Above the Noise
My Story of Chasing Calm
by DeMar DeRozan
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Pub Date Sep 10 2024 | Archive Date Nov 10 2024
Rodale Inc. | Harmony
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Description
“DeMar DeRozan’s story is one of adaptability, courage, and love. The persistent effort on his part to rise above is compelling and important.”—Coach Gregg Popovich, from the foreword
“As men, and especially Black men, we don’t talk about our mental health enough. We struggle to admit when things aren’t okay, even when it’s obvious to everybody around us. I’ve seen how toxic that can become. I’ve experienced it myself, keeping everything under wraps until your head and heart are full of fire and rage.”
DeMar DeRozan, six-time NBA All-Star, has been called a “basketball savant” (ESPN) and “the best closer in the NBA” (GQ)—but when he went public with his depression, it sparked a conversation that reached far beyond the court. By breaking the stigma of speaking out, he added a new, seldom-heard voice to the mental health dialogue: a successful Black male athlete, openly naming his pain and advocating for others to do the same.
Now it’s time to tell the full story. Born and raised in Compton, DeRozan was no stranger to hardship—living in poverty, losing friends to gang violence. In worn-out school gyms and community centers, fueled by hunger and a desire to prove himself, he started to rise, but doubts followed. In Above the Noise, DeRozan opens up about his proudest triumphs and the times he felt so weighed down he couldn't get out of bed. He reflects on what it took to make a name for himself in a new country after getting drafted by the Toronto Raptors, the pressure of playing with veteran athletes as a twenty-year-old rookie, and the pain of losing role models.
From a scared, angry kid to a confident father of five, DeRozan traces his journey to basketball stardom and the forces that honed him into the player—and the slowly healing person—he is today. It will encourage anyone who has ever felt alone in their struggles and inspire people to rise above the noise and speak their truth.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9780593581261 |
PRICE | $28.00 (USD) |
PAGES | 240 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Above the Noise is a fantastically written book by NBA superstar DeMar DeRozan telling his full story about how has been able to overcome the multitude of obstacles life has thrown his way. Starting with his early life growing up around gang violence and poverty in Compton, with the help of his father guiding him along the way he was able to rise above and make it to college and then to NBA.
The main focus for the second half of the book talks about DeMar taking on the mental health struggle of carrying the load for so many people for so long with no release. I thought this portion of the book was done exceptionally well. He talks about the struggles of having children while being on the road for work from September through May of every year. He also touched on the passing of his father and what that did to mental health.
This was one of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time. DeMar absolutely crushed it and I plan to pick up a physical copy when it releases on September 10th, 2024. I would absolutely recommend this to non-sports fans as there are many items in here that I believe anyone can learn from.
This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest and fair opinion. Special thanks to @netgalley for providing me an advanced copy.
This book has fundamentally changed how I will watch any NBA game going forward, and I will hold DeMar in even higher esteem. This is a raw, engaging work. DeMar opens up about his struggles and childhood, offering an "under the hood" and intimate glimpse into his life. There's a bravery in his openness about mental health struggles that can't help but inspire. I appreciate the early opportunity to read the book - thank you, NetGalley. I highly recommend Above the Noise.