New Mormon Books

Allred’s story is pretty amazing. The title alone makes me think it’ll be a great read. It details the obstacles Allred faced on his way to the NBA where he became the first legally deaf player in league history last season.

The Adventures of a Deaf Fundamentalist Mormon Kid and His Journey to the NBA.
By Matt Hubert
Blog Talk BayHawk, May 26, 2009
http://eriebayhawks.blogspot.com/2009/05/adventures-of-deaf-fundamentalist.html

Lance Allred was active for 17 games with the Cavs during the 2007-2008 season. He actually appeared in only three of those games, logging a total of 10:05 played while going 1-4 from the floor, 1-2 at the free throw line, and grabbing one rebound. So you can be forgiven for not knowing who he is. A 10-day contract-type player doesn’t merit the fans’ attention, especially when the team is pushing towards the playoffs behind LeBron James.

But there was much more to Allred coffeebreak-length pro career.

STRANGER THAN FICTION
One-time Cav Lance Allred’s new book is no ordinary athlete autobio
by Vince Grzegorek
Cleveland Scene, May 27, 2009.
http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/stranger-than-fiction/Content?oid=1574245

Allred started writing his memoirs while playing overseas, but never intended to pursue getting it published as a book. However, when he became the first hearing-impaired player to reach the NBA, his story became of interest to many people, including publisher HarperCollins.

Lance Allred’s book Longshot available in stores today
Our Sports Central, May 26, 2009
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3829815

In all honestly, this book is great. Up front, and for full disclosure, I received Longshot for free after begging to get an advance copy, but I would not have been afraid to demolish it like a salad bar post-Nate Jawai, had it deserved it. Fortunately, I loved it.

Lance Allred’s Longshot - A Book Report/Review
By Scott Schroeder
Ridiculous Upside, May 26, 2009.
http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2009/5/26/886784/lance-allreds-longshot-a-book

Life has dealt Allred his fair share of blows, but he has taken his shots and not only remained on his feet, he has counterpunched his way to a successful life and basketball career that culminated with a call-up to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2008.

Q&A: Former Stampede center Lance Allred has an amazing story to tell
BY CHRIS LANGRILL
Boise ID Statesman, 05/26/09
http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/story/781703.html