Giant Steps: The Autobiography of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Peter Knobler

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has always been the man in the middle, full of power and pride, glory and heartbreak. GIANT STEPS is Kareem on Kareem. The shy kid on the streets of New York... The angry spokesman for his race and religion... The man too sensitive, too outspoken, too big to fit the traditional mold of All-American athlete. It's Kareem coming to terms with himself and the inside game.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Basketball, Autobiography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography Memoir

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1983

About the author

As a center for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1975 to 1989, American basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, originally Lew Alcindor, led the all-time scores in history of national basketball association in 1984.

This former professional player current serves as assistant coach. Typically referred to as Lew Alcindor in his younger days, he changed his name when he converted to Islam.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_...

Reviews

[Victor McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kareem Abdul Jabbar was the player I followed as a high school and into the pros..I met him in Denver at a book signing for a different book. He tried to be personable but it is just not who he is. regardless, I had to get this book in 1994. i wanted to learn as much about this man as I could...A good read.

[MOL · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the beginning of the book Kareem has confirmed to be a true intellectual and objectively smart person. Reading his biography back-to-back with Bill Russell's one I could not help but compare these two greats. While I admired Bill's raw intellect and understanding of the world around, it became quickly apparent to me that Kareem has advantages of a more structured education which led him to being able think in a more structured and conventional way, while Russell's intellect appeared to me more intuitive.

Whatever Bill might have lacked in intellect (as crazy as that may sound talking about one of the smartest ones to ever lace basketball shoes), he compensated in heart and character. Kareem in this regard appeared to me a bit soft and whiny. I guess this might have something to do with the fact that Russell was a late bloomer and had to fight against all odds to go where he went, while Kareem was a child prodigy and became successful very early in his life.

I respected Kareem the least when reading about his religion. I had no issues with the beginning of it, conversion and all (although his pseudo-intellectual reasoning for Islam being superior to Christianity seemed weak), but later stages, looking down on others (be it non-believer, "weak" believers or believers of the "wrong kind of Islam", blindly following Hamaas (a man arrogant enough to believe to be the only one to understand Islam "in the right way" in the whole USA), even to the point of not letting his own parents to his wedding... seemed odd and I was saddened that such a bright mind actually held such beliefs and has followed them (although more in thought than in practice, as he had no trouble ) so deeply.

I was glad that Kareem seemed to mellow out by the end and grow out of his young adult years extremism and influence of Hamaas.

Overall, I was satisfied with the book and getting to know Kareem. I loved his surprisingly open approach and loved seeing his character grow through the years. I probably wouldn't want to be a friend with Kareem in his 20s. The 30s Kareem seemed much more mature and open though.

[JR Dowd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing someone as gifted as Kareem at basketball can also write an insightful book like this one. Save some talent for the rest of us!

[Rick Hogaboam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read about a fascinating player who grew up in an interesting period. I wish he would get a chance to coach, but doesn't look like it's going to happen.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this ghostwritten autobiography in a Little Free Library in Multnomah Village roughly a year ago, and it has taken me a year to read it because I've been lacking in quiet time the last few years. I took it with me to a yoga retreat in July 2017 and read a sizable chunk, but then put it down until April when I went on an annual trip involving plane travel. But I finally finished!

Kareem's autobiography appealed to me as a basketball fan, but also because I wanted to the learn the story behind his conversion to Islam: what motivated it, if he experienced troubles like the ones Muhammad Ali experienced, and so on. And I found what I sought—a large part of his story is about his perception of the world, seeing himself as a commodity to win games rather than a person as early as high school. I didn't know much of his personal story and found it very interesting, from his early days in New York to his experiences on the road with NBA.

Sprinkled throughout the text are passages that are extremely timely, about the rift between owners and players in his professional sport, the double standard applied to white vs. black players, and the like. When I wasn't quite done with this book Kareem penned an op-ed piece about NFL's treatment of cheerleaders for The Guardian which was a really nice companion piece as I read his book and pondered his thoughts.

Ghostwriter Peter Knobler, incidentally, is an old classmate of Kareem's from New York...which makes the work feel a little more authentic than maybe other celebrity autobiographies!

