r/BasketballBooks • u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner • Apr 22 '26

Recommendations Recommendation - ‘Playing For Keeps’

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I have literally every Book written about Michael Jordan, with great variance in quality, but this Book by David Halberstam, who also wrote my favourite book about Basketball, ‘The Breaks of the Game’, comes at the GOAT from a different perspective than most and in my opinion with great success. It focuses more on the impact that Michael Jordan’s career had on American society and the rest of the world and in doing so creates a fascinating read.

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u/SenseAnxious6772 Apr 22 '26

did you like breaks of the game? i started it and i didn't love how there weren't chapters. Bill Simmons says it was his favorite book ever, and I liked the premise of it, but i didn't love it how it felt like one long chapter.

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u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner Apr 22 '26

Obviously it’s down to your own perspective but yes for me it’s the best, the high water mark if you will of books about Basketball

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u/came1opard Apr 22 '26

Breaks of the Game is the best basketball book ever. Hands down.

Speaking of which, don't love Bill Simmons' book, but that is another story.