrown away because there was a chance of life in prison. Instead he served some time and while in solitary confinement he learned to appreciate life and promised to become a better person. Overall I though it was a very well written book and I have a new found respect for Caron Butler. I recommend this book to anyone who understands and enjoys a rags to riches story.
Tuff Juice is an autobiography novel that describes the story of the coming of age and the hardships of Caron Butler growing up, who is currently and NBA player and has been an all star. As the book delves into the hardships of Caron's upbringing and his experiences in gangs, drug dealing, and prison. I had a great time reading this book. One of my favorite lines in the book was "I didn’t panic because I’d been through far worse, heard gunshots more times than I could count, and seen it all before. This would have been just another day on the south side." (202)
Of course, like any other book there was a singular climax. But in this book I think it's when he get charged with drug possession with intent to distribute. His future was at stake of thrown away because there was a chance of life in prison. Instead he served some time and while in solitary confinement he learned to appreciate life and promised to become a better person. Overall I though it was a very well written book and I have a new found respect for Caron Butler. I recommend this book to anyone who understands and enjoys a rags to riches story.
January 24, 2019
I’ve read a few basketball biographies. While this doesn’t particularly stand out, I was still able to enjoy it nonetheless.
It’s always illuminating to get a chance to hear firsthand account of basketball player’s life, from growing up to making it into the NBA.
Origins
Caron’s story like of many African-Americans, is one of struggle and endless trials. He traces his struggles across 3 generations. I have often been tempted to to downplay some of the battles African-Americans face, but Caron’s story has showed me that unless you’ve walked into an individual’s shoes then I’d be making a terrible folly. The odds WERE really stacked against him due to the color of his skin and the environment of drugs and crime that he was exposed to early on.
Family
Like many African-American NBA players, Caron talks about being raised by his single mother with his grandmother’s help. The number of sacrifices that both women had to make to give Caron the chance to play in the NBA is just astonishing. I don’t think African-American mothers get enough credit for raising successful adults - considering the circumstances.
Role Models
Caron explains the lack of role models for a black kid growing up in a small town. For him, role models were neighborhood drug dealers who he could actually see in person, touch and talk to. These were the guys who had all the fancy things like cars and new shoes. Luckily, he also had his uncle Carlos who inspired him to play basketball. And like many other kids growing up in the 80s, he also had Michael Jordan.
Luck
I’m always pissed with how often I hear celebrities and successful people who lackadaisically claim that “you can do anything you set your mind to”. Caron shares a powerful story of how one police detective who had the power to alter his life negatively, decided to make an unpopular decision and take a chance on him. The detective’s decision could have gone either way despite anything that Caron had done up to that point. Caron’s only misfortune was being born into the environment he found himself in. An ambitious black kid with basketball aspirations but often judged by mere statistics. I’d guess a lot of black kids lost their chances with some bad decisions taken upon them.
Initiative
Caron speaks of a time during his incarceration where he took the initiative to influence one of the parole board members prior to his hearing. He took a risk but it paid out by him getting early release. This seems to be another common denominator with successful NBA players.
Coaching
One of the biggest contributing factors to Caron’s NBA success was also coaching, particularly with coach Max Good at MCI. Max showed him how to play the game the right way and put team success ahead. He also credits his uConn coach, Calhoun, and a few other coaches in his NBA tenure including Pat Riley, Rick Carlisle, Stan Van Gundy and Larry Drew.
Veteran Leadership & Work Ethic
A lot of credit was also accorded to the veterans Caron met along his first years in the NBA. He was particularly inspired by Alonzo Mourning who despite his difficult medical condition at the time was willing to share his NBA experiences. He also mentions the work ethic behind some of the prominent NBA players, particularly Kobe and Reggie Miller.
I was impressed by this book since Caron decided to make it more about his life journey and less about Basketball - as they saying goes these days, “it’s bigger than basketball”.
There are few areas in the book where it turned more into a PR event and less authentic, but I can’t blame him there.
I’d recommend this book to others who are passionate about basketball and interested to know some of the trials that individual face before making it to the NBA.
Memorable Quotes
“If you look back, you coming back.” - An old prison saying.
It’s always illuminating to get a chance to hear firsthand account of basketball player’s life, from growing up to making it into the NBA.
Origins
Caron’s story like of many African-Americans, is one of struggle and endless trials. He traces his struggles across 3 generations. I have often been tempted to to downplay some of the battles African-Americans face, but Caron’s story has showed me that unless you’ve walked into an individual’s shoes then I’d be making a terrible folly. The odds WERE really stacked against him due to the color of his skin and the environment of drugs and crime that he was exposed to early on.
