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 was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, however I opted to listen to the final publication version of the audiobook. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Let me preface this by saying I don't know Kendrick Perkins, nor have I followed his career. I watch a lot of college basketball, but my son and husband who follow sports a lot more closely know who he is. That being said I don't really have much of an opinion on him as a player or TV/social media personality. I've never seen him play or watched him on TV.

This is not typically the type of book that I read, but I did gain some insight into Kendrick Perkins as a person and his journey through the NBA. I thought it was really interesting to see his perspective of what it is like on the inside and who some of his best friends and mentors/mentees where. We get to see many of the people he mentioned on TV and what the media tells us about them through their game play, paparazzi stories, and brand sponsorships but we never get to know them personally. Perkins gives us some insight into what these players are both on and off the court on a more personal level. At the end of the day they are all working hard to play the game they love, and many of them are good friends despite what the media will have you believe.

This is more than a book about basketball and Kendrick Perkins and his journey. It goes much deeper into racial issues in the United States. As with any non-fiction book that I read especially those that delve into social commentary that mentions historical or current issues, I would have liked a list of references so that I can continue to educate myself on the issues at hand and learn.

The narrator did a good job conveying the information that Perkins and Rogoff wanted you to know. I'm not a big memoir/biography person in general and I gained some information about a person I knew nothing about previously. I think fans of Perkins will really enjoy this.

I really enjoyed reading this one. I have also admired Kendrick Perkins & his style of game. He reminds me of one of my cousins. He always had that mean game face when he played ball. I have enjoyed watching Perkins really come into his own after his playing career has ended. He has a relevant voice in today's media world. This book covers Perkins' humble beginnings to his rise in the NBA. I especially enjoyed reading about his playing days because I remember those Celtic & OKC teams so well.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I am not a huge sports fan, but I was a huge follower of the Bulls during the Jordan dynasty, partly because I grew up in Chicago and you couldn't escape the energy and excitement surrounding the Bulls. But the understated cover and the title drew me to this book and when I read the blurb, I decided to give it a chance.

I did not know who Perkins was before I read this memoir, and while I knew some of the players mentioned in this book, I didn't know anything about the styles of play, inside picks, etc. Despite the fact that some of the descriptions of the games went over my head, the excitement, intensity, and disappointments of those games shone through his writing and I was able to picture what it must have been like during those moments.

But what made this memoir a step above any other sports memoir I've read is the thoughtful way Perkins incorporates the narrative of Black bodies in this country from the time of slavery, and makes me realize that while I consider myself an ally, there is so much more I could be doing. What he leaves us with is that until those of us who realize just how unjust things still are in this country come together as a united front against the bigotry, racism, and white supremacy that is infecting our entire country, that infection will continue to grow.
Perkins may not have gone to college, but his writing is clear, intelligent, and cogent and he calls for his fellow athletes to stand up for what is right and he directs this even more so at the white players.

This was a deep book and it's something I want to reread, but not necessarily for the basketball part of it, although that was interesting. I loved his analyses of Jordan and LeBron and their respective ages, and while he mentions some people criticizing Jordan for not using his star power to speak up for racial inequities (in retrospect, especially of the exploitative contract the Bulls had on Pippen), he refuses to criticize Jordan and instead puts it in the context of the time and the power of the white owners and sports media. He implies heavily that had Jordan taken the route that LeBron did, he may not have ended up with the career that he did and he certainly wouldn't have been the only Black majority owner of an NBA team. It was also interesting hearing how LeBron chose a different pathway than owners would have liked, but one of the reasons he was successful was because of the age of social media like Twitter developing at that time. Having grown up in the 70s and 80s, I forget just how recently all of this has developed.

I also appreciated Perkin's honesty about his struggles with mental health, especially anger and depression, and his choice to do something about it. He also says that if he hadn't made that choice, the treatment wouldn't have been effective. He talks about the dangers of becoming an elite athlete and those not making it because they get caught up in the money, the partying, and so on, and I love that he very often went back to the teachings of his grandfather and that his grandfather was his father and best friend. There were many moments when Perkins could have let his anger, pride, or frustration get the better of him, but because he surrounded himself with good men, he was able to make better choices. He mentions this mentorship many times throughout the book.

