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Open Mike
"Riveting, raw, redemptive, courageous, authentic, inspirational... these are just a few of the words that come to mind to describe this book. Mike takes you on a journey from his humble beginnings, through his many triumphs and disappointments in both his personal and professional life and ultimately to his realization of self-love and love of others. I strongly recommend this book to any man or woman who has ever struggled..."
-Charles Sueing
Who is Mike Hill? For many years, he attempted to answer the question, to no avail. Hill was known to the world as the polished, versatile talent with multi-decade broadcast experience. After joining ESPN in 2004, Hill made a name for himself at the network, beginning at the highlight desk for ESPN News and later transitioning to some of the carrier's highest-priority programming, appearing as a host on SportsCenter, NFL Live, Baseball Tonight and NBA Tonight among others. In August of 2013, Hill joined FOX Sports. The embodiment of professionalism, Hill appeared to be living the American Dream; however, his private, internal struggles were taking a toll on his ability to live and to love. Eventually, the mounting trauma resulting from childhood memories of witnessing his mother victimized by domestic violence, a lack of proper and positive male influence, discovering that his stepfather was a murderer for hire, and the demise of two marriages, forced Hill to his breaking point. Amidst a silent cry for help and a quest to heal from within, Hill picked up his pen to chronicle the most prolific moments of his life and the lessons he learned.
-Charles Sueing
Who is Mike Hill? For many years, he attempted to answer the question, to no avail. Hill was known to the world as the polished, versatile talent with multi-decade broadcast experience. After joining ESPN in 2004, Hill made a name for himself at the network, beginning at the highlight desk for ESPN News and later transitioning to some of the carrier's highest-priority programming, appearing as a host on SportsCenter, NFL Live, Baseball Tonight and NBA Tonight among others. In August of 2013, Hill joined FOX Sports. The embodiment of professionalism, Hill appeared to be living the American Dream; however, his private, internal struggles were taking a toll on his ability to live and to love. Eventually, the mounting trauma resulting from childhood memories of witnessing his mother victimized by domestic violence, a lack of proper and positive male influence, discovering that his stepfather was a murderer for hire, and the demise of two marriages, forced Hill to his breaking point. Amidst a silent cry for help and a quest to heal from within, Hill picked up his pen to chronicle the most prolific moments of his life and the lessons he learned.
392 pages, Hardcover
Published August 19, 2020
3 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Mike Hill
78 books1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 16, 2021
4⭐️s for Open Mike by Mike Hill. This memoir felt like Mike was purging everything he’s ever done wrong to women. He told story after story of how he cheated and disrespected the women he both married & dated. Honestly, I really cannot understand why Cynthia Bailey married this man. Especially after reading in this book where Mike admits to only agreeing to meet Cynthia so that he could to broaden his television audience. And I must say his mission was accomplished. Because the only reason I read this book is because Mike is on the 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘸𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢 and the book was discussed on the show.
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Before reading this memoir I didn’t know much about Mike. I learned a lot about him from the book. Unfortunately, what I read didn’t make me a fan. The tipping point for me came when he told a story of how he cursed out his mother and kicked her out of his car because she took the side of his wife in an argument.
⠀
Now to be fair, I must tell you that he takes full responsibility for all of his actions. He also admits that with therapy, coupled with writing this memoir, he is now a changed man.
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A large part of the book is spent discussing his career (military and sports announcer). He had nothing good to say about ESPN. I think this book will definitely ruffle some feathers. Mike put all his ex-coworkers and ex-bosses on blast😂.
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What I enjoyed most is his transparency. He told it all. I found the title 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 very fitting. He shared stories most people would have buried and never discussed again. For example, he writes about giving his friend permission to go into a room and have sex with a girl he himself had just had sex with. Without the girl even knowing😦.
I also like Mike’s lighthearted delivery and comedic flare. Some of the stories in this book are deep. Yet, this body of work is not melancholy. Instead, it is surprisingly upbeat.
⠀
If I could change anything about the book it would be the length. At 390 pages it was simply too long for me. Some of the stories could have been condensed.
⠀
Overall, I think this is an entertaining book that’s well worth the read.
⠀
Before reading this memoir I didn’t know much about Mike. I learned a lot about him from the book. Unfortunately, what I read didn’t make me a fan. The tipping point for me came when he told a story of how he cursed out his mother and kicked her out of his car because she took the side of his wife in an argument.
⠀
Now to be fair, I must tell you that he takes full responsibility for all of his actions. He also admits that with therapy, coupled with writing this memoir, he is now a changed man.
⠀
A large part of the book is spent discussing his career (military and sports announcer). He had nothing good to say about ESPN. I think this book will definitely ruffle some feathers. Mike put all his ex-coworkers and ex-bosses on blast😂.
⠀
What I enjoyed most is his transparency. He told it all. I found the title 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 very fitting. He shared stories most people would have buried and never discussed again. For example, he writes about giving his friend permission to go into a room and have sex with a girl he himself had just had sex with. Without the girl even knowing😦.
I also like Mike’s lighthearted delivery and comedic flare. Some of the stories in this book are deep. Yet, this body of work is not melancholy. Instead, it is surprisingly upbeat.
⠀
If I could change anything about the book it would be the length. At 390 pages it was simply too long for me. Some of the stories could have been condensed.
⠀
Overall, I think this is an entertaining book that’s well worth the read.
March 11, 2021
I knew Mike Hill was funny but I didn't know he was hilarious! I about dropped this book multiple times from laughing at his jokes and the way he found humor in painful situations. I'm inspired by Mike's story of self-discovery, forgiveness, purpose, love, fatherhood, and entertainment. Wishing simply the best to his future chapters in life.
December 23, 2022
Great book!
Really appreciate the honesty and transparency. The book is an easy read and very relatable. Thank you for sharing your story.
Really appreciate the honesty and transparency. The book is an easy read and very relatable. Thank you for sharing your story.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews