My Life, My Fight: Rising Up from New Zealand to the OKC Thunder

Steven Adams may not be the best shooter in the NBA, but he is a straight shooter when telling things as they are. He opens up with his experiences and his unique upbringing in a colorful and descriptive manner. He is also very objective in retelling his journey and if he had a bad experience with a coach/program, a player or a family member he did not sugarcoat ANYTHING. Instead, he was honest and when you read about his experience, it's actually quite remarkable that he wrote a book because he bounced around quite a bit when he was young, struggled early in school and didn't finish college and yet the book is very well written in a conversational, down to Earth tone. If you haven't heard his interview with JJ Redick on Old Man and The Three, I would highly recommend it along with this book, mate!

I bought this book because I absolutely couldn't stand Steven Adams and he had just been traded to my favorite team and I didn't know if I could tolerate him, let alone cheer for him. My impression of him was not good, I thought that he was a dirty player and I thought he looked slovenly & unkempt. I was still holding a grudge from the 2014 playoff game where he got Z-Bo ejected. But he had just been traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, my favorite team, and I thought I should at the very least try to learn more about him. Because from watching YouTube videos and reading comments from OKC fans, they really seemed to like him. A lot.So I downloaded the book, it was only $2.50 & I figured I wouldn't feel bad wasting such a small amount on someone I couldn't stand.Well. I was wrong. He's not at all like what I thought. Read this book!! It's so, so, so funny (seriously, I burst out laughing at least 10 times) but most of all it's very inspiring (his life story is proof that it takes a village to raise a child) and even though I haven't read any other sports related books so I have nothing to compare it to, this one is really great. I will have no problem at all rooting for Steven Adams. In fact I'm going to buy a customized Memphis Grizzlies jersey with his name on it! (and that's going to set me back $135, plus tax). I think he's worth it.

First off, I am a die-hard NBA fan and was listening to my favorite podcast, The Lowe Post with Zach Lowe, who had Steven Adams on for a show. Steven did a terrific podcast, and during it Zach asked him about the book he wrote and a few things in it. Considering I also love to read, I bought this book as they were talking about it on the show. In the book I loved seeing how personal Steven was and hearing about being a professional athlete (only the 2nd in the NBA from NZ) from such a small town in New Zealand. After losing my dad at 17 I found I was really able to relate to this book a lot because Steven talks a lot about his dad passing at an early age and what a profound impact it had on him. Reading about all the help he got throughout his younger years was really great and then the stories once he reached the NBA were great to hear about as well. I would tell any basketball fan to read this book right away, and even if you're not there are some great life lessons and stories in this book to learn from. I always thought Steven Adams was a good guy on the court, but after reading this book he gained another new fan for life. The literal only slight negative I could come up with is it is written informally at times, but honestly I don't care at all about that I'm just putting it in here for anyone expecting a perfect novel. He is more so talking to you the entire book and I really enjoyed it from start to finish.

Steven Adam has written a real gem of a book. It covers a remarkable career from working out daily in the gyms to making it in the NBA. The tone of the book perfectly fits the demeanor you see in Steven on the court. Quiet but measured with a lot of intelligence for life, the players and the game going on. I was thoroughly absorbed by the story and his writing is perfect and to the point as he describes life behind the scenes in the locker rooms, contract negotiations, teammate dynamics, coaches, travel, training and all the aspects that we wonder about in the NBA. He writes a fair and unbiased book and his humility cannot hide the effort and results that he has accomplished on his journey to and through the NBA. I HIGHLY recommend this read for basketball fans, but also for general readers who want to hear a fascinating life story of accomplishment and basically just a good guy making good.

I bought this book as a gift for my husband but I ended up reading it myself as well. It is really quick and easy to read. I'm not really a basketball person, or even a sports person, but this book was charming enough to keep me entertained. We already loved Steven Adams because he's a fellow kiwi, but learning about his journey to the NBA made us even bigger fans. I think that a big part of the reason he wrote the book is to draw attention to, and thank, the numerous people who helped him along the way, not expecting anything in return, and without which he would not have made it to the NBA. Amazing the kindness and generosity some people showed him.

Steven has always been a favorite Player for our Beloved Thunder. Know after reading this OKC will love ❤️ him even more. It is from the heart and tells the story and struggles he had to get to where he is today. From having NO shoes that fit,wearing plastic bags or going barefoot to having more shoes than he could ever wear, That is just one example he gives of his trip on his way to being a NBA Super Star and a OKLAHOMA THUNDER Player where he is so loved. Pat a Adams Super Fan.

Outstanding book. Very easy read. Read it all in one sitting. He was real about his life. Loved the part about the guy who had the team logo monogrammed inside his suit jacket and then didn't get picked. He always seems to have fun when he plays and he comes across as caring about his team. Read the book and you will see why.

A great read about the rise of Steven Adams from his own words and experiences. It gives you a great insight in to the humble and comedic character he is now.

Steven adams a good pkayer who reps nz, he sometimes tell the jokes. I enjoyed reading about his early life. It had some moments that were enjoyable but it wasnt the masterpiece i was hoping for.

The book gives us an insight on Steven Adams upbringing, and the strokes of luck that made it possible for him to dream about the NBA. It shows us exactly the reasons for his mental fortitude, and the person "behind" the famous athlete. A must buy for every sports fan.