From the Outside: My Journey Through Life and the Game I Love

Most memoirs from current or past professional basketball players will follow a certain pattern as they are read, from the less than desirable conditions, for whatever reasons, the subject went through in their formative years. Then because a certain person or persons believed in them, they achieved success on the basketball in youth leagues or high school and they were able to take that newfound success into a career in the NBA. This memoir by former NBA All-Star Ray Allen follows the same path, but reads differently in a few ways.One is that Allen was a child of a military member, so when he talks of his father not always being there for him, it was due to his father’s military commitments, not because he was absent from his children’s life. However, due to this, Allen obtained much of his personal traits from the women in his life, starting with his mother. He mentions that frequently through the book. Another difference is that when he became a teenage father, he remained in the child’s life even though he and the child’s mother did not marry (although they did attempt to keep their relationship going when Allen went to college). That experience made a difference in how Allen lived his family life when he married and had children with his wife.This type of writing is not the main point of the book, however, as it is very basketball-centric as Allen describes his experience in high school basketball in South Carolina, his college career at the University of Connecticut and his NBA career in which he played for four teams – the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. The last two teams are the ones he speaks most fondly of, mainly because that was with whom he won his championships. Throughout his basketball career, no matter what level, there is one constant theme that worked well for him – his work ethic. He always wanted to be the first one at the gym and he would always be working toward improving his game, especially his shooting.That last aspect is what he became most noted for, especially his accuracy with three-point shots. He made one of the most memorable three-point shots in NBA history, a game tying 3 point shot at the end of regulation in game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals with the Heat. That shot not only sent the game into overtime, but it catapulted the Heat to win that game and the championship over the San Antonio Spurs. I enjoyed this section of the book (including the description of that shot in Chapter 1) along with his stories about his championship team in Boston. On that 2008 team, he bonded well with Kevin Garnett who like Allen, was a key off-season acquisition by the Celtics to build that championship team.The last aspect of the book that should be mentioned is that Allen never comes across as angry or bitter, even when describing issues that if they did, would be understandable. Of course, he was subjected to racism but other incidents such as with his Milwaukee coach George Karl or when he was told several times that he would not succeed, he always wrote in a tone that suggested that he was glad he overcame whatever obstacles that situation or person made him endure. It’s a very good read for those who enjoyed watching Allen become one of the better shooters of his era.

I must say... I like biographies and autobiographies but I only read about the great ones or people who've been through a lot.Ray Allen's story intrigued me... I'm a little bit older than Ray so I can remember him playing for UConn as I was in college as well. He was a beast in the NBA Sega Genesis Games for Seattle and Milwaukee. He's one of the greatest pure shooters who also has super exceptional athletic ability (Just Youtube Ray Allen Highlights). This guy used to jump out the gym and didn't mind giving it to anyone.So to read about his life and stories was like being a fly on the wall at his games in certain times of his life. From his battles with Kobe and Michael to his time in Milwaukee, why KG, PP and Rajon hate him to why he chose Miami and Lebron over signing with Boston. He discusses it all and it makes sense. KG and the rest of the Celtics were in their feelings. When you get to the NBA you have to do what it takes to take care of your family, that's really the endgame of it all. So KG, PP and Rondo being mad at him for going to Miami to make money and win a championship is straight bull. Miami offered less than Dallas, but who WOULDN'T go to Miami to play with D Wade and Lebron.. Those guys kill me now they're mad at Ray.. Screw em'..I was happy with this book and I think you will be too. Very good read about Ray's life and how he remains humble. I honestly think he could've played another 2-3 years if he wanted.. but only an athlete knows when they're ready to hang the sneakers up.

From the "Outside" Ray Allen always seemed stoic and reserved, so I found the book refreshing because he let's us in on how he truly feels. Ray opens up about KG, Paul, Raja Rondo, Doc, the Celtics, and LeBron James. I loved how this story was told. It was honest and didn't seem like he threw anyone under a bus. He even takes ownership of some of his mistakes in life and with his teammates in basketball. Ray seems like a really mature man. He puts his family first and basketball second. Ray was a professional who did his job well. However, sometimes when you are mature and others aren't, you may come across as if you are better than they are, but I am glad Ray never became anyone he was not in order to please others or to fit in. No doubt his upbringing had a lot to do with his manners and the respect he shows for others.

Excellent bio by an underrated NBA Hall of Famer, champion, and Olympic gold medalist.Allen shares the highs and lows of his basketball journey.He pays tribute to his family, friends, and coaches.I loved how many coaches at different levels taught him something.I loved how he crossed passed with other NBA legends when he was still growing up.Legends like Allen Iverson and Kevin Garnett, among others.

I enjoyed this page turner. Ray, already being my favorite, made me look forward to reading about his life. As a die hard Celtics fan, it hurt when he left, but after hearing the rumors, and now from his mouth, I understood. Never enjoyed watching him in a Heat uniform, but watching him play the game he loved, made it worth it. This book gave some advice, not that it was written for that purpose, but enjoyed reading. Thanks Ray

Loved this. Loved reading about Ray’s meticulous mindset, how he overcame being “different.” The work ethic — how he balanced family and passion. I feel like he sets a pattern in this book for how not only basketball players, but how the average person should live. Would recommend.

I think some times you need to pick up peace of literature that seems simple at first glance but you need to remember in order to create something simple and inspiring you need to work much harder.If you want to learn what makes people greats at sports they play or life they live, seek some life advice or at the tough spot and need some inspiration this book is worth your time!

Good look

A long but great read, especailly for the NBA fan, or Ray Allen fan, interested in the dynamics behind those Boston Celtics teams in the late 2000s.

non una storia tipo quella di dennis rodman, ma il dettagliato viaggio dall'infanzia al titolo di un campione nba un po' sottovalutato

Ray Allen sort son autobiographie ? En tant que fan du joueur, je ne pouvais pas rater l'occasion que de connaître son point de vue sur sa carrière, sa vie extra-sportive.J'ai apprécié chaque page du livre. Il y détaille certains moments de sa longue carrière, notamment ses relations avec ses coéquipiers (Celtics, Heat, Sonics, Bucks).J'ai cependant été déçu qu'il n'évoque que rapidement le fameux shoot lors de finale 2013, ni mêmes de certains moments des Finals, ou des JO de 2000.Hormis cela, très bon livre

Basketball fans of any team will enjoy this. Being born with talent is only part of the story to become an NBA All Star, hard work and dedication is needed, Ray harnessed his talents and dedicated himself to the game, read how he did.

An excellently written, easy flowing book about a fantastic player and NBA champion. The conversational tone makes the stories easily digestible and brings them to life. Well worth the money. Some brilliant stories of the behind the scenes to very famous nba events