Family
Like many African-American NBA players, Caron talks about being raised by his single mother with his grandmother’s help. The number of sacrifices that both women had to make to give Caron the chance to play in the NBA is just astonishing. I don’t think African-American mothers get enough credit for raising successful adults - considering the circumstances.
Role Models
Caron explains the lack of role models for a black kid growing up in a small town. For him, role models were neighborhood drug dealers who he could actually see in person, touch and talk to. These were the guys who had all the fancy things like cars and new shoes. Luckily, he also had his uncle Carlos who inspired him to play basketball. And like many other kids growing up in the 80s, he also had Michael Jordan.
Luck
I’m always pissed with how often I hear celebrities and successful people who lackadaisically claim that “you can do anything you set your mind to”. Caron shares a powerful story of how one police detective who had the power to alter his life negatively, decided to make an unpopular decision and take a chance on him. The detective’s decision could have gone either way despite anything that Caron had done up to that point. Caron’s only misfortune was being born into the environment he found himself in. An ambitious black kid with basketball aspirations but often judged by mere statistics. I’d guess a lot of black kids lost their chances with some bad decisions taken upon them.
Initiative
Caron speaks of a time during his incarceration where he took the initiative to influence one of the parole board members prior to his hearing. He took a risk but it paid out by him getting early release. This seems to be another common denominator with successful NBA players.
Coaching
One of the biggest contributing factors to Caron’s NBA success was also coaching, particularly with coach Max Good at MCI. Max showed him how to play the game the right way and put team success ahead. He also credits his uConn coach, Calhoun, and a few other coaches in his NBA tenure including Pat Riley, Rick Carlisle, Stan Van Gundy and Larry Drew.
Veteran Leadership & Work Ethic
A lot of credit was also accorded to the veterans Caron met along his first years in the NBA. He was particularly inspired by Alonzo Mourning who despite his difficult medical condition at the time was willing to share his NBA experiences. He also mentions the work ethic behind some of the prominent NBA players, particularly Kobe and Reggie Miller.
I was impressed by this book since Caron decided to make it more about his life journey and less about Basketball - as they saying goes these days, “it’s bigger than basketball”.
There are few areas in the book where it turned more into a PR event and less authentic, but I can’t blame him there.
I’d recommend this book to others who are passionate about basketball and interested to know some of the trials that individual face before making it to the NBA.
Memorable Quotes
“If you look back, you coming back.” - An old prison saying.
January 7, 2024
One of the best life stories you’ll ever read, entertaining, unbelievable and truly inspiring. This book not only is a great read about someone who came from nothing and made something but it’s the type of book that can give you hope, and maybe teach you a thing or two. If you’re a fan of the NBA it’s also cool to get a behind the scenes look at some famous players/coaches.
September 22, 2015
Review:
Caron Butler is a real-life success story, proving that one can escape the world of drugs and gangs and become successful in a different occupation. In his case, it was basketball where once he was noticed on the court instead of on the street, he became a huge success. His story of hope and the power of love from family is his autobiography “Tuff Juice.”
He was born in Mississippi, but spent most of youth in Racine, Wisconsin as his mother and grandmother found good paying jobs by migrating north. However, young Caron got caught up in the thrill of quick money by selling drugs and I found that portion of the book to be the most compelling part of Butler’s story. It portrayed a young man who knew what he was doing was dangerous but yet was still respectful to authority figures. While that sounds contradictory, it was mentioned several times by both police officers and family members.
That helped Butler turn his life around – people remembered this when he discovered that basketball was his way out of this lifestyle. The basketball portions of the book read much like other books on the sport. The language used is much like what is on the court, teammates of Butler are praised. While this portion of the book was not much different than others, the reader will still feel Butler’s pride in how he turned his life around and has become not only a successful basketball player but also a husband and father. This is a good read for anyone wanting to read about a man who really did escape the life of gangs.
I wish to thank Lyons Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Pace of the book:
It was a fairly quick read, especially once the book switched from his drug dealing days to his basketball prowess. After that point, it was a very fast paced book.
Do I recommend?
Basketball fans who have followed Butler in his professional career will appreciate this book that describes his troubled childhood and subsequent success on the basketball court.
http://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/201...
Caron Butler is a real-life success story, proving that one can escape the world of drugs and gangs and become successful in a different occupation. In his case, it was basketball where once he was noticed on the court instead of on the street, he became a huge success. His story of hope and the power of love from family is his autobiography “Tuff Juice.”
