When the Game Was Ours (Unabridged) Audiobook, by Larry Bird Play Audiobook Sample

When the Game Was Ours Audiobook (Unabridged)

When the Game Was Ours (Unabridged) Audiobook, by Larry Bird Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Dick Hill Publisher: Brilliance Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 8.67 hours at 1.5x Speed 6.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: October 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN:

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Publisher Description

From the moment these two players took the court on opposing sides, they engaged in a fierce physical and psychological battle. Their uncommonly competitive relationship came to symbolize the most compelling rivalry in the NBA. These were the basketball epics of the 1980s - Celtics vs Lakers, East vs West, physical vs finesse, Old School vs Showtime, even white vs black.

Each pushed the other to greatness - together Bird and Johnson collected eight NBA Championships, and six MVP awards and helped save the floundering NBA at its most critical time. When it started they were bitter rivals, but along the way they became lifelong friends.

With intimate, fly-on-the-wall detail, When the Game Was Ours transports listeners to this electric era of basketball and reveals for the first time the inner workings of two players dead set on besting one another. From the heady days of trading championships to the darker days of injury and illness, we come to understand Larry's obsessive devotion to winning and how his demons drove him on the court. We hear him talk with candor about playing through chronic pain and its truly exacting toll. In Magic we see a young, invincible star struggle with the sting of defeat, not just as a player but as a team leader. We are there the moment he learns he's contracted HIV and hear in his own words how that devastating news impacted his relationships in basketball and beyond. But always, in both cases, we see them prevail.

A compelling, up close and personal portrait of basketball's most inimitable duo and a rollicking ride through professional basketball's best times.

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"As a basketball fan, this book was a great way to celebrate the start of a new season of NBA action. However, I do feel that the biographers did go soft on Magic and Larry. While the book does go into the obligatory Magic/HIV story, overall, this was still definitely the "feel good version" of their life stories, with little mention of the two stars' off-court struggles."

— Tai-chi (4 out of 5 stars)

When the Game Was Ours (Unabridged) Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00)
5 Stars: 10
4 Stars: 15
3 Stars: 8
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Predictably enjoyable for any fan of Bird or Magic, but the stories surrounding Magic's HIV announcement and the Dream Team are what makes this a great read for any basketball fan. "

    — Derek, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best and most inspiring books I've read in a long time. You don't have to be a basketball fan to really enjoy this story. "

    — Donna, 2/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Maybe a 4.5. Engrossing story of Bird and Magic (Magic and Bird?) their budding rivalry and subsequent friendship, and the rebirth of the NBA. As noted in the book - Hollywood couldn't have scripted it better. Particularly interesting for anyone who, like me, witnessed the great Celtics/Lakers rivalry games of the 1980s. "

    — Chip, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Ok, so you really have to like basketball to enjoy this book. It's an engaging account of the rivalry between Larry Bird (playing for the Celtics, in the East) and Magic Johnson (playing for the Lakers in the West) that really MADE pro basketball into a spectator favorite rivaling pro baseball and football. This team met for the championship several times during the 80-'s, almost always to dramatic games with results unpredictable. Though these superstars' personalities contast strongly, they find their approach to the intensity of pro ball and their total dedication to winning made them very much alike. I enjoyed this book. The book does deal with Johnson's diagnosis of HIV and how it affected his retirement and his fellow players, but tastefully. "

    — Sandra, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a MUST read for any basketball fan and also for anyone wanting a different type of book on leadership. These were the stars when I was growing up, so it was great to hear their story. Highly recommend it! "

    — Bobby, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Its larry bird, what more needs to be said. "

    — Awinders, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The story of two spectacular basketball players, their fierce rivalry, and their impact on the fledgling NBA. You'll enjoy it if you admire those days of beautiful teamwork and competition. The game will never be the same. "

    — Michael, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Though the writing itself is a little bland, it's hard not to like a book co-written by two of the five greatest NBA players of all-time "

    — Chris, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The book and their rivalry was better when they hated each other. The love fest at the end ho hum. "

    — Fred, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " As a huge Celtic fan who watched nearly every game Bird played, I was disappointed. This book was a re-hash of old info I already new--nothing groundbreaking and the author got a little sloppy on some facts. "

