4 Great Book Gifts for Christmas

Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family by Condoleezza Rice:  A book about success and family, this is a great gift for people interested in politics and achievement. Starting with her upbringing in the segregated South to her service in the White House, Dr. Rice speaks openly about her parents, Rev. John and Angelena Rice, and her time in segregated Birmingham, Ala. This memoir is the first of two volumes, describing her personal life journey. As a child she was a piano prodigy, excelled academically in school, even skipping grades. It is a very well written and inspirational read.

Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete by William C. Rhoden:  A must-read for any sports enthusiast or fan of history, this book makes a strong and convincing argument comparing the slavery of Africans in America to professional sports. The premise of the book is that professional sports, just like slavery, was equally about power and control as much as it was the accumulation of wealth. Similarly, the majority of professional sports teams in the United States are primarily owned and controlled by wealthy white men. The book is well researched and uses the examples of Michael Jordan, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Owens, Willie Mays and many others.

All the Devils Are Here: The Hidden History of the Financial Crisis by Bethany McLean and Joe Nocera: If you are interested in the U.S. economy and what may have led to our current financial meltdown, then this is the book for you. It starts with the invention of mortgage-backed securities in the late 1970s and the beginning of Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac. The book mainly examines the financial sector and the culture that assisted in the worst economic crisis in America since the Great Depression.

Rockin’ Steady: A Guide to Basketball and Cool by Walt Frazier: Originally published in 1974 during the prime of his professional career, this book is still a great read and has even been updated to include his views about present NBA stars.  Nicknamed Clyde, he was the personification of defense on the court and cool off the court. Considered one of the greatest point guards ever, he was the main reason the New York Knicks garnered two championships. A grand view into the old-school NBA, Walt discusses everything from Earl Monroe, Jerry West, “Pistol Pete” Maravich, and others he played against to fashion and women.