We are now officially in 2022, and that means it’s time for a new…well, everything. We’ve all heard the saying reading is fundamental, and while we may roll our eyes at the sentiment, it really is fundamental. To get your 2022 reading list off to a good start, we thought we’d put together some of our favorite sports books of 2021. These books tell the stories of your favorite athletes and teams, while providing interesting facts and anecdotes that may have been previously unknown. Here’s ten that you should consider purchasing today.
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The 10 Best Sports Books To Start 2022
Some good sports reads to start 2022
Amazon
1. Unguarded
Scottie Pippen / Good Reads
Author: Scottie Pippen
A New York Times bestseller, Pippen tells his story his way in Unguarded. The six-time NBA Champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Hall of Famer chronicles his childhood, career with the Chicago Bulls, overcoming obstacles, and life post-basketball. Unguarded was given excellent reviews from critics.
2. Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP
Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP / Amazon
Author: Mirin Fader
Fader does a beautiful job of telling the story of Giannis Antetokounmpo's journey from his childhood in Athens, Greece, to his improbable rise to NBA champion. The books dives deeper into his obstacles, backstory, and how his illegal immigrant status prevented him from playing for Greek’s top basketball clubs. This is definitely good entertainment for basketball fans as we approach the second half of the season.
3. Seven Days in Augusta: Behind the Scenes at the Masters
Seven Days in Augusta: Behind the Scenes at the Masters / Amazon
Author: Mark Cannizzaro
Every April, golf fans look forward to The Masters tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. While we see the action play out on national television every year, we haven’t really gotten a behind the scenes account of what goes on behind the cameras. Cannizzaro does just that at Seven Days in Augusta: Behind the Scenes at the Masters, and the forward is written by Phil Mickelson which is an added bonus.
4. No One Wins Alone
No One Wins Alone / Simon and Schuster
Author: Mark Messier
Legendary hockey player Mark Messier tells his inspirational story in 2021’s No One Wins Alone. Messier shares leadership and teamwork lessons, and documents his rise to becoming one of the most prolific athletes in sports history.
5. Sidelined: Sports, Culture, and Being a Woman in America
Sidelined: Sports, Culture, and Being a Woman in America / Amazon
Author: Julie DiCaro
It’s no secret that being a woman in sports can be tough, and journalist Julie DiCaro details the misogyny in America’s sports media and across professional sports leagues, while detailing her own personal experiences. DiCaro also shares advice for fellow and upcoming women in sports, making this a definite must read.
6. The Plant-Based Athlete: A Game-Changing Approach to Peak Performance
The Plant-Based Athlete: A Game-Changing Approach to Peak Performance / Amazon
Author: Matt Frazier and Robert Cheeke
Let’s switch it up a bit. Everybody knows that what you put into your body food wise is extremely important in terms of health and optimal performance. This is especially true of athletes. In The Plant-Based Athlete: A Game-Changing Approach to Peak Performance, research-based guides are provided for connecting a plant-based diet, and features interviews with professional athletes who have adopted a similar lifestyle change.
7. Dwyane
Dwyane Autobiography / Amazon
Author: Dwyane Wade
There’s one thing that everyone looks forward to when an athlete retires—their autobiography. We’re all familiar with Dwyane Wade the future hall of famer, and now we get the chance to learn more about Wade the person in his long-awaited photographic memoir which contains over 100 photos from Wade’s career both on and off the court.
8. Dynasties: The 10 G.O.A.T. Teams That Changed the NBA Forever
Dynasties: The 10 G.O.A.T. Teams That Changed the NBA Forever / Good Reads
Author: Marcus Thompson
We’re always having the G.O.A.T. teams in sports convo, so why not a book that goes a little bit more into it? Acclaimed sports journalist Marcus Thompson looks at the ten dynasties responsible for transforming the NBA into what it is today, and what exactly makes a team a “dynasty.”
9. Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised: A Memoir of Survival and Hope
Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised: A Memoir of Survival and Hope / Amazon
Author: Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony delivered a New York Times bestseller in 2021 with his memoir Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised: A Memoir of Survival and Hope, which tells the story of his journey growing up in the housing projects of Red Hook and Baltimore. This is an excellent way to learn more about another future hall of famer.
10. All In: An Autobiography
All In: An Autobiography / Amazon
Author: Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King had a brilliant career. I’m addition to being one of the most prolific athletes of all time, King was also incredibly devoted to equality and social justice. The literal and figurative definition of a champion, All In: An Autobiography, is the official self-portrait.
So now that you’ve got your reading list started, be sure to check out some of the other books released during 2021, and keep an eye out for upcoming releases in 2022.
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