It's difficult to write a simple review of a biography that actually encompasses someone's entire life from childhood to adulthood and death. It is a great book. But there is a lot more to it than simply saying this is a good book.
As a father, it shows how the relationship between Press and Pete could also be the same relationship between fathers and children today. Do we push our children too much in one direction to be something that we wanted to be? Do we overlook bad habits or bad behavior because their gifted at the one thing we want them to be good at? Of course we want the best for our children, but we should also look at the relationship between Press and Pete as an example of how to nurture the gifts in children.
As a NC State alum, I was amazed at the history of the Maravich family with the Wolfpack basketball program. I lived in
Much can be said about his difficulties in the NBA as well. It's obvious that Pete would have been more successful if he had played 10 years later during the NBA explosion brought on by the Magic/Bird rivalry. If Pistol had been on the Hawks during his prime with Dominique Wilkins, that would have been incredibly entertaining.
I think it's sad that his career ended so early. But yet, it's obvious that some blame rests on his own shoulders. His behavior off the court clearly made him unwelcome in NBA locker rooms to some extent. Ultimately, it was his knees that ended his career. If Press didn't push him so hard earlier in life, would his body have held up better?
Regardless of the speculation, "Pistol" is a very good read for people looking for a good biography and basketball fans alike.
