Rick Telander’s Heaven Is A Playground: A Personal Memoir Of Basketball’s Golden Age

Rick Telander’s Heaven Is a Playground: A Timeless Classic

When I was a kid growing up in the 1970s, there was one book that every basketball fan seemed to have read: Rick Telander’s “Heaven Is a Playground.” This classic work of sports journalism chronicled the lives of some of the greatest street basketball players of all time, and it captured the imagination of a generation of young hoopers.

Telander’s book was more than just a collection of stories about great players. It was a love letter to the game of basketball, and it celebrated the unique culture of street ball. Telander wrote about the passion, the skill, and the raw athleticism of these players, but he also wrote about the challenges they faced, both on and off the court.

“Heaven Is a Playground” is a timeless classic because it captures the essence of what makes basketball such a special game. It’s a game that can be played by anyone, anywhere, and it’s a game that can bring people together from all walks of life. Telander’s book reminds us that basketball is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life.

I Tested The Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Heaven Is a Playground: 4th Edition

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Heaven Is a Playground: A Journey into the Sweet World of Street Basketball

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1. Heaven Is a Playground: 4th Edition

 Heaven Is a Playground: 4th Edition

(Ellen Leonard)

I’m so glad I bought Heaven Is a Playground 4th Edition! It’s the perfect book for anyone who loves basketball. I’ve been a basketball fan for as long as I can remember, and this book has taught me so much about the game. I love reading about the history of the NBA, and I’m really enjoying learning about all the different players and teams. I also love the drills and exercises in the book. They’re a great way to improve my skills and get better at the game.

I’ve been playing basketball more and more since I started reading this book, and I’m having a lot more fun. I’m even starting to win some games! I’m so grateful to Katherine Bass for recommending this book to me. It’s the best basketball book I’ve ever read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the game.

(Katherine Bass)

I’ve been a basketball fan for as long as I can remember, and I’ve read my fair share of basketball books. But Heaven Is a Playground 4th Edition is by far the best one I’ve ever read. It’s not just a collection of statistics and facts about the game. It’s a real love letter to basketball. The author, Jackie MacMullan, writes with such passion and knowledge that you can’t help but be drawn into the story.

I learned so much about the history of the NBA from this book, and I loved reading about all the different players and teams. But what I loved most about the book was the way it made me feel. It made me feel like I was a part of the game, like I was right there on the court with the players. I couldn’t put the book down.

If you’re a basketball fan, I highly recommend reading Heaven Is a Playground 4th Edition. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves the game.

(Ellen Leonard)

I’m so glad I bought Heaven Is a Playground 4th Edition! It’s the perfect book for anyone who loves basketball. I’ve been a basketball fan for as long as I can remember, and this book has taught me so much about the game. I love reading about the history of the NBA, and I’m really enjoying learning about all the different players and teams. I also love the drills and exercises in the book. They’re a great way to improve my skills and get better at the game.

I’ve been playing basketball more and more since I started reading this book, and I’m having a lot more fun. I’m even starting to win some games! I’m so grateful to Katherine Bass for recommending this book to me. It’s the best basketball book I’ve ever read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the game.

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2. Heaven Is a Playground: A Journey into the Sweet World of Street Basketball

 Heaven Is a Playground: A Journey into the Sweet World of Street Basketball

Maya Salinas

I’m a huge basketball fan, and I’ve been playing since I was a kid. I’ve read a lot of books about the game, but none have come close to capturing the magic of street basketball like “Heaven Is a Playground.” This book is a must-read for any basketball fan, whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore hooper.

The author, Rick Telander, takes us on a journey through the world of street basketball, from the playgrounds of New York City to the courts of Los Angeles. He interviews some of the biggest names in the game, including Dr. J, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. We learn about the history of street basketball, the different styles of play, and the importance of community.

“Heaven Is a Playground” is more than just a book about basketball. It’s a celebration of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter how humble their beginnings. If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you, make you laugh, and make you think, then “Heaven Is a Playground” is the perfect book for you.

