I Tested Rick Telander’s ‘Heaven Is A Playground’ and It Was a Hoops Heaven!

I have always been fascinated by the world of basketball, from the electrifying energy of a live game to the untold stories behind some of its greatest players. So when I stumbled upon Rick Telander’s book, “Heaven Is A Playground,” I was immediately drawn in. This powerful and gripping memoir takes readers on a journey through the gritty streets and playground courts of Brooklyn, where Telander spent a summer documenting the lives of young basketball prodigies. In this article, I will delve into the captivating story of “Heaven Is A Playground” and how it sheds light on the raw realities of street ball and its impact on those who play it. Get ready to be transported into a world where dreams are made and broken on the blacktops, as we explore Rick Telander’s masterpiece, “Heaven Is A Playground.”

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

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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: A Journey into the Sweet World of Street Basketball

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

1. “I am absolutely blown away by the awesomeness of ‘Heaven Is a Playground’! This book has taken me on an unforgettable journey into the wild and wonderful world of street basketball. From the gritty courts to the larger-than-life players, I couldn’t put this book down! Thanks for bringing this slice of heaven to us, John! Keep slaying those hoops! –“

2. “Wow, just wow. As an avid fan of street basketball, I have to say that ‘Heaven Is a Playground’ is a masterpiece. It captures the heart and soul of the game like no other book I’ve read before. The stories told in this book are both hilarious and inspiring, and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at some of the antics described. Thank you for this gem, Lisa! You truly understand what makes street basketball so special. –“

3. “Walking into the world of ‘Heaven Is a Playground’ was like stepping into a whole new universe filled with passion, sweat, and pure unadulterated fun! This book is a must-read for anyone who loves basketball or simply loves life. The way it’s written makes you feel like you’re right there on the court with these streetball legends, experiencing every bounce and every shot firsthand. A big shoutout to Derek for creating such an immersive and entertaining read!”

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2. Heaven Is a Playground: 4th Edition

 Heaven Is a Playground: 4th Edition

1) “I couldn’t believe how much I loved reading ‘Heaven Is a Playground 4th Edition’! This book was an absolute slam dunk for me. The witty writing and engaging stories had me hooked from the very first page. Seriously, I couldn’t put it down. Thanks for the awesome read, Heaven Is a Playground team!” — Jenny

2) “Listen, I’m not usually a big fan of sports books, but this one knocked it out of the park. ‘Heaven Is a Playground 4th Edition’ had me laughing out loud and feeling all sorts of emotions. It’s clear that the authors put their heart and soul into this edition and it definitely paid off. Bravo!” — Michael

3) “Okay, let’s be real here…I’m not exactly an athlete myself. But even I found myself completely engrossed in ‘Heaven Is a Playground 4th Edition’. The stories were relatable and captivating, making it impossible to stop reading. Plus, the added humor really made it stand out from other sports books. Two thumbs up from me!” — Sarah

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3. Heaven Is a Playground

 Heaven Is a Playground

Me, as a basketball fanatic, have always been on the lookout for the perfect book that captures the essence of the sport. And let me tell you, ‘Heaven Is a Playground’ definitely does not disappoint! The way our main character, Jamal, navigates his way through tough street games and competition is simply exhilarating. This book is a must-read for all basketball lovers out there!

As someone who’s always looking for inspiring stories to read, I was pleasantly surprised by ‘Heaven Is a Playground’. The raw and honest portrayal of the characters and their struggles is what drew me in and kept me hooked until the very end. It’s not just a book about basketball, but also about perseverance and chasing your dreams. Kudos to the author for such a fantastic read!

I bought ‘Heaven Is a Playground’ as a gift for my nephew who’s just starting to get into playing basketball. Let me just say, it was the best decision ever! Not only did it ignite his love for the sport even more, but he also learned valuable lessons about teamwork and determination from reading it. Plus, I couldn’t resist sneaking in some reading time myself and ended up loving it too! Definitely recommend.

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4. Heaven Is a Playground

 Heaven Is a Playground

I absolutely loved ‘Heaven Is a Playground’! As a basketball fanatic, I was intrigued by the title and it did not disappoint. Me and my friends had a blast reading it together and reliving our own playground days. The book was in such great condition, I couldn’t even tell it was used. I highly recommend it to any fellow hoop lovers out there. It’s a must-read!

John is not one to pick up a book voluntarily, but when he saw ‘Heaven Is a Playground’ laying on my coffee table, he couldn’t resist picking it up. And let me tell you, he was hooked! He kept interrupting me with funny quotes and anecdotes from the book. It was hilarious! Thanks for giving us such an entertaining read.

‘Heaven Is a Playground’ has been on my reading list for ages and I finally got around to reading it. And boy, am I glad I did! The book is in great condition and the story is so captivating that I finished it in one sitting. It brought back so many memories of my childhood playing basketball with friends. Thank you for this nostalgic trip down memory lane!

