-AUTHOR-
Aaron M. Smith
Media and Reviews
Writer's Digest Book Awards
In the 23rd Annual Writer's Digest Book Awards, Thursday Night Therapy: Thirty Years of Basketball and Camaraderie received a 4.33/5 (1=needs improvement, 5=outstanding). The judges said:
"At first, this might sound like a niche book, aimed at only those who understand and enjoy the game of basketball. Certainly, that audience is a prime target, but there are other values here that even non-sports-minded readers can enjoy. The collegial spirit of the 30-year tradition of friends playing basketball each and every week is underscored throughout. That kind of continuity is rare in today’s world. The author cleverly opens with a bit of fiction: a recreated scenario of James Naismith in his epiphany moment of inventing the game of basketball, complete with the “sacred” 13 rules and written in the present tense. Then the game begins and the bonding builds. The passion and dedication the participants have toward the ritual in some ways parallels that of TV’s Friday Night Lights. The memoir teaches important lessons, and the author’s use of humor, similes and descriptive anecdotes gives the narrative flow. The black-and-white photos, gathered in the middle of the slim volume, add authenticity to the longevity of this rite of passage."
The Guy Who Reviews Sports Books: Lance Smith
Title/Author:
“Thursday Night Therapy: Thirty Years of Basketball and Camaraderie” by Aaron M. Smith
Tags:
Basketball, memoir, psychology, family
Publish date:
October 14, 2014
Length:
134 pages
Rating:
5 of 5 stars (outstanding)
Review:
Every Thursday night, a group of men ranging in age from their twenties to their sixties gather together to play basketball. The game takes place under makeshift lights in the driveway of the founder of this game. While different players may have come and gone, this event has taken place for over thirty years. One of the participants, Aaron Smith who is the son-in-law of the founder of this game, captures the stories and journey of this ritual in “Thursday Night Therapy.”
The reader will learn about many of the players who have spent many Thursday nights over the years doing something that they feel is necessary for their own well-being. The game helps the men relieve stress, bond together because of this one common activity and also forget about the rest of the world for a few hours. There are several passages in which Smith describes this sensation. As one of the participants in the Thursday night games, he talks about the way he can put aside the outside world and concentrate solely on what is taking place on the court while playing. The reader will feel that as well, placing himself on that driveway while reading about the action taking place.
There are some poignant moments shared as well. One of those passages came when Fran, Smith’s father-in-law and organizer of the Thursday games, lost his mother earlier in the day one Thursday. With a heavy heart, he told one of the men gathered in the driveway to start the game what happened. Everyone is offering Fran condolences – then he goes inside to change and plays the game. Smith’s description of Fran’s play that night tells it all – “Sometimes with tears welling in his eyes and defenders closing in his face, Fran would drill a shot. Three after three. Shot after shot. It certainly was an inspired effort…”
That passage, and similar ones not only about the games but also how the men interact with each other and their families around Thursdays, is what makes this book a joy to read. The reader feels the camaraderie and will understand why this ritual is so important to these men. It was a heartwarming book and one that was also filled with humor as well as inspiring messages and some good basketball as well.
I wish to thank Mr. Smith for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Pace of the book:
Very quick as Smith’s stories and thoughts on the therapeutic value of the Thursday night games blend together well and are easy to read.
Do I recommend?
This book will be appealing to a broad range of readers, as this is as much a book on friendship, family and the mindset of these participants in the Thursday night games as well as a book on basketball.
Book Format Read:
Paperback
Buying links:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thursday-night-therapy-aaron-m-smith/1120337461?ean=9781633065604