    — James, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Grew up during this time. Loved reading the back back story. Seeing the basketball heroes of my generations was something. It was an eye opening and pleasure to read. If I write more, I am afraid that I will spoil it for others. Put it simply, its a must read. "

    — Jeff, 11/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the greatest basketball books- magic/bird: amazing. "

    — Graham, 11/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book was really good. Goes back to the days when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson played the game and at first didn't like each other at all but later on became the best of friends. Those were 'the good ole days' in basketball! "

    — Sherman, 11/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Colorful details of the rivalry and friendship of Magic and Bird. "

    — Vince, 6/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A good read for those of us that grew up watching Larry and Magic play. I enjoyed watching NBA games more back then. "

    — Sterling, 3/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Better than I expected. I have read a lot about the C's-Lakers rivals of the 1980's but this book had a lot of new and interesting story lines. If you like sports, you'll like this book. "

    — Sean, 2/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " this book was interesting the title caught my attention "

    — Alex, 5/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is the in-depth guide and history of the battles Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had on the court. I had no clue the Larry Bird quit college at another school and had to be convinced to come back and play basketball. I wasn't able to finish the entire book, but I recomend it. "

    — Alan, 3/6/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I really don't know too much about the baseball games in general. It was fun to read the story and gained some knowledge from it. It's nice to see the other side of star player's life. It's good. "

    — Chiuho, 1/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " If you grew up in the 80s as a basketball fan, this book is a must. I loved watching Larry Bird play basketball. Magic was amazing. This book gave a good, behind-the-scenes look at their rivalry. I was disappointed with the writing though. It didn't match up to the level of Bird and Magic. "

    — Jeff, 10/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is great for anyone who watched these guys in the 80's. I was a little kid (and certainly don't remember much), so I really gained some perspective. "

    — Michael, 10/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I had know idea the rivalry and the respect between these two. Loved it! "

    — Jessica, 8/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is the second book that I have read about the relationship between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. This one is told from each player's point of view. It is a very good read for basketball fans. Of particular interest to me was each player's thought process and mental approach to the game. "

    — Tlnorz, 7/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Engaging and fun read though the best material is from the first 1/2 of the book. "

    — Lincoln, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I thought it was a very interesting book being a Larry Bird fan. Gives a lot of insight in to what drives athletes and also how the players have changed. "

    — Mark, 4/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was AMAZING. I would reccomend this to anyone... "

    — I'm, 4/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Unique double biography on two of the best to ever play the game. Did a great job focusing more on the development of the pair's relationship with one another rather than describe two individuals who played basketball against each other. "

    — Chris, 3/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is by far a must read for all basketball fans. I have to say this is without a doubt my favorite sports book I have ever read and I can respect these two men and the love they had for their craft more then ever. "

    — Chris, 3/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " If you like sports especially basketball, then this is a must read. "

    — Jason, 3/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It was a great read. You learn so much about the relationship between these two and their drive and competitiveness that fueled them to be the best they could be. So many good stories are shared from each of them. "

    — John, 3/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " LOVED IT! What great insight into the careers, thoughts and behind the scenes of two of the greatest athletes ever! Must read! "

    — Jack, 2/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I bought this book for my dad for Christmas and he really liked it so I took it when he was done. It took me a long time to read (2 weeks) since it was so detailed however I couldn't put it down! For basketball lovers this is a must read. I have a whole new view on the two players. "

    — Alexis, 2/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A pretty interesting read that takes you into the mindset of both Magic and Larry, and lets you see what they were thinking about each other during key moments of their rivalry. It made me wish that I had a better appreciation of both during their hey-day. "

    — Aaron, 2/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very unique, interesting twist on the game-it was the time I loved basketball and strange as it may seem to everyone who knows I loved Larry, after readinbg this, I like Magic more than Larry. "

    — Pat, 1/23/2011

About Larry Bird

Dick Hill, named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, is one of the most awarded narrators in the business, having earned several Audie Awards and thirty-four AudioFile Earphones Awards. In addition to narrating, he has both acted in and written for the theater.

About Dick Hill

Dick Hill, named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, is one of the most awarded narrators in the business, having earned several Audie Awards and thirty-four AudioFile Earphones Awards. In addition to narrating, he has both acted in and written for the theater.