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Let Me Tell You a Story (Abridged): A Lifetime in the Game Audiobook
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(4.02) - 580 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
"Did I ever tell you about Wilt Chamberlain?" "Did I ever tell you about Bob Cousy?" "Did I ever tell you about Joe DiMaggio?" Whenever Arnold "Red" Auerbach starts a sentence with those six words -- "Did I ever tell you about . . ." -- anyone within earshot should prepare to hear a marvelous story.
As a living legend among sports fans, Red Auerbach -- the fiery coach who led the Boston Celtics to nine NBA championships, eight of them consecutive -- has long been renowned for his formidable personality: brash, opinionated, and unfailingly accurate. As a coach, he had a great eye for talent, drafting such Hall of Famers as Bill Russell and Larry Bird, and managed to build a powerful franchise with an abiding legacy. Red never stood still along the sidelines and was never seen without his trademark cigar.
Now in retirement, at age eighty-seven, he remains a lively part of the game, still consulted by coaches, players, and general managers. And his admirers continue to be legion. Not long ago a former president postponed a meeting with Bill Gates so as not to pass up the chance to talk with Red. For the past several years, John Feinstein has met regularly with Red Auerbach and his friends in a series of raucous, unforgettable sessions.
Out of those smoke-and-laughter-filled rooms have emerged the stories of Red's life, from his childhood on the playgrounds of Brooklyn to his triumphs at the famed Boston Garden, where he coached for sixteen years. Just listen as Red colorfully recalls all the players and coaches he has worked with and played against: Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Wilt Chamberlain, Sam Jones, and Michael Jordan -- you name them, the basketball greats are all here. Red holds nothing back.
In Let Me Tell You a Story, Red Auerbach's unique experiences in sports and John Feinstein's unparalleled skills as a storyteller combine to produce one of the most richly entertaining books ever written about the game of basketball.
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"I am a life long Celtics fan. Whenever Byrd was playing in the 80's, I was watching. During those years I developed a love for Celtics history. Red Auerbach has been my favorite NBA icon because of that celebratory cigar when he knew he had you beat with 3 minutes to go. This book covers Celtics history up to about 2 years before Auerbachs death. I covers Russell, Cousy, Byrd and the tragedy of Len Bias. If you love the Celts...you should have already read it."
— Spencer (5 out of 5 stars)
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“A fascinating life story, a terrific basketball book, and a compelling look at generations communicating around a modern-day campfire.”
— Booklist -
“An exceptionally enjoyable read.”
— Library Journal -
“Auerbach’s stories, as related through author John Feinstein, are witty, observant, and well told. Narrator Arnie Mazer’s voice is just right for the two of them, making Auerbach come across not as a man living in the past, but as a likable, generous, and dryly funny guy whose friends and memories are the most important things in his life.”
— AudioFile
Let Me Tell You a Story Listener Reviews
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" Great book on the history of basketball and the Boston Celtics "
— Kate, 2/20/2014 -
" Red is an amazing person and a great story teller. John Feinstein provides background for, and insight around Red's great stories. This book gives the reader a great understanding of not only how important Red was to the Celtics, but to professional basketball. A great read. "
— Pat, 2/16/2014 -
" I thought this was a very good book based solely on the riveting stories of Red. I thought Feinstein jumped around a lot and it lacked great continuity, but it was very enjoyable nonetheless. A must read for any fan of basketball, leadership, or the Boston Celtics. "
— Keagan, 2/10/2014 -
" Not really an autobiography (which is what I thought it would be), but more Feinstein recounting stories he's heard Red tell over the years, with his own commentary. Still entertaining, though "
— Alan, 2/5/2014 -
" Great story and insights into one of my idols who I got to meet on a couple of occasions. Even if you know nothing about basketball it is a fun read. Lots of personalities come into play. I loved every word. "
— Cfxkennedy, 2/3/2014 -
" Some great stories, really interesting and entertaining "
— Karen, 1/17/2014 -
" I wish it wasn't abridged. "
— Heidie, 1/6/2014 -
" Other than some occasional bad language, I enjoy all of Feinstein's books. This was is no exception. "
— Dan, 1/4/2014 -
" John Feinstein at his best! "
— Lexi, 12/27/2013 -
" Great book detailing the life of one of basketballs greatest coaches "
— Jim, 12/22/2013 -
" I got this book at the dollar store . . . maybe the highest quality/price ratio outside of garage sales . . . EVER. "
— Matthew, 12/6/2013 -
" Second best NBA book I have ever read. "
— G, 9/7/2013 -
" I love the Celtics "
— Goodreadsscannertesting, 7/5/2013 -
" Colorful stories from a colorful man...well-written, as usual. "
— Jeff, 9/11/2012 -
" This is a must-read for anyone who likes the game of basketball. "
— Jake, 7/8/2012 -
" I read and really liked the first copule chapters of this book while staying at my brother's - it was in the bathroom book bin. Next time I'm over there, I'm just gonna take it! I'd like to finish it, since it really was full of great Red Auerbach anecdotes. "
— Cindy, 6/9/2012 -
" I bought this book because it was cheap and ended up enjoying it far more than I expected. In addition, to telling Auerbach life story the book also describes a regular weekly lunch that Auerbach always attended with his friends at a chinese restaurant. "
— Michael, 6/5/2012 -
" Necessary reading for basketball fans from the guy who was there from the beginning. John Feinstein--incredible writing, as always. "
— Ronya, 4/13/2012 -
" This is one of the best sports books I've ever read. A great insight to Red Auerbach and Celtic basketball. "
— Kelly, 4/11/2012 -
" Wow, what a great book. This book will make you a fan of Red Auerbach. "
— Bill, 9/6/2011 -
" Feinstein portrays Red, the marvelous storyteller, as only a friend can. "
— Hapzydeco, 4/14/2011 -
" great book of anecdotal stories from the life of Red Auerbach "
— Bfeyen, 3/15/2011 -
" Red Auerbach was amazing. The book dragged in spots, but mostly was a wonderful glimpse of basketball history. Did I ever tell you I spoke to Red Auerbach? I called his house one day for work....and he answered! Bet he is not still talking about it. "
— Jennifer, 8/21/2010 -
" I bought this book because it was cheap and ended up enjoying it far more than I expected. In addtion, to telling Auerbach life story the book also describes a regular weekly lunch that Auerbach always attended with his friends at a chinese restaurant. "
— Michael, 8/19/2010 -
" Second best NBA book I have ever read. "
— G, 6/7/2010 -
" This is one of the best sports books I've ever read. A great insight to Red Auerbach and Celtic basketball. "
— Kelly, 5/28/2010 -
" Wow, what a great book. This book will make you a fan of Red Auerbach. "
— Bill, 3/29/2010 -
" This is a must-read for anyone who likes the game of basketball. "
— Jake, 8/31/2009 -
" great book of anecdotal stories from the life of Red Auerbach "
— Bfeyen, 7/17/2009 -
" I got this book at the dollar store . . . maybe the highest quality/price ratio outside of garage sales . . . EVER. "
— Matthew, 2/6/2009 -
" Colorful stories from a colorful man...well-written, as usual. "
— Jeff, 2/3/2009
About John Feinstein
John Feinstein is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous works of nonfiction, including Moment of Glory, Are You Kidding Me?, Living on the Black, Let Me Tell You a Story, Caddy for Life, A Season on the Brink, Play Ball, and others. He has also written sports-mystery novels for young readers. He writes for the Washington Post, Golf Digest, Inside Sports, Golf, Tennis magazine, Basketball America, and is a regular commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition.