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Red and Me: A Great Coach, A Life-Long Friend Audiobook
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(3.06) - 384 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
New York Times Bestseller
""On the subject of his love of Red Auerbach and his Celtic teammates, Russell is loud and clear. He might object to my use of the word 'love,' but deny it though you will, Mr. Russell, that's what sits at the heart of this beautiful book."" — Bill Bradley, New York Times Book Review
In Red and Me, Boston Celtics basketball legend Bill Russell pays homage to his mentor and coach, the inimitable Red Auerbach. A poignant remembrance of a life-altering relationship in the tradition of Big Russ and Me and Tuesdays With Morrie, Red and Me tells an unforgettable story of one unlikely and enduring friendship set against the backdrop of the greatest basketball dynasty in NBA history.
Red Auerbach was one of the greatest basketball coaches in sports history. Bill Russell was the star center and five-time MVP for Auerbach's Celtics, and together they won eleven championships in thirteen years. But Auerbach and Russell were far more than just coach and player. A short, brash Jew from Brooklyn and a tall, intense African-American from Louisiana and Oakland, the men formed a friendship that evolved into a rare, telling example of deep male camaraderie even as their feelings remained largely unspoken.
Red and Me is an extraordinary book: an homage to a peerless coach, which shows how he produced results unlike any other, and an inspiring story of mutual success, in which each man gave his all and gained back even more. Above all, it may be the most honest and heartfelt depiction of male friendship ever captured in print.
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"I really connected with this book on many levels. For one many of the times Russell describes I can relate to as a young athlete myself. Throughout my athletic career I have gotten to know many coaches; some that I have gotten along with and others that I didn't. Out of reading this book I have learned to pull out what different things I ended up learning from each one of them. I now notice how my coach perceives our body language, how we work with each other , and so many other aspects that he puts into who plays where and when. This book really made me open my eyes about sports,relationships, friendship, and respect."
— Jenny (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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[Auebach] was extraordinarily intelligent, fearless, and sensitive to what would bring out the best in those around him. Russell understands these characteristics and has produced a moving tribute to his friend and, in a larger sense, to friendship.
— Booklist -
“Fernandez's eloquent delivery will have listeners savoring every syllable of this audiobook.”
— AudioFile -
“Bill Russell is a private, complex man, but on the subject of his love of Red Auerbach and his Celtic teammates, he's loud and clear. He might object to my use of the word ‘love,’ but deny it though you will, Mr. Russell, that's what sits at the heart of this beautiful book.”
— New York Times
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
Red and Me Listener Reviews
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" I enjoyed reading about the Coach/Athlete relationship. "
— Chamique, 2/20/2014 -
" If you like the NBA and its history, you'll enjoy this. "
— Chris, 2/4/2014 -
" I thought red and me was a great description of a true bond between two men who cared deeply about each other and they cared so much about each other they didn't have to tell them that. It was also a great look at basketball back then where as if you went against your coach you would be on the bench where as red knew bill was a great player and liked his style and saw something in him no one else saw. The revolution of defense. "
— Jed, 2/1/2014 -
" I am stunned that Bill Russell had a coauthor to write this. I had great hopes for some snippets of wisdom or some insight into the character of one or the other. The only take away is that Red let Bill do his own thing and that worked for Bill. "
— Barry, 1/19/2014 -
" A subtle reminder on how to be a friend and a lesson on how to be a better man. "
— Bobby, 1/1/2014 -
" Reading Bill Russell's account of his relationship with Red Auerbach, one comes away with a clearer understanding on how the Celtics of that era became such persistently successful champions. "
— Jeff, 11/22/2013 -
" A must read for a Celtic fan. "
— Hapzydeco, 10/30/2013 -
" An intimate exploration of a lifelong friendship, with great anecdotes for NBA fans and important lessons from a life well lived. "
— Ben, 10/5/2013 -
" Two of my all time heros. It was a good read and a great description of what real friendship is all about. "
— Edward, 9/30/2013 -
" There's a lot of talk about the game of basketball, which some people might not like. However, the discussion of the racial issues of the time, in the NBA and among fans and coaches, is really interesting. "
— Beth, 8/23/2013 -
" Easy read, touching. Nothing too earth-shattering. "
— Susan, 4/17/2013 -
" This was one of my favorite books i've ever read during the summer Bill Russell is now one of my favorite basketball players because of this book.If any one were to write about a basketball player it should be him or Micheal Jordan I give this book 5 stars and would recomend it. "
— Raysean, 4/7/2013 -
" Great book about an unassuming, unconditional bond between two legends. "
— Lenard, 3/25/2013 -
" A quick, insightful read into the relationships of two very different and very dominant men in the sports world. There are some interesting stories scattered throughout, along with some quotes and lessons available for application by all. "
— Brandon, 3/1/2013 -
" I knew who Bill Russell was before I read his book. I have no interest in basketball. My interest is in peoples stories. I found Bill Russell's values and mine are much the same. "
— Mark, 2/17/2013 -
" A very enjoyable book for anyone interested in basketball, race relations, friendship or leadership. "
— Karl, 1/29/2013 -
" If you like that sort of thing... "
— Terry, 4/14/2012 -
" I enjoyed this book so much. Its focus was on respect, dignity, integrity and friendship. "
— Carrie, 12/31/2011 -
" Very nice story of the friendship between these two men from different "tribes" who, together, changed the professional game of basketball and established the definition of "champion". Today's NBA players can learn a lot from Bill Russell. "
— Mark, 11/22/2011 -
" Was a very good.....about the struggles of black/athletes in the 50's & 60's. Learned not to try and change people...be friends, etc without changing them to fit your needs. Learned a lot about Red A. and Bill Russell. (4.5 hrs) "
— Gary, 10/4/2011 -
" I picked this up just to learn more about my Celtics. Great book about friendship and the art of really listening to the needs of others. Love the little tidbits and learned how great Red really was as a coach and as man. "
— Tracy, 8/6/2010 -
" The writing is a little choppy and simplistic, but Russel makes some great points about what makes a good coach and a good relationship period. A must read if you're a coach or a Celtics fan. "
— Ellen, 6/23/2010
About Bill Russell
Bill Russell is a former Boston Celtics center who played from 1956 to 1969, on eleven championship teams. A member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, he was a five-time NBA MVP and an All Star in twelve of the thirteen years he played; many regard him as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Russell was the Celtics’ player-coach for three years, becoming the first Black coach in professional North American sports and the first to win a championship. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his accomplishments on the court and in the Civil Rights Movement. Russell is one of seven players in history to win an NCAA Championship, an NBA Championship, and an Olympic gold medal.
About Peter Jay Fernandez
Peter Jay Fernandez is an accomplished audiobook narrator who has won three AudioFile Earphones Awards and an Audie Award in 2009. He has also appeared on television, film, and stage. His appearances include roles in Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and the musical Thunder Knocking on the Door.