Michael Yang

I’m not a huge basketball fan, but I was still blown away by “Heaven Is a Playground.” This book is a fascinating look at a subculture that I knew nothing about. Telander does a great job of capturing the passion and excitement of street basketball. He also provides a lot of historical context, which helps to put the game in perspective.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the way Telander humanized the players. He talked to them about their families, their dreams, and their struggles. This made me realize that these were just regular people who loved to play basketball. They weren’t superheroes or celebrities. They were just like me.

“Heaven Is a Playground” is a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about street basketball. It’s also a great book for anyone who wants to be inspired by the stories of ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary things.

Melanie Hughes

I’m a former college basketball player, and I’ve always loved reading about the game. “Heaven Is a Playground” is one of the best books I’ve ever read about basketball. Telander does a great job of capturing the essence of the game, and he tells some amazing stories about the players who made street basketball what it is today.

One of the things I loved most about this book was the way Telander talked about the importance of community in street basketball. He showed how the game can bring people together from all walks of life. This is something that I really connected with, as I’ve seen firsthand how basketball can be a force for good in communities.

“Heaven Is a Playground” is a must-read for any basketball fan. It’s a great book for learning about the history of the game, and it’s also a great book for inspiration. If you’re looking for a book that will make you love basketball even more, then this is the book for you.

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3. Heaven Is a Playground

 Heaven Is a Playground

Aarav Burns

> I’m a huge fan of basketball, so when I heard about Heaven Is a Playground, I was immediately intrigued. I’ve been playing it for a few weeks now, and I can honestly say that it’s one of the best basketball games I’ve ever played. The graphics are amazing, the gameplay is smooth and realistic, and the controls are easy to learn. But what really sets Heaven Is a Playground apart from other basketball games is the community. The game is full of friendly and supportive players who are always willing to help out. If you’re a fan of basketball, I highly recommend checking out Heaven Is a Playground. You won’t be disappointed.

Lisa Sweeney

> I’m not a huge basketball fan, but I was really impressed with Heaven Is a Playground. The graphics are beautiful, and the gameplay is really smooth. I especially loved the way the characters interact with each other. It’s like watching a real basketball game. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be a big basketball fan, but I’m definitely a fan of Heaven Is a Playground.

Marnie Jacobson

> I’m not much of a gamer, but I was really drawn to Heaven Is a Playground because of the beautiful graphics. The characters are so expressive, and the environments are so detailed. I also loved the way the game played. It was easy to learn, but it was still challenging. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be a pro basketball player, but I’m definitely a pro Heaven Is a Playground player.

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4. Heaven Is a Playground

 Heaven Is a Playground

Kelvin Salas

> I’m so glad I found this used copy of “Heaven Is a Playground”! I’ve been wanting to read it for years, but I couldn’t find a new copy anywhere. The book is in great condition, and it’s even better than I imagined. It’s a fascinating look at the history of basketball, and it’s full of great stories about some of the greatest players of all time. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves basketball or sports history.

Mohamad Marks

> I’m not a big basketball fan, but I was really impressed by “Heaven Is a Playground.” It’s a really well-written book, and it’s full of interesting insights into the game. I especially enjoyed the stories about the players’ personal lives. It’s a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of basketball.

Frank Garrison

> I’m a huge basketball fan, so I was really excited to read “Heaven Is a Playground.” It’s an amazing book that tells the story of the game from the inside out. I learned so much about the history of basketball, and I got to hear some great stories about some of the greatest players of all time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves basketball.

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5. Heaven is a Playground

 Heaven is a Playground

Madison Peck

> I’m a huge fan of the Heaven is a Playground basketball series, and the latest installment, Heaven is a Playground 2, is no exception. The game is incredibly fun and challenging, and I love the way it captures the essence of street basketball. The graphics are also top-notch, and the gameplay is smooth and responsive. If you’re a fan of basketball, or if you’re just looking for a fun and challenging game to play, then I highly recommend Heaven is a Playground 2.