One thing that he mentioned that raised an eyebrow, especially after he talked about the athletes who make it for the long haul doing it because they take care of their bodies and they listen to the mentors who tell them not to get caught up in the partying, booze, drugs, girls, etc. It was after they won the championship and they all ended up partying just a bit too hard. While I get that he was being honest about it, and yes, it was "only weed", it still made me sit up and take notice since it was not in keeping with everything he had told us before and after. But that was only a minor quibble.

Overall, this was an excellent sports memoir, very well written and researched, and one that even non-sports fans could benefit from reading. Highly recommended.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy of this book. I learned a lot about Kendrick Perkins, whom I didn't know prior to reading this book. I especially loved the beginning of the book and fell in love with his writing. His writing fell slightly flat in the middle but I learned a lot about Black American History that I never learned in my history lessons.

When I began reading this book, I expected a typical autobiography/memoir about a man’s journey to the NBA. I assumed I’d get a bit of history as it directly impacts said journey.

I got an incredible history of Perkins’ family and his town of Belmont, TX. The reader has a front-row seat as the story dives head first into the increasingly complex plight of Black men and women in the US and basketball in the past and present. This book is Black History meets basketball history, woven together to create an intriguing read.

Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of NetGalley, the Publisher and the author, Kendrick Perkins.

I received this eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

I am a Boston Celtics fan and am familiar with Mr. Perkins. When I saw this book was coming out I immediately requested it.

It is not something that is often spoken of, but there is a tension between the physical labor demanded of the NBA athlete, overwhelmingly Black, and that the owners are white, the language used by some fans and media, and until recently, that most head coaches were white. At the same time, the NBA offers an extraordinary opportunity for the relatively small number of athletes (and their families) who can break through the systemic, economic oppression that disproportionately impacts Black communities and families. Oftentimes, there are echoes of our history of slavery and Jim Crow within the language and actions around all of this, an attitude of: Black people should stay in their place and be thankful.

Mr. Perkins reflects on his own experiences growing up in a South that didn’t magically cease being racist upon the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the experiences of his deeply loved grandparents who raised him and worked and lived their lives with dignity. He reflects on the writings of authors such as Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, and W.E.B. DuBois and the examples set by Black athletes who came before him, and the contradictory expectations of Black superstar athletes. He shares his experiences in the locker rooms with other Black men. And there is basketball talk.

Mr. Perkins shows himself to be thoughtful, honest and compassionate. If we are ever to defeat racism in this country, we must listen to the voices of our fellow Black citizens and give them the respect of taking them at their word when they share their experiences. I recommend this book.

An insightful look at a man, beyond an athlete. A fully rounded man, faith, education, family, race, class and history.

Kendrick Perkins takes nothing for granted and this is his story. Never one to be shy about his opinion, this book is his opportunity to tell his story from the beginning. From leaving his hometown to go to Boston, to his path to the NBA, to the racial inequality of the NBA between players and owners, Perkins is speaking from a place of truth and comes with facts and figures.

This is a memoir that is beyond the basic. This is something else, This is that has the power to change the way we look at athletes.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

We know Kendrick as an NBA player and ESPN commentator, but the same style he brings to those endeavors is the same blunt, unvarnished truth he brings to this memoir. Although I have been a fan for a long time, I had no idea what his personal background was and now that I do I am even more impressed with the man.

Kendrick spent 14 years in the NBA but before that, his story was the stuff of movies and thrillers. Raised by his Grandparents when his father left him and his mother was murdered, he was raised in a small Texas town. He was drafted out of high school by the Celtics and was about to enter a whole new world!

Surrounded by legends, and learning to play with them and against them. His life as many players was difficult on the road. He was so young and things were so different for him.

He learned a lot from these legendary players about basketball and he also learned a lot about Black Americans as well as players. He quotes statistics that I think we all know are true. He tells how these issues have affected Black lives for generations and will continue to do so it looks like.