He was born in Mississippi, but spent most of youth in Racine, Wisconsin as his mother and grandmother found good paying jobs by migrating north. However, young Caron got caught up in the thrill of quick money by selling drugs and I found that portion of the book to be the most compelling part of Butler’s story. It portrayed a young man who knew what he was doing was dangerous but yet was still respectful to authority figures. While that sounds contradictory, it was mentioned several times by both police officers and family members.
That helped Butler turn his life around – people remembered this when he discovered that basketball was his way out of this lifestyle. The basketball portions of the book read much like other books on the sport. The language used is much like what is on the court, teammates of Butler are praised. While this portion of the book was not much different than others, the reader will still feel Butler’s pride in how he turned his life around and has become not only a successful basketball player but also a husband and father. This is a good read for anyone wanting to read about a man who really did escape the life of gangs.
I wish to thank Lyons Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Pace of the book:
It was a fairly quick read, especially once the book switched from his drug dealing days to his basketball prowess. After that point, it was a very fast paced book.
Do I recommend?
Basketball fans who have followed Butler in his professional career will appreciate this book that describes his troubled childhood and subsequent success on the basketball court.
http://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/201...
November 5, 2017
Former NBA star Caron Butler was a great player but had to through much adversity to get there. Caron’s accolades include Big East Co-Player of the Year in college, 2-time All-star, and NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Before NBA fame, Butler was affiliated with gangs and was a drug dealer in the Milwaukee area. Butler witnessed many of his close friends die in the streets and he was arrested many times. Butler talks about the importance his mother and coaches were to him when he got on the right path to success.
March 26, 2018
Page 247 of 295: that's when it finally gets to Butler's career in the NBA.
Which is not to say that his tough/tuff childhood in gang and drug-filled Racine, WI wasn't interesting and inspiring reading - it definitely was - but I think a 14 year pro career with as many ups and downs as Caron's should've been given more than 48 pages in a 300 page autobiography.
Which is not to say that his tough/tuff childhood in gang and drug-filled Racine, WI wasn't interesting and inspiring reading - it definitely was - but I think a 14 year pro career with as many ups and downs as Caron's should've been given more than 48 pages in a 300 page autobiography.
January 19, 2022
I live not too far from Racine, but during the year or so Caron Butler was a star at Racine Park I was busy raising kids. I do remeber the area on the southside he refers to -- even had a friend drive into a gunfight along one of those streets. (The cops told him to get down!) It's amazing he was able to gert out and turn his life around. The story is good, inspirational and dramatic.
April 15, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “SECOND CHANCE = REDEMPTION!”
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The very first sentence in this book… which is a forward by Kobe Bryant… is factually incorrect!
The sentence starts with the following: “When we got Caron Butler in a trade prior to the 2002-2003 season…”
Caron was traded to the Lakers before the 2004-2005 season. I could not believe that a nationally published book could be so poorly edited that the very first sentence was wrong. I got a sinking feeling in my stomach and thought… “Oh man! How am I going to make it through this book if this is how it starts??”
But from then on… the story telling picked up steam… and the further it went… the more enthralling it became. So… the irony is… as you’ll learn in this gripping biography… that just as the drug dealing… arrested… incarcerated young Caron Butler… got a miraculous… second chance at life… from Detective Rick Geller… that led to successful basketball career at the University of Connecticut… and a long NBA career… my giving the book… a “second chance”… enabled me to get a lot of reading enjoyment… which included… my emotions being touched… and such a strong… respect and admiration… for Caron’s super-hardworking… Mother and Grandmother… that I almost felt like I knew them… and I actually wanted to reach out and hug them… to show appreciation… and perhaps give them encouragement in their effort to beat the odds. That’s how caught up I got in Caron’s life story.
Caron was dealing drugs as a pre-teen child. He also got involved with… and used… guns. He wound up in a correctional facility and spent a couple of weeks in “the hole”… solitary confinement. Though the author makes it clear how much more money he made selling drugs… than could have possibly been made… with a straight job… here’s where I was truly won over… and though I played a lot of basketball in my life at some very high (non NBA) levels… and am a fanatic about it… and read anything and everything I can about the subject… THE AUTHOR… NEVER OVER-GLAMORIZED… THE DRUG LIFE! And that delicate balancing act… is what made this a book… about fighting the odds of life itself… rather than a basketball book. The fact that he accomplished riches and fame through basketball in the NBA… is secondary! This book is truly… and foremost… about the journey.
