Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable Book That Opens Your Eyes
Review: I received this book as a gift, and I had heard about it so I decided to begin reading it. As I read I really became unable to put the book down. Barkley isn't just another ignorant athlete that only cares about how big the rims are on his car. His views and beliefs that he talks about in this book are things that I really agree with. Some of the facts he talks about are really shocking and really make you see things from a viewpoint that you may not have seen before. At the end, the book becomes a bit repetitive, but overall, though not perfect, it is really a very good read.
Rating:
Summary: It is entertaining
Review: I thought this was a good book. It is obviously not written by some great scholar, so the grammar is not the best. But, it is entertaining and informative. I would recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: BEYOND EXCELLENT
Review: I was never a Charles Barkley fan during his days at Philly and Phoenix. I always thought he was somewhat abrasive. I've ALWAYS been and STILL AM, a Julius "Dr. J" Irving fan. But now that Charles is older and wiser, he's actually one of my favorite people. I love his candid and frank demeanor. Although he could use better choice of words when displaying his forwardness on certain individuals.Thank you Charles for writing this book. ALL PARENTS WITH POTENTIAL STUDENT ATHLETES NEED TO READ THIS HIGHLY INFORMATIVE BOOK.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Read
Review: In this book he talks about how he is making the transistion from basketball to something else, political commentator or something like that, now that he has retired from the NBA. He is at his best AWAY from basketball in this book, and even though he talked a lot about wanting to move beyond it he still talked about it a lot.
I recommend this book because of his comments on racism, which I found interesting in that they would be hard to characterize as liberal or conservative. I hope Charles does do something political because based on what he says here I think he could be a valuable inbetween sort of person that both sides could trust to help sort some issues out. He talks frequently about the need for more discussion and I agree with him. This book really did make me think, I tend to be conservative on the race issue, but I did not find his views about where racism lies to be at all race baiting like so many black leaders out there, or excessively small minded, but rather thought provoking and things I have gone back to in my mind since reading the book and noticing racial things on TV, etc. All in all a good read, easy reading, and enough juicy basketball stuff if that is what you are up for to go with the meatier stuff about social and racial issues.
Rating:
Summary: I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It - review
Review: Like many other professional sports today, professional basketball has its fair share of colorful, wild, and notorious players. However, thought to be one of the most controversial players in any sport, Charles Barkley personifies the unique and highly opinionated sports figure. I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It, by Charles Barkley, is an amazing autobiography, not only of the star's life on the basketball court, but of Barkley's opinions, goals, struggles, and triumphs in the real world. I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It is a story of the career and personal life of one of the most talented basketball players to ever set foot in the NBA. Still noted as one of the only players, along with Wilt Chamberlain, to "total more than 23,000 points, 12,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists," this sports legend now expresses his opinions, not by playing the game he was so talented at, but through his present position as a TNT sports commentator. As quoted by the book, "There's nothing Charles Barkley shies away from here-not race, not class, not big money, not scandal, not politics, not personalities, nothing." Barkley infrequently utilizes literary devices. However, the author employs very personal and unique language that not only keeps the reader interested, but also enables the reader to feel as if he has known Barkley for a long time. I thought I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It was an incredible autobiography. Although highly opinionated and in some instances controversial, this book is a must read for any sports fan. The book lacks a definite theme, but its purpose is to present the life of one of the most intelligent minds in all of sports today and the opinions and ideas that have molded this man into the "character" he is today.
Rating:
Summary: CHARLES KEEPS IT REAL
Review: Love him or hate -- you've got to respect Charles Barkley. This book is written in true Barkley fashion -- To The Point. He takes on subjects that too few athletes or men of prominence are afraid to tackle. The book is exactly what I expected -- providing his opinions on today hottest topics. It is easy to read. The reader feels like Sir Charles and he/she are having a cocktail and talking. If you aren't prepared the answer, don't ask Barkley the question. One thing is for sure -- Charles calls it the way He see it.
Rating:
Summary: funny, smart, interesting
Review: sir charles is funny, smart, interesting. this book is such a fun read, and also a provocative and satisfying book. even if you don't know who charles barkley is or don't care about professional basketball, you'll still enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Simple Truths
Review: Starts off light-hearted: why he's writing this book. He wants to get people thinking, get discussions started from his comments and opinions on social issues and serious subjects. He talks about "keeping it real" for himself and the importance of the "star" of the game (any game) who's often taken for granted. He speaks of his mother and grandmother, who played such an important role in his upbringing, his love of travel and meeting new people. He speaks strongly of the racial tension he knew growing up black in Alabama. "Prejudice and racism isn't natural; you have to be taught it." His personal mentors: Julius Erving and Moses Malone. There's no fraternity more unique than that of the professional athlete. Young athletes should pay homage to the greats who came before them. He says "God doesn't have a favorite team," and "every minute of every day can't be serious." What's wrong with saying that parents and teachers should be the role models of our children, not celebrities? When priests abuse children, why are we holding "meetings" instead of tossing their butts in jail? Why do people say an athlete's career is unfulfilled if he/she doesn't win a championship? Young players need to finish High School and stay in college as long as possible before going pro. The reason the worst teams get first draft pick is to improve their team now. Not 3-4 years from now when the kid gets better. Charles touched on the September 11th tragedy briefly; how he felt, how it changed him, especially his sudden uneasiness with flying. The book is edited by Washington Post Sports Columnist Michael Wilbon who also contributes a great intro., having known Barkley since 1983 when he first saw him play at Auburn. Much of the book addresses the problems with racism. That's fine. The author IS black and has experienced racism his entire life. Most white people think, "I don't worry about racism: I'm white. It's a non-issue for me." The fact that racism is still a topic of conversation now, in 2003, is sad. I knew what to expect when I picked up this book. I'm white AND I'm a woman, but I'm just a fan of Charles Barkley. (I'm just sorry you never played for us in Boston!) An NBA star for 16 years and a big mouth: That's why I like him. He's not afraid to speak his mind. I find his ideas and opinions so basic, simple and true. It's unfortunate the rest of the world doesn't see things as simply as he does. I also enjoyed the writing style: very casual and conversational. Other readers have said, "there's not much that hasn't been heard before." Well isn't that the point? Most of these deeper issues ARE old issues. But they're STILL issues. Nothing's resolved. And PS-If you didn't like the book, you shouldn't have given it 3-stars!
Rating:
Summary: keep talking
Review: the thing about the book that stands out the most, is that charles barkley took out time to " write a book " on some things that were important; not only to him, but to the average person that relates and understands those concerns. how many pro sports figures even care to do something like this???
Rating:
Summary: keep talking
Review: the thing about the book that stands out the most, is that charles barkley took out time to " write a book " on some things that were important; not only to him, but to the average person that relates and understands those concerns. how many pro sports figures even care to do something like this???
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