This was a different side to Kendrick than the one we have seen on television. I knew him from the Thunder and my opinion then was the same as it is now. This is someone to watch. Someone who encourages us all to “Carry the hell on!”

NetGalley/ February 21st, 2023 by St. Martin’s Press

Sometimes I pick up a book because the title or blurb catches my eye. Usually, I choose books based on my list of favorite authors. I picked up The Education of Kendrick Perkins because, as a teacher, I feel it’s important to understand how different people feel ‘educated.’

Evidently, Kendrick Perkins played in the NBA and now works for ESPN. I’d never heard of him before, though. Maybe because I haven’t watched an NBA game since the 90s. As a high school teacher, I have a general awareness of current NBA greats (one can learn a lot from boys as they discuss shoes). I know about ESPN, but I couldn’t name a reporter or talking head if you paid me. I couldn't put it down despite not belonging to the expected audience for Perkins’ book.

Instead of discovering another human’s definition of what it means to receive an education, I received an education. I grew up in the era of color blindness, sure I didn’t have a racist bone in my body.

For the past ten years, teaching Native American students has opened my eyes to how racism has worked its way into everyone’s bones. I understand how microaggressions perpetuate racism (even if the microaggressor doesn’t realize the act is racist—it still hurts). I’ve gone from thinking I don’t see color to understanding I need to up my ally game.

Memoir of a Millionaire and Primer on Racism

George Floyd’s murder in 2020 opened my eyes to the reality of racism in the United States. Perkins’ book helps me understand the social and political backgrounds that keep systemic racism alive today.

Perkins mixes his personal history with research about racism and its repercussions in the lives of Black children and families. He shows how the false stereotypes historians and the media perpetuate make life even more difficult for hardworking minorities to break the cycle of poverty.

Perkins calls for fellow Black athletes and fellow Americans to reevaluate their perceptions of racism and the cultural status quo. Only by revealing the sickness can we learn to change and heal.

My only criticisms of the book probably reveal more about me than the author. I don’t enjoy reading or watching things with swear words. While not overdone, the 11 instances of one offensive word did jar the narrative for me.

The second criticism concerns a scene where the Celtics celebrate their championship at a player’s private residence. Perkins describes his high from smoking weed all night (he was not the only one who celebrated this way). A few other references to alcohol paint a picture most of us would rather not acknowledge: Elite athletes drink and use drugs.

I can understand Perkins’ desire for honesty and authenticity in his memoir. Without those touches of honesty, readers might discount Perkins’ informative narrative about the continuing racial injustices happening right now. Racism still flourishes—racists have rebranded it, but wise Americans will dig deeper and do all in their power to stop it.

1,000,000/5 stars! I was first introduced to Kendrick Perkins during the season of 2007. A lifelong Celtics fan, I loved seeing him play and what he added to this team. I followed his career loosely after that, but after his retirement from the game, he fell off my radar. When I saw that he had written a book, I knew I had to read it.

This book is phenomenal and should be a must-read for literally everyone during this especially divisive time in our country. Perkins uses his platform to not only tell his own story, as an athlete and a man, but as a Black man. He raises extensive social justice issues and is a voice of extreme importance.

This memoir was stunning, significant, and a revelation throughout. Highly recommend it to any sports fan, but also any human that wants to better understand the issues driving this country and how we should move forwards towards more equity.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

If you are a fan of basketball, then you know who Kendrick Perkins is. You rooted for him if he was playing for your team, and you dreaded seeing him if your team was playing against him. His bold and fierce nature on and off the court is a force to be reckoned with. The Education of Kendrick Perkins is unlike any other 'sports memoir' I've read before. Kendrick Perkins doesn't just talk about his impactful career, he talks about real issues that the Black community has faced and still continues to face regarding racism and equality.

Perk begins by telling the story of his upbringing and his road to the NBA. His experiences show you just how difficult it is not to just make it in the NBA but how hard it is to maintain a career in the NBA. But Perk learned quickly through players and mentors that you have to put in the work to sustain your skill and dominance on the court. What I really enjoyed is seeing how much he valued the friendships he made in the NBA. He never forgot where he came from and really appreciated those who helped him along the way. He could have just made it about himself by giving us his stats and achievements but he used this book to highlight the importance of brotherhood.