There are many turning points for Caron… the human being… as he realizes how desperately he needs to get out of his drug infested environment… the moment(s) he realizes he can’t succeed at the higher levels of basketball… simply… on G-d given ability. When he realizes not only the physical work needed… but the mental work… and the TEAM-WORK… and when he decides to truly be a leader.
Congratulations Caron… and you know how blessed you were… to have such a hard-working-loving… Mother and Grandmother.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The very first sentence in this book… which is a forward by Kobe Bryant… is factually incorrect!
The sentence starts with the following: “When we got Caron Butler in a trade prior to the 2002-2003 season…”
Caron was traded to the Lakers before the 2004-2005 season. I could not believe that a nationally published book could be so poorly edited that the very first sentence was wrong. I got a sinking feeling in my stomach and thought… “Oh man! How am I going to make it through this book if this is how it starts??”
But from then on… the story telling picked up steam… and the further it went… the more enthralling it became. So… the irony is… as you’ll learn in this gripping biography… that just as the drug dealing… arrested… incarcerated young Caron Butler… got a miraculous… second chance at life… from Detective Rick Geller… that led to successful basketball career at the University of Connecticut… and a long NBA career… my giving the book… a “second chance”… enabled me to get a lot of reading enjoyment… which included… my emotions being touched… and such a strong… respect and admiration… for Caron’s super-hardworking… Mother and Grandmother… that I almost felt like I knew them… and I actually wanted to reach out and hug them… to show appreciation… and perhaps give them encouragement in their effort to beat the odds. That’s how caught up I got in Caron’s life story.
Caron was dealing drugs as a pre-teen child. He also got involved with… and used… guns. He wound up in a correctional facility and spent a couple of weeks in “the hole”… solitary confinement. Though the author makes it clear how much more money he made selling drugs… than could have possibly been made… with a straight job… here’s where I was truly won over… and though I played a lot of basketball in my life at some very high (non NBA) levels… and am a fanatic about it… and read anything and everything I can about the subject… THE AUTHOR… NEVER OVER-GLAMORIZED… THE DRUG LIFE! And that delicate balancing act… is what made this a book… about fighting the odds of life itself… rather than a basketball book. The fact that he accomplished riches and fame through basketball in the NBA… is secondary! This book is truly… and foremost… about the journey.
There are many turning points for Caron… the human being… as he realizes how desperately he needs to get out of his drug infested environment… the moment(s) he realizes he can’t succeed at the higher levels of basketball… simply… on G-d given ability. When he realizes not only the physical work needed… but the mental work… and the TEAM-WORK… and when he decides to truly be a leader.
Congratulations Caron… and you know how blessed you were… to have such a hard-working-loving… Mother and Grandmother.
September 19, 2025
overall i liked Caron's story and it's great he made something of himself.
the problems with the book are that Caron seems to be naive, good natured, lovely person when in reality he did some bad things and was a friend of some bad people.
In the book its as if he made some small mistakes and all is good. i would have loved to hear more about the "bad" Caron.
also, it could be cut short in the end, nothing interesting happened, no need to write about it.
would only recommend it to basketball fans
the problems with the book are that Caron seems to be naive, good natured, lovely person when in reality he did some bad things and was a friend of some bad people.
In the book its as if he made some small mistakes and all is good. i would have loved to hear more about the "bad" Caron.
also, it could be cut short in the end, nothing interesting happened, no need to write about it.
would only recommend it to basketball fans
November 13, 2025
I’m not a basketball fan or even familiar with Caron Butler however I enjoy reading memoirs so picked up the audiobook. Narration was good but I do prefer when people narrate their own books. It gives a more personal and realistic feeling to it. This book was not really about basketball nor did it focus on details of the sport thankfully. It was chocked full of details about this man’s life growing up, his challenges, his mistakes and his will to do better and make changes. It was so interesting and inspiring. I really enjoyed it.
February 18, 2018
This is an incredibly inspirational book. It forms all of Caron Butler's life and it is very insightful. It is an inspirational book for many if they want to overcome obstacles in their life like he did. I am very impressed by his way of being able to explain everything from childhood to current day. Complete fan of the book.
April 16, 2019
It was Inspiring to know Caron Butler from Tuff Juice, How Caron has come out of failures and is an exemplary for mankind. Man of power, charity, wealth, kindness and love. How Caron has come out of poverty to 2 times NBA champion and a multi-millionaire and is now businessman and philanthrophist.
Inspiring read!
Inspiring read!