[RJ Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. Not your typical book written by a jock. Co-written by Peter Knobler. I had listened to a biography of Muhammed Ali by Jonathan Eig and was curious how Kareem would talk about Islam. I was not disappointed but maybe a little shocked. I'm of that age that I remember Lew Alcindor at Power Memorial High School in , a Catholic high school in NYC and what a b-ball prodigy he was. That was described very well. I wish he had spent more time with the Coach Wooden section but was glad that he had criticism for that well renowned coach. Nobody's perfect. What stuck out was Hamaas the Muslim leader that took him under his wing and "sold him" his brand of Islam, named Kareem as well as two of his children from wife Habiba who I think he chose for Kareem. Then he went into detail about the massacre in Washington DC involving Hamaas which I don't really remember happening in 1977. It felt like Kareem was under the spell of this charismatic guru and couldn't think for himself? Religion. I don't understand it. He was able to dump Catholicism but he needed something else to lean on, another religion rather than just leaning on himself and his friends? He talked about Wilt. Jazz. He talked about the ladies, about finally finding his true love at age 30, Cheryl. He didn't dwell on every basketball game he ever played, maybe just the most important ones. I appreciated that.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, really enjoyed some of the history with his upbringing - from Power, a Catholic school in New York to UCLA to Milwaukee, and back to California again with the Lakers, gave me a lot of perspective on his life. The whole bout with Islam was pretty interesting too. I liked his candid way of speaking in the book, kind of reminds me of the catcher in the rye the way he spoke about things going on in his life - especially when he was on the Bucks. Overall, would recommend to anyone interested in sports / Kareem's life. I'm a pretty big basketball fan myself, so of course I liked it. It seemed like he was pretty happy living with his family and friends at the beginning of the book. Messing around with teammates, looking at girls, and going to Jazz clubs. Even at UCLA he seemed like he was enjoying doing new things (even drugs) and enjoying playing basketball. But as he got further into the book, it seemed to get more sad. He was very alone in Milwaukee and experienced consistent losing seasons for the first time. Divorced his wife and she moved away with his daughter. His only mentor lost his mind because of a terrorist attack. Some really awful stuff happened, and it got pretty dark pretty fast. Thankfully, ended on a good note with him meeting another girl and getting to experience winning with Magic again. - 3/5

[David Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like an honest autobiography, but it didn't make me think more highly of Kareem than I previously had, which disappointed me. As far as his career went, greater detail was given to seasons he considered successes, while seasons that ended in defeat were glossed over competed, or explained just long enough to provide excuses. When discussing his personal life, it's hard to gauge what he was really like, as the in-depth discussions around his religion are mixed in with random lines about still having fun with things he felt he shouldn't have been doing, but doesn't give the reader a good understanding of where that balanced out for him. I enjoyed the one fiction novel of his that I've read, but his non-fiction personally wasn't my style.

[Bryan Mcquirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an eye opening expose on Kareem's life that most people are unaware of. I was introduced to his greatness as a player in the early 80's as the child of a die hard Lakers fan. However I knew little about him as a person. This book allows people to penetrate the veil he put up for years and get to understand the man beneath the legend on the court.
I found it interesting how the social issues he faced in this country made him so bitter towards whites, and how his path through Islam allowed him to leave his bigotry and hatred behind, and develope into a compassionate champion of humanity.

[Adam B · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is really hard to judge an autobiography based on how you feel about a person. I don't want to knock off stars just because I find some things hypocritical or not self-aware, but I found it frustrating to read. The real gripe I have about the book is how some tangents go nowhere for too long, how some stories or character descriptions are just not that interesting (probably because his refusal to act like a normal person). Overall I like how he described some emotions he felt that I cant relate too, but alot of how he talks about himself just makes me think hes a follower who dosent have the ability to be an emotional leader to himself.

[Faisal Chaudhary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is clearly a complex man with many layers to his personality. I was aware of his ability as a player before reading this book and whilst sports biographies are a favourite genre of mine, most are poorly written. This book was a pleasant surprise, Abdul-Jabbar does not avoid many topics from religion to politics to relationships. The book did get a bit cumbersome in the latter chapters but you have to remind yourself that this man played elite sport for such a long time - he has many stories to tell.

[Sumukh · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a basketball fan, just a fascinating read at an interesting point in Kareem’s career (published in 1983). He sees himself retiring in a year but in reality plays until 42 and gathers an additional 3 NBA titles.

It’s a great portrait into the understanding of Kareem more off the court than on. His intelligence and depth shows through. You gain a better understanding of Kareem’s experiences with racism, his desires and perspective with Islam, and his drive as a competitor.

I thought it was an excellent memoir particularly to read 40 years later and be taken back to that time period.

[STEVE HOLLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best autobiographies by one of the best ever

If you read any book about Abdul-Jabbar and his legacy, read the words from the man himself. Spanning his childhood in Harlem to his outlook on both world and domestic issues, his conversion to Islam and his playing career from Power to UCLA and lastly the NBA and Lakers, this should be a must-read for any fan of the game, young and old.

[adelaide kauchak · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you are into “retro” basketball culture, you’ll love this book. as a fan of the “the last dance” documentary, i was hooked by this book. initially picked up as an easy read, but it took me much longer to get through. his story is very interesting. the only thing i struggled with was his treatment of women, and how even years later he struggles to see his own shortcomings in this part of his life. overall an inspiring story, and he’s definitely a forgotten icon.