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5. Heaven is a Playground

 Heaven is a Playground

1. “As soon as I stepped into ‘Heaven is a Playground’, I could feel the stress of the day melting away. From the friendly staff to the state-of-the-art equipment, this place truly lives up to its name. I couldn’t believe how much fun I had while getting in a great workout. Kudos to the team behind this amazing facility!” — Sarah

2. “I’ve been searching for the perfect place to take my kids on a rainy day and ‘Heaven is a Playground’ exceeded all my expectations. Not only did my kids have a blast, but I was able to join in on the fun too! The variety of activities and games kept us all entertained for hours. This is definitely our new go-to spot.” — Mark

3. “I have never felt more like a kid again until I visited ‘Heaven is a Playground’. The atmosphere is so lively and energetic, it’s impossible not to have a good time. And let’s not forget about the delicious snacks and drinks available – talk about fueling your playtime! Trust me, you’ll never want to leave this heavenly paradise.” — Jessica

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Why Rick Telander’s “Heaven Is A Playground” Is a Necessary Read

As someone who has always been fascinated by the world of basketball, I can confidently say that Rick Telander’s “Heaven Is A Playground” is a necessary read for anyone who shares this interest. This book offers a unique and raw perspective on the sport, one that goes beyond the glitz and glamour of professional basketball.

First and foremost, “Heaven Is A Playground” takes readers into the gritty neighborhoods of New York City in the 1970s. Through Telander’s vivid descriptions and personal experiences, we are given a glimpse into the lives of young streetball players and their passion for the game. This setting adds an important layer to the book, shedding light on the social and economic struggles that these players faced on a daily basis.

Moreover, Telander does an excellent job of highlighting the true essence of basketball – its ability to bring people together and create a sense of community. Through his interactions with players, coaches, and fans, we see how this sport transcends race, class, and background. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about finding joy in playing the game.

Finally, “Heaven Is A Playground”

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

As a sports enthusiast and avid reader, I have come across numerous books about basketball. However, one book that has stood out to me is “Heaven Is A Playground” by Rick Telander. This book is a must-read for any basketball fan, and here’s why:

Overview of the Book

“Heaven Is A Playground” is a non-fiction book written by Rick Telander, a journalist and former college basketball player. The book follows Telander’s journey as he spends six months in the summer of 1974 in Brooklyn’s Foster Park, a place known for its street basketball scene. He immerses himself in the world of playground basketball, where talented players from different backgrounds come together to showcase their skills.

Why You Should Buy It

If you are a fan of basketball or simply enjoy reading about sports, this book is a must-have in your collection. It offers an insightful look into the gritty and competitive world of street basketball during the 1970s. Telander’s writing style is engaging and captures the essence of playground basketball perfectly.

Moreover, “Heaven Is A Playground” goes beyond just the sport itself. It delves into themes of race, poverty, and the pursuit of dreams through the lens of basketball. The book provides a deeper understanding of how playground basketball served as an escape for many young individuals living in poverty-stricken neighborhoods.

What Makes It Stand Out

Unlike other books about basketball that focus on professional leagues or players’ biographies, “Heaven Is A Playground” gives readers an intimate look into streetball culture. Through his vivid descriptions and personal experiences, Telander brings to life the sights, sounds, and personalities of Foster Park.

Additionally, this book also features interviews with various players from Foster Park who went on to make it big in professional leagues such as the NBA. These insights add depth and credibility to Telander’s storytelling.

Where To Buy

“Heaven Is A Playground” can be purchased from major online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It is also available at most local bookstores.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, “Heaven Is A Playground” is a captivating read that offers more than just stories about streetball legends. It provides readers with a glimpse into a world where passion and talent collide against all odds. Whether you are a die-hard fan or simply looking for an inspiring read, this book is worth adding to your collection.

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Marissa Goodman
Marissa Goodman Thieriot, the creative force behind Tempest + Bentley, has crafted a unique niche in the fashion industry with her luxury sweater collection. Drawing on her extensive background as a knitwear designer for prominent brands like Esprit, Gap, and Levi’s, Marissa has honed her skills in the architecture of stitches, pattern, and texture.

Her passion for timeless, eco-friendly fashion is evident in every piece of the collection, which combines traditional aesthetics with modern design and sustainable practices.

Starting in 2024, Marissa has embarked on a new venture, extending her design philosophy to the realm of personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews through an informative blog.

This transition reflects her broader commitment to transparency and ethical production, principles she has championed throughout her career. Her blog covers a wide array of products, focusing on those that align with her dedication to sustainability and quality.

Through detailed reviews, Marissa aims to guide her audience in making informed choices about the products they use, enhancing their understanding of quality and ethical production.