Down and Back: Adversity In Amateur Athletics and Life

by Mike Murphy

"Down and Back" is a compelling inside look at the journey of Mike Murphy's amateur athletic career and personal life, along with his perspective towards today's athletic and academic world. This book is tailored not only towards kids and parents, but family members of an amateur athlete, coaches, teachers, and anyone else invested in an amateur sport. Mike Murphy was never the strongest, fastest, tallest, or the most athletic kid growing up. At one point in middle school, his mom told him that he was going to be too small to play high school basketball. Due to his love for the game, Mike built his amateur career based on investments in the right people and priorities. Although Mike did learn from his adversity, he wants you to learn from it too. Read "Down and Back" for a healthy dose of perspective, advice, and entertainment.

162 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2019

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Lynn W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw a post about this book through some friends whose friends had recommended it, and know the author personally. As a parent of sports-playing kids and a graduate (years before the author) of the same high-school, I had to give this a read.

The book is not the highest literary achievement by any means, but if this were being read by a teenager it would likely hit the mark and they would relate to the writing style and choice of words. The author definitely has a solid perspective on playing sports in school and the drive and hard work it takes to do well. His outlook, especially on academics and being playable is an important message for kids, and for parents, frankly. If you aren't eligible play, what's the point?

At 152 pages, this is a fairly quick read. Go Cougars!