Widely Unknown: The Tennis Journey of a Smart Mouth Punk

by Gene Hamilton

Widely Unknown is a book based on one simple idea; the vast majority of people who play tennis do not attain fame or wealth as a result of their play, but they do have the opportunity to reap many valuable rewards. This idea is illustrated through the tennis adventures of the author, who has played, taught, officiated, and written about the game over a 70 year span. He has found his tennis experiences to be frequently funny, sometimes thought provoking, and occasionally sad, but almost always meaningful.

152 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2019

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little gem was not at all what I expected, and what a pleasant surprise! Mr. Hamilton's memoir is interesting, engaging, and absolutely hysterical. His wry sense of humor comes across beautifully on the page, and more than once I had tears streaming down my face as I gasped for air while attempting to read passages to my stunned family members.

Reading this book is like sitting down with your best friend's grandpa. Reminiscing about sports, primarily tennis and basketball, family, and work, the author provides a wonderful glimpse at a simpler time. He does not, however, tip over into the realm of nostalgia. This recounting includes stories of racism, reminders of the brevity of life, and mentions of rivalries, aging, and various advancements.

A lovely look into the past that demonstrates that while life may have been simpler during the not-so-distant past, it wasn't necessarily easier.