ebooks The Secret Game: A Wartime Story of Courage; Change; and Basketball's Lost Triumph by Scott Ellsworth in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Great Story of AmericaBy Robert GunnThis is a wonderful soy which tells us about life in the South during the days of strict segregation and how it was overcome by two basketball teams - one from the North Carolina College for Negros and the Duke University Medical School team. Ellsworth takes the first part of the book to introduce the characters and show us about their lives; building up to the climax of "the game". He explains the serendipity of meeting the coach and gives us a history of basketball playing during WWII. Teams were formed all over the country because; as he explained; the games requires a minimum of equipment and space. There are wonderful character sketches; introducing us to the players and to the coach; who was especially amazing. This is not a sports book - it is a human interest story and our book club (all women) enjoyed it immensely. We are fortunate to have Mr. Ellsworth live in our town (Ann Arbor) and he was able to some to our meeting. What a great time we all had! I would recommend this to people who are interested in the history of our country and the" way it was"; and to some extend; still is. This would make a fine movie.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Just As Enthralling As "Boys in the Boat"By Peter HillmanWas thinking "Boys in the Boat" was a once-a-decade book; but then picked this up on strength of its just winning the PEN-ESPY award for literary sportswriting. Easy to see why it won--a remarkable; almost-forgotten story (also from the 30's/'40's); told with the highest level of craftsmanship; and a true page-turner! An eye-opener on how horrible and difficult Jim Crow was; like "Boys..;" similar in the tale of humble people transcending obstacles; pulling together and achieving miracles for the time. What's more; the author engagingly traces evolution of the game of basketball itself; and paints wonderful tableaux of the game's founder and developers. Am hoping PR on this amazing book will spread and it will achieve "Boys..." readership level.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Well-Kept SecretBy Charles SparrowThose who are interested primarily in personalities will enjoy this book. It is more a chronicle of the effect of the African-Americans upon the game than vice-versa. An understanding of the background--teams of color did not compete on the playing floor with their white counterparts--is almost essential. Ellsworth is to be commended for his research into "the game that never happened" between medical students at Duke University and the undergraduate team from all-black North Carolina College. The author's love for the game of basketball is shown in his detailed treatment of James Naismith; its inventor. His high regard for those athletes who wanted to learn "just how good they were" is unequivocally shown in his description of the competition between the two squads on March 19; 1944. That Sunday afternoon in a locked gymnasium; two games were played. One was a refereed game won by the North Carolina College men. Later; in one of those events that defies prediction; a pick-up "shirts and skins" match materialized. Outside the locked doors; students from North Carolina College also materialized. They doubtless knew something significant was taking place. It has taken us four generations to recognize it.Scott Ellsworth has something significant to say; and he does so with compelling clarity.