Hang Time

by Bob Greene

Book Overview

Follows the star of the Chicago Bulls on and off the basketball court for two seasons, revealing Jordan's personality, his relationship with family and friends, and his private life, fraught with the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385425880
• ISBN13: 9780385425889
• Release Date: October 1992
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 406 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

On and Off the Court, Mr. Jordan is a Winner.

It took a tragedy for their paths to cross, but once it did, something changed in both men. Bob Greene is an excellent writer, published author, and a syndicated columnist. He covered a tragic story about a young boy in Chicago named Cornelius Abraham. Someone in the Bulls' management read the story, contacted Mr. Greene, and sent a few tickets to an upcoming basketball game. Along with something to make the child's day even more memorable: A personal meeting before the game with Michael Jordan. But what Mr. Greene didn't know was that Michael Jordan would make the day as memorable as his legendary performances on the hardwood.During the game, young Cornelius sat next to Mr. Jordan on the bench. When the game was over, Bob Greene went into the locker room to personally thank Michael Jordan for his kind gesture. Mr. Jordan appeared surprised that someone would actually thank him. He invited Mr. Greene, who was not a sportswriter, to attend future games. The allure was addicting, and Mr. Greene became a regular in the press area at Chicago Stadium.This story is compelling, honest, candid, and without any pretenses. It demonstrates an unlikely, but thoroughly understandable, friendship that developed between two men from very different worlds. Bob Greene paints a picture of Michael Jordan that clearly defines the inner man, and not the icon that the public sees during 48 minutes on the basketball court. Or during countless television appearances.Mr. Greene chronicles two years in the life of Mr. Jordan. He describes the lack of privacy that permeates his life, along with how few of us can properly appreciate or understand what Mr. Jordan does on the court. But this story has more depth than merely describing basketball feats or mega celebrity status. There are many poignant tales in this beautifully written book that will surprise the reader. Michael Jordan is a man of integrity, honor, and vast compassion. It is a shame that it took a chance meeting by a non-sports writing journalist to tell us the true story.I came away feeling that despite all of his fame, fortune, and incredible athletic prowess, Mr. Jordan never lost sight of his roots in small town North Carolina. Nor did his fame blind him to the plights and struggles of those much less fortunate then he. Whether it was taking a pair of his shoes to a dying young man who would never walk again, inviting a crippled young woman to a celebrity dinner as his personal guest, or meeting four young men in a dangerous Chicago neighborhood after every game, he never advertised these incredibly unselfish random acts of kindness. For me, that demonstrated his true character. Very few people, knowing they have the power to do so much good, ever take the time that Mr. Jordan did to impact so many lives. For me, one story sums up the whole book and character of the protagonist. Mr. Jordan described in vivid detail how he felt after being cut by his high school basketball coach. It wasn't the detail that im

The Best Book for Getting to Know Michael Jordan

Bob Greene was not a reporter writing a story about Michael Jordan. He was Michael's friend. As a result, this book really lets the reader get to know Michael as a person. It is not just commentary on Michael. There is also a lot of actual dialog.This is the best book written for Michael Jordan fans.

Hang Time: Days and Dreams With Michael Jordan

I am an avid reader, especially books on Michael Jordan. From the first time I read this book I was moved by the portrait of Michael Mr. Greene portrays: not as Michael "Air" Jordan, but simply as Mike the person. Never has an auhthor captured the humaness of an athlete such as Mr. Greene was able to do in his book. It is a MUST read for all Michael Jordan fanatics. Even if you are not a Jordan fan or even a basketball fan, I would still encourage you to read this book. You will not only learn intimate things about the life of Michael Jordan, you will learn a lot about life itself.

Hang Time is time well spent!

This book not only introduces you to Michael Jordan in a way never before, but also introduces you to the gift of Bob Greene. Greene interweaves the book with inspiring and emotional tales of Jordan, the Bulls team, and the fragility of all humanity (even the superhero Jordan). I was already a fan of Jordan but came away a fan of Greene as well! A must read--sports fan or not!

Michael Jordan copes with life.

The book reveals Michael Jordan as he shapes his life. Jordan is a sensitive person careful of his actions and aware of his flaws. He looks upon his good fortune and his responsibilities to it.I enjoyed this book greatly and expected more about Jordan.However-- the construction of the storyline was a pleasant departure from a jock/athlete book.Bob Greene has two Jordan books to his credit and they are a must for those interested in athletic genius. Michael Jordan is a hero for his time.