The Education of Kendrick Perkins: A Memoir

This book tells a compelling account of Perk’s life in basketball and as a black man coming of age in an America and NBA still confronting a legacy of racism. The book places Perk’s journey, both as a basketball star and kid growing up in poverty, in the historical context of the country and those black basketball players who came before. Readers learn what it is like for a poor kid from Beaumont Texas to find himself in Boston and playing on a championship team alongside superstars like Kevn Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajan Rondo. And then Perk winds up in OKC with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and finally in Cleveland with LeBron—someone Perk had known since competing together in the youth leagues. This is an important book that i could see becoming required reading in high school and college US history. It provides a unique and important perspective on the role of sports and athletes in America. It’s interesting to me that if you look at other reviews of this book it seems like everyone who actually read the book loves it and had a similar reaction to me. By contrast, almost all of the negative reviews look like they are from people who never actually read the book because they offer no substantive criticism. Rather they seem to be from people who dont like the idea that a black man wrote a book that deals honestly with racism. Do yourself a favor and ignore these folks and just recognize that this type of reaction proves that this book raises important and yes some uncomfortable truths that make it worth reading. And then leave your own review.

Although the book certainly cover Perk’s experiences in the NBA, it does much more. He explores racial issues from a personal and historical perspective. (For someone who skipped college to play in the NBA his historical knowledge of race relations is incredible.)He is equally impressive in sharing his personal psychological issues and growth, especially his trouble dealing with retirement from the NBA. His ability to deal with, and grow from, personal and professional challenges is informative and inspiring.All in all a well written book and a great read.

I decided to buy and read this book based on enjoying Perk on his television and podcast appearances. I love his style, authenticity and his perspective. He has a very interesting back story and that was explored in this book as well as some of his time as a player with some of the best teams in the NBA in the 21st Century. He is honest, open and includes a lot of history lessons within the book as well. Overall, a great read for basketball fans!

really good story. when it got to race and racism, thought it would be the poor black man. but Perkins opens up with a good essay about the history of the black family and race. made me think and re assess my values. a positive book for all

Never thought that Kendrick would open to the world like he did. This is a must read!!! #PUREGOLD

I had no expectations going into this book, but as I started reading, I thought it was just going to be just another athlete biography, but it turned into so much more. My favorite parts were the many history lessons as well as stories about his life. Although I'm not a sports person, this was an absolute gem and delight to read.I received a copy of the book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the copy of The Education of Kendrick Perkins. I don’t really follow sports, but I admire what athletes do to stay competitive so this book interested me. I try to read a couple of nonfiction books every year and I’m glad this was one of them. I really liked how Perk described his relationships with his teammates and the strong bonds they had. I also loved his viewpoints about social justice and fatherhood. If sports are your thing there are also plenty of game stories, but the other parts of this book were captivating enough! Thank you Perk for educating me.

I have followed Perks career since his high school days. I grew up in Beaumont , went to Forest Park class '77 followed all the great athletes from the Pear Orchard since I was in elementary school. What a great story for me to learn being from my side of town. Wish all my peers would read Kendrick Perkins book. Thank you Perk.