This is an exceptional book. The biography of James is a brilliantly woven through line in a work that takes the events of his life and expands them to examine broader social issues: sports and power; politics and media; Black excellence and Black community; insidious antiblackness in the face of challenges to the racial status quo. Babb's exceptional skills as a historian are on full display, in perfect concert with her mastery as a storyteller. James’ early life, his brilliance on and off the court, his unwavering commitment to his community — it is simply an awe-inspiring window into the life of a legend.

LeBron James is a professional basketball player, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Nicknamed “King James", there is no doubt he is one of the greatest players of all time. He is also a passionate father, husband, son and friend. LeBron is loyal, outspoken and oftentimes brutally honest. He has political opinions about many subjects but first and foremost he has become a powerful voice on and off the basketball court for justice and equality. Against the backdrop of his life story, Valerie Babb, a Professor of Humanities and author, narrates the evolution of African American culture societally and politically. Change occurs but progress is shockingly slow. LeBron was the poor Black boy from a broken home with a 16 year old mother and no extended family to support them. They moved a lot and if it wasn’t for the kindness of some neighborhood friends they would have been living on the streets. But his mother Gloria never gave up on him, never stopped loving him. In a society where children slip through the cracks every day, LeBron was stood tall. Very tall. He was strong and athletic and when teachers and the community reached out Gloria made sure he had every opportunity she could grab onto. It was not a “gift” as some say. It was hard work. No-one has worked harder on the court than LeBron. Even as a superstar he is a team player through and through. His business has grown to make him one of the most wealthy and successful athletes that ever existed. He has put much of this success in the hands of a trusted few who have known him since childhood. He has advocated for education, health care and an end to police brutality in the black community. LeBron wants change in America and it is apparent that he will never stop fighting for justice. Aside from his impressive accomplishments, LeBron cares. This work of non fiction is educational, honest and eye opening. Maybe we should all open our eyes a little more, wake up America.

Since day one, I’ve been a HUGE a LeBron James’ fan. It is not too often you see an athlete transcend a sport, pop culture & just about everything quite like James has. At 17, Sports Illustrated crowned him “The Chosen One’. A heavy title to bear for such a young person. Many have criticized him over the years but I doubt they even really know his story.

In the Book of James, author Valerie Babb gives readers a closer look into the life of LeBron Raymone James, Sr. From his early years being born to a teenage mother and losing his maternal grandmother at the age of 3 to navigating the NBA all before he was even of legal age, James has taken charge & owns his legacy. Like everyone, he has experienced some bumps all the way like the Hummer H2 fiasco, the botched Vogue cover & The Decision to just name a few. In fact, James seems to be a better person because of these type of bumps along the way. It is amazing to watch James own his power & use it in such a positive manner. He has made impacts that will extend far beyond the basketball court.

f you want look inside James’ world, please check out this book!!!

This book was amazing. I grew up loving basketball and playing basketball here in my island. I’m a huge fan of the BSN and NBA so I enjoyed reading this one so much. Everyone knows the King but not so much of his true story. The author did a great job bringing to the readers a closer look into Lebron ‘s. That’s one of many reasons I enjoyed this book so much. I admit that I’m not a huge fan of Lebron’s because I was more a Mamba’s fan, but my little bother its. So I knew many things about King James by following his career thru my lil bro sharing stuff. The written ways of perspectives and details in this book are great. I truly recommend this one. Lebron’s had made this path and become a inspiration for many kids not only on the USA, but everywhere whete basketball it’s known. His had made a Legacy and it’s good it’s being share in a good way. Thanks to #Netgalley for this read.

This is a fascinating book! My husband and I grew up in Akron, Ohio and had the privilege of following LeBron through his days as a high school phenom. He was truly amazing to watch play. While many adored him and cheered him on, there were also many who expected him to crash an burn, even finding delight in waiting for this. We are so proud that he has become the man he is and does so much good. We both enjoyed the perspectives presented in this book. Thanks #NetGalley

I'm not a basketball fan. What I know of LeBron James comes from whatever mentions he's had throughout the years, his status as a great, and that's about it.

I had NO IDEA what to expect and was blown away by Bibb's depiction of a man who had the world on his shoulders at too young of an age. He has created a legacy that will live beyond his days as a basketball player and will help shape the legacy of others to follow. Great book.

I was completely underwhelmed by this book. There seems to be a clear lack of class analysis or class perspective. I was so uninspired by the opening chapter that I stopped reading it.

I initially thought this was a memoir but soon learned that was not the case. Despite that it was a well written in depth look at Lebron’s life thus far. I am not into basketball and know very little about his life, which also made it hard at times. The scope of his time in basketball, how he came to be there and what he does with his celebrity now was interesting.
I think that if you are into basketball. This would be a perfect book for you.

Lebron James is a force to be reckoned with. Either you love him, or you hate him, but either way, you know of him. What you don't know, and I certainly didn't, was his whole story, the decisions he makes that effects his on court status as well as his off court actions, and how the decisions he makes isn't all about himself, but with a wider and loftier goal in sight. Lebron James has taken control of his narrative, and uses his voice to change the landscape around him, not only for himself, but also for others around him, and for future generations. A very in depth look into his upbrining, high school career decisions, and how he has made a name for himself.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

A fascinating look at a truly fascinating man -- the author did a wonderful job, in my opinion, in placing LeBron's legacy and power in a cultural and historical context. Well written and quite an enjoyable read.