July 17, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. Great story of hanging in there, working through difficult times and getting a break that greatly changed his life. At times as I read this book, it was depressing. Yet, Caron Butler persevered. Great story and wonderful example to many people.
October 10, 2020
Pretty good
Pretty good book. Caron talks about the many obstacles he had to overcome to make it out of the hood. Then goes on to discuss his path from college to the NBA. Interesting and well written. 4 stars.
Pretty good book. Caron talks about the many obstacles he had to overcome to make it out of the hood. Then goes on to discuss his path from college to the NBA. Interesting and well written. 4 stars.
June 7, 2021
Coach Calhoun of UConn was only one of many who told Caron Butler that it’s time for him to stay and improve or time to move on. Butler had the maturity to listen even when he had other ideas. Pay attention as you read; thins to learn in reeding this book.
January 16, 2022
What a great story. From making thousands in crack sales in middle school to becoming an all star. Nothing else to be said, highly recommend reading about Caron’s journey from the streets to the league from the source himself.
May 27, 2025
Inspirational!
This is a really good read! I appreciate Caron’s approach to telling his story, providing an equal amount of focus on his life outside of basketball. I also like his honesty in revealing some of the things he did while still hustling on the streets.
This is a really good read! I appreciate Caron’s approach to telling his story, providing an equal amount of focus on his life outside of basketball. I also like his honesty in revealing some of the things he did while still hustling on the streets.
January 8, 2018
One of the most inspiring books I have ever read.
February 20, 2018
Couldn't put it down after I purchased it! Read this book - very well put together and interesting to say the least. Caron is an amazing person, with an amazing story.
June 26, 2018
Loved this book. Inspirational and keeps you wanting to read, fantastic.
December 27, 2018
Wow...amazing story
Caron’s no non-sense and straight-forward account of his story is inspiring. His perseverance despite all the obstacles is truly remarkable.
Caron’s no non-sense and straight-forward account of his story is inspiring. His perseverance despite all the obstacles is truly remarkable.
November 2, 2019
Dope comeback story.
February 2, 2020
Very inspirational
More people need to help one another - find your passion and build a life for yourself and others - Reading this - Caron made me rethink my beliefs!
More people need to help one another - find your passion and build a life for yourself and others - Reading this - Caron made me rethink my beliefs!
March 1, 2024
Inspiring, honest and has plenty of basketball stories. Exactly what I want from an athlete’s memoir. Definitely one I’ll add to my recommendations!
November 4, 2020
- Locker room gun situation w/Arenas (204-206)
- Injured but on Mavs 2011 championship team
- On Lob City Clipper teams
- On KD MVP Thunder team
- Injured but on Mavs 2011 championship team
- On Lob City Clipper teams
- On KD MVP Thunder team
October 23, 2015
I decided to read this book after reading an excerpt in the Player's Tribune. Caron Butler has had a very good NBA career with some stellar seasons, but he's enough of a nomad and not quite famous enough that I doubt anyone other than an NBA die hard would pick up this book. At the same time, NBA die hards might be disappointed by the lack of NBA insider stories (while the book is worth it for the Washington incident alone, that really is the only true inside look). Most of the book follows Butler and his family from the farming jobs his grandparents held as descendants of slaves, to the tough streets of Racine.
Two things about this book made it more enjoyable than other similar biographies: First, Butler does a good job of researching history to give his story context. He traces family history, city history, even the history of the police officers that pursued him. This gives Butler's story more depth and at the same time grounds it in a way that I wasn't expecting.
Second, Butler is relentlessly positive. He is slow to pass judgment on others, and when he does it's usually a positive assessment. That's true for family, NBA players, police, drug dealers, everyone. He doesn't leave out or downplay the negatives in others, but does his best to present them devoid of opinion so that the reader can decide.
Overall, an enjoyable quick read. Good to read in snippets on your phone, tablet, computer because you're too lazy to go back to reading Dune.
Two things about this book made it more enjoyable than other similar biographies: First, Butler does a good job of researching history to give his story context. He traces family history, city history, even the history of the police officers that pursued him. This gives Butler's story more depth and at the same time grounds it in a way that I wasn't expecting.
Second, Butler is relentlessly positive. He is slow to pass judgment on others, and when he does it's usually a positive assessment. That's true for family, NBA players, police, drug dealers, everyone. He doesn't leave out or downplay the negatives in others, but does his best to present them devoid of opinion so that the reader can decide.
Overall, an enjoyable quick read. Good to read in snippets on your phone, tablet, computer because you're too lazy to go back to reading Dune.
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