I don't think it will surprise anyone that Perk will say what's on his mind but I think most readers will be surprised at how willing he is to hit on topics that people don't always want to talk about, especially for a public figure. He touches on racism, inequality, Black stereotypes in the NBA, trauma, and the unfortunate hardships the Black community has to face in America. And what makes these topics stick is that he backs everything up with facts. For example, he talks about how the league along with commissioners and owners didn't treat Black people with respect and worth because of the color of their skin. Sure it has changed with time but it has been because of people like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. They not only brought viewership to the game but when LeBron James posted a tweet about Trayvon Martin it sparked others to speak up for what's right.

After playing in the NBA for over a decade, I imagine it's hard to wind down and think about what's next. Perk had these same feelings and yet he found his spot in the world of TV and became a sports analyst. His journey was a fun one I can tell you that. He used his bold voice and tweets to secure him a job. I always look forward to hearing what he has to say because I know he's gonna be real. I mean he knows first-hand what these players are going through and experiencing especially during the toughest of games.

I couldn't put this book down and I'm already telling my friends about this one! Perk tells it like it is and really gives readers an education on life as a professional athlete, the unjust racism Black individuals face on the daily, and how you can succeed even when life doesn't deal you a good hand.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the Netgalley copy in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who watched Kendrick Perkins from the peak of his NBA career and transition to his career as a sports analyst, I was so intrigued to learn more about his life in this memoir. So many parts of this book took me by surprise, as it covers so many topics outside of Perkins' individual life experiences. His commentary on other NBA icons and American society as a whole were very thought-provoking and interesting. I really enjoyed the balance between heavier topics, such as social justice and race, and lighter ones like sports commentary. I would highly recommend this to all fans of the NBA as well as anyone interested in the viewpoints of a well-known former athlete!

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.

Kendrick Perkins has made the most of his opportunity to become a professional basketball player at the age of 18. He left his home in Beaumont, Texas for Boston as a high school player who was going to attempt to make the leap to the NBA. He was successful in that goal, but not without bumps along the way. He may not have become as big a star as other players who made that leap such as Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett, but he did enjoy a good playing career and is now one of the more recognizable commentators on ESPN. He not only talks about basketball but also social and racial issues. He tackles all of those, plus his thoughts on fatherhood in this excellent memoir.

He starts the book by describing his departure from Beaumont and just from that chapter, the reader will know that this is not going to be the typical memoir, describing the author’s life from childhood to the present. Perkins reflects on many different issues as well as basketball. He concentrates on those issues that are important to the Black community. That doesn’t make this book or even this memoir that unique, but it is the manner in which he speaks to those issues that makes it special.

One example of this is his comparison of the literary character Biggie Thomas to the struggles many Black men face in real life. He also talks about these issues from a position of either a well-considered opinion or makes statements with factual evidence. This not only lends credibility to his work, but it also shows how much he cares about the issues. It should also be noted that he stays away from generalized statements accusing groups of people and instead concentrates on either the results of racial inequality or what needs to be addressed instead of assigning blame. It makes for better reading even if some material may make some readers uncomfortable.

For his writing on basketball, he concentrates more on the personal relationships he had with players, coaches and management for the teams he played on – the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans. He talks most about the first two of those teams. He was part of the Celtics teams that made the NBA finals twice in three years and winning the title in 2008. Notably, the teammate he talks most about during those years is Garnett, another high-school-to-NBA success story. Perkins also doesn’t just talk about points and rebounds in his basketball sections. As one example, his explanation of what a team must do to play effective defensive basketball was excellent.

As one of the better sports memoirs I have read, I believe the title is a little misleading. While Perkins may have gained an education in his life experiences, I believe this book will also provide an education to the reader, especially about the experiences of Blacks. This is highly recommended for not only basketball fans, but also for readers who want to know more about racial issues affecting the United States.

I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.