[Derek Norford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful biography

This book provided insight into the layered persona of a great athlete and man. Truly the book displays the life and times one of the greatest basketball players that every lived. The development of his philosophy is steeped on intellectual introspection, which has resulted in fruitful results both on and off the basketball court.

[The Academic Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're not interested in basketball...well, this book is perfect for you! Drop the idea of reading the classic player autobiography and embrace a good tale about the Harlem of the 1960s and African American struggle for equality. Abdul-Jabbar comes out from these pages as a funny, insecure, and intelligent young man and takes the reader through the journey of becoming one of the best black athletes in history. The two sides of the man, the boy unable to date the girl he likes and the intellectual who challenges both his opponents and the media establishment, are fully disclosed in this must-read book.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abdul-Jabbar now comes across as a thoughtful man with interesting things to say on race and religion. This book is from 1983 when he was a lot more brash. I found the parts about his religion to be most interesting. He took the path of many adult converts in latching onto one teacher only to realize that his beliefs could be more than that. The basketball parts weren't my thing since I'm not a sports fan. I was impressed at his insistence on the importance of teamwork to success. Then there are the bits about women who were presented less as people than as objects to possess and use. It's the one aspect of the book that has not aged well.

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written 40 years ago, the book still has relevance and immediacy. Has a lot to say about racism, religion, growing up, the game, and hardness — in playing the game and avoiding/eliminating the pitfalls of fame and money. Because even the great get scammed and hurt. Well worth the read even now.

[Wes J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening

I like non-fiction so this was something I thought I would like. I'm only a few years younger than Kareem and followed his career fairly closely but there were several things I was surprised by.

[Craig LeVasseur · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jamal fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Great story about the all time great from high school,college and NBA. History lesson about times in the 60s and 70s

[Peggy M. James · Rating 5 out of 5]

WELL WORTH A READ!!!


I'm not a sports fan, but I am a lover of humanity and a human tale. I found this to be a wonderful read!

[NinoDelOro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this freshman year of college.

[Judd Vance · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book. Kareem is a very intelligent guy. I was hoping for a little more introspection, but that's just not his way. This book does tell his side of the story, such as why he was never cordial with the press and he dispels that rumor that Magic caused him to "loosen up" (it was actually the woman he was dating and went on to marry). Still, for an extraordinary person, he comes off as a bit gloomy, like he has a dark cloud over his head and that he he doesn't enjoy life -- maybe it's just me.

Most autobiographies devote a few chapters to growing up and the rest to the professional career. Kareem spends a lot of detail on his entire life, from growing up, to playing in high school, hanging out with Wilt Chamberlain, and on through his UCLA days. He doesn't skip the bad years and talk more about the good years (well, except 1984...he doesn't talk much about it at all -- and this particular book boasts that the new addition contains material from his most recent season.). He also tells many other things, such as his views on racism, his refusal to play in the 1968 Olympics, the fire to his house, and his love of jazz, just to name a few things.

A couple of points. I think he tries to hard to rationalize Kermit Washington's brutal sucker punch of Rudy Tomjanovich. If you read it, you should read Rudy's account, and then you will have a lot different perspective. On the neat side, there is a story about Connie Hawkins' team playing Wilt Chamberlain's in the New York Rucker's league. Kareem was a spectator and you read his point of view. You should also read Hawkins'. It makes for a neat cross reference.

I do love the title of this book, as it is named in honor of John Coltrane's legendary album.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Via Kindle Unlimited.

[Omar · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a decent book. Being an autobiography, it focuses more on the personal than the big picture, which is what most people would be interested in. However, while it often spends an inordinate amount of time on minor episodes in Kareem's life it is a solid book. My only big criticism of the book is that it glosses over his career after around 1977. He says little about Magic Johnson, his relationship with him and the great Lakers' teams of the 1980's and their dominance of that decade, their legendary rivalry with the Bird-McHale-Parish Celtics. Far more time is spent on his time in high school. All of this said, if you are interested in learning about perhaps the greatest basketball player ever I would recommend reading this book.

[Doug Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giant Steps is an autobiography of the great NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. First off this book was very fun to read because I'm a basketball player, if you are one as well this book will inspire you. Second this book had great detail and imagery I wasn't born in this era but I could picture everything really well. Giant steps is a great story and a must read for athletes!

[Reinhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

By far the most intelligent NBA autobiography I have ever read. Talks about growing up in NYC, what he learned there. His time at UCLA, his conversion (doesn't get preachy). Not a big ego trip like other NBA bios. Worth reading.

[Big · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read about an outstanding basketball player who was an even better man. Kareem was very intelligent and loved to read. His shy personality made him a very misunderstood man.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kareem's got the cools!