Yao: A Life in Two Worlds

Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: I am just finished this book. It has a great insight of Yao's life and his struggles in going to the NBA, his first allstar and his life as an NBA player. Some funny moments as you would have a peek into his humor and wisdom. What's great about this book is that Yao Ming personally speaks/wrote of himself in the book and most of the person's that know him well shared their insights in the book. The book (including a chapter about his girlfriend, Ye Li) really informs us of Yao's both world . I am now a Yao Ming Fan for life. Definitely worth its price.

Rating:
Summary: a well written, personable, humorous and reflective book
Review: I wasn't sure how I felt about paying for a biography for someone who had only been in the NBA for 2 seasons, but I'm so glad that I did. This book is wonderful in the way that Yao lets us catch a glimpse of the giant heart that beats within him. It is very real, very open- and I feel that I understand him so much better now. Definitely worth picking up a copy if you're a Yao fan, or even just want a perspective of China from the eyes of probably the most famous Chinese person of them all!

Rating:
Summary: A Life in Two Worlds
Review: Once I started reading the book, I could not put it down until I was done .

Rating:
Summary: Autobiography of a basketball superstar
Review: Yao Ming comes across in this book as a refreshingly well-balanced young man who has his size 18 shoes squarely on the ground, dispite the fact that his head is almost (literally) in the clouds. Anyone who thinks that Yao has had it easy, will soon discover that he has worked very hard for everything he has and that his 7'6" frame has sometimes been as much a liability as it has been an asset. Yao describes a bit about his growing-up years and shows how his parents, although basketball players themselves, wanted something more for their son. They encouraged him to pursue a college degree, but when he opted for life as a professional athlete, they supported him in his decision. Although very committed to China and to playing for its national team, Yao shows a surprisingly independent spirit and has definite opinions which he shares in the book. Things bog down a bit during the chapters on the negotiations which brought him to the Houston Rockets and the NBA, and the multiple voices which tell the story are rather distracting and confusing at times. Yao is at his best when he uses his humor to contrast life styles between China and the U.S. Although he sometimes pokes fun at both cultures, he manages to show respect to the individuals he writes about. With his work ethic, competitiveness, and balanced outlook on life, Yao is sure to be a success in anything he attempts in life.


Rating:
Summary: Great Autobiography!! Very Interesting Read!!
Review: You do not have to be a basketball junkie to love this book.
Its interesting to read about the language, and culture barriers Yao had to break to be successful in the NBA.

Stories from friends, families, coaches , GM's and fellow players are really funny, and gives you some insight on behind-the scenes NBA stuff.

Ric Bucher has done an EXCELLENT JOB--blending Yao's words,and perspective, with the words, and perspectives of people in Yao's inner circle.

Definitely, one of the better sports biographies ever written.
I was really impressed.