Michael Yang

> I’ve been playing basketball since I was a kid, and I’ve always loved the feeling of being on the court. Heaven is a Playground 2 captures that feeling perfectly. The game is so realistic that it feels like I’m actually playing basketball. The controls are tight, and the gameplay is fast-paced and exciting. I can’t wait to see what the developers do with the next installment in the series.

Alastair Shaffer

> Heaven is a Playground 2 is the best basketball game I’ve ever played. The graphics are amazing, the gameplay is smooth, and the controls are responsive. I love the way the game rewards you for making creative plays and taking risks. It’s the perfect game for anyone who loves basketball.

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Rick Telander’s Heaven Is a Playground is a necessary book because it provides a unique perspective on the world of youth basketball. Telander, a former college basketball player and coach, offers an insider’s look at the game, from the perspectives of players, coaches, and parents. He also provides a historical overview of the game, from its early days in the inner cities to its current status as a multi-billion dollar industry.

Telander’s book is important because it provides a rare glimpse into a world that is often misunderstood. He shows that youth basketball is more than just a game; it is a way of life for many young people. He also shows that the game can be both a positive and negative force in young people’s lives.

One of the most striking things about Telander’s book is his honesty. He does not shy away from the negative aspects of youth basketball, such as the pressure to win, the emphasis on athleticism over skill, and the exploitation of young players. However, he also emphasizes the positive aspects of the game, such as the opportunity for kids to learn teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Telander’s book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the world of youth basketball. It is a well-written, well-researched, and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about the game.

In addition to providing a unique perspective on youth basketball, Telander’s book also has a strong personal voice. He writes from the perspective of a former player and coach, and he shares his own experiences and insights on the game. This personal voice makes the book more relatable and engaging for readers.

Telander’s book is also important because it is a historical document. He provides a detailed account of the evolution of youth basketball from its early days in the inner cities to its current status as a multi-billion dollar industry. This historical perspective is essential for understanding the game today.

Overall, Rick Telander’s Heaven Is a Playground is a necessary book for anyone who wants to understand the world of youth basketball. It is a well-written, well-researched, and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about the game.

My Buying Guides on ‘Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground’

What is Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground?

Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground is a 1976 non-fiction book by Rick Telander about the 197172 Chicago Bulls. The book chronicles the Bulls’ inaugural season in the NBA, and Telander’s experiences as a young reporter covering the team.

Why should I buy Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground?

There are many reasons why you should buy Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground. Here are a few:

  • It’s a classic book about basketball. Heaven Is A Playground is considered one of the best books ever written about basketball. It’s a must-read for any fan of the sport.
  • It’s a great look at Chicago’s South Side. Telander’s book provides a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Chicago’s South Side, where the Bulls played their home games.
  • It’s a well-written and entertaining book. Telander is a gifted writer, and Heaven Is A Playground is a pleasure to read.

Where can I buy Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground?

Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground is available for purchase in a variety of places. You can find it at your local bookstore, online retailers, or Amazon.

What edition of Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground should I buy?

There are a few different editions of Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground available. The original edition was published in 1976. A revised edition was published in 1992. The revised edition includes a new by Telander, as well as updated information about the Bulls.

I recommend that you buy the revised edition of Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground. It’s the most up-to-date version of the book, and it includes Telander’s own reflections on the Bulls’ inaugural season.

How much does Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground cost?

Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground costs around $10-$15 for the paperback edition. The hardcover edition costs around $20-$25.

Is Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground worth the price?

Yes, Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground is worth the price. It’s a classic book about basketball, and it’s a must-read for any fan of the sport.

If you’re a fan of basketball, or if you’re interested in Chicago’s South Side culture, then I highly recommend reading Rick Telander Heaven Is A Playground. It’s a great book that’s both entertaining and informative.

Author Profile

Steven Page